As a residual effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced an unprecedented shift in workforce practices. As office doors closed and the digital realm beckoned, millions of American workers embarked on an unexpected journey into remote work. 

Noelle Crooks, a Sacramento native, is generating a lot of buzz for her debut novel, “Under the Influence,” dubbed “The Devil Wears Prada” for the digital age. Although the book is a work of fiction, Crooks admits it was inspired in part by her own experiences working in a toxic environment.

Just released in September of 2023, this anthology on the intersection of art and medicine offers a poignant look at the history, practice and future of radical creativity in the industry.

Washington, D.C., based architect Ileana Schinder is a relentless advocate for residential and urban design solutions that can offer pathways for addressing today’s pernicious affordable housing crisis. She highlights these in her book “Housing for Humans: A Book to Imagine, Create and Design a New Housing Model in America.” 

In his newest book entitled “Belonging to the Brand,” bestselling author and marketing guru Mark Schaefer asserts that the next — and last — great strategic marketing approach will be predicated on a healthy dose of community, connection and belonging. 

Whether the opponent is an overbearing boss, financial hardship or a testy love relationship, Jennifer Cassetta shows readers how to create a roadmap for ascending beyond one’s fears, turning challenges and setbacks into superpowers. 

In the Capital Region, microbusinesses are a critical cog in the economic landscape. This business movement is the theme of a 2022 book entitled “Tiny Business, Big Money: Strategies for Creating a High Revenue Microbusiness.”

Today’s world of free enterprise has never been more robust. Yet startup activity in the U.S. is at a 40-year low, according to statistics derived from U.S. Census Bureau data. More businesses are dying off than being launched daily, indicative of a broken innovative economy.

Those recognized this month by Comstock’s as prominent women in leadership would likely attest to this. Each of them share one book that has impacted their professional thinking and life journey.

We reached out to some of the rising young professionals featured this month by Comstock’s to find out what one book has made a major difference in their personal or professional journey. Here is what they said: