Inspiring stories and tools: part 2 of iilo’s summer reading list

AuthorCrystal Lee

Date July 30, 2025

Categories
Learning Collaboration & Community Self Life Work

An open book, in front of two stacks of books.

At iilo, we believe reading is one of the best ways to learn new skills and expand our minds!

Welcome to part 2 of iilo’s two-part summer reading list! (We also recommend you check out part 1.)

As a values-led communication design agency, it’s no surprise that our team has picked impact-focused books for their summer reads. Here are some page-turners for those who want to make a difference!

Steven’s book recommendation

Creative director & strategist Steven Cretney (he/him) is currently re-reading Facilitating Breakthrough: How to Remove Obstacles, Bridge Differences, and Move Forward Together by Adam Kahane. The book describes an approach of moving beyond classic facilitation into the deeper work of convening people across divides to address complex, polarized challenges. Written by a leading organizer, designer, and member of the Order of Canada, the book provides inspiration for creating spaces where people can “remove the obstacles to love, power, and justice.”

On the left, Crystal Lee, with short black hair and wearing a purple shirt, holds up the book “How to Have Antiracist Conversations.” On the right, Steven Cretney pokes his head and arms through willow branches, holding the book “Facilitating Breakthrough.” — Crystal recommends a book that offers practical tools to support antiracism, while Steven believes in reaching across divides to create a brighter world together.

Crystal’s book recommendation

Writer Crystal Lee (she/her) recommends How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy by Roxy Manning. Crystal first came across this book at a nonviolent communication training. Grounded in the concept of Beloved Community, as described by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the book outlines a practical framework for creating a world where everyone is included. You’ll walk away with greater self-compassion and confidence to engage in challenging conversations.

Lisa’s book recommendation

iilo co-owner Lisa Hemingway (she/her) discovered her summer read at the RGD DesignThinkers conference this past spring. She was particularly impressed by speaker Vincent Wanga’s confidence and caring approach to supporting others, which led her to pick up The Art of Direction: Personal Perspectives on the Path to Creative Leadership. Lisa especially loves the book’s comparison of a creative director to a conductor — a concept that deeply resonates with her role as iilo’s Director of Creativity.

On the left, Lisa Hemingway smiles in a garden, holding a bright blue book called “The Art of Direction.” On the right, Madelen Ortega, wearing pink glasses and a navy blue t-shirt, holds the books "Unbecoming a Lady" and "Unbroken." — Lisa recommends “The Art of Direction” for its insightful content and beautiful design, while Madelen endorses two feminist books.

Madelen’s book recommendations

iilo co-owner Madelen Ortega (she/her), a lifelong bookworm, has two books on the go.

The first book is Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls by investigative journalist Angela Sterritt. Madelen was inspired to pick up the book after hearing the author speak with poise and power at the CPHR BC & Yukon 2025 HR Conference and Expo. This book — part memoir, part literary journalism — is equally moving and at times heavy. Altogether, it’s an important read about the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Angela’s resilience and fearlessness shine through.

On the lighter side, Madelen is reading Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America by Therese Oneill. She found this book by chance at her local library, and it fits right in with the feisty feminist theme! Give it a read to learn about the brave women in recent history who impacted the world in their own non-conformist ways.

As you can see, we love to stay educated and inspired at iilo. We even started an iilo library to support our team’s personal and professional development. Put our skills and depth of knowledge to use on your next communication design project! Get in touch to get started.