What's inspiring me is a regular feature highlighting the books, websites, podcasts and other media that influence business leaders in Delaware. If you would like to submit your inspiration, please fill out our survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBTInspire

Chris Burkhard - president of Placers and CBI Group, Newark

Favorite book: "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr. The power of choosing the right objectives to focus on in your business or team and how to drive measures that support the achievement of them. This is how Google and other companies select/manage their priorities and focus resources to achieve them.

Favorite business podcast: Tim Ferriss

Timothy Houseal - partner, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP, Wilmington

Favorite book: "Scalia Speaks" (a collection of some of his best speeches on a variety of topics, three of which were given in Delaware). Also gave it to friends, co-workers, or family this holiday season.

Catherine Timko - CEO, The Riddle Co., Washington, D.C.

Favorite book: "Them" by Ben Sasse (approaches to broker collaboration). Gave Michele Obama's "Becoming" as holiday gifts.

Paula Gonzalez - global membership manager, Product Marketing Association, Newark

Favorite book: "Creative Quest," by Questlove. It has helped me think more creatively when working on projects and campaigns. I've learned to try going through multiple ideas to find the good ideas, to define what a project isn't as well as what it is, and to collaborate with others to include more ideas and different perspectives. Also recommending "Creative Quest" to friends, co-workers, and family because it helps you understand the processes many creative people use so that the reader can try different creative processes for themselves.

Aiste Foreman - owner and travel consultant, Trabeona Travels, Millsboro

Favorite book: "Building a Story Brand," by Donald Miller. It was an eye-opener. My business is less than two years old and establishing my business brand is a top priority. Donald Miller says that your brand is
like a story, where the character is your customer who needs a guide to solve a problem and transform their life. My takeaways:
"¢ The customer is the hero, not your brand.
"¢ Customers don't need another hero. They need a guide. Be that guide that helps the customer avoid failure