Our Top Summer Reads

Summer is the perfect time to be inspired by a new book or revisit an old favourite

Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

In 1962, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father and created a company with a simple mission: import highquality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the boot of his car, Knight grossed $8,000 in his first year. Today, Nike’s annual sales top $30 billion. A memoir rich with insight, humour and hard-won wisdom, this book is also studded with lessons – about building something from scratch, overcoming adversity, and ultimately leaving your mark on the world.

What They Don’t Teach You At Harvard Business School

Mark H. McCormack

This international bestseller fills the gap between a business school education and the knowledge that comes from the day-to-day experience of running a successful business and managing people. Straightforward and engaging, McCormack (known as ‘the most powerful man  in sport’ after founding IMG) shares practical business skills, technique and wisdom from his years as a top international businessman.

Becoming – Michelle Obama

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the  most iconic and compelling women of our era.  As First Lady of the United States of America –  the first African-American to serve in that role – she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full  story as she has lived it.

Loonshots – Safi Bahcall

Big breakthroughs require two things. First,  an idea so bold and crazy, it is widely dismissed. Second, a big group of people who can transform that idea from impossible to inevitable. The success of that process depends on “phase transitions”:  the scientific principle whereby small changes  in structure (comparable to changes in  temperature that cause water to freeze or  become liquid) make people more or less open  to disruptive thinking. Bahcall, a physicist and entrepreneur, explains how to optimise organisations so they don’t suffocate  their most disruptive employees.

Tribe Of Mentors – Timothy Ferriss

When facing life’s questions, who do you turn  to for advice? Four-time bestselling author and podcast giant Tim Ferriss has tracked down more than 100 eclectic mentors to help him, and you, navigate through life. Through short, action- packed profiles, he shares their secrets for  success, happiness and meaning. No matter  the challenge or opportunity, this book  will give you something.

Dare To Lead – Brené Brown

Leadership is not about titles, status and  power over people. Leaders are people who hold themselves accountable for recognising the potential in people and ideas, and developing that potential. This is a book for everyone who is ready to choose courage over comfort, make a difference and lead. When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have  the right answers; we stay curious and ask the  right questions. We don’t see power as finite  and hoard it; we know that power becomes  infinite when we share it and work to align  authority and accountability.

This article was originally featured in The Informer – July & August 2019. To read the full magazine please click here