Reading List
Filter by topic
Building a StoryBrand
Donald Miller · Read: 2026-05
ProductLeadershipI learned that most marketing fails because it makes the company the hero instead of the customer. Miller's StoryBrand framework gave me a clear, repeatable way to clarify what we offer, what problem we solve, and what action we want people to take. It changed how I think about product messaging—simple, focused, and always centered on the person we're trying to help.
Your Brain's Not Broken
Tamara Rosier · Read: 2026-04
PhilosophyLeadershipThis book reframed how I think about ADHD—not as a broken brain, but as a different operating system with real strengths and predictable challenges. Rosier helped me recognize shame-driven patterns and replace them with curiosity and self-compassion. I came away with practical tools for managing overwhelm, emotional flooding, and the gap between intention and follow-through.
The Next Conversation
Jefferson Fisher · Read: 2026-03
LeadershipManagementFisher's approach to difficult conversations is calm, deliberate, and surprisingly disarming. I learned that how I open a conversation often determines whether it escalates or resolves. The book gave me language for staying grounded under pressure, setting boundaries without aggression, and making the other person feel heard even when we disagree.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves · Read: 2026-02
LeadershipPhilosophyWhere Goleman's book gave me the theory, this one gave me the practice. I worked through specific strategies for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—and could actually measure progress along the way. It reinforced that emotional intelligence is a skill set I can deliberately build, not a fixed trait.
Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman · Read: 2026-01
LeadershipPhilosophyGoleman made the case that EQ matters as much as IQ for leadership and life outcomes, and he backed it up with neuroscience and compelling stories. I learned how emotions drive decision-making beneath the surface of rational thought, and why self-awareness is the foundation everything else builds on. It gave me a vocabulary for patterns I'd felt but couldn't name.
It Begins with You
Jillian Turecki · Read: 2025-12
PhilosophyLeadershipTurecki argues that the quality of our relationships is a direct reflection of the relationship we have with ourselves—and I found that uncomfortably true. I learned how attachment patterns, emotional regulation, and unmet needs show up in conflict long before the actual argument starts. The book pushed me to do my own inner work instead of trying to fix or manage the other person.
The ADHD Effect on Marriage
Melissa Orlov · Read: 2025-11
PhilosophyLeadershipOrlov explains how ADHD symptoms and non-ADHD responses create predictable, painful cycles in relationships—and how both partners unknowingly reinforce them. I learned to separate the symptom from the intent, and to build systems and agreements instead of relying on willpower or resentment. It reframed chronic frustration as a dynamic that can be understood and changed.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
John C. Maxwell · Read: 2025-10
LeadershipMaxwell distills decades of leadership observation into clear, memorable principles—from influence and trust to timing and legacy. I appreciated that the laws build on each other rather than standing alone. The book gave me a useful lens for evaluating my own growth areas and recognizing what strong leaders do consistently, not just in crisis moments.
Crazy Love
Francis Chan · Read: 2025-09
PhilosophyLeadershipChan challenges comfortable, consumer-version faith and calls for a radical, sacrificial love that actually costs something. I was convicted by the gap between what I say I believe and how I live day to day. The book reminded me that love is a verb—measured in action, generosity, and willingness to go beyond what's safe or convenient.
Atomic Habits
James Clear · Read: 2025-08
PhilosophyLeadershipClear's central insight—that small, consistent changes compound into remarkable results—landed because he explains the mechanics, not just the motivation. I learned to design my environment, stack habits, and focus on identity ('becoming the kind of person who...') rather than outcomes alone. It's the most actionable habits book I've read.
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber · Read: 2025-07
ManagementOrganizationalGerber's distinction between working in the business and working on the business was a wake-up call. I learned that passion for the craft isn't enough—you need systems, processes, and a franchise mindset even if you never plan to franchise. The book helped me see where I was confusing busyness with progress and technician work with leadership.
Smarter Faster Better
Charles Duhigg · Read: 2025-06
OrganizationalLeadershipDuhigg explores productivity through eight key concepts—motivation, teams, focus, goal setting, managing others, decision making, innovation, and absorbing data. I found the stories about how teams build psychological safety and how motivation works from the inside out especially useful. It complemented The Power of Habit by applying similar thinking to organizations and complex work.
Dare to Lead
Brene Brown · Read: 2025-05
LeadershipPhilosophyBrown defines a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes—and has the courage to develop that potential. I learned practical tools for rumbling with vulnerability, living into my values, and building trust through accountability rather than armor. It connected the personal work from her earlier books directly to how I show up as a leader.
Wild at Heart
John Eldredge · Read: 2025-04
PhilosophyLeadershipEldredge explores the idea that men are made for adventure, battle, and beauty—and that suppressing those desires leaves us numb and disconnected. I appreciated the honesty about wounds, fatherhood, and the longing for something larger than comfort and approval. The book challenged me to stop apologizing for depth and desire, and to pursue a more wholehearted life.
Anxious for Nothing
Max Lucado · Read: 2025-03
PhilosophyLeadershipLucado offers a gentle but direct antidote to chronic worry—anchoring in prayer, gratitude, and the discipline of redirecting anxious thoughts. I learned that peace isn't the absence of trouble but the presence of perspective. The book gave me a simple, repeatable practice for when my mind races ahead of reality.
The Geek Way
Andrew McAfee · Read: 2025-02
OrganizationalPhilosophyThis book inspired me to embrace unconventional thinking and challenge the status quo, both in business and in life. I learned that building an organization with a strong, positive culture can be a force for good, and that being different is often a strength. The 'geek way' encourages curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to break from tradition.
The Lean Startup
Eric Ries · Read: 2024-04
ProductProduct ManagementOrganizationalI learned the value of building products iteratively and validating ideas early with real users. The book emphasizes the importance of learning from feedback, measuring progress, and being willing to pivot when necessary. It changed how I approach product development, focusing on outcomes and continuous improvement.
Creative Confidence
Tom Kelley and David Kelley · Read: 2023-10
DesignPhilosophyLeadershipThis book helped me realize that creativity is a skill anyone can develop, not just a talent for a select few. I learned practical ways to build confidence in my design decisions and to approach problems with a designer's mindset. It also deepened my empathy for designers and encouraged me to collaborate more effectively across disciplines.
Daring Greatly
Brene Brown · Read: 2023-10
PhilosophyLeadershipI learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of strength and connection. The book taught me that being open about struggles and uncertainties can foster trust and authenticity, both in leadership and personal relationships. It encouraged me to lead with courage and empathy.
The Gift of Imperfection
Brene Brown · Read: 2023-09
PhilosophyLeadershipThis book helped me accept that perfection is unattainable and that embracing my imperfections leads to growth and resilience. I learned that making mistakes is part of the journey, and that leading with authenticity and vulnerability can be a true superpower.
The 6 Types of Working Genius
Patrick Lencioni · Read: 2023-06
OrganizationalManagementI discovered a practical framework for understanding team dynamics and individual strengths. The book helped me identify my own working genius and appreciate the diverse talents within my team. It sparked valuable conversations about how we can better support each other and maximize our collective potential.
Thinking in Systems
Donella H. Meadows · Read: 2023-05
Systems ThinkingPhilosophyOrganizationalThis book introduced me to the fundamentals of systems thinking. I learned to recognize feedback loops, leverage points, and the interconnectedness of complex systems—skills that apply to both software and organizations. It changed how I approach problem-solving and design.
Turn the Ship Around
L. David Marquet · Read: 2023-04
LeadershipOrganizationalManagementI learned that great leadership is about empowering others, not controlling them. The book's 'leader-leader' model showed me the value of giving people ownership and responsibility, fostering a culture of trust and continuous learning. It challenged my assumptions about authority and management.
Switch
Chip and Dan Heath · Read: 2023-03
OrganizationalLeadershipPhilosophyThis book taught me how to lead and manage change by appealing to both rational and emotional sides. The metaphor of the rider and the elephant helped me understand why change is hard and how to make it easier for myself and others. I learned practical strategies for motivating change in teams and organizations.
Never Split the Difference
Chris Voss · Read: 2023-03
LeadershipManagementI gained valuable negotiation skills from this book, especially the importance of active listening and empathy. Chris Voss's real-world stories made the techniques memorable. I now approach difficult conversations with more confidence and a focus on understanding the other person's perspective.
Lean UX
Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden · Read: 2023-02
DesignProductProduct ManagementI learned how to integrate user feedback into the design process and focus on outcomes rather than outputs. The book reinforced the importance of collaboration and experimentation in building products. I also picked up practical tips for organizing teams around shared goals.
Creativity, Inc.
Ed Catmull · Read: 2023-01
OrganizationalLeadershipDesignThe story of Pixar taught me about the power of creative culture and the importance of embracing failure as part of innovation. I learned that a strong vision, open communication, and trust are essential for building successful teams and organizations.
Start with Why
Simon Sinek · Read: 2022-12
LeadershipPhilosophyThis book emphasized the importance of purpose in leadership and business. I learned that starting with 'why'—the deeper reason behind what we do—can inspire others and drive meaningful action. It encouraged me to clarify my own motivations and communicate them clearly.
Everybody, Always
Bob Goff · Read: 2022-09
PhilosophyLeadershipI learned about the power of unconditional love and kindness. The book encouraged me to be more open, generous, and accepting of others, regardless of their background or beliefs. It reinforced the idea that leadership is about serving and uplifting those around us.
The Power of Full Engagement
Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz · Read: 2022-07
PhilosophyLeadershipThis book taught me that managing energy—not just time—is key to high performance and well-being. I learned practical strategies for balancing work and rest, building positive habits, and sustaining motivation over the long term.
An Elegant Puzzle: Systems of Engineering Management
Will Larson · Read: 2022-06
Engineering ManagementSystems ThinkingOrganizationalI gained insights into the complexities of engineering management, from team structure to scaling organizations. The book provided practical frameworks for solving common challenges and helped me appreciate the value of systems thinking in leadership.
The Manager's Path
Camille Fournier · Read: 2022-02
Engineering ManagementEngineering LeadershipManagementThis book guided me through the different stages of a technical management career, from tech lead to CTO. I learned about the challenges and responsibilities at each level, and picked up actionable advice for mentoring, communication, and building effective teams.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Patrick Lencioni · Read: 2021-03
OrganizationalLeadershipManagementI learned to recognize and address the five key dysfunctions that can undermine teams: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. The book gave me practical tools for building healthier, more effective teams.
Radical Candor
Kim Scott · Read: 2020-06
LeadershipManagementThis book taught me how to give feedback that is both direct and caring. I learned the importance of challenging directly while showing personal care, and how this approach can build trust and drive better performance. It's a must-read for anyone in a leadership role.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie · Read: 2020-02
LeadershipPhilosophyA timeless guide to building strong relationships and influencing others positively. I learned practical techniques for effective communication, active listening, and making people feel valued—skills that are essential in both personal and professional life.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey · Read: 2019-04
PhilosophyLeadershipThis classic taught me the importance of personal responsibility, proactive behavior, and aligning actions with core values. The seven habits provide a framework for continuous self-improvement and effective leadership.
The Power of Habit
Charles Duhigg · Read: 2018-10
PhilosophyLeadershipI learned how habits are formed and how they can be changed. The concept of the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—helped me understand my own behaviors and gave me tools to build better habits in both my personal and professional life.
Purely Functional Data Structures
Chris Okasaki · Read: 2018-06
TechnicalFunctional ProgrammingA foundational book for anyone interested in functional programming. I learned about persistent data structures and how immutability can lead to elegant and efficient solutions. The book inspired me to implement these concepts in Haskell and PureScript.
Clean Architecture
Robert C. Martin · Read: 2017-09
TechnicalSoftware CraftsmanshipPhilosophyThis book reinforced the importance of designing software with clear boundaries and separation of concerns. I learned principles for building maintainable, flexible systems, and the value of keeping codebase architecture independent of frameworks and details.
Chess Not Checkers
Mark Miller · Read: 2017-03
OrganizationalLeadershipThis book used a fictional story to illustrate key leadership lessons. I learned that leading an organization requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and a focus on developing people. The narrative made the concepts memorable and easy to apply.