Social Current Book Report: Must-Read Titles on Courageous Leadership

If the first month of 2026 is any indication, this year will require courageous and purposeful leadership that prioritizes human connection and long-term sustainability. This may include overriding our innate instincts to give in to reactive, fear-based decision-making, which isn’t an easy undertaking.  

To help you anchor your leadership principles and withstand our volatile and uncertain reality, Social Current’s Knowledge and Insights Center (KIC) recommends these books. Through the KIC, Impact Partners can access resources that make it easy to gain insights from top titles: 

• EBSCO Business Books Summaries 
• Next Big Idea Book Club Courses 

Staff at Social Current Impact Partners should log in to access these resources. KIC access can be purchased alone or as part of an Impact Partnership. 

Business Book Summaries and Reviews 

The Business Books Summaries database features book briefs that convey key concepts in 10 pages or less. 

Strong Ground – Brené Brown 

In her latest book, renowned social worker, researcher, and writer Brené Brown addresses the “maelstrom of uncertainty” that defines our current moment. Brown argues that many leaders are currently armoring up due to fear, which only further disconnects us from our humanity. 

She encourages leaders to instead build “Grounded Confidence” by balancing discipline with empathy and leveraging technology without losing sight of our humanity. 

Access the business book review. 

HBR Guide to Leading Through Change 

The Guide to Leading Through Change from Harvard Business Review provides the boots-on-the-ground strategy needed to move a team forward (especially when that ground is shifting). 

Through proven frameworks for building trust and resilience, this collection of articles from top thinkers in change management will equip you to guide your teams through periods of intense change. 

Insight is offered in five sections: Understanding change, implementing change, communicating change, overcoming roadblocks and resistance, and building your team’s long-term agility.

Access the business book summary. 

Next Big Idea Book Club Courses 

For an interactive format, take one of the concise, high-impact Next Big Idea Book Club courses. In less than 45 minutes, you’ll gain a deep understanding of key concepts and practices through the self-paced multimedia experience. 

Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation 

Even with a strong foundation and a solid plan, there is always that grueling stretch after the initial excitement has faded, when unforeseen challenges begin surfacing, and you soon find your initiative stalling (or even back-sliding)! Behavioral scientist Ayelet Fishbach provides the psychological tools to sustain momentum in Get It Done.

She breaks down the science of how to pick the right milestones and how to juggle multiple competing priorities without burning out. For social sector leaders tasked with sustaining long-term, systemic change, Fishbach’s insights are a masterclass in persistence. 

Access the Next Big Idea Book Club course. 

Learn more about how the KIC helps social sector leaders and professionals stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Impact Partners and KIC subscribers receive access to our clearinghouse library, tailored databases, and more. 

Social Current also offers training, assessments, and consulting around organizational and leadership development to help teams sharpen their strategy, embrace adaptive leadership, build inclusive teams, and more.