By Patrice Gaines, Special for USA TODAY
November 2, 2009

Jacqueline Neal joined Glory Foods, a producer of Southern-style food, in 2007. She has more than a decade of management experience, and an expertise in taking consumer attitudes and developing marketing strategies and business plans. She's worked with Fortune 100 companies such as M&M/Mars, Quaker Oats, Heinz, Nabisco and Kraft and with a variety of popular brands, including M&M's, Cycle Dog Food and Planters.

Her three favorite books
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell, Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. "I love these books because Gladwell and Godin challenge me to look at my business from an outsider's perspective. I strive to keep our consumers 'top of mind' as I make short-term and long-term decisions for Glory Foods, and by considering the basic premises of these two books, our leadership team is prompted to ask the hard questions that make our company stronger. Invisible Man is also one of my favorites because it's such a classic and an excellently written story about race, humanity and identity in America."

A favorite genre
"While I really love a good non-fiction book, I prefer books that provide information I can immediately apply. The Tipping Point served as the basis for rallying our organization around looking for the ways to 'tip' our brand and generate mass appeal."

Books that have helped most in her career
Secrets of a CEO Coach: Your Personal Training Guide to Thinking Like a Leader and Acting Like a CEO by D.A. Benton, The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni and You're in Charge — Now What? The 8 Point Plan by Thomas Neff and James Citrin. "I'm constantly challenging myself as a leader in terms of approaching people, problems, opportunities and processes, because I think this is important. These books have definitely helped shape me as a leader."

Last book given as a gift
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin. "I enjoyed this book so much that I bought copies for the entire company! Godin discusses breaking through to the mainstream by first targeting a niche instead of a huge market."
Last book received as a gift
The Leadership Bible by Sid Buzzell, Kenneth Boa and Bill Perkins. "It has proven to be an invaluable resource because it helps with personal development, skills and relationships by following Biblical leadership principles."

When she reads
"Whenever I can find the time. Usually when I'm at my desk, on a plane or while eating dinner."

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