Welcome to “Leadership Insights: Books & Videos,” a curated collection designed for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. Here, you’ll find recommendations for powerful books and inspiring talks that delve into the principles of effective leadership, personal growth, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, these resources will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the challenges of today’s fast-paced world.
Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
‘Extreme Ownership’ brings a powerful message that true leadership involves taking complete responsibility for outcomes, fostering accountability, and empowering teams to succeed; although it sounds cliché, we often encounter leaders who do not apply this vital principle.
Key takeaways: take full responsibility, build trust, prioritize and execute, decentralized command.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A classic that outlines key habits for personal and professional effectiveness, focusing on principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity.
Key takeaways: Begin with the End in Mind, Be Proactive, prioritization based on importance, think win-win, Continuous Improvement.
Before & Laughter: A Life-Changing Book by Jimmy Carr
A very good surprise. Although it’s funny and it was written by a comedian, this is not a comedy book. Jimmy Carr shares his experiences and insights into life, success, and happiness. Carr discusses his journey from struggling with personal challenges to achieving success in his career, offering a candid look at his life and the lessons he learned along the way. Key takeaways: Resilience and Adaptability, Humor as a tool, Authenticity, Continuous Growth.
The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
A must-read if you work in the eCommerce business. Chris Anderson examines how the internet has reshaped commerce by enabling niche markets to thrive alongside mainstream products. He emphasizes that businesses can succeed by focusing on diverse consumer preferences rather than just bestsellers. Key takeaways: adaptation is key, niche market opportunities, shift from blockbusters, data-driven insights.
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
A classic in political theory that has been widely referenced in discussions about leadership and power. While it may seem cliché to some, especially in modern leadership discourse, it still holds significant relevance. The concepts of pragmatic decision-making, the nature of power, and the importance of adaptability in leadership can provide valuable insights for contemporary leaders. Key takeaways: Adaptability is Crucial, Understand Human Nature, The Ends Justify the Means
12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson
Peterson offers practical principles for living a meaningful life amidst chaos. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and personal anecdotes, he provides insights that encourage readers to take responsibility for their lives and confront the complexities of existence. Each rule serves as a guideline to help navigate challenges, promote personal growth, and foster resilience in an unpredictable world. Key takeaways: Self-Care, Value Honesty, Listen actively, Embrace Risk, Find Joy in Small Moments, Focus on Self-Improvement
Good to Great by Jim Collins
In this book, Jim Collins explores how mediocre companies can become great by adopting certain principles, emphasizing leadership, disciplined people, and a culture of excellence.
Key takeaways: First who then what, culture of discipline, technology accelerators, confront the brutal facts
“The Future of Work: How AI Will Impact Leadership” by Josh Bersin This presentation discusses the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI, which is relevant given your interest in technology and leadership.
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown In this talk, Brown discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership and its role in building authentic connections. Her approach complements the ideas in “Extreme Ownership” about accountability and team dynamics.
Clayton Christensen: How Will You Measure Your Life? Clayton Christensen shares profound insights on how to find purpose in life and work, making it relevant for leaders.
IT Leader with nearly 20 years of experience in digital transformation, eCommerce, IT governance, and project management. I specialize in aligning technology with business goals to create impactful solutions across industries
