Reading Nook

  1. YOU CAN NEGOTIATE ANYTHING: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. BY HERB COHEN. Looking to improve your negotiation skills? Start with this book. It’s easy to read and very comprehensible, full of anecdotes. Moreover, it makes you understand one very profound truth: negotiation is an everyday skill that everyone can improve, regardless of their background or experience.
  2. PURPLE COW: TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS BY BEING REMARKABLE. BY SETH GODIN. We can clearly see why it is regarded as a classic in marketing literature. The book emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace, where traditional marketing strategies don’t work anymore. Companies must strive to be extraordinary and remarkable to succeed. Instead of focusing on mass marketing and appealing to the broadest audiences, Seth emphasizes the importance of reaching out to early adopters (“sneezers”). It’s a lot of fun to read, with many case studies.
  3. THE WAR OF ART: BREAK THROUGH THE BLOCKS AND WIN YOUR INNER CREATIVE BATTLES. BY STEPHEN PRESSFIELD. One of the most fundamental books for the modern individual. We are all creatives, yet many of us have squandered much of our potential due to Resistance. Don’t let this force hold you back any longer—read this book. It will help you overcome the internal battles that arise when pursuing your artistic or professional goals.
  4. INFLUENCE: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSUASION. BY ROBERT CIALDINI. This book needs no introduction to those in the know. It’s a classic in psychology and marketing, endorsed by Charlie Munger himself. For anyone involved in marketing—especially advertising, promotion, and sales—it’s a must-read. Even if you’re not in these fields, it’s still engaging and fascinating, and will undoubtedly enhance your everyday communication. We can’t recommend it enough.
  5. CREATIVE SELECTION: INSIDE APPLE’S DESIGN PROCESS DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF STEVE JOBS. BY KEN KOCIENDA. It’s both a memoir and a valuable resource for those interested in design, technology, innovation, and the management of organizations in these fields. The author, who worked on products like the iPhone, iPad, and Safari browser, provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on how these groundbreaking products were created. But the most important aspect of the book is that it reveals the philosophy behind Apple’s design and its creative process.
  6. INVISIBLE INFLUENCE: THE HIDDEN FORCES THAT SHAPE BEHAVIOR. BY JONAH BERGER. Another book by an author already on this list, Invisible Influence is a useful, entertaining, and educational read—even if you’re not into marketing. The main thesis of the book is that much of what we believe to be individual choices are actually shaped by the people around us through processes like imitation and differentiation, social proof, influence in consumer choices, and unconscious influence.
  7. ARNOLD: THE EDUCATION OF A BODYBUILDER. BY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Such an inspiring book! You don’t need to be an aspiring bodybuilder to benefit from reading it. Its value lies in the insight it provides into Arnold’s tremendous journey from a small town in Austria to becoming a global bodybuilding champion and movie star. Arnold explains how he set ambitious goals and worked relentlessly to achieve them. The next time you ask yourself, if you truly gave everything you had to get where you want to be.
  8. BORN STANDING UP. BY STEVE MARTIN. It is definitely one of those autobiographies worth reading and learning from. The book is both funny and moving, blending humor with reflection. It delves into Steve Martin’s early years as a performer and how he honed his craft through years of trial and error. Martin reflects on his unique style of comedy, which was often absurdist and surreal. In addition, he touches on his family life, especially his complicated relationship with his father.
  9. LINCHPIN: ARE YOU INDISPENSABLE? BY SETH GODIN. This book is a manifesto for anyone looking to redefine their approach to work, striving to move beyond being cogs in a machine and instead discovering their inner artist by bringing unique creativity, problem-solving skills, and personal commitment to their roles.
  10. HOW TO MAKE A FEW BILLION DOLLARS. BY BRAD JACOBS. It’s a sort of memoir on running multiple businesses and scaling them successfully. Jacobs emphasizes cultivating resilience, spotting trends, and leveraging strategic acquisitions. The book focuses on mental frameworks and leadership qualities essential for wealth-building, including risk-taking, ethical leadership, and building high-impact teams.