Books

The Living Room Leader

“Instead of thinking about how you can ‘get back to normal,’ challenge yourself and your people to keep stretching toward a new paradigm.”

The pandemic proved that companies can pivot their business models faster than anyone thought possible, and in the process, leaders uncovered innovative ways of managing their teams, boosting productivity, and engaging clientele—often from the living room or kitchen table.

The Living Room Leader is my exploration into the status-quo-shattering lessons learned in 2020 that can—and should—prevail beyond the era of the pandemic.

The book includes anecdotal interviews with extraordinary business leaders from all over the world plus scientific studies and my own on-the-ground experience, working and advising leaders throughout this tumultuous period, to distill the positive takeaways from COVID’s catalytic impact on how companies conduct business. Along the way, I also underscore the continued value of familiar practices that have stood the test of time.

The Living Room Leader is the perfect “user manual” for forward-thinking business leaders who are ready to take stock of what worked, pare away what didn’t, and pursue new hybrid alternatives—from the living room, boardroom, and anywhere in between.

“I’ve just finished my book for the week – The Living Room Leader by Debbie Goodman. I have known Debbie for a long time & enjoyed the wisdom she shared in this book. Especially the chapter on ‘Leading with Empathy: The Ultimate Game Changer’.

‘Relatedness is the will to interact with, be connected to, and experience caring for others. In other words – empathy.’

A really good, short, impactful read”

Amelia Beattie

“The living room Leader by Debbie Goodman, is one of my current reads and I’m enjoying it. The book is timeous and offers alot to reflect on as we craft the future in a brave new paradigm”

Buhle Goslar

“It served as a good reminder of the lessons learned and some good insights as we plan for the next few years!”

Ahmed Banderker

“I finally had time to read it, and as you can see from the number of Post-Its, I found more than one inspiring idea! It’s a very interesting book, it helps make sense of the Leadership journey so far in this pandemic time.”

Ileana Tovaglieri

“Thoughtful, grounded insights and advice for all those who are trying to shake off Zoom fatigue and get recharged.”

M. Adams

“Brilliant insights, authentic expression, thought-provoking, and a real-world call to action we can all benefit from in shaping our hybrid future. An excellent read for the times and the future.”

Joe Hunt

“Debbie Goodman dives into the murky waters of what it has been like trying to navigate work and leading teams during the pandemic and paves a clear path to how the heck we come out on the other side better leaders, better employees and better teammates.”

Yevgenia

“Just finished reading a new book, The Living Room Leader by Debbie Goodman. At last a leadership book that is not based on some academic model or successful charismatic leader’s style!

A fantastic new and fresh approach that all executives need to read at least once. It challenges leaders with the reality of today and gives excellent guidance and food for thought in terms of developing a “welcoming” virtual workplace as well as a personalized, trusting and flexible leadership style. Employees are more focused on purpose and meaning in their careers than ever before and that will be tested together with the excitement that virtual possibilities offer.”

Hannes van Wyk

“I have read it, made copious notes, and given it to my leadership team to read. Well done and thank you.”

– Marco Van Embden

IntheFlow – Taking Mindfulness to Work

IntheFlow is a practical, accessible book based on mindfulness principles, which can be easily applied to the workplace – with extraordinary outcomes and benefits for individuals and teams.

IntheFlow is for anyone who is intrigued by mindfulness, is aware of the tremendous impact it can have on one’s life, and is keen to incorporate the concepts and principles into one’s life at work.

Designed as 6-step daily ritual, IntheFlow focuses one’s attention and awareness on the good and great parts of our everyday lives – which are often overlooked, or get lost in the cacophony of stress, anxiety, frustration, exhaustion and overwhelm which seem to be inevitable consequences of our busy-ness.

For leaders and teams, IntheFlow provides a way to practice elements of mindfulness in the workplace, and experience positive and substantial shifts – both individually, and collectively. And for companies who are looking to reduce workplace stress, and create a culture of trust and empathy – which naturally enhances productivity – IntheFlow is an ideal solution!

IntheFlow is not just for work, though. It has also been used to great benefit by other groups – who want to connect in a deeper, more introspective way than what one typically experiences with Facebook or other social media, and families who use IntheFlow as a way to share the highlights (and lowlights) of their day.

IntheFlow is essential reading for anyone who is curious about how to practically incorporate mindfulness principles into an average day, and experience its wonderful benefits – whether you’re an experienced Mindfulness practitioner, or never meditated for a single minute.

“IntheFlow is a formula for creating not only a caring, gentle and thoughtful corporate culture, but a happier one. The best part is that it is a frank description of how Debbie made it work in her company – with remarkably little effort! This book will benefit any organisation’s leader.”

Ian Mann, Gateway Business Solutions

“By having the good sense to recognise that she was racing full-tilt at a concrete wall without a helmet, Debbie discovered the benefits of mindfulness. Her story could change yours. For the better.”

Bruce Whitfield, 702

“IntheFlow is a both a personal and very practical book introducing readers to the technique of mindfulness and its application in both personal and organisational life. I was touched by the authenticity of the text. It is very readable. Highly recommended”

Marc Simon Kahn, Investec

“Debbie Goodman-Bhyat has built the bridge between the hectic chaos of everyday business and the clarity and serenity that being present, and in the moment, brings. IntheFlow takes quite an ethereal concept and makes it practical for people to understand and more importantly to apply.”

Allon Raiz, Raizcorp

“This book is a downright provocative read that is honest, refreshing and energizing, and speaks to the heart. This is a must read for anyone and everyone who is seeking inner peace, joy, and genuine meaning and purpose in their personal and professional lives.”

Professor Shirley Zinn, Woolworths

“There are a LOT of self-help books out there for companies and individuals trying to improve. This one is a keeper. It’s not too long, it’s well written, including useful practical tools that are ambitious in their impact but not at all intimidating to get into. I suspect, like my other favourites, Allen Carr’s ‘Easy Way To Quit Smoking’ and ‘The Tao of Coaching’, Debbie’s short book will change behaviour more than most long ones.”

Rob Dower, Allan Gray