You know what they say about big books? Big brains. Pedestrian Jobs have got your business beach reads sorted for the (almost) long weekend. Plus, we’re sharing the <3 this week by giving you a free promo for your next job ad, valued at up to $149.
Simply email jobs@pedestriangroup.com.au after posting your job ad with the subject line ‘Free promo please’ to claim. Offer ends COB Friday 27th Jan.
Clutching onto those holiday feels? Yup, same. We’re dragging our butts to the beach every weekend, book in hand, trying to keep the summer vibes alive.
And while we’re all about catching up on those must-read novels of 2016 that sat next to our bed collecting literally a year’s worth of dust, we’re also keen to get ahead while we can. Which is where these books come in – the business/borderline self-help (let’s just say ~personal development~ and call it a day) titles that are on our to-read list for 2017.
Books: sometimes better than people.
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
The latest from the author of such wonder-tomes as The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body and The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans is a productivity bible, containing the tactics, routines and habits of a bunch of insanely talented/generally ridiculous people, from celebs to scientists to athletes. I’m esepsh keen to read this one as it’s based on interviews Ferriss has done for his podcast over the past two years, which I have attempted to listen to but failed, as Ferriss’ speedy talking makes me feel jumpy af.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move The World by Adam M. Grant
There’s nothing like a light-bulb moment, and that’s what Grant’s new book is all about: the original ideas that challenge the norm and provide a fresh way of doing, being and thinking. According to good ol’ Goodreads:
“Grant explores how to recognise a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.”
Yes, teach us all of the above, pls.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Need a kick up the butt to start that insanely successful global business you’ve got up your sleeve? Enter Phil Knight: co-founder of a lil brand called Nike. His memoir follows the early days of the business, from distributing sneakers from Japan up until 1980. Read it for the history, yes, but more for the insight into Knight and his personal journey from a 24 year-old “virgin with an MBA and a year in the army, but no practical idea of what he wanted to do as a career” (Wall Street Journal) to the 24th richest person in the world.
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
A book about rest, to read while resting? Meta-tastic. We know how good rest feels, but Pang shows us how good rest actually is: for productivity, creativity and general wellbeing/fulfilment. Sleep advocate Arianna Huffington reviewed it for The New York Times and said:
“If work is our national religion, Pang is the philosopher reintegrating our bifurcated selves. As he adeptly shows, not only are work and rest not in opposition, they’re inextricably bound, each enhancing the other.”
Hatching Twitter by Nick Bilton
Another business bio, the zero-to-$11.5 billion tale of Twitter is equal parts juicy (read: betrayal, power plays etc.) and impressive (read: that $11.5 billion). The New York Times writer Bilton goes BTS to follow the four founders on their journey and dives deep to give the low-down on one of the most influential media biz’s of our time. The book broke ground when it was released in 2013, shedding light on the previously unknown story of the company, and remains a riveting, pacey read that we can’t wait to rip in to.
Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business by John E. Mackey & Rajendra S.Sisodia.
Conscious capitalism is so on our radar, not to mention a major source of #inspo when it comes to managing people. This book by Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey explains how business and capitalism can work for the greater good, following the four pillars of higher purpose, stakeholder integration, conscious leadership, and conscious culture and management. Sophia Amoruso of #GirlBoss / Nasty Gal fame told Goodreads of the book:
“I want to meet John Mackey. I have so much respect for what he’s built at Whole Foods. His story is an inspiring one, and I’m in total agreement that capitalism, when done right, can make things better for everyone involved.”
Good enough for the OG GirlBoss = good enough for us.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
When it comes to creativity in business, we’ll take lessons from Pixar Animations Studio co-founder Ed Catmull any day. This book follows Catmull from Ph.D student ~with a dream~ to ground-breaking, animation-changing guy ~making dreams come true~ (Toy Story anyone? FINDING NEMO, ANYONE?). He’s got some gems in here, for managers and creative peeps, that will change the way you think about communication, leadership, the creative process, feedback, transparency and more.
Read ’em and weep.
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Photo: Chatter Busy
