Radio Host Ken Coleman Talks About How Books Can Change Your Perspective
Ken Coleman is a renowned interviewer and broadcaster, radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and the EntreLeadership Podcast. In these shows, he talks to industry leaders, heads of states and celebrities, and tries to help his listeners grow their businesses, find and pursue their passions and find ways to achieve their goals.
His passion for helping people move toward a fulfilled purpose was also what drove him to write a book back in 2013. Called One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today’s Leading Voices, the book analyzes leaders and influencers in various industries and shares insights on what all these people have in common and what are their traits and tactics. The book also tries to motivate people to never stop asking questions.
Read our interview with Ken and find out what book helped him clarify his voice and focus his work, why he thinks books have a gift of adding more than just knowledge to your life and why he doesn’t have to make time for reading.
What’s your favorite book and why? Business and non-business, if possible.
Business – Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon because it is a wonderful guide to clarifying your voice and focusing your work.
My favorite non-business book is Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meachem because I am a history nut, and I am fascinated by Thomas Jefferson.
Was there a moment, specifically, when something you read in a book helped you?
There have been thousands of moments that I have been reading a book and was helped in an area of my life. Books have a way of adding more than just knowledge, it is the change in perspective that allows us to receive knowledge in a way that advances our growth.
What books had the biggest impact on you?
The Winner Within by Pat Riley, Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay, Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders, Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus, The book of James in the New Testament in the Bible are a few of the Top 10.
What books would you recommend to young people interested in your career path & why?
The books I just listed would be a good start because they will teach a young person about faith, courage and connecting with the right people the right way.
I’m interested in finding out more about your reading habits. How often do you read and what format do you prefer?
Every morning and every evening, as well as many days I am reading in preparation for interviews that I conduct on the shows I host. And I prefer reading on my iPad.
How do you make time for reading?
Reading is a part of my daily routine, I don’t have to make time for it.
Do you take notes or have any other technique for conquering the torrent of information?
I make digital notes, underline, highlight and dog-ear the physical pages. If a thought inspires deep thought or action, I look to put it into practice or in a conversation that day or as soon as possible. I can always go back and look at it, but it takes hold faster and better if I add it in my life right away.
How do you choose what books to read next?
I make a list of what I want to read and refer to the list. Sometimes I just shop around and decide by feel.
Last question: what book are you currently reading and what are you expecting to gain from it?
The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. Life is a series of moments but marked by the truly great and tragic moments. This book reveals the science and process of intentionally making moments that matter to us and those we come in contact with.
Links where you can follow Ken Coleman or find out more about his projects:
- The Ken Coleman Show
- EntreLeadership Podcast
- Follow Ken on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
All books mentioned by Ken Coleman in our interview:
- Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
- Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
- The Winner Within by Pat Riley
- Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay
- Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders
- Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus
- The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath