Explore the books that have influenced our company and us personally on this page. We’re constantly discovering new reads that help us learn and evolve, so this section is regularly updated. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below – we’re always open to recommendations!
- CREATIVITY, INC. OVERCOMING THE UNSEEN FORCES THAT STAND IN THE WAY OF TRUE INSPIRATION. BY ED CATMULL WITH AMY WALLACE. Undoubtedly, ‘Creativity, Inc.’ stands as one of the best books on creating a culture where creativity can thrive, even within a large organization. It emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate an environment where people feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and learn from failure.
- THE BORON LETTERS. BY GARY C. HALBERT. It is an essential read for marketers. It’s concise, straightforward, and devoid of fluff, making it incredibly easy to digest. Plus, there is the invaluable commentary from the author’s son, providing additional depth and perspective to the wisdom shared within.
- CONFESSIONS OF AN ADVERTISING MAN. BY DAVID OGILVY. This book is like a trusted mentor for anyone in advertising or marketing. Despite its age, it’s brimming with timeless wisdom. Ogilvy’s writing style is so engaging that immersing yourself in his books feels like a personal journey to becoming a better writer.
- HELL YEAH OR NO: WHAT’S WORTH DOING. BY DEREK SIVERS. One of our favorite writers, more books of his can be found down the list. It’s like having a chat with a wise friend who’s got your back. In this book, he shares down-to-earth tips on how to simplify life, get clear on what really matters, and kick distractions to the curb. It’s all about living life on your terms, authentically and intentionally.
- THE CHECKLIST MANIFESTO: HOW TO GET THINGS RIGHT. BY ATUL GAWANDE. As some of us are big fans of aviation, we are familiar with the concept of checklists and how crucial they are for the safety of everyone involved in flights. This book has opened quite a new perspective on the use of checklists in many fields, including creativity, promotion, and management. It has had such a profound impact on our organizational culture that we can’t recommend it enough. Regardless, it’s just an interesting read, feeding you many fascinating facts.
- ZERO TO ONE. BY PETER THIEL. Such a thought-provoking book! It challenges conventional wisdom and beliefs on creating a valuable and successful business by advocating for truly unique and valuable ideas, rather than simply copying existing ones or competing in crowded markets.
- FINDING THE NEXT STEVE JOBS: HOW TO FIND, KEEP, AND NURTURE TALENT. BY NOLAN BUSHNELL. This one is very easy to read and it’s quite entertaining too. The author shares insights on how to attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent in a creative organization. In a way, it is a lighter version of Ed Catmull’s book ‘Creativity, Inc’.
- THIRTY SECONDS. BY MICHAEL J. ARLEN. Even though this book was published more than 40 years ago, it is still well worth reading. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the advertising industry during the ’80s, exploring the dynamics between ad executives, creative professionals, and clients. Plus, it makes you appreciate all the technical advances we’ve had in the past few decades.
- THE 38 LETTERS FROM J.D. ROCKEFELLER TO HIS SON: PERSPECTIVE, IDEOLOGY, AND WISDOM. BY G.NG. Such a great book. It’s worth rereading every six months or so and using it as a compass or a tuning fork in your entrepreneurial adventure and your approach to life in general. The letters cover a wide range of topics, including business strategy, financial management, philanthropy, ethics, and family relationships.
- ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT. BY STEPHEN KING. How can this book not be valuable to anyone in the creative industry, especially at the beginning of their path? It is a unique blend of autobiography and writing advice, full of personal anecdotes and insights, discussing the author’s early experiences with writing and the challenges he faced.