It’s time again to take a deep dive into the book lists of people in the sports industry, both what they’re reading now as well as the classics that have shaped their lives and their careers.
 |
Steele
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES |
Sage Steele
“SportsCenter” anchor, ESPN
What are you reading now?
I’m about halfway through “Settle For More,” by Megyn Kelly. I’ve always enjoyed watching Megyn. I had heard she was an attorney in a previous life and wanted to hear her story. As always, there is SO much more to people than some think. My mom always says, “Everyone has a story,” and Megyn’s story is fascinating.
Tell us about a recent favorite.
I’ve been reading some parenting books, and I found “Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood” to be quite helpful. Lisa Damour did a great job breaking down what teenage girls go through, which provided a ton of insight into the mind of my 15-year-old daughter!
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
I have to go way back for my all-time favorite, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It’s the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, and I can distinctly remember my parents yelling at me to put the book down and get to bed, but I just couldn’t stop reading it!
What book that you read as a young person has stuck with you?
“Charlotte’s Web,” by E.B. White, is my all-time favorite! I read it countless times as a kid, and it was the first book I purchased when I was pregnant with my first child. I smile whenever I see it on our bookshelves — the real-life innocence of this book has remained with me for all these years!
What’s a business book you would recommend to everyone?
I consider Dave Ramsey’s book, “The Total Money Makeover,” a business book. It was an excellent reminder of how to make sure we are being smart with every penny we earn. His seven “baby steps” to financial freedom make things so simple. No matter what your salary, most everyone can be smarter with their money! This was an excellent book.
Paper or digital? Or both?
I’ve tried digital but I end up getting distracted with emails/texts coming in while reading, so I’ve returned to paper … which has been helpful as I do my best to keep my kids off of their devices and have them read real books!
What’s next on your list?
I’ve been procrastinating for nearly two years now, but I think it’s time to read my friend Stuart Scott’s book, “Every Day I Fight.” It was released shortly after his death in January of 2015 and it’s just been too difficult for me to read. Friends have told me that you can almost HEAR him saying the words he wrote. I think I’m finally ready to face that.
Kristen Ingram
 |
Ingram
Photo by: BJOERN KOMMERELL |
Founder and CEO, Plus One marketing
What are you reading now?
Currently rereading “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself,” by Michael Singer. It’s such a powerful book I’ll have to keep reading it until I know every page by heart and can successfully apply its teachings.
Tell us about a recent favorite.
I am a longtime fan of Dan Goleman (“Emotional Intelligence” and “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence”). His last book, “A Force for Good,” has quickly become a new favorite. It explores the teachings and best practices from the Dalai Lama and focuses on turning our compassionate energy outward.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
Hands down “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho.
What book that you read as a young person has stuck with you?
As a young brown girl, reading the transformation Maya Angelou describes in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was overwhelming and at the same time completely profound and unforgettable.
What’s a business book you would recommend to everyone?
In business unwritten rules are the driving force behind accomplishing goals in a corporate world. “Empowering Yourself: The Organizational Game Revealed,” by Harvey Coleman, sheds a light on those rules so the masses can win too. It’s time to start leveling the playing field!
Paper or digital? Or both?
Digital will never take my books — all hail paper!
What’s next on your list?
“The Great Connection,” by Arnie Warren.
 |
Perry
Photo by: SCOTT PERRY |
Scott Perry
SVP, Sacramento Kings
What are you reading now?
“David and Goliath,” by Malcolm Gladwell.
Tell us about a recent favorite.
“The Power of Nice,” by Ronald Shapiro. This book offers great insight into the world of negotiating. There is a method to putting together deals that result in wins for both sides. In my business that is important because it’s a relatively small and continual group (teams, players and agents). You will consistently work with one another year after year …
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
It’s a tough choice, but I would have to rank “Blink,” by Malcolm Gladwell, at the top. The book really clarified how we think and make choices in an instant. Really made me comfortable and confident with my internal thought processes. Life experience is often our greatest data-gathering tool!
What book that you read as a young person has stuck with you?
The great classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a very powerful story. Atticus Finch is a study in character and integrity. A white man in rural Alabama in the late 1930s that is defending a black man in a contrived rape case. There were so many powerful lessons from this book. Although the story ended sadly with the death of the wrongly accused Tom Robinson, there is one axiom in life that will never change, and that is the power of truth and honor shall never fail. A great example for all of us to live by.
What’s a business book you would recommend to everyone?
“Good to Great,” by Jim Collins. The business world is highly competitive, so companies must strive for greatness to make it. Good is not enough … every detail and mundane task is important.
Paper or digital? Or both?
Primarily paper, as some traditions die hard, but I am slowly adapting. :)
What’s next on your list?
“Eat Clean for Life,” by Kimberly Perry. … Book recently written by my wife, who insists on me eating healthier! :)
