Bringing a fascinating new perspective to personal branding and the contribution of individuals, too, is Adam Grant. Grant is the youngest full professor at the Wharton School and has been recognized as Wharton’s single-highest-rated teacher, and one of Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite social science writers. Before taking up a career in academia, Grant was the advertising director at Let’s Go Publications, an All-American springboard diver, and a professional magician.

In his best-selling book Give and Take, he examines how being generous with our time and expertise impacts on our personal success. Grant . . .