Who is this blog for?
From aspiring entrepreneurs to IT and business leaders, this blog is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about leadership management, digital transformation, innovation, and business ecosystems.
In this blog, we list our most recommended books and podcasts that have stood out as valuable sources of knowledge for anyone on their leadership journey.
Read time: 5 minutes 30 seconds
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As a leader, the books, podcasts and videos you consume hold immense power to shape your thinking and ultimately, the success of your organisation. With this in mind, we embarked on a mission to create a remarkable ‘Leaders Library’ – a go-to resource for IT and business leaders, bringing together our recommendations that will ignite your inspiration. Welcome to the Leaders Library: our handpicked collection of must-reads brimming with invaluable insights into the leadership essentials.
Read on to find which titles made our list!
The first book on our list is ‘Rewired’. Written by McKinsey consultants and authors Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, and Rodney Zemmel, this book is packed with hard-won lessons from their experiences helping companies succeed in the digital age.
Drawing on the analysis of 200 large-scale transformations, ‘Rewired’ offers a comprehensive playbook for driving continuous innovation across your organisation. But it’s not just about technology – it’s about the interplay between technology and human creativity.
Instead of viewing technology as a threat, the authors urge leaders to see it as a catalyst for human innovation and potential. They advocate for a strategic approach to technology, one that fosters a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, leading to organisational success.
From crafting a clear vision for digital transformation to building the necessary capabilities to bring that vision to life, ‘Rewired’ provides practical advice, best practices, and real-life case studies.
Next, we have ‘Power to the Middle’, a captivating read that unveils a transformative approach to organisational management. This book shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the corporate world: mid-level leaders. They possess an untapped potential to drive change and elevate business performance. Positioned at the heart of decision-making and execution, these leaders bridge the gap between high-level strategies and frontline workers.
‘Power to the Middle’ serves as a manifesto, urging companies to recognise and harness this powerhouse within their hierarchy. Through compelling research and gripping stories, this book unveils a new model for hiring, training, and rewarding middle managers. Leaders seeking to optimise their organisational structure won’t want to miss this must-read!
Our third pick is ‘CEO Excellence’. This captivating guide takes you on a journey through the minds of successful leaders, uncovering the key traits that set them apart. Delving into the decision-making processes, tackling complex business challenges, and exploring unique leadership styles, the authors draw from extensive experience and research to demystify the essence of successful leadership.
With a focus on six mindsets, this book explores the subtle nuances and offers actionable insights for aspiring leaders to cultivate these traits. Get ready to foster innovation, agility, and resilience in your teams and organisations. Gain an intimate look into the roles of top leaders and unlock the secrets of their success. This invaluable resource is a must-read for existing and aspiring CEOs alike.
‘The Titanium Economy’ is another gem that stands out on this book list, offering a fresh perspective on the economic shift ignited by digital disruption. Prepare to embark on a visionary journey that explores the profound impact of digital transformation on industries and economies. The authors paint a vivid picture of a future where digitally-driven principles shape the global economy, forging a mighty “Titanium Economy.” 
This remarkable paradigm embodies the qualities of flexibility, resilience, and strength, much like its namesake metal. Brace yourself as traditional business models are shattered, making way for innovative, digital-first strategies. With a clear roadmap, this book becomes an indispensable guide for businesses navigating the new ‘titanium’ age where digital transformation is not merely an option, but an absolute necessity.
Next is ‘Deliberate Calm’, a thought-provoking masterpiece that delves into the art of maintaining composure and clarity when faced with adversity. This captivating book offers a profound analysis of the vital role calmness plays in leadership, especially during turbulent times.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences shared by leaders from diverse fields, it provides actionable strategies to cultivate and harness the power of calmness in decision-making. Remember, deliberate calm is not just a personality trait; it’s a skill that can be cultivated, honed, and effectively deployed in challenging business and IT landscapes. Don’t miss out on this enlightening read that will enrich your leadership skills and empower you to navigate adversity with ease.
Another book on our list is ‘The Ecosystem Economy’ which offers a fresh perspective on business growth in the modern world. It introduces the concept of businesses functioning as interconnected, collaborative, and symbiotic ecosystems. This thought-provoking book proposes a new approach to sustainable competitive advantage, where businesses no longer operate in isolation. Instead, they thrive within interconnected networks, fostering collaboration, co-creation, and mutual growth.
Through captivating case studies and insightful analysis, the authors reveal how successful organisations harness ecosystem dynamics to drive innovation, cultivate customer loyalty, and secure their position in an ever-evolving marketplace. Prepare to be inspired as this book challenges leaders to embrace a broader, systemic perspective of their organisations.
An older gem on our list, but one that continues to captivate readers time and time again, is ‘Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams’. This insightful masterpiece, written by Timothy Lister and Tom DeMarco, delves into the social side of software development, specifically the art of managing project teams. It has long held its status as a classic in the field, and for good reason.
This classic book emphasises the human aspect of software development, highlighting the importance of collaboration within the team. They provide a number of practical insights and recommendations for creating and managing high-performing software teams.
This literary treasure brims with invaluable advice, tailor-made for software development teams of all sizes. While Peopleware may bear the mark of a classic, first published in 1987, its relevance remains unwavering in the present day. It is an absolute must-read for those seeking to deepen their understanding of how to forge and guide exceptional software teams.
Finally, the last book on our list is ‘The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life’ by Alice Schroeder which takes you on an incredible journey into the life of Warren Buffett, an investment legend. Published in 2008, this captivating biography delves into Buffett’s humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, and his remarkable ascent as a value investor.
Schroeder skilfully weaves together stories of Buffett’s personal life, offering a glimpse into his relationships with family and friends. With its engaging narrative and insightful perspective, “The Snowball” is a must-read for anyone fascinated by investing, business, or the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most successful individuals.
And if you’re not much of a reader but rather looking for another podcast to add to your list, three worth looking into are ‘Beautiful Misfits’, ‘A Bit of Optimism’ and ‘Culture First’.
‘Beautiful Misfits’, a captivating business podcast hosted by Mary Portas, explores the journeys of innovative entrepreneurs and visionary business leaders who dare to challenge the status quo, shaping a future that is both better and more beautiful. Through in-depth conversations with guests from diverse industries like fashion, food, technology, and social enterprise, Mary skilfully draws out their unique insights and perspectives.
‘A Bit of Optimism’, hosted by Simon Sinek, is a podcast that offers inspiring and insightful conversations with a wide range of guests from various fields. Simon Sinek shares stories and ideas that help individuals and organisations foster a positive mindset and achieve their full potential.
And lastly, the ‘Culture First’ podcast by Damon Klotz is another valuable resource. This podcast delves into the world of organisational culture, exploring how it impacts employee engagement, productivity, and overall business success. Damon Klotz engages in meaningful conversations with experts and thought leaders to provide practical insights and strategies for building a strong and thriving culture within organisations.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur seeking inspiration, a seasoned business leader hungry for guidance, or interested in understanding the importance of organisational culture, these podcasts are must-listens for staying up-to-date with the latest trends in the business world.
In conclusion, these recommendations offer valuable insights into the complex world of business leadership and management. They combine established principles with fresh perspectives, providing tools and ideas to help you navigate the ever-changing business landscape. If you’re looking for resources to help your leadership skills to be boosted, these titles are definitely worth exploring.
