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Patton's Picks: The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector
My growing interest in cognitive science — and how AI learning models reshape the way we think — made Annie Murphy Paul’s The Extended Mind an especially compelling read. Paul argues that our thinking isn’t confined to our brains; it extends into our environments, our movements, and our relationships. For nonprofit leaders responsible for complex decisions and creative problem-solving, her research-backed insights offer practical ways to improve clarity, judgment, and innovation.
Three reasons nonprofit leaders should read this book:
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Design environments that improve your thinking. Simple changes in space, posture, or sensory cues can sharpen focus and decision-making.
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Use movement to unlock better ideas. Walking meetings and embodied thinking boost creativity — perfect for leaders navigating tough challenges.
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Tap into collective intelligence. Paul shows how collaboration and shared reasoning expand your cognitive capacity beyond solo work.
Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, is the creator of the innovative PMA Mastermind Leadership Program, a unique offering designed to elevate nonprofit leaders through comprehensive training and peer collaboration. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and host of the weekly podcast with the same name, available here. Since founding PMA Nonprofit Leadership in 2009, Patton has strategically guided over 300 nonprofit organizations to achieve their fullest potential. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he serves as Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.
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