Welcome to the Hunter Ambrose Library.
Libraries, whether at home, on our devices, or within our communities, form the bedrock of our identities and trajectories in life. Across rural and urban landscapes, libraries are experiencing a revival as hubs for community and education. Research shows that individuals dedicating an hour daily to learning tend to lead happier, healthier lives and often surpass their peers in performance and earnings.
If you have a suggestion for our Library or have a blog or publication to share- Email us today.
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Interview Prep
Top 5 things to do to prepare for a job search
1. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the specific jobs you're applying to. Craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your interest, skills, and how you can add value to the company.
2. Online Presence: Polish your LinkedIn profile. Ensure it's updated, reflects your professional experiences, and includes relevant keywords. Clean up your social media profiles. Employers often check them, so ensure your online presence aligns with the professional image you want to portray.
3. Networking:
Network both online and offline. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with professionals in your field. Inform your network that you're searching for opportunities. Referrals and recommendations can often lead to great job openings.
4. Research and Target Companies:
Identify companies you'd like to work for. Research their culture, values, and the roles they offer.
Tailor your application to each company by aligning your skills and experiences with their needs and values.
5. Skill Enhancement:
Assess the skills required for the roles you're targeting. Consider upgrading skills through courses, certifications, or workshops. Stay updated with industry trends and technologies, showcasing your willingness to adapt and learn.
Additional Resources
.5 Clever Virtual Interview Tips According to Psychology - Ace that Zoom!
How to Answer Behavioral-Based Questions
How to Explain in an Interview that You Were Fired
Top Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
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Podcasts
Here are some of the top-ranked Leadership Podcasts. Enjoy wherever you listen-
"The Tim Ferriss Show":
Hosted by Tim Ferriss, this podcast delves into the habits, routines, and strategies of world-class performers, including leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
"The Leadership Podcast":
Co-hosted by Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos, this podcast explores leadership principles and practices through interviews with diverse leaders from various industries.
"HBR IdeaCast":
Produced by Harvard Business Review, this podcast features interviews with experts and thought leaders discussing a wide range of topics related to leadership, management, and business.
"Leadership and Loyalty":
Hosted by Dov Baron, this podcast focuses on authentic leadership, interviews with influential leaders, and discussions on how to lead with purpose and impact.
"Leadership and Learning with Kevin Eikenberry":
Kevin Eikenberry hosts this podcast, which covers leadership development, personal growth, and practical strategies to enhance leadership skills.
Here are a few of our favorites and linked to Spotify
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Thought Leaders of 2024
The landscape of thought leadership is vast and diverse, covering various fields and topics. Identifying the absolute top thought leaders across America is subjective. However, some of the Thought Leaders are part of the conversation in innovation, business, life, and work.
Cy Wakeman: Cy Wakeman is a renowned thought leader and author known for her Reality-Based Leadership approach. She advocates for eliminating workplace drama, fostering accountability, and promoting transparent leadership. Her practical insights reshape organizational dynamics, empowering leaders to create effective, drama-free workplaces.
Malcolm Gladwell: An author and journalist, Gladwell's works, such as "The Tipping Point" and "Outliers," explore sociological and psychological phenomena, making him a prominent thinker on human behavior. Click to view the Malcolm Gladwell YouTube channel
Simon Sinek: A British-American author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant known for his work on leadership and management. He gained widespread popularity for his TED Talk in 2009 titled "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," which introduced the concept of the "Golden Circle" and the idea of starting with "why" in leadership rather than focusing solely on "what" or "how." Click to view the Simon Sinek website.
Brene Brown: A researcher and author focusing on vulnerability, courage, and empathy, Brown's work on these topics has made her a significant figure in personal development and leadership. To view the Brene Brown website.
Angela Duckworth: A psychologist known for her work on grit and the psychology of achievement, Duckworth's research has influenced discussions on success and perseverance. To view the Angela Duckworth website.
Tony Robbins: A life coach, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, Robbins is known for his seminars, books, and motivational talks focusing on personal development and success. To view the Tony Robbins website.
Curious about Historical Thought Leaders? Studying historical thought leaders provides a treasure trove of wisdom, guiding principles, and timeless lessons that can be applied to various aspects of our personal and professional lives.
Socrates: Regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy.
Leonardo da Vinci: A polymath of the Renaissance era.
Mary Wollstonecraft: An advocate for women's rights and considered a pioneer of feminist philosophy.
Martin Luther King Jr. The most prominent leader in the American civil rights movement.
Ada Lovelace: Recognized as the world's first computer programmer.
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Books and Audible
Ten of the most-read personal development books in the last 5 years. These books cover a wide range of personal development topics, offering valuable insights and practical advice for improving various aspects of life. The suggested books below are linked to Audible.
1. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear: Offers practical strategies for building good habits, breaking bad ones, and transforming your life by focusing on small changes.
2. "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown: Explores the qualities of brave leadership and vulnerability, providing insights into effective leadership and creating workplaces based on trust and courage.
3. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck: Delves into the concept of growth mindset versus fixed mindset, explaining how beliefs about one's abilities profoundly impact success and fulfillment.
4. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth: Explores the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals, emphasizing the role of grit in success.
5. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson: Offers a counterintuitive approach to living a good life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of unimportant things.
6. "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" by David Goggins: Chronicles the incredible journey of David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL, and shares his powerful mindset strategies for overcoming obstacles.
7. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: Discusses the importance of living in the present moment and offers insights into achieving inner peace and happiness.
8. "High-Performance Habits" by Brendon Burchard: Identifies six habits that can elevate performance and productivity, providing a roadmap for personal and professional success.
9. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown: Focuses on the importance of discerning what truly matters and eliminating non-essential distractions to lead a more fulfilling life.
10. "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" by Cal Newport: Explores the concept of deep work and offers strategies to focus intensely on cognitively demanding tasks for increased productivity and success.
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AI and Chat GPT - Learning and Leveraging
3 AI Trends Every Leader Needs to Know for 2024
Top 5 Ways to Leverage ChatGPT at Work-
#1 - Customer Support and Service: Integrate ChatGPT into your customer service platform to handle routine queries, provide instant responses, and assist customers with basic troubleshooting. It can handle frequently asked questions, freeing up human agents for more complex issues.
#2- Knowledge Base Enhancement: Use ChatGPT to generate, update, or expand your company's knowledge base articles. It can help in creating comprehensive FAQs, instructional guides, and documentation by generating clear and concise content based on specific queries or topics.
#3- Content Generation and Ideation: Utilize ChatGPT to assist in content creation for marketing materials, blog posts, or social media content. It can provide ideas, outlines, or even draft sections of content based on given parameters, saving time and offering fresh perspectives.
#4- Internal Process Automation: Employ ChatGPT as a tool to streamline internal processes by generating reports, summaries, meeting notes, or even automating repetitive tasks. For instance, it can help in summarizing meeting discussions or generating quick status updates.
#5 - Training and Onboarding: Use ChatGPT as a training assistant for onboarding new employees or providing ongoing training resources. It can answer queries, provide explanations, and offer guidance on company policies, procedures, or systems.
Online Courses and Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer numerous AI-related courses suitable for various skill levels. Look for courses tailored to beginners or those focusing on practical applications of AI in daily life. "AI For Everyone" by Andrew Ng on Coursera is a great starting point for understanding AI's basics and its applications across industries.
Blogs and Newsletters: Subscribe to AI-focused blogs or newsletters that cater to non-technical individuals. Publications like Towards Data Science, MIT Technology Review, or AI News often break down complex AI concepts into easily digestible articles, discussing how AI impacts everyday life and sharing practical tips for leveraging AI tools.