Reflecting on the books I’ve read in 2024 feels like revisiting conversations with wise mentors, disruptive thinkers, and compassionate guides. Each title has shaped my perspective on topics ranging from rest and resilience to leadership, social justice, spirituality, and behavioral insights. As an innovation strategist, I’m drawn to ideas that challenge the status quo and illuminate ways to create meaningful impact. This year’s reading list has not only informed my professional approach but also enriched my personal growth. In this blog, I’ll share the key takeaways from some of the most thought-provoking books that accompanied me through the year—each offering lessons for navigating an ever-evolving world with purpose and creativity.

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Karen Reijnen was the Senior Innovation Director at the Rainforest Alliance for the past six years. As she transitioned out of that role, Rising Solutions had the opportunity to sit down with her as she reflected on building a social sector innovation team and the lessons she learned. The following interview explores the challenges, discoveries, and growth that came out of collaborating with dedicated teams and partners to create meaningful change and drive innovative solutions to address pressing social and environmental issues. 

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Alight and Rising Solutions teamed up to redesign Alight’s global performance management process using human-centered design. In Part I of this series, the partners unpack what it means to be truly values-driven.

For those in the social impact space, values-driven partnership – a collaborative relationship based on shared values and a mutual commitment to achieving specific social, environmental, or community-oriented goals – is not a new concept. While such a partnership is often considered a critical and desired element of success, it is less commonly seen in practice.

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In today's workplace, burnout, isolation, and disconnection from nature have become pervasive issues as symptoms of a patriarchal system that prioritizes productivity over well-being. The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress costs U.S. employers over $300 billion annually due to absenteeism, turnover, decreased productivity, and other costs. On a global scale, the World Health Organization estimates depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. These staggering figures highlight a growing crisis: the traditional work culture is failing us.

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As usual, it has been a joy putting together the list of books I read this year. The ever-evolving landscape of innovation for social impact calls for a deeper understanding of humanity and a reimagining of our approach to work. Join me in exploring ethics, gratitude, leadership, navigating ambiguity, challenging the status quo, and uncovering the secrets to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. 

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What if we already have the tool we need to end global poverty? Experts predict that generative artificial intelligence (AI) will have human-level intelligence by 2029 in a moment called the “singularity.” Seconds later it will be smarter than us and continue to learn exponentially faster than us. One week of human learning will equal 20,000 years of AI learning.

Before 2014, the general thinking was that automation would mostly impact blue-collar jobs that could be easily transitioned to machines and robots. It now appears that the rise of generative AI is going to dramatically impact knowledge workers as well, or individuals who “think for a living”.

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Any facilitator knows the struggle of sparking that first true connection with an audience. Humor can be a powerful tool to speed up building connections and rapport during group facilitations. But, what if it doesn’t come naturally? 

We’ve compiled our best techniques for incorporating humor into workshops and developing that deeper connection with your attendees right out of the gate. Learn a little background about the science and stats behind humor in professional settings or jump right into the techniques in the “So You’re Not a Comedian? Try This!” section below for some actionable techniques to try.

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It is easy to get lost in the jargon and ambiguity of the word “innovation.” Innovation often has a personal meaning to each of us and tends to evoke an “I’ll know it when I see it” feeling which does not translate well into the business world of finite time and money. This can be complex and frustrating at organizations where the word “innovation” is bandied about without a mutually understood definition. The word becomes hollow and those often tasked with working on innovation projects find themselves up against a culture that doesn’t understand, respect, or appreciate the work.

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A few years into my tenure at a large NGO, leadership made the announcement that we were moving to an open office layout. I was cautiously optimistic. At the time, in 2014, the open office concept was all the rage, espoused by the Silicon Valley creatives as bringing to life the Medici Effect. Creating organic opportunities for ideas to collide every time co-workers found each other. As a member of the innovation team, I was curious to try the approach, because according to theory - innovation and creativity should increase. 

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Have you ever heard the anecdote that lawyers will bill you for their time in the shower?! It’s meant as a joke, but the truth is there is science to suggest that the shower, and other periods of mind-wandering such as washing dishes or walking the dog do lead to ah-ha moments of creativity and breakthrough ideas.

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Nearly 85% of U.S. workers said their workplace conditions had contributed to at least one mental health challenge, according to the recent U.S. Surgeon General Document on Workplace Well-Being.

Even before the release of the document, workplace well-being was already making headlines as it relates to stress, burnout, meditation, exercise programs, flex hours, and working from home. Yet much of the conversation is still only addressing the symptoms of what causes workplace dissatisfaction.

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When it comes to hiring a professional facilitator, people typically think of large, landmark events like global forums, annual strategy meetings, or executive retreats. Companies feel “justified” in hiring a professional group facilitator for these high-profile events because of the heightened visibility. But these companies are missing an opportunity to utilize group facilitation and the results it can produce on a regular basis. 

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On a flight, in a doctor’s waiting room, or even before bed, I am one of those who is never without a book. Books have long been one of my favorite methods of learning and I’m excited to share what 2022 looked like for me in reading, learning, exploring new ideas, and questioning why things are the way they are.

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For the young at heart, living in the professional world can reduce you to a shell of your playful, cheeky, smiling self. Workplace etiquette, the bottom line, and burnout can make workers feel more like a machine than their best selves.

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As facilitators, we all know that creating a psychologically safe space is critical to a successful workshop. The more we can encourage our participants to be vulnerable, and to share not just their knowledge but also their emotions, the greater psychological insight we can generate. That then leads to more sustained behavior change and the adoption of solutions that address underlying incentives and needs.

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