I am an avid reader and thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorites with you. I’ll try to keep the list short and sweet, with one or two additions every month as I stumble across something worthy of sharing. Updated January 2023.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Midnight Library - Matt Haig

Boldly Go: Reflection of a Life of Awe and Wonder - William Shatner

Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self Control - Ryan Holiday

Leadership

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni - If you’re a new leader, this is one of two books I consider a “must read”. This is all of the dos and donts of running a team in one well written, easy to read book.

The Adventures of an IT Leader - Robert D Austin - If you’re a new leader, or interested in stepping into a leadership role, this is the other “must read”. This is a great example of how to step into a new leadership role and find a path to success.

True North - Bill George - This book continues to be updated over the years with new interviews of industry leaders on what keeps them focused on being their most authentic selves. A great opportunity to get into the heads of what makes some of today’s industry giants tick.

The Starfish and the Spider - Ori Brafman - Nothing challenges your preconception of leadership like being confronted with the idea that more management isn’t always better.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Originals - Adam Grant - There is a moment in every Adam Grant book that hits you like a freight train and opens your mind to new things. This book has many of those moments.

The Lean Startup - Eric Ries - Interested in starting your own business, or want to run your current team more efficiently, start here.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho - If you’re looking for motivation to follow your dreams, or need a boost of motivation, I don’t think there is any better medicine than The Alchemist. I read this at least once a year.

The Idea-Driven Organization - Alan G. Robinson - It’s important to remember that the best ideas rarely come top down and without a mechanism to capture them, you’re losing untold value from your team.

My Inner Nerd

Ready Player One - Ernest Cline - I have read this book more times than I care to admit and find it just as fun each time I do. A new vision for a technology fueled future, 80’s pop culture, and gaming references ranging from table top to PC, it truly has everything. If you’ve only seen the movie, do yourself a favor and ready the book.

Ready Player Two - Ernest Cline - While most sequels aren’t as good as the originals, and this novel follows that same pattern, it’s still a really fun read. Finish Ready Player One and then jump into Ready Player Two, it’s a nostalgia rocket of note!

The Martian - Andy Weir - Somehow Andy Weir made astrophysics, biology, and chemistry cool again. While the movie was great, the book is better.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry - Neil DeGrasse Tyson - If you’ve ever looked up into the night sky and wondered how it all happened, this is a good introduction. As a self described “space nerd” this is a gateway book into learning more about the universe and I can’t recommend it enough for that reason.