No one could have predicted the months of uncertainty that lays ahead of the world as coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on the economy.
Perhaps one of the catastrophic circumstances for businesses since the end of WWII, there is no better time than now to bury your nose in a thought-provoking novel and find inspiration in other leader’s journeys.
Whether you flick the pages of Elon Musk’s mother Maye’s business journey or take some creativity from Amazon’s success, here are some of the best new reads to delve into this year when you just want to escape reality – at least for a little while.
Best business books for 2020
- #MeToo in the Corporate World: Power, Privilege, and the Path Forward
by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Blending vivid stories with powerful new data, the economist and award-winning author delves into the impact of the #MeToo movement in corporate US.
- A Woman Makes a Plan
by Maye Musk
The inspiring mother of Elon Musk reveals what it was like raising three children as a single mother, escaping an abusive relationship, overcoming ageism in the modelling industry, becoming a supermodel in her 60s and establishing her business as a respected dietitian.
- The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success
by Maria Ross
The brand strategist, author and speaker shares how empathy makes brands and organisations stronger and more successful through shaping leadership style, workplace culture and branding strategy.
- What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence
by Stephen Schwarzman
The New York Times’ Bestseller by Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman delves into what it takes to build, transform and leading thriving organisations.
- The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon
by Steve Anderson with Karen Anderson
If you want to find success, it’s worth taking a look at the growth principals used daily by Amazon.
- How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything So They Can Achieve Anything
by Erin Falconer
More than just an inspirational guide for overscheduled, overwhelmed women, the Pick The Brain co-owner explains how to do a lot less with real-life advice and honest stories from her tech startup career.
- Becoming
by Michelle Obama
The former first lady describes how she balanced work, family, the White House and her husband’s political ascent.
- Experimentation Works: The Surprising Power of Business Experiments
by Stefan H Thomke
A guidebook to a truly new way of thinking and innovating, the Harvard Business School professor guides you through the best practices in business experimentations to lead companies.
- Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual
by Jocko Willink
Dubbed as being the ultimate guide on leadership, this is a book every leader on any level needs – not just to understand the game but to play and win the game.
If you’ve had enough of books and Netflix, why not take a virtual tour of some of the world’s leading museums during the lockdown period.
Feature image: Michelle Obama Instagram
