I have been an avid reader all my life. Books have helped me open my mind and gain varied perspectives, being at the heart of influencing diverse areas of my professional and personal growth and outlook.

To me, books are a springboard of thought that takes knowledge forward from one generation to the next – helping humans evolve as a race. In today’s context, where diverse media types (including audio-visual, digital and others) play an equally important role in this human knowledge and collective thought journey, books in their own way continue to retain their place of pride. Few other media types can match the magic of a well-written book – of the imagination it inspires and the depths it can take a reader through. Even in today’s hyper-connected and digitised world, the written word remains an anchor for me. With eBooks, reading is more accessible than ever.

Among the many books I have read, some have managed to occupy a special place in my mind. These are invariably books that have moulded my thoughts and beliefs. Here are a few of them…

1. “Winning!” by Jack Welch

Reaching the pinnacle at work and in personal career growth is a central ambition for most humans. It takes a holistic approach to emerge as a business leader and achieve this ambition. I believe that I am a better business thinker and people manager today thanks to Welch’s insights into leadership, teamwork, and success. Gleaned from his experience as the former CEO of General Electric, his insights have illuminated my professional journey and armed me with strategies that have not only elevated my career but also helped cultivate a culture of excellence.

2. “The Cyclist’s Training Bible” by Joe Friel

Those who know me, know that cycling is my main passion. I have been an avid biker – for leisure and as a competitive sportsperson – for many years now. Cycling is filled with life lessons and many of them have forged my own thinking (I have captured these in an earlier blog). Joe Friel’s book has been a game-changer in this context. Friel, who has studied cycling and endurance sports in depth, brings a strong sense of science to the sport, appealing to my love for both logic and cycling. This is a book that’s not just about cycling but a holistic approach to wellbeing.

3. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

There is no doubt that a smart approach to money and finance management is a key skill in human society and has been for many centuries now. Napoleon Hill was amongst the pioneers of the thinking around how personal wealth creation is the reflection of a winning attitude. His timeless principles have reshaped my own attitude toward wealth and success. This book is a complete guide on carefully turning dreams into actionable goals – an essential life lesson in my opinion.

4. “Business Model You” by Tim Clark & Others

This book is the definitive word on aligning personal skills for more satisfying career and life possibilities. It does this through the concept of “personal business models”, which I personally found to be a refreshing and innovative approach to bringing clarity on how to achieve personal and professional aspirations. This book has been my personal blueprint for reinvention and balance – important aspects to grow and evolve.

5. “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big” by Scott Adams

Scott Adams is most famously known to the world as the creator of the icon comic strip Dilbert. However, few know of his life journey, characterized by serial failures. A relatively new read for me, I came across this book a time that I had to reinvent myself to build a deeper sense of resilience in my professional journey. In that context, the messages in this book around navigating the challenges in both personal and professional spheres was a beacon.

6. “The Bible”

Faith is amongst the central pillars of my existence. My deep passion for science finds balance in putting form to the seemingly inexplicable – I believe this is what my sense of all-trusting belief helps me achieve. Beyond religious beliefs, books like The Bible have helped me closely understand and engage with aspects of human morality and spirituality. It has helped me forge stronger connections with the world around me and build a value system that drives my engagement with the world.

7. “Leading an Inspired Life” by Jim Rohn

In my effort to take this interest in philosophical thought further, Jim Rohn’s wisdom has been key in propelling my development journey. This book distils his teachings into actionable steps; it helps inspire leading a purposeful and impactful life. I often find myself applying several principles, which put form and logic to seemingly complex human behaviour, in all of my interactions – whether at the workplace or in personal realms.

8. “The Ultimate History of Video Games” by Steven L. Kent (Volumes 1 & 2)

I absolutely love video games and I have found them of interest from a very early age. To me, video games are amongst the most visible manifestations of technology at work – I am really excited by the imagination and innovation that video game developers put into their work and by their effort to put form to technology. In fact, I believe that video games have been a key contributor to the evolution of technology in general. This book is amongst my favorites since it helps me understand how technology, through gaming, has reshaped technology landscapes time and again.

These eight books are more than just a list. They are milestones in my life’s journey. Each one has shifted my perspective, influencing how I tackle work, wellness, relationships, and personal growth. Yet, it was a challenging task to narrow down my selection to these books, as there exist numerous others that have profoundly assisted me in gaining a deeper understanding of life. I’m sure that many more impactful reads are yet to come!