Welcome to Books & Lady Bosses: MI ATHENA’s Empowering Book Club

This exclusive members-only experience brings together Michigan’s boldest women leaders to connect, reflect and grow through meaningful dialogue and shared inspiration.

As part of your MI ATHENA membership, this exclusive opportunity offers:

  • Connection and community: Join fellow women leaders across Michigan who share your passion for growth, purpose and impact.
  • Insightful discussion: Explore lessons from women who defy traditional leadership norms — and learn how to apply them to your own journey.
  • Practical takeaways: Discover actionable strategies to strengthen your leadership approach, team dynamics and confidence.
  • Authentic conversation: Engage in guided discussions designed to inspire vulnerability, courage and collaboration.

About the Book

Patrick Lencioni’s “The Ideal Team Player” outlines three core traits that define strong contributors on any team: humility, hunger and interpersonal smarts. Lencioni argues that lacking even one of these qualities can make collaboration difficult and undermine team performance. Through a business fable, he shows how leaders can identify, hire and develop people who embody all three traits, creating employees who are easier to coach and better able to navigate common team challenges.

The Three Virtues

  • Humble: Demonstrates self-awareness, puts the team ahead of personal recognition, shares credit and remains open to feedback and learning.
  • Hungry: Shows initiative and a strong work ethic, consistently looks for ways to contribute and stays motivated without seeking attention or praise.
  • Smart (Socially Intelligent): Understands people and group dynamics, communicates thoughtfully and recognizes how words and actions affect others.

Themes We’ll Explore: 

In “The Ideal Team Player,” we’ll dive into what truly makes someone an exceptional team leader and contributor at every level.

Together, we’ll explore:

  • The Three Virtues of an Ideal Team Player: Understanding what it means to be humble, hungry and smart, and why all three are essential for success.
  • Self-Awareness in Leadership: Identifying our own strengths and blind spots to grow as intentional, effective leaders.
  • Building Strong, Cohesive Teams: How trust, accountability and collaboration are strengthened when the right behaviors are present.
  • Hiring and Developing Talent: Practical ways to recognize and cultivate ideal team players within your organization.
  • Navigating Workplace Dynamics: How these principles show up in real-world scenarios, and how to apply them with confidence.
  • Leading with Authenticity and Impact: Aligning personal values with leadership style to influence and inspire others.

Ready to Read, Reflect and Lead? 

Space is limited for this members-only experience. Join us as we explore what happens when women lead — together. Not yet a member? Join today and gain access to exclusive experiences like this, MI ATHENA events, resources and more. 

“The book club is a way for me to connect with other female leaders, share personal experiences and learn about one another. Many of the challenges we face are so similar and when we connect, we tap into community of supporters.” – Amanda Duimstra, MI ATHENA Member