“Can you share one inspirational memoir that significantly impacted your personal growth journey? What specific insight or lesson from the book resonated with you the most?”
Here is what 4 thought leaders had to say
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
One book that significantly changed my perspective on identity and culture is A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. It’s a memoir about his experience as a child soldier in Sierra Leone.
Reading about Beah’s journey, how he was stripped of his childhood, forced into violence, and then slowly reclaimed his humanity, made me reflect deeply on the privilege and stability I’ve often taken for granted. It challenged how I understood trauma, resilience, and what it means to rebuild a life when your identity has been shaped by unimaginable circumstances.
The book also changed how I view African cultures. Before reading it, I had a limited and often media-driven perspective. Beah’s storytelling brought nuance, humanity, and depth to a region that’s too often portrayed through a narrow lens of poverty or conflict. It reminded me that identity isn’t static or simple, it’s layered, shaped by both personal experience and cultural history.
Jeff Michael, Ecommerce Business Owner, Moriarty’s Gem Art
The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
One inspirational memoir that significantly impacted my personal growth journey is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. The specific insight that resonated with me the most was the concept of living in the present moment. Tolle emphasizes that so much of our stress comes from either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
By focusing on the present and letting go of mental clutter, I started to experience a greater sense of peace and clarity. This idea changed the way I approached challenges in both my personal and professional life. I realized that being truly present allows me to make better decisions and respond to situations with calm and intention, rather than being driven by fear or past experiences. It was a game-changer in how I manage stress and how I lead others, helping me grow as a person and a professional.
Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER
Becoming by Michelle Obama
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama really hit home for me. Her story isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about choosing who you want to become, even when life throws you curveballs. I connected with the parts about juggling motherhood and career goals. Her honesty about self-doubt made me feel less alone during my own transitions, especially when moving to the U.S. and starting fresh.
The biggest takeaway was her mindset: don’t wait for permission to grow. That pushed me to shift from freelance makeup work to UGC content. I stopped waiting for perfect timing and started creating every day, even when things felt uncertain. Her message—that growth is a process, not a title—stays with me. It helps me lead by example, both at work and with my kids.
Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
“One inspirational memoir that significantly impacted my personal growth is ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi. It’s a neurosurgeon’s profound reflection on life, death, and meaning as he confronts his own terminal cancer diagnosis. The specific insight that resonated most deeply was his exploration of what makes life meaningful in the face of mortality.
His pursuit of understanding what it means to live a purposeful life, even when time is limited, prompted me to reflect on my own values and priorities, reinforcing the importance of living intentionally and cherishing human connection.
Amir Husen, Content Writer & Associate, ICS Legal