Episode 528: Read It. Realized It?

Welcome to 2026! In this episode, Bradley shares a powerful insight from a recent breakfast conversation that will transform how you approach reading business books this year. The question isn't just "Have you read it?" — it's "Have you realized it?"

During a coffee meeting with an incredibly well-read business leader, Bradley heard a phrase he'd never forget. When discussing books they'd both read, his breakfast companion asked about The Fifth Discipline and whether leaders had actually "realized" the books on their shelves — not just read them.

Reading vs. Realizing

There's a massive difference between consuming content and implementing it. Bradley reflects on books he's read where he could share the big idea but couldn't articulate how those concepts actually changed his business or personal life. Compare that to books like The Road Less Stupid, which he references at least once a year and has profoundly impacted his decision-making.

Join Us at the 2026 Above The Business Event Series

Want to experience more transformational content like this? Join us for the 2026 Above The Business event series where we'll dive deep into the strategies, systems, and mindset shifts that help you move from Rainmaker to Architect.

Get above the daily grind and design a business that can run and grow without you.

Learn more at https://blueprintos.com

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.