The Edge for June 2026
It’s summer reading season, so we asked business executives to share with us the books that have motivated and inspired them, along with the lessons they gained. Here is what they said.
Character comes down to a million choices we make every day
I have read many leadership books but one of my favorites is written by retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal. He gave one of the most riveting talks we have ever had at a recent board and leadership summit. His most recent book is On Character: Choices that Define a Life. It's an extraordinary blueprint for living with purpose and integrity that has meaning for everyone. He focuses on setting and meeting standards and aligning actions with beliefs. Character, he concludes, is not a trait inherited at birth. It comes down to a million choices we make every day, mundane and grand. Truly inspiring!
– – Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health
Get the right people on the bus before deciding where to drive it
Good to Great by Jim Collins has stayed with me because of one deceptively simple idea: get the right people on the bus before deciding where to drive it. Collins writes that great organizations are built on disciplined people, not just bold strategy. His idea of Level 5 Leadership - pairing fierce resolve with genuine humility - reshaped how I lead. In government, financial services, and healthcare, I’ve seen it hold true: talent and humility outlast any single plan, and the best leaders trust their people to find the way forward.
– George Helmy, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, RWJBarnabas Health
Strong teams drive lasting success
One of the most impactful lessons I learned from Good to Great is Jim Collins’ idea of ‘first who, then what’ - getting the right people on the bus before deciding where to drive it. Throughout my career, this concept has reinforced the importance of surrounding myself with a core group of colleagues and partners who share a common goal. A mentor once stressed that leaders must recognize when the wrong person is on the bus and make a change without hesitation. Strong teams drive lasting success.
– Michael Rodrigues, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc.
Rally around a purpose bigger than profits
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek talks about having the courage to lead differently. Embrace change and uncertainty. Always challenge yourself to innovate, take calculated risks, and lead with transparency, trust, and accountability. Sinek reminds us that great organizations rally around a purpose bigger than profits. For us, that means driving responsible growth while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve through lending, investing, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Our humble purpose is to serve our clients and it's all about, "What would they like the power to do?"
– Alberto Garofalo, President, Bank of America New Jersey
Better questions lead to truer answers
One of the most thought-provoking books I've read is Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. It argues that internet searches often reveal what people truly think and do, while surveys often reflect what people want others to believe. The book also recognizes the limits of Big Data. Some things, like stock market movements, remain difficult to predict, and there are valid concerns about how companies use personal information. My biggest takeaway: better questions often matter more than better answers.
– Don Meyer, Chief Growth Officer, NJCPA
Small changes can lead to meaningful results
Atomic Habits by James Clear reinforces how small, consistent actions add up over time. It helped me focus less on big, one-time strategies and more on everyday habits that improve how I work and make decisions. I’ve found that building the right routines creates momentum - and over time, those small changes can lead to meaningful results.
– Chris Campellone, Director, Business Development & Value Realization, AmeriHealth
Success isn't about playing songs, it's about filling the dance floor
One of my favorite books is called Make Your Customers Dance by Marc Majers. He compares customer experience to DJing a wedding: Success isn't about playing songs, it's about filling the dance floor. The book reinforced that we live in the "Age of Experience." As AI makes products and services increasingly similar, what sets businesses apart is how they make customers feel. The lesson: focus on creating memorable experiences that build loyalty and lasting customer relationships.
– Natalie Lihacova, Talent Discovery and Placement Enthusiast, Master Search Solutions
Lasting success comes from relationships, not transactions
My selection is Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Emphasizing all parties’ interests and aiming for win-win outcomes reinforces the idea that lasting success comes from relationships, not transactions. Listening and empathy are strategic advantages. My leadership and core values of respect, simplicity, collaboration, and excellence have been influenced by this book. At Rutgers, our team carefully prepares to understand our collaborators' interests as we seek durable solutions to challenging problems facing New Jersey and the world.
– Michael E. Zwick, Senior Vice President for Research, Rutgers University Office of Research
