Switch provides stunning clarity, detail, and insight on a topic we all struggle with at times: how to make big changes. By dividing the mind into an emotional-led side “elephant” and rational-led side “rider”, Chip and Dan effectively describe how sound analysis and planning (the rider) can easily be overpowered by emotional resistance (the elephant).…
[Book 6] Build by Tony Fadell
Build is a phenomenal guide to creating an optimal culture and process to build word class products. Tony led the product development of the iPod and iPhone before founding the company that created the Nest Learning Thermostat but his advice is applicable to established companies and startups alike. He paints a vivid picture of how…
[Book 5] Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Stumbling on Happiness brilliantly dissects our mind‘s inner workings with respect to remembering the past and predicting the future. Daniel convinced me that I experience numerous cognitive illusions – manifestations of thoughts that distort my perception of the past and present. He makes a compelling argument that a significant portion of our emotions and feelings…
[Book 4] Principles by Ray Dalio
Principles describes a foundational approach to continually learning as an adult by embracing helpful signals (such as pain and discomfort) that typically hinder us. While investment titans are often characterized as smug egomaniacs, Ray portrays the opposite, emphasizing the key to his success as routinely seeking others to teach him what is actually true rather…
[4] All Green Lights – How late night cab rides emulate the optimal customer experience
I recently discovered a business-applicable secret during my time living in Manhattan and staying out way too late: the cab ride home experience. Ride up or down a long avenue deep in the night and you’ll experience the optimal timing of traffic lights. Each light will turn green as you approach and you can often…
[Book 3] Range by David Epstein
Range convincingly explains how the integration of diverse topics is a capability in which humans uniquely excel and shows where we can use AI‘s strengths to complement. David provides invaluable guidance on formulating an approach to study a broad range of topics. He also delves into the various pathways for evergreen learning, underscoring how we…
[3] Shredding the Veil of Difficulty – How to overcome a prerequisite mindset
Growing up, I was always fascinated by people who could accomplish hard to replicate feats; as a 10 year old, solving a Rubik’s cube fell in this category. With the help of a library book (if only YouTube had existed back then!) I taught myself the solving algorithms which are still committed to memory. I’m…
[Book 2] Think Again by Adam Grant
Think Again identifies and remedies the growing problem of polarization in our society (and ourselves). Extending well beyond politics, I learned the shortcomings of the inflexibility inherent in becoming rooted in strongly held beliefs. Adam taught me how effective leaders simultaneously hold a current level of conviction and have an openness to be convinced of…
[2] Joyfully Frustrated – Why fun is the secret ingredient in developing resilience
Moving to the suburbs and having a kid has surprisingly reverted me to a childhood pastime: video games (albeit with far less regularity). I’ve always gravitated towards the most adventurous and challenging games filled with puzzles (Zelda is a favorite) and have been surprised to find how much fun I’ve had being frustrated and confused…
[Book 1] Deep Work by Cal Newport
Deep Work is one of just a few books that I can confidently say changed the way I live my life. The most fundamental concept is that our work can be categorized into two groups: 1) deep work that requires intense focus and creates meaningful value, and 2) shallow work that is necessary to get…