Add “Give and Take” to Your Reading List THE SURPRISING POWER OF GENEROSITY
If you’re looking for a book that can reshape the way you view success, relationships, and generosity, “Give and Take” by Adam Grant is a must-read. As someone who spends a good deal of my time mentoring and giving back, this book
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hit home for me. While it’s a business book, it also offers insights that resonate across all aspects of personal and professional interactions. Grant’s core idea is simple but profound: the world is made up of givers, takers, and matchers. Givers, as the name suggests, are those who prioritize others’ needs, often to their own detriment. Takers, on the other hand, seek to maximize their own gain, even at the expense of others. And matchers try
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups white sugar • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 ½ tsp baking powder • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt • 2 large eggs • 1 cup milk
to balance the scales, ensuring an even exchange of give-and- take. What makes Grant’s research fascinating is his discovery that givers, when navigating relationships wisely, are often the most successful in the long term. One of the reasons I rate this book so highly is because of how applicable its lessons are to everyday life — not just the workplace. He illustrates how giving can transform relationships, communities, and even industries. “Give and Take” is packed with compelling stories of people who achieved extraordinary success by putting others first, but also cautionary tales about the importance of setting boundaries. For me, this great read reinforced why I love mentoring. It’s a reminder that generosity isn’t just altruistic — it’s strategic. By investing in others, you’re also creating a network of trust that often comes full circle. I’ve seen it firsthand: giving doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you stronger in ways you might not immediately realize. This book is an eye-opener that challenges conventional wisdom about success and inspires you to approach life differently. I couldn’t recommend it more!
• ½ cup vegetable oil • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup boiling water
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. 3. Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. 4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. 5. Stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin). 6. Pour evenly into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. 7. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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