Episode Details

Welcome to Lending Leadership. Today marks a truly special milestone for us: our 100th episode! For this landmark discussion, we’re excited to dive into the power of book clubs, habit formation, and the role company culture plays in personal and professional growth.

We’re joined by Dave Holland, whose passion for self-improvement and leadership through reading has sparked change across our team, and your hosts, Corrine Bibb and Rachael Tresch.

This episode is all about how the simple act of reading, whether on your own or as part of a book club, can deliver lasting change in your career, your family, and your life. We explore how our company book club came to be, the impact it’s had (and the honest truth about participation), and why consistency and a growth mindset matter more now than ever, especially in a tough mortgage market. We also break down how habit stacking, as discussed in “Atomic Habits” and other top books, creates a foundation for success and resilience.

We share our favorite reads, practical approaches for making reading a routine (yes, audio counts!), and actionable strategies for building a culture that goes beyond one-off events or pizza parties. Dave offers personal stories about how reading and consistent daily practices have influenced not just his work, but his family too. As leaders, we reflect on why bringing what you love to your team can positively impact everyone around you.

Key takeaways:

1. Reading as a Catalyst for Growth: We discuss how integrating even 10 pages a day or a few minutes of audiobooks into your routine can add up to real knowledge and perspective shifts. Both reading and listening to books “count” what matters is finding a format that helps you truly retain and apply what you learn.
2. The Magic of Habit Stacking: Dave shares his morning routine and how stacking small, positive habits together like hydrating, exercising, and reading creates an automatic foundation for a successful day. Start small and adapt routines to fit your life; success comes from daily consistency, not big leaps.
3. Book Club as a Culture Builder: We unpack the origins of our company book club, the logistics (and challenges) of running it, and the real impact even a small, dedicated group can make. When leaders show up and champion learning, it sets an example and fuels wider engagement.
4. Culture is More Than Events: We reflect on why true workplace culture is built slowly and intentionally, especially in remote or virtual environments. Real connections and shared growth, whether through a book club or other interest groups, matter more than one-off celebrations.
5. Leadership Through Passion and Example: One of the biggest takeaways is that when you, as a leader, bring your genuine interests whether books or something else to your team, it’s contagious. Dave Holland’s commitment to self-improvement is shaping not just colleagues but family as well, reminding us that consistency, vulnerability, and enthusiasm are the foundation of authentic leadership.

We hope this conversation inspires you to be intentional about your daily habits, get involved in (or start!) a book club, and find joy in sharing what you love with those around you. To everyone who’s been with us for these 100 episodes, thank you for being part of our journey! Here’s to 100 more!