Our annual compilation of top resources in business, leadership, and career is back and it’s brimming with innovative ideas, insights, and practical advice to enhance performance, drive impact, and create bold futures. 

Each year, we analyze the previous year’s most engaging content to find the resources that our followers, subscribers, and clients found the most helpful in navigating today’s business, leadership, and career environments. From change management planning to stakeholder feedback for CEOs to pivotal career moments for women leaders, 2023 saw a wealth of resources that helped leaders optimize performance, build more effective teams, and drive impact and success for their organizations. 

Before we dive into 2023’s top resources, a quick reminder: you don’t have to wait for the annual roundup for expert insights – be the first to discover our latest resources! 

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Top Business Resources

Here were our most read business resources of 2023

Business Resource on change management planning

Change Management Planning: 4 Key Culture Questions to Ask Before Taking the Leap

Over the past few decades, the frequency of major organizational change initiatives has shifted from occurring every few years to now taking place every few months. As a leader, preparing yourself and your teams is tantamount to successfully executing change initiatives, all of which must begin with understanding your organizational culture and how it will help (or hinder) those initiatives.  

In this article, we delve into the intricate relationship between organizational culture and change management. By addressing four pivotal culture questions, leaders can navigate the complexities of change with greater clarity, ensuring that their initiatives are not only strategically sound but also culturally attuned.  

Who should read this: This is an invaluable read for leaders embarking on new strategies, mergers, or cultural shifts within their organizations. 

Read Article: Change Management Planning: 4 Key Culture Questions to Ask Before Taking the Leap > 

Business Resource on getting ROI out of Executive Coaching

5 Essentials for ROI on Executive Coaching

In an era where executive coaching has become a pivotal tool for leadership development, finding the right coaching provider is more important than ever. With so many factors to consider, selecting the right partner can seem daunting – we’re here to make it a bit easier.  

These slides guide leaders through the five key elements that drive impact and ROI for our clients. These elements, which include advocating for the alignment of coaching objectives with broader organizational goals, leveraging data to enrich the coaching process, and meticulously tracking progress to ensure impactful outcomes, are the indispensable components for an effective coaching experience. 

Who should read this: This resource is for leaders seeking to capitalize on executive coaching for themselves, their teams, or their organizations. 

View Slides: 5 Essentials for ROI on Executive Coaching > 

Workforce planning in an uncertain world

Workforce Planning in an Uncertain World: Considerations, Best Practices & Strategies

In a business climate fraught with uncertainty, Workforce Planning in an Uncertain World offers a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of modern workforce management. You’ll learn key considerations, best practices, and eight strategies to help you navigate cornerstones of workforce planning, including leadership development, collaboration, talent analytics, and more. 

This article is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources to ensure your organization has the right talent to face imminent challenges and seize opportunities.  

Who should read this: This article is for leaders looking to future-proof their workforce strategies. 

Read Article: Workforce Planning in an Uncertain World > 

Business Resource on the science of coaching

The Science Behind Coaching: Developing Psychological Capital and Why it Matters 

The exploration of The Science Behind Coaching: Developing Psychological Capital and Why it Matters delves into how coaching strategically amplifies an individual’s psychological capital—crucial for thriving in today’s fast-paced corporate environment. It outlines the enhancement of self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, essential traits for navigating organizational complexities and fostering leadership growth. 

Who should read this: This piece is an essential read for leaders and executives who want to leverage coaching to build a resilient, high-performing workforce. 

View Slides: The Science Behind Coaching > 

Business Resource on how HR can impact business strategy

[Honorable Mention] 5 Ways HR Can Impact Business Strategy

While this article wasn’t written in 2023, it’s consistently among our most read resources. How HR can truly impact overall business strategy is a question that’s been around since human resources came into existence. HR leaders have a finger on the pulse of their organizations, and 5 Ways HR Can Impact Business Strategy outlines how this gives HR a unique and imperative role in developing and executing organizational business strategy. 

From helping diagnose how well the organization is aligned for effectiveness, to securing the tools and competencies needed for successful organizational change, this article outlines the top five ways HR can shape the business strategy. 

Who should read this: This article is for executives and HR leaders who seek to better align and integrate HR into overarching business strategies. 

Read Article: 5 Ways HR Can Impact Business Strategy >  

Top Leadership Resources

Here are our most read leadership resources of 2023. 

Business Resource on the power of stakeholder feedback for CEOs

The Power of Stakeholder Feedback: A Gift for CEOs

As seniority increases, the likelihood of receiving honest and constructive feedback diminishes, making it rarer for CEOs to be apprised of their leadership effectiveness. Yet, it is at these higher levels of responsibility that such feedback is most crucial. 

In The Power of Stakeholder Feedback: A Gift for CEOs, author Mary Herrmann, Managing Director of Global Executive Coaching, presents a compelling narrative on the transformative impact that feedback from stakeholders has on chief executives and their organizations. The article emphasizes the need for CEOs to engage in active listening and to use feedback as a strategic asset for leadership development and organizational improvement. 

Who should read this: CEOs and senior leaders will find this article invaluable as they seek to harness the full potential of stakeholder feedback for the betterment of their leadership and corporate vision.  

Read Article: The Power of Stakeholder Feedback: A Gift for CEOs > 

Business Resource on top books for women leaders

15 Must-Read Books for Women Leaders

For women, the path to career success often looks quite different than that of their male colleagues. Whether you’re just starting out on your leadership journey or are a seasoned pro, there are plenty of resources for the woman who wants to lead with confidence and impact. 

15 Must-Read Books for Women Leaders is a curated list of influential books aimed at inspiring and guiding women in leadership. It offers a diverse selection of readings that promise to bolster leadership skills, provide valuable insights, and empower women to lead with confidence and vision in any organizational role. 

Who should read this: This article is for current or aspiring women leaders who want to build a life of consequence. 

Read Article: 15 Must-Read Books for Women Leaders > 

Business Resource on building emotional intelligence in leaders

Building Emotional Intelligence in Leaders

In the realm of leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) has emerged as a key factor for success, differentiating exceptional leaders from the rest. This article, Building Emotional Intelligence in Leaders, delves into the significance of EQ in leadership roles, offering insights on enhancing interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and empathy.  

Who should read this: This resource is for leaders looking to deepen their emotional acumen and foster a more cohesive, responsive, and effective team environment.  

Read Article: Building Emotional Intelligence in Leaders > 

Business Resource Best Practices for Developing High-Potential Talent

Leadership by Design: Best Practices for Elevating High-Potential Talent

Nurturing high-potential employees is key to enduring success. Employees are invaluable assets, poised to propel your company’s growth and innovation and prioritizing their development today lays the groundwork for a resilient, future-focused organization. 

Leadership by Design: Best Practices for Elevating High-Potential Talent provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and nurturing future leaders. It emphasizes strategic methods for recognizing and developing employees with the potential to take on leadership roles, ensuring a robust succession plan within organizations.  

Who should read this: These slides are a great resource for talent leaders who want to build their organization’s leadership pipeline. 

View Slides: Leadership by Design: Best Practices for Elevating High-Potential Talent > 

Business Resource What is Executive Coaching? Benefits & Examples

[Honorable Mention] What is Executive Coaching? Benefits & Examples

While this article is from 2022, it received the highest engagement among all resources in 2023 – and it’s not surprising. Executive coaching is a powerful tool for both individuals and the organizations they lead, but it’s often misunderstood.  

What is Executive Coaching? Benefits & Examples is a comprehensive guide to executive coaching, covering everything from what coaching is, who it’s for, how it helps individuals and organizations, how to choose the right coaching partner and so much more.  

Who should read this: It’s the perfect resource for leaders who are interested in leveraging coaching into their careers and organizations. 

Read Article: What Is Executive Coaching? Benefits & Examples >  

Top Career Resources

Here are our top career resources of 2023. 

Business Resource Pivotal Career Moments for Women Leaders

Research Report: Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders

In 2023, we released a ground-breaking report that examines 37 successful women leaders who made it to the top ranks and the powerful momentum they leveraged to get there. 

In Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders: Executives Reveal the Keys to Career Momentum, these women share the career points, behaviors, and mindsets that fueled their career journeys and charted the course for their professional success. Findings include the top three shared behaviors among women in leadership positions, the top three contributing factors to success, top ways for women to create momentum and ways for supporters to help, and more. 

Who should read this: This report is a key resource for women leaders who want to fast-track their success by learning through the journeys of other successful women leaders. It’s also a great resource for employers seeking to uplift and empower women to foster greater representation and diversity in organizational leadership. 

Download Report: Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders > 

Business Resource Using Brain Science in Job Interviews

Tapping Into Brain Science to Ace Your Next Interview

Job interviews can either be a challenge or a great opportunity to demonstrate everything you bring to the table. By understanding and leveraging the nuances of brain science, you can up-level your job interview performance to land your dream job, and Bravanti Career Coach Joan Olson is here to help. 

Tapping Into Brain Science to Ace Your Next Interview offers insightful interview strategies derived from neuroscience while providing practical tips that help you to better connect with interviewers and present yourself effectively.  

Who should read this: This article is particularly useful for job seekers looking to gain an edge in their interview techniques by applying principles of psychology and neuroscience. 

Read Article: Tapping Into Brain Science to Ace Your Next Interview > 

Business Resource How Successful Women Sustain Career Momentum

How Successful Women Sustain Career Momentum

Maintaining career momentum is a significant challenge for many professional women, often requiring unique strategies to navigate career landscapes. In 2023, Brenda Wensil, Managing Director & Practice Leader of Leadership Acceleration, and Winifred Ernst, PhD, Leadership Consultant, wrote this think-piece for Harvard Business Review. It delves into effective approaches adopted by successful women leaders to advance their careers and uncovers the practices and perspectives that contribute to their continuous growth and success in the professional realm. 

Who should read this: This is a great read for professional women who want to sustain career momentum and navigate the challenges of career development and advancement. 

Read Article: How Successful Women Sustain Career Momentum > 

Business Resource Webinar Recording on Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders

[Bonus] Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders (Webinar Recording)

Following the release of the Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders report, we hosted a live webinar with two of the report’s authors, Bravanti President & CEO Susan Gallagher and Managing Director & Practice Leader of Leadership Acceleration Brenda Wensil as they discuss what sparked the research and dive into what they discovered from interviewing these powerful women executives. 

Who should read this: Women leaders and the employers who seek to support their development and advancement. 

Watch Replay: Pivotal Moments for Women Leaders >  

Bringing You More Business, Leadership, and Career Resources in 2024

We hope you found these resources helpful, as our mission is to help bold leaders and organizations move courageously forward. And we’ll continue sharing our knowledge, tools, and insights to achieve that mission.   

If you’d like to discuss how Bravanti can support your business, leadership, or career goals in 2024, schedule a free consultation to learn more. 

 

Check out top content from previous years:  

Bravanti’s Top Resources of 2022: Business, Leadership & Career 

Bravanti’s Top Talent Development Resources of 2021