What pages CEOs are turning for stress relief, fun

WEST PALM BEACH – A recently released study found that Americans spend more time at work than any other country. With the summer months here, reading books is just one way many busy executives escape for mini mental-vacations. Whether discovering different cultures and worlds or learning about history, books serve as a great way to balance the pressures and stress of daily life. Here is a look at what a few leaders in the credit union movement have been reading in their free time: Catholic CU, Saginaw, Mich., President/ CEO Robert Adams is an avid reader. “I read lots of stuff, but Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCord is the most recent book. I like to read about human nature and really, that is what we deal and work with every day. It is always interesting to see what goes on with people.” Desert Schools FCU, Phoenix, Ariz., President/CEO Susan Frank enjoys her mysteries and recently finished P is for Peril by Sue Grafton. “I love the lead character, a female detective. Grafton’s novels make for great light reading.” Affinity FCU, Bedminister, N.J., President/CEO John Fenton: “My last book read was The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a thought-provoking book. It isn’t directly about business, but it can definitely be applied to business. The book is about people and how people can effect change. In short, and this is actually part of the title, how little things can make a big difference.” Actors FCU, Manhattan, N.Y., President/CEO Jeff Rodman enjoys reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. “I like to read some chapters aloud to my wife, and it is like a getaway. We go into another realm, away from everyday life, and I guess it’s a way to treat our inner child.” Shreveport FCU, Shreveport, La., President/CEO Helen Godfrey. “I just finished Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership by Laurie Beth Jones. I had read her other book The Path, and this book is really very interesting because it helps shape what a CEO’s No. 1 priority should be.” Empire Corporate CU, Albany, N.Y., President/CEO, Joseph P. Herbst, recently read The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. “It made me realize and appreciate what those that came before us sacrificed to make our world what it is today. I am truly humbled by their heroism…this is a book that touched my heart as it also made me appreciate my dad even more than I did…and the role he played in World War II.” Pennsylvania State Employees CU, Harrisburg, President/ CEO Greg Smith “The last book I read was Ayn Rand’s, Atlas Shrugged. The next book that I’ll start reading shortly is a business book called The Soul of Service by Leonard Berry. I’m pretty excited about that one because in reading summaries of the book, I think the author’s finding support my own views on service and motivation.” NAFCU President/CEO Fred Becker heads to the thriller section when he’s ready to unwind. “The last book I read was Tom Clancy’s Executive Orders. I’m a big fan of the author. Whenever I’m reading for pleasure I look for something that will just take my mind away on an adventure.”