By Adam Grant
This book is an essential (and enjoyable) read for people trying to develop their ideas. Although it does cover start-ups and growth, it is not all about Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs. The book is also strong on employees who demonstrate the vision and doggedness to overcome organisational inertia and get their personal great thinking changing companies from within. It’s got something for everyone.
By Prof Steve Peters
Excellent book on how the human mind works, how to conquer fears and imposter thoughts, not a business book but great way to understand psychology and behaviour. All important when running a business.
By Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman, helps you to understand what really goes on inside our heads and obviously that of others (which is a great tool). Gives insights into behavioural economics and this is valuable for anyone on a business.
By Jonah Berger
Like many, I am guilty of becoming bored reading anything non-fiction or educational with the risk of it being a bit “heavy”. The Catalyst managed to keep me reading, as it’s perfect for a curious mind. The book can be applied to any sector or level of responsibility and is not limited to just business owners or entrepreneurs. The Catalyst is about barriers to communication, more specifically change, looking at change from a more positive perspective than just persuading or pushing. If you are a young professional wanting to make a real change, this book offers a fresh way of thinking, and some excellent techniques to give you the confidence to spark a positive change.
By Osterwalder & Pigneur
A really accessible introduction to the classic business model canvas co-created by dozens of real business people who have actually used the tools; presented in a series of easily digestible sections with plenty of diagrams, cartoons, experiences and case studies. Assumes no prior knowledge, and there are loads of YouTube videos in support of it all.
By Richard Rumelt
An absolute must read if you are interested in creating a credible strategy for your business/organisation. This is one of the most recommended books about strategy by both academics and business leaders around the world. Based on the author’s decades of real world experience, the book contains many case studies and examples of what makes good and what makes bad. Sometimes it’s hard to read as it tends to highlight your own (historical) shortcomings and mistakes, but reflecting on what you could do better, and why, isn’t a bad approach to life!
By Simon Sinek
The book tackles finding your own “why”, as well as helping teams and organisations find theirs, although my recommendation primarily focuses on individual purpose discovery. This book is one of the few that attempts to develop and define a practical process for finding or creating life purpose. There is no shortcut to discovering your “why”. The more time you put into it, the more you get out of it. How much time it takes to hone your “why” is different for everyone. Finding the perfect words for your “why” could take weeks or months, but it will happen.
Generation Next members can register for the mentoring scheme through the members-only portal on our website. If you are interested in registering but are not a member of the network, get in touch with the team at gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk to sign up, where you will also have the opportunity to build a professional network through the Generation Next events and socials.
