From a business perspective, I look at all the books I collected over the years that I did not get to read and place them in order of what I need to know now anticipating what I’ll need to know more of in the future.

Thus, in the spirit of sharing, here are my top four that will kick off 2024:

1. The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, by Daniel H. Pink

I’ve chronicled my admiration for Daniel H. Pink in another post so it’s a no-brainer that his new book ranks here. Advocating for more self-reflection in a world that values “no regrets” is something I can get behind, and I look forward to what I’ll find in the process.

2. Poke the Box, by Seth Godin

By no means new, but new to me, Seth Godin reinforces a sentiment I hold dear—do something every day that scares you. Time doesn’t always allow for that to happen, but trying to keep an open mind and see the potential while resisting the urge to be risk-averse is critical. I’ve read lots of Seth over the years, so I don’t know how I missed this but I am thrilled to have a little dose of him to read. He’s like the business coach you haven’t hired cheering you from the sidelines.

3. Humanizing Leadership: Be the Leaders Others Follow, by Louise Reid

Whether it’s because the world of books used to be my day job, or because my numerous overflowing bookshelves leave people to believe I own everything, I was over the moon to receive this book because I rarely get gifted such things. This is a topic I’m hugely interested in, and I’m tremendously excited to have a Canadian voice to expand my thoughts on biases and challenge my assumptions, not to mention those darned blind spots. Out damn spot! Out!

4. Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant

Another favourite author of mine, Adam Grant has a way of delivering messages that resonate with me. Growing up, “hard work” was drummed into my head so often that I’m surprised it’s not a brand somewhere on my skin. The idea that it’s less about your work but how we learn has interesting implications for people. More interesting to me is the potential this also implies.

I’m looking forward to seeing what science says.

As I was writing this, I pondered the theme of my choices. Relying on some old favourites to kick off a new year, I do this because I crave familiarity in uncertain times. It’s less than a week after Christmas, and the past three months have been challenging for me. Managing change and carrying the weight of said change has depleted the reserves more than I’ve let myself believe. It is my hope that some upcoming time off, time away from the day to day, along with these books and so many others will nurture the spirit and be the jolt of energy I miss having right now. 

Here’s to continually learning and growing.