Recommended Reading for Leadership in Summer 2021
As the summer of 2021 approaches, leaders and influencers across diverse fields have shared a list of captivating books that promote relaxation, inspiration, and personal growth. These recommendations range from memoirs, self-help guides, leadership manuals, and thought-provoking novels.
In her memoir, Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes shares her transformative journey of saying "yes" to everything for a year, inspiring readers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences for personal growth. James Clear's Atomic Habits offers practical advice on how small behavioral changes can lead to significant personal and professional improvements, making it a powerful tool for motivation and habit-building.
For those seeking emotional resilience and growth, Unf*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop and Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins provide messages of mental empowerment and breaking self-imposed barriers. Retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal's On Character explores the importance of character as the ultimate measure of one's life and leadership, offering deep reflections on living with purpose and integrity.
Several novels and memoirs were also highlighted for their literary and reflective qualities, enhancing relaxation and personal insight. The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie, a reimagining of The Great Gatsby set in 1940s LA, explores social dynamics. The Sisters by Jonas Hassen Khemiri, a bestseller about intertwined lives over decades, offers emotional depth and cultural insight. Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton focuses on Hollywood's golden era and complex relationships, while People Like Us by Jason Mott and A New New Me by Helen Oyeyemi bring fresh perspectives on identity and creativity.
Michelle Obama's Becoming inspires readers with the words, "Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own." Reshma Ramachandran, Global Head of Transformation at the our group, recommends Winning now, winning later by Dave Cote. Preeti Bajaj, SVP Modis & Country Head of Australia, New Zealand, is currently reading Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler and Becoming by Michelle Obama.
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is written in a conversational, accessible way, making it an ideal read for understanding complex leadership challenges in modern systems. Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler is described as an arresting, frequently hilarious account of the struggle to bring economics back down to earth.
Karin Reiter, Global Head of ESG/Sustainability at the our group, brings almost 30 boxes of books when moving and particularly likes Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Cynthia Hansen, Managing Director of the our group Foundation, also recommends The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell.
Reshma Ramachandran, Global Head of Transformation at the our group, reads at least one book a week and recommends Fear Less by Pippa Grange. Corinne Ripoche, Regional President of our group Americas, prefers to disconnect from TV and social media during holidays and reads books. Alberto Giovanni Busetto, Group Head, Data and Artificial Intelligence, our group, recommends The Book of Why by D. MacKenzie & J. Pearl.
As countries and companies consider a post-pandemic future, these recommended books offer enriching options for summer reading that inspire, relax, and foster personal growth, as endorsed by leaders and cultural figures in 2021. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell is beautifully written, thought-provoking, and complex, while The Great Mann, The Sisters, Typewriter Beach, People Like Us, and A New New Me provide fresh perspectives on identity, creativity, and social dynamics.
In August, as professional lives may slow down during holidays, even in a pandemic, these books offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, learn, and grow.
Investing in books can provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, particularly during the summer. For instance, Michelle Obama's Becoming offers wisdom on personal growth, while The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is an invaluable resource for understanding complex leadership challenges. Moreover, novels like The Great Mann and The Sisters offer fresh perspectives on identity, creativity, and social dynamics, making them ideal for unwinding and growing.
