WORK

A BOOK??

Yes, I wrote a book! As my brain tends to force me to do, I waited and waited and waited and then got it done remarkably quickly.

And because I got it done remarkably quickly, I have quite a bit of editing to do!

I have so many friends who wrote such great books (and I have a new book from my good friend Ashley Herd with me on this trip - I can't wait to read "The Manager Method!" You should pick up a copy - link below. You should also pick up my friend Madison Butler's book "Let Them See You" - that's up next for me to read - link below) And I figured I would write one as well.

But I thought I would write an HR book.

Dear readers, I did not write an HR Book. (Though writing that made me realize I need to catch up on Bridgerton!)

Anyway, the book is called "The People Strategy: A Practical Guide for Distribution and Manufacturing Leaders."

All of the work I do is rooted in practicality. So this book is meant to be used, and features my frameworks I've used in keynotes and workshops, and hopefully, hopefully will get you to think just a bit differently about your people.

I've had organizations change me. And I like to think I've changed some organizations as well. This book may just change you.

Tentatively publishing September 2026. I am weaving in more of my own stories and a few others as well. If you are a distributor or manufacturer and have a great story to share, reach out. I may just put it in the book!

Ok, enough shameless promotion. I'm not writing it for money. I'm writing it because I think we need to talk so much more about the incredible people in distribution and manufacturing and their contribution to your companies.

I'm writing it because I've spent nearly 30 years in this world. I've been in the warehouses. I've sat in the break rooms. I've watched people show up every single day and do work that keeps this country running, and so many of them have never once been asked, "What do you think?" That's a problem. And if this book gets even one leader to ask that question, I'll consider it a win.

So yes, I wrote a book. In my office while Dave quietly supported me and patiently waited when I got lost for hours in the book. It's not perfect. But it's real. And it's for the leaders who know their people deserve better but aren't quite sure where to start.

More to come as we get closer to launch. In the meantime, go grab Ashley's and Madison's books (seriously, links below), and if you've got a story worth telling, you know where to find me.

Link to Madison Butler's Book

Link to Ashley Herd's Book

COMMUNITY

Every week I talk with HR professionals who are at the very beginning of their journey with AI. Some haven't even started yet.

Theresa Fesinstine is here to fix that! A former CHRO, a friend, and one of my go-to AI experts is working on building AI fluency for HR and people leaders. And she also writes a great newsletter, and shares a ton on LinkedIn! Even if you are not in HR, she's a great follow. Her website is below!

I met Alicia Branham through an industry colleague, and I have loved learning from her on LinkedIn since! You'll get marketing insights but if you are in frontline industries, you'll get so much more. Check out her newsletter and podcast as well!

Theresa Fesinstine - PeoplePower.ai

Alicia Branham on LinkedIn

COFFEE

I live in New England. But I don't like Dunkin'.

I know, I know!

I'm definitely a local coffee shop person, but when I have to pick a chain traveling, it's always Starbucks for me. (Unless there is a Blue Bottle!)

If you aren't from New England, you may not know that you can now buy an iced coffee BUCKET from Dunkin'. (This is not my picture and normally I would give credit to the photographer but this weirdly appeared in my camera roll.)

In New England, even when it's 2 degrees, we like our coffee iced.

And apparently many of us also like our coffee in 48 ounce buckets!

See you next week!

One more thing!

If you are headed to Transform in a few weeks, let me know. I'd love to say hi. And if you are there Monday Morning, Alex Seiler and I will be co-emceeing a special "Your Next Move" Summit, designed for anyone looking to create a portfolio career, move jobs, or even just think about what's next. (Speaking of portfolio careers, I was thrilled to chat with Anisa Purbasari Horton about mine for Fast Company. It was a fun chat, and a great article. Check it out below!

Fast Company Article

Until next time....... thanks for reading!

Any questions, thoughts, or things you want to see in the next newsletter? Just reply to this one!

Tracie