If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.
Welcome to the Ecosystem Builder's Edge. Today we're exploring the all time top books for ecosystem building and I'm adding some fresh favorites that may not be on your bookshelf already and offer a new perspective. I heard the quote above on a webinar the Economic Development Administration hosted this week about building inclusive industry clusters. It's going to stick with me for a long time! If you are looking to broaden your perspective with incredible insights from ecosystem and community builders, read on.
Leverage books for just in time learning
If you're new to ecosystem building or a seasoned veteran, it's crucial to learn from diverse perspectives to thrive as a leader. I'm a big fan of "just-in-time" learning, often taking relevant online courses, joining peer-mentoring networks, reading insightful articles, and having too many audiobooks on hold in my library app as I navigate through projects and initiatives. Learning while doing is an excellent way to innovate!
Early on, I populated my library with cornerstone books for ecosystem builders, and their dog-eared pages have been deeply helpful in framing this journey. You'll likely recognize these titles and their powerhouse thought leader authors in the field. However, one thing struck me as I compiled this library: none of the books have women authors, despite the many wonderful women connectors doing this work on the ground.
As I often do, I embarked on a long thought experiment, wondering why, which led me to find that women are using different language and some unique methods.
Today, I'm sharing 5 greatest hits of ecosystem building books and adding the much-needed perspective of 5 incredibly insightful women authors whose ideas I've learned from and incorporated into my approach. Hope you enjoy!
Top 10 Books Every Ecosystem Builder Should Read
Cornerstone Books
1. Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City and The Startup Community Way by Brad Feld
Offering practical advice and actionable strategies for fostering vibrant startup communities, Brad Feld's work explores into cultivating entrepreneurial talent and engaging with local stakeholders to create successful ecosystems. The second book expands principles such as inclusivity and experimentation.
2. Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream by Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson
Economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson advocate for investing in innovation to drive economic growth and prosperity. They explore the potential of research universities and innovation clusters, providing valuable lessons for ecosystem builders.
3. The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley by Victor W. Hwang and Greg Horowitt
Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, Victor W. Hwang and Greg Horowitt explore the dynamics of innovation ecosystems. They emphasize collaboration, trust, and diversity as key ingredients for creating fertile "rainforests" of entrepreneurship.
4. Build the Fort: The Startup Community Builder's Field Guide by Chris Heivly
Chris Heivly's guide offers practical insights and strategies for those looking to build startup communities. From identifying key players to nurturing talent, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap for ecosystem builders.
5. Admired Disorder: A Guide to Building Innovation Ecosystems: Complex Systems, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development by Alistair Brett
Brett dives into the complexities of building innovation ecosystems, offering guidance on navigating complex systems and fostering entrepreneurship. This guide is essential for those seeking to drive economic development through innovation.
Not To Be Missed
6. Hacking Communities: Cracking the Code to Vibrant Communities by Lais de Oliveira
Lais offers a comprehensive guide to developing leadership and communication skills crucial for fostering sustainable and thriving communities. By equipping emerging leaders with foundational skills and a mindset for long-term sustainability, "Hacking Communities" provides a toolkit for cultivating stronger, more diverse communities in an interconnected world.
7. Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donnella Meadows
"Thinking in Systems" serves as a concise yet crucial guide for problem-solving across scales, from personal to global, offering essential insight into the interconnected nature of complex issues. This primer brings systems thinking into the tangible world, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to address systemic failures, while also imparting wisdom on nurturing positive outcomes and staying humble in the face of complexity.
8. Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community over Competition by Natalie Franke
Franke offers a fresh perspective on finding true belonging in today's hyper-connected yet often isolating world, sharing personal insights and practical strategies to overcome loneliness, foster genuine community, and embrace a life of fulfillment and joy. Through her journey and lessons learned, she guides readers in kicking scroll-induced jealousy, cultivating authentic connections, and embracing camaraderie over competition, reminding us that we are destined for connection and belonging.
9. The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Exploring the nuances of gathering people together, this book offers insights into creating meaningful and impactful gatherings. From designing inclusive spaces to facilitating meaningful conversations, it provides practical strategies for community builders.
10. Ignite Culture: Empowering and Leading a Healthy, High-Performance Organization from the Inside Out by Margaret Graziano
Ignite Culture provides business leaders with actionable strategies to empower and lead healthy, high-performance organizations from within, emphasizing the importance of understanding human systems and addressing relational friction. With a blend of experiential coaching and evidence-based tools, this Wall Street Journal Bestseller offers insights on cultivating a positive company culture, increasing employee engagement, sparking innovation, and aligning teams towards common goals.
Reply to this email and let me know your must-read books for ecosystem builders or how you ensure many perspectives in the leadership of your ecosystem building efforts.
Highlighted Events
Stay connected with upcoming events where ecosystem builders gather. ⭐ Be sure to find me and say hello if you attend SCN in Shenandoah Valley!
Weekly Reads
Engage in insightful conversations on ecosystem building from around the web this week:
Until next time, keep shining 🌟!
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