Created By: Orr GroupDecember 17, 2025 Curiosity and continuous learning are core to our growth: as individuals, as collaborators, and as a firm. Each year, our work alongside mission-driven partners challenges us to think differently, ask better questions, and transform how we lead and advise. That learning is invaluable, but it doesn’t happen in isolation. We often look beyond our day-to-day work for ideas and inspiration, drawing from voices across sectors, disciplines, and lived experiences. As we reflect on this past year, our senior leadership has curated a collection of content that influenced how they approached their work (and the world) throughout 2025. We hope these favorites spark insight, conversation, and reflection for you as well! The New Global Possible: Rebuilding Optimism in the Age of Climate Crisis by Ani Dasgupta “This book (written by our partner Ani at World Resources Institute!) was incredibly informative about the global climate movement. I gained quite an education on the challenges involved with organizing the global community around the urgency related to our changing environment.” Steve Orr, Co-Founder & Managing Partner Wall Street Journal, Print Edition“Every time I sit down and read at the kitchen table, I find my kids pull up next to me and ask me what’s going on, or read a book themselves… It’s sincerely beautiful.“CJ Orr, Chief Executive Officer Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond “This book reinforced truths many of us already understand but don’t often say out loud. It’s a clear-eyed reminder that poverty isn’t accidental, and it challenged me to think more honestly about where responsibility truly lies, and about accountability and systems change beyond the nonprofit sector alone.” Kelly Dunphy, Chief Experience Officer Mark Twain by Ron Chernow “This book offers a fuller portrait of an American icon and a reminder that the people who shape culture are rarely tidy heroes. I was struck by how Twain’s fame was propelled by relentless ambition that also led to plenty of missteps and significant financial turmoil. What also stands out is his ability to find humor in almost any situation and his willingness to own his shortcomings, qualities that helped him navigate personal tragedy, financial uncertainty, and a turbulent era in American history to endure as one of the country’s most recognizable voices. It reminds me of the value of taking risks, staying open enough to keep revisiting what I believe, and remaining hungry to learn.” Tal Alter, Managing Director I Who Have Never Known Man by Jacqueline Harpman “This was… haunting and unresolved. I keep thinking about it, especially when I reflect on gender dynamics, female friendship, and family.“ Amanda Nelson, Managing Director Who Really Cares by Arthur C. Brooks “This book sharpened how I think about compassion in my work. Arthur Brooks’s research reinforced that generosity is ultimately expressed through action, not just intention or rhetoric. In 2025, this perspective grounded my approach to supporting nonprofits: effective fundraising isn’t about ideology or assumptions about who cares most, but about understanding real donor behavior and helping organizations invite people into meaningful acts of giving. The book affirmed that philanthropy, at its best, is deeply personal—and our role is to help nonprofits translate values into impact.“ Gretchen Ehle, Vice President Love, Hope & Leadership by Gary Burnison “This book resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. It articulated so many leadership qualities I’ve always tried to embody, and seeing them reflected on the page strengthened my commitment to leading with humanity and intention.“ Patricia Gill, Vice President & Head of Donor Engagement I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally “When you re-read a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in yourself than there was before.” Adam Glick, Vice President The Measure: A Novel by Nikki Erlick “This book pushed me to think about two important questions: Will knowing the future change how you live your life? And if yes, is it worth it?” Ryan Grosso, Vice President & Head of Capacity Building Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek “This book continued to fuel my desire to be a great leader who prioritizes the well-being of my people. Reading more about the chemistry of healthy cultures and the incredible impact people-first leadership has on teams – from the military to big business – reinforced my commitment to leading with trust, care, and transparency. It was an inspiring reminder that when you put your people first, everything else follows.” Jessica Shatzel, Senior Director & Head of Talent Strategy Harvard Business Review: Quantum Thinking Can Help You Solve Complex Strategy Challenges, by Graham Kenny and Ganna Pogrebna “In philanthropy, progress happens when we stop trying to control outcomes and start designing conditions for impact to emerge.” Niall Keane, Director 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s: The 2000s, a podcast by Rob Harvilla “This is a delightful deep dive into individual songs from pop culture. The episode on Jeff Buckley is my favorite, and is a timely preview for his biopic coming out in January!” Lauren Jones Kenny, Director Have any recommendations that have shaped your perspectives in 2025? Share them with us! Contact Us
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