Simplify and The Art of Fighting — for the October 2 First Friday Book Synopsis
You don’t have to read the books. I already did…
I read the books. You get the insights.
Two important business books every month. Stay well-read without falling behind.
Join us Friday, October 2, 2026, for the First Friday Book Synopsis — in person at the Park City Club in Dallas, or live on Zoom.
We are now in our 29th year of gathering monthly to learn from the best business books and the thinkers who write them.
For our October 2 session, I have selected two books that address challenges we all face at work: How can we communicate more clearly and simply? And how can we handle conflict and disagreement more effectively?
• Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen & Roy Schwartz
We communicate too much—and often say too little. From the creators of Smart Brevity, Simplify shows us how to cut through complexity, communicate more clearly and thoroughly with fewer words and less time, and focus our attention on what matters most.
• The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict by Priya Parker
Conflict is inevitable—including in the workplace. Priya Parker challenges us to stop avoiding disagreement and learn how to fight better—turning conflict into deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and meaningful change at work, in our communities, and throughout our lives.
Two books. One morning. A wealth of ideas you can put to work.
At each First Friday Book Synopsis, I present two comprehensive book synopses. You receive a thorough, multi-page synopsis handout for each book, filled with key ideas, important passages, lessons and takeaways.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE BOOKS IN ADVANCE!
If you are like most of us, you simply do not have time to read all the books you would like to read. That’s why we created the First Friday Book Synopsis.
And even if you have read one of the books, the synopsis can help you remember, think about, and put its ideas to work.
“My synopses are almost like getting your whole team to read a book together, which enables your own conversation about how to implement the key lessons from the book. Lifelong learning in real time.” — Randy Mayeux
Join us October 2
WHAT: First Friday Book Synopsis
WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2026 — 7:00 a.m.
Presentations begin at 7:25 a.m. and conclude at approximately 8:35 a.m.
WHERE: Park City Club
5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 75225
AND: Streaming live on Zoom.
For our in-person participants, your registration includes the two synopsis handouts and the Park City Club buffet breakfast.
For our remote participants, the synopsis handouts will be available to download, and the presentation will be streamed live on Zoom. No Zoom registration is required. Remote participation is free; those who would like to contribute are invited to send $15, or more, through PayPal at this link.
Zoom Information
Topic: First Friday Book Synopsis
Time: October 2, 2026 — 7:00 a.m. Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83033838140?pwd=pVPEWmzAlyjDrAyhMYTqDkJrWqtDbg.1
Meeting ID: 830 3383 8140
Passcode: 894787
In our 29th year — more than 680 books presented, and counting!
One participant called the First Friday Book Synopsis “the premier learning event in Dallas.”
Come to learn. Come to connect. Come away with ideas you can use.
I read the books. You get the insights.
Special thanks to High Profile for sponsoring our book giveaway each month in 2026.
Click on the buy synopses tab at the top of this page to purchase past synopses, including the audio recordings and comprehensive synopsis handouts.
