CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
OtherSep 10, 2014
5 new, potentially good reads for September
National Jeweler sifted through Goodreads’ releases again this month to bring jewelers four more books that could be good for business, as well as one editor’s suggestion for a nice read on the side.
This month’s Goodreads selections include a book that guides business leaders on how to close the gap between strategy and sales efforts and one that teaches readers to find the information needed for critical decision-making.
New York--Online book discussion site Goodreads just released its list of recently published books for its users this month.
As it has done for the past few months, National Jeweler again has sifted through the virtual stacks to find a handful of recent releases that may be useful to business owners, including a book about closing the gap between business strategy and sales efforts, looking beyond the obvious to find the information needed to make critical decisions, and how to regain lost minutes and hours from “time bandits.”
The following list includes a brief summary of each and links to their information on Goodreads, as well as one additional book that comes highly recommended by one of our editors.
1. The Power of Noticing: What the Best Leaders See
Max Bazerman
Imagine the advantages one would have in negotiations, decision-making and leadership if a person could be taught to see and evaluate information that others overlook, Bazerman posits. In this book, he uses his extensive research and experience to teach readers exactly how to notice and act on information that might not be immediately obvious. He uses real-life experiences such as the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme to show what information was ignored and why. Using these examples, he challenges readers to recognize their “cognitive blind spots” and identify details that they would otherwise miss. This book is 240 pages.
2. The Time Bandit Solution: Recovering Stolen Time You Never Knew You Had
Edward Brown
Few people realize how often they’re at the mercy of what Brown refers to as “time bandits,” people who steal their time, not maliciously but nonetheless with negative effects on other pursuits. And since many of these people are also family, friends, colleagues and clients, nobody likes to say no or disappoint. In comes The Time Bandit Solution to help readers get rid of unwanted, unnecessary and unproductive interruptions and regain their time by teaching them methods to gracefully negotiate with “time bandits” to prevent the interruptions that sap productivity and personal satisfaction. This book is 248 pages.
3. Aligning Strategy and Sales: The Choices, Systems, and Behaviors that Drive Effective Selling
Frank Cespedes
The gap between a company’s sales efforts and strategy is often very real, and also a huge vulnerability. This book takes a look at how to address that gap, actionably and with support
from recent relevant research. Harvard Business School professor Frank Cespedes equips readers with the ability to link their market initiatives with strategic goals, offering a map to articulate a strategy that other team members can understand and that will encourage behavior for profitable growth. This book is 336 pages.
4. Unlocking Potential: 7 Coaching Skills That Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations
Michael Simpson
To be an effective leader, bosses need to be more than just managers; they also need to be coaches. After spending more than 25 years training executives to become effective coaches, Simpson wrote this book to help leaders acquire the skills to coach personnel from the ground up, maximizing potential on a personal level, as members of the team, and as part of the overall organization. A change in strategy like this can transform business relationships and optimize productivity, profitability, loyalty, and customer focus, according to Simpson. This book is 146 pages.
5. Editor’s recommendation: Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator might be a little behind on getting around to this one, but it’s better late than never with this suspenseful thriller. The book tackles the floundering marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne. It’s the day of their fifth wedding anniversary when Amy goes missing from their home on the Mississippi River in Carthage, Mo. Nick eventually becomes a prime suspect due to a few reasons, chief among them that he used her money to start a business, increased her life insurance, and also appeared unemotional and erratic when in the news. The story continues as the mystery unfolds and the reader aims to find out what happened that day and who’s really guilty. This book is 395 pages.
More on Other
The Latest
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
