Welcome to another episode of McFarland Minutes, where we dive into our passion for books and their impact on our professional and personal growth. At McFarland Productions, we prioritize continuous education, and our book club serves as a creative way to cultivate new ideas and refine our business strategies. This post will take you through some of our favorite reads and the profound lessons we’ve learned from each one.

In our latest podcast episode, we explored the value of reading as part of our ongoing commitment to development. Whether through a shared love for audiobooks or flipping the pages of a hardcover, each book we select impacts our internal processes and client relations. Let’s dive into our recent favorites!

Kicking off our list is “Unreasonable Hospitality” — it’s not just about the hospitality industry but about applying its principles to business. The idea? Service is black and white; hospitality is color. The book demonstrates how to create experiences beyond mere transactions, teaching us how to add that colorful touch to every interaction.

Jeff Henderson’s “Know What You’re For” is another cornerstone of our reading list. This book reshaped our mission and vision by reminding us to define who we’re truly serving. By adopting a “for [community]” approach, we were inspired to re-evaluate our strategies and ensure they align with the values of both ourselves and our clients.

Moving on to “Creativity, Inc.,” this book taught us the importance of candor in building a creative yet structured business environment. It emphasized the need for every voice to be heard, regardless of hierarchy, fostering a culture where innovation thrives. Such open communication is pivotal to our success in the marketing and film industry.

Currently on our reading list is “Atomic Habits.” Its insights into habit formation and instilling positive change have been enlightening. By understanding the link between instant gratification and long-term goals, we’re better equipped to adopt practices that enrich both our professional and personal lives.

“Main Street Millionaire” has broadened our perspective on business growth through acquisitions and efficient operations. Even if you aren’t looking to sell your business, understanding these principles enhances overall business savvy—an invaluable asset for any leader.

One of our more recent reads, “Dead Fish Don’t Swim Upstream,” stands out with its actionable insights at the end of each chapter. It’s like having a roadmap, enabling us to implement new strategies seamlessly. This structured approach transforms theoretical knowledge into practical achievements.

Throughout these discussions, one theme remains clear: books are powerful catalysts for change. They help us rethink our strategies and understand our role better within the community and industry. We’re excited to continue this journey, incorporating more exceptional reads into our repertoire.

We love ending our episodes by sharing how each of us prepares for the week ahead—a concept we refer to as our “soft launch to Monday.” It’s a chance to reflect, reset, and tackle the upcoming week with new ideas and enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more book reviews in future episodes, as we plan to dive deeper into individual books and their specific impacts on our processes. Happy reading, and here’s to a great start to your week!

We hope this provides a great soft launch to your Monday!