Leadership on the Go: Podcasts, Books, and Bite-Sized Learning That Actually Stick
- Irene + Co Events
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Let’s be real. Between juggling weddings, running a business, showing up for your team, and maybe finding time to breathe, leadership development can feel like just another task on your to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be.
Over the years, I’ve found that staying inspired and sharpening my leadership skills works best when it fits into my life on the way to a site visit, between client calls, or while I’m prepping timelines. So here’s a round-up of what’s in my current rotation: podcasts that fuel my business brain, audiobooks that push my thinking, and a favorite app that helps me stay sharp when I only have ten minutes.
My Top Leadership Podcasts
These are the ones I come back to again and again. They’re honest, practical, and full of tangible ideas you can actually apply.
Powerhouse Women by Lindsey Schwartz
For women building community and growing businesses with heart.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Grounded, vulnerable leadership talk that always hits home.
EntreLeadership
Great for practical business leadership skills and entrepreneur mindset shifts.
The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher
For creative entrepreneurs who want both strategy and soul.
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Real talk about motivation, habits, and self-leadership that’s never fluff.
Peak Perfection by yours truly, Irene Katzias
Planning, purpose, and behind-the-scenes realness in the wedding industry.
Wedding Business Solutions by Alan Berg
Straight to the point insights for pros in the wedding space.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Inspirational stories of how some of the most successful businesses actually started.
The Morning Walk Podcast
Reflective, grounded conversations for mindful leadership.
Bite-Sized Learning with Headway
My favorite app when I want the value of a book without the time commitment. Headway gives you condensed, insightful summaries of popular nonfiction titles. This is perfect for commutes or tight windows between meetings. Think of it as leadership cliff notes that actually stick.
Audible Books I Recommend (and Actually Finish)
I use Audible constantly and these books have shaped the way I lead, think, and plan:
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Game-changing for how you speak to clients and shape your brand message.
When They Win, You Win by Russ Laraway
A powerful framework for team growth and retention rooted in real leadership.
Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means
A fresh take on health, burnout, and how your energy directly impacts your leadership.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
A wake-up call to stop sweating the wrong stuff and get honest with yourself.
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
One of the best books on client experience and team culture.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Yes, again. It’s that good. Vulnerability, trust, and brave leadership in action.
Why I Mix Podcasts, Biographies, and Business Books
I don’t just stick to business books. Some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from memoirs, behind-the-scenes founder stories, and the honest failures of people who built something great. When you learn from the real stories and not just the polished advice, you get better faster and lead with more intention.
Whether you're walking the dog, driving to a walkthrough, or unwinding after a long day, there's no wrong way to grow as a leader. Just keep learning, stay curious, and find what actually works for you.
And if you need a place to start? Hit play on one of these, and let's grow together.
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