The Lifelong Love of Reading
Throughout my life, reading has been one of the greatest sources of inspiration and growth. As a child growing up in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, books offered me a window into worlds beyond my own. They sparked my curiosity, fueled my desire to learn, and helped shape my understanding of the world. As I moved into adulthood and embarked on my career, reading continued to play a vital role in my development, particularly in my work as a municipal consultant and business leader.
Today, my passion for reading goes beyond entertainment or knowledge—it serves as a tool for professional growth. Whether it’s reading about finance, leadership, history, or public policy, the lessons found in books have guided my decisions, shaped my approach to consulting, and helped me become a better leader. In this blog post, I want to share how reading has influenced my approach to both municipal consulting and leadership and why I believe it’s such a powerful tool for success.
The Influence of Books on My Career
When I first began my career in public service, I quickly realized that understanding finance, governance, and community development was essential to being effective in my role. As the Director of Finance for the Municipality of Guayanilla, I was responsible for overseeing the municipality’s budget, taxes, and financial stability. To succeed, I needed not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the broader landscape in which local governments operate.
In the early years of my career, I turned to books to deepen my knowledge. I devoured materials on municipal finance, budgeting, tax policy, and government management. What I learned helped me make informed decisions and implement strategies that led to better financial outcomes for the municipality. However, as time passed, I realized that leadership required more than just technical knowledge—it required a broader perspective on human behavior, communication, and decision-making. That’s when I began to explore books on leadership and personal development.
Through reading, I found that many of the great leaders throughout history had faced similar challenges to those I was experiencing in my own career. By reading their stories and analyzing their approaches, I was able to find practical insights that helped me develop my own leadership style. Books provided me with the tools to think critically, lead with purpose, and communicate effectively with the teams I worked with.
Leadership Lessons from Books
One of the most influential books I’ve read is The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. Maxwell’s teachings on leadership have had a profound impact on my approach to guiding my team at RWM Consultants Inc. One of the key lessons I took away from this book is the importance of leading by example. Maxwell argues that leadership is not just about giving orders or making decisions; it’s about setting a standard for others to follow. This lesson has been particularly important in my work as both a consultant and a business owner. By demonstrating the values and work ethic I want to see in others, I’ve been able to create a positive, productive environment in which my team can thrive.
Another book that shaped my leadership style is Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. Sinek’s focus on building trust and fostering a sense of security within teams resonated with me deeply. As someone who has spent years working with municipal governments and businesses, I’ve seen how essential trust is to success. In local government, where collaboration is key to achieving positive outcomes, establishing trust among leaders, employees, and the community is critical. By putting the needs of my team first and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, I’ve been able to encourage a culture of openness, accountability, and shared success.
Reading has also helped me navigate difficult situations and tough decisions. In my career, I’ve had to make tough calls, whether it was advising a municipality to raise taxes or helping a business navigate a financial crisis. Books on decision-making and critical thinking, such as Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, have given me tools to weigh the pros and cons of each decision carefully. This type of reading helps me to think more strategically and avoid being influenced by emotion or bias when making important decisions.
Broader Perspectives and Learning from History
In addition to leadership and finance books, I also make a point to read about history and human behavior. Understanding history has been incredibly useful in my work as a consultant. It allows me to view current challenges within a broader context and learn from the successes and mistakes of the past. Many of the principles I apply in municipal consulting—whether in budgeting or tax policy—are rooted in historical lessons about governance, economics, and social dynamics.
For example, one of the most eye-opening books I’ve read is The History of Economic Thought by Steven G. Medema and Warren J. Samuels. It gave me insight into how economic policies have evolved over time and how historical events have shaped modern-day fiscal practices. These lessons have been invaluable in understanding the challenges municipalities face today and how I can help them navigate complex financial issues with a clear perspective.
Reading about human behavior has also given me a better understanding of how to work with people, whether I’m dealing with government officials, business owners, or employees within my firm. Books like Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini have taught me how to communicate more effectively, build consensus, and motivate people to take action.
The Habit of Reading for Growth
For me, reading is not a one-time event but an ongoing habit. It’s a daily practice that keeps me learning, growing, and improving. As a business owner and consultant, it’s essential to stay updated on trends, new strategies, and emerging ideas in my field. Reading allows me to expand my knowledge and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of municipal finance and consulting. Whether it’s a quick article on the latest financial technologies or a deep dive into a new leadership book, I make time for reading because I know it’s crucial to my personal and professional development.
I also encourage those around me—whether it’s my team or the municipal leaders I work with—to embrace the power of reading. The more we read, the more we grow. And as leaders, the more we grow, the better equipped we are to lead effectively, make informed decisions, and help our communities thrive.
The Lifelong Impact of Books
Books have had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. They’ve shaped my career in municipal consulting, guided my leadership journey, and provided me with the tools to navigate the complexities of public service and business. As I continue to grow and learn, I know that reading will remain an essential part of my life. It’s a habit that not only enriches my mind but also enriches my ability to serve my community and make a meaningful difference in the world.