Book and Learning Circles

Employee and Organization Development hosts book and learning circles throughout the year which are open to all Cal Poly employees. Book and learning circles are great opportunities to engage with colleagues in thoughtful discussion around common themes of interest.

Book Circles involve discussing a book over three to four sessions. Participants receive a complimentary copy of the selected book with the expectation that they will engage in two or more discussion sessions. Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article, and participating in a discussion during a single session. Please join us for one, or more, of these enriching conversations!


Who Moved My Cheese? [Book Circle]

By Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Physician and author, Dr. Johnson's timeless business classic, Who Moved My Cheese? uses a simple parable to reveal profound truths about dealing with change so that you can enjoy less stress and more success in your work and in your life. The book is filled with insights designed to help readers manage change quickly and achieve personal success and happiness. Join us as we reflect on how we relate to the allegorical characters of this fable who are moved by instincts, sentiments, and emotions we are all too familiar with. We will have an opportunity to explore how we would apply the lessons of this metaphor and use this quick read as a launching pad to share best practices on how to prevail in these changing times.

Please select Register to see all session dates.

  • How to Access the Book: Upon registration close, a complimentary copy of this book will be provided to participants.
  • Facilitators: Dani Gaeta, Employee and Organization Development
  • Time and Date: October 03 - October 24 | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

Intersectionality at Work [Learning Circle]

Candid Conversations with Michelle Gadsden-Williams
What does intersectionality mean to you? How does it show up in the workplace? In this learning circle, Intersectionality at Work, we will watch and listen to a panel discussion from experts at Accenture, LinkedIn and Bloomberg as they discuss the multiple intersections of identity in the workplace, the impacts of not being able to express our identities, and strategies for understanding and supporting intersectionality. Join us as we observe then discuss intersectionality at Cal Poly and our roles in creating an environment where people can do their best work.

  • How to Access the Book: Upon registration close, a complimentary copy of this book will be provided to participants.
  • Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
  • Time and Date: October 05 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location: Zoom

Inclusion on Purpose [Book Circle]

By Ruchika Tulshyan
Inclusion doesn't just happen. We have to work at it. It takes awareness, intention and regular practice. In this book, Inclusion on Purpose, Ruchika Tulshyan explores the intersection of gender and race, how to identify and expose bias, the impact of dismantling structural bias and the importance of psychological safety. Join us as we discuss the cutting-edge inclusion practices presented and learn how we can meaningfully promote inclusion and diversity.

Please select Register to see all session dates.

  • How to Access the Book: Upon registration close, a complimentary copy of this book will be provided to participants.
  • Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
  • Time and Date: October 19 - November 09 | 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

Atomic Habits [Book Circle]

By James Clear
In this book circle we will discuss key guidance from the bestselling book Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book provides practical, clear, and actionable strategies for creating systems that will help you break bad habits and develop lasting and resilient new ones. Use the advice from this book to jumpstart your own positive habit formation!

Please select Register to see all session dates.

  • How to Access the Book: Upon registration close, a complimentary copy of this book will be provided to participants.
  • Facilitators: Jeff Williams, Employee and Organization Development
  • Time and Date: November 28 - December 12 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) also hosts book circles each quarter and you can learn more about their offerings by selecting “Book Circles” on their Programs and Services webpage at: https://ctlt.calpoly.edu/programs-services.