In the business world, making an impact is about more than just turning a profit. It's about fostering innovation, creating value for customers, and contributing positively to society. By focusing on sustainable practices, ethical decision-making, and customer-centric strategies, businesses can leave a lasting, positive impact that transcends financial success. Although opinions differ on the subject, here are our top podcast and book choices that cover varying notions of making an impact in business and beyond.

  

Impact Podcast
Hosted by John Shegerian

Impact Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring conversations with some of the greatest business minds and thought leaders on the planet. John Shegerian, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ERI, the nation's leading fully integrated IT and electronics asset disposition provider and cybersecurity-focused hardware destruction company, serves as host. Impact is produced by the same team that created the world's number one environmental and sustainability business podcast, "Green is Good," which was also hosted by Shegerian, and featured interviews with many of the planet's most recognizable brands. Find it here.

  

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
Host by Steven Bartlett

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett is all about authenticity. This podcast is designed to offer insight into the true challenges of starting a business. Hosted by the ex-CEO of Social Chain in the UK, this show welcomes special guests from a range of backgrounds and companies. You can expect to learn something new in every episode! Steven goes deeper than most business-focused podcasts, choosing not to focus so much on his guests’ accomplishments, but rather on the road that led there. Still, it is so fascinating that you are bound to take some nugget of knowledge back to your company. Find it here. 

    

The Partnership Economy
By David A. Yovanno and Todd Crawford

The Partnership Economy podcast was created for businesses, partners, agencies, and consumers alike—the show highlights how the power of partnerships brings these groups together and creates authentic trust between all parties. Hosts, David A. Yovanno and Todd Crawford unpack how partnerships can scale revenue growth for brands, agencies, and partners while, at the same time, can put the consumer first. Simply put, partnerships reach consumers in a way they want to be reached. Find it here.

Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact
By Phil M. Jones

Often the decision between a customer choosing you over someone like you is your ability to know exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to make it count. Phil M. Jones has trained more than two million people across five continents and over fifty countries in the lost art of spoken communication. In Exactly What to Say, he delivers the tactics you need to get more of what you want. Find it here.

  

How Highly Effective People Speak: How High Performers Use Psychology to Influence With Ease (Speak for Success)
By Peter Andrei

Why do we think what we think? Think we know what we think we know? Believe what we believe? Like what we like? Do what we do? Why do others trust or distrust us? Respect or disrespect us? Listen to or ignore us? Reach out to or neglect us? Like or dislike us? Praise or slander us? Believe or doubt us?

Why do others follow our lead or stand in our way? Give us opportunities or send them elsewhere? Support our striving for success and appreciate our message or toss it – and us – aside? Decades of cutting-edge (but unheard-of) scientific research presents an answer...Find it here. 

  

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently
by John C. Maxwell

The most effective leaders know how to connect with people. It's not about power or popularity, but about making the people around you feel heard, comfortable, and understood. Your ability to achieve results in any organization is directly tied to the leadership skills in your toolbox. 

While it may seem like some folks are born with a commanding presence that draws people in, the fact is anyone can learn to communicate in ways that consistently build powerful connections. Bestselling author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell offers advice for effective communication to those who continually run into obstacles when it comes to personal success. Find it here.