The year coming to an end marks a time for many to begin planning for the next.
To help you plan what to read in 2023, the Business Record asked a few members of the business community to share their book recommendations related to business or innovation.
Tej Dhawan, strategic initiatives officer, Principal Financial Group
“Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki.
A lot of people don’t know where to begin in their journey of entrepreneurship. Guy brings his lessons from the earliest days at Apple to present day in this book.
“The Innovators” by Walter Isaacson.
Studying those who defined technological innovation is a remarkable study in and of itself, but to learn about the humans behind the story is this book (and Walter’s) forte.
“The Code Breaker” by Walter Isaacson.
CRISPR might be our generation’s greatest hack, and the story of Jennifer Doudna’s persistence and passion is so well told here.
Dan Israel, managing director, Global Insurance Accelerator
“Orbiting the Giant Hairball” by Gordon MacKenzie.
I received this book from a good friend and colleague, and its message is both funny and meaningful. Almost anyone who has worked in a corporate environment can relate to the Giant Hairball, “that tangled, impenetrable mass of rules, and systems,” and its impact on creativity and innovation. This book is an easy read with some very important lessons to foster real creativity and innovation.
“Playing to Win” by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin.
This classic book on strategy provides its readers with a road map to install a strategic thought process in any business. It doesn’t just provide theory, but also provides the reader with ways to implement the process. In addition, I like this book because I can also use it as a reference for specific tactics without the need to fully immerse myself in it each time I pick it up.
Megan Brandt, director, Maple Studios
“Designing Your Work Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
This book breaks down the motivations and drivers of why people feel productive and valued at work. It is a wonderful book full of exercises for anyone looking for ways to be more fulfilled at their job and to discover what part of their job brings them the most joy.
“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss.
Everyone should know the basics of negotiations and how to negotiate fairly and confidently in everyday life and work situations. Add multiple stories of a real-life FBI hostage negotiator and his lessons, this book is interesting, highly educational and easy to consume.
“Up First” from National Public Radio.
NPR does a really nice job condensing three to five global news topics into a 15-ish-minute audio news segment that is easy to understand and keep up on global topics and issues. I like to start each day making coffee and listening to “Up First.”