Books we love
The one book that changed my life
When I was 18, I was just a kid working in retail, lost and trying to figure life out. Three months into the job, I got called into the manager’s office. I thought it was just a regular chat but it wasn’t.
Susana Morales, my manager, sat me down and said something I’ll never forget: “I came in today planning to sack you because you’re too hard to manage” My heart sank. Then she handed me a book.
She said “take this book, go home, and don’t come back until you’ve read it.”
I was shocked, angry and embarrassed. Part of me wanted to throw the book away. But something stopped me. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe because I didn’t want to lose my job. So, I took the book home.
That book was How to Win Friends and Influence People.
I have dyslexia and hated reading, I had never finished a book in my life. But that day, I read the entire thing in one sitting. I highlighted so many passages, the pages were a complete mess by the time I was done.
Sure, it was a bit old-fashioned being written in the 1930’s but its lessons hit me hard. I desperately needed to hear what it had to say.
It was the first time I realised the power of emotional intelligence and how important it is to connect with others. That single book changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful to Susana for giving me that gift,
instead of showing me the door.
Since that day, I’ve gone on to read hundreds of books on business, leadership, and history. Each one has shaped me in some way, but that first one started it all.
Here are a few others that have left a lasting impression on me and our team.
Walta Kazzi
Quest – Founder & CEO
Thrive (8/10)
In this deeply personal book, Arianna talks candidly about her own challenges with managing time and prioritising the demands of a career and two daughters. Drawing on the latest groundbreaking research and scientific findings in the fields of psychology, sports, sleep and physiology that show the profound and transformative effects of meditation, mindfulness, unplugging and giving, Arianna shows us the way to a revolution in our culture, our thinking, our workplaces, and our lives.
Shoe Dog (10/10)
A Memoir by the founder of Nike – Phil Knight
This is our CEO’s favourite book. If this book doesn’t inspire you, nothing will! Phil Knight is an amazing story teller and his journey is nothing short of incredible.In this book, Knight shares the inside story of the company’s early days as a start-up and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.
How to Win Friends & Influence People (10/10)
This book was written over 60 years ago but Carnegie’s ageless teachings have no doubt helped millions of people climb up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives. You will learn: Six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, nine ways to change people without arousing resentment, and a whole heap more.
The Win Without Pitching Manifesto (8/10)
Great book on how to position your business and expertise against your competitors. It is targeted more on agencies but it’s still very useful for any type of business. It’s well written with useful insights including a detailed selling process.
The E-Myth Revisited (8/10)
Why Most Small Businesses Don’t work and What to Do About it
This is one of the most recommended books for people who want to start a business if not the most recommended. Miachael Gerber walks you through the steps in the life of a business, from entrepreneurial infancy, through adolescent growing pains, to the mature entrepreneurial perspective. There are some important messages in this book.
Principles (10/10)
Life and Work
Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, shares the unconventional principles that he’s developed, refined, and used over the past 40 years to create unique results in both life and business – and which any person or organization can adopt to help achieve their goals.
Get Things Done (10/10)
What Stops Smart People Achieving More and How You Can Change
This book will really challenge your view of effective work in our current environment. Robert Kelsey writes about defeating the obstacles that stop us achieving more in our everyday lives. Many of us have the greatest of intentions but find ourselves procrastinating, which results in low attainment and frustrated ambitions.
Why We Sleep (9/10)
The New Science of Sleep and Dreams
If you want to perform at your peak, read this book, it will change your life. Written by Matthew Walker, a scientific expert and professor. He talks about how sleep impacts the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it is increasingly neglected with devastating consequences: every major disease – Alzheimer’s, cancer, obesity, diabetes – has very strong causal links to deficient sleep.
The 22 Immutable Laws Of Marketing (9/10)
Whilst this book is very old (first published in 1993), the principles still apply.You will learn the laws of marketing and great insights on brands. If you’re interested in marketing and you don’t know where to start, make this your first book. It’s a timeless classic.
To Sell Is Human (10/10)
The Surprising Truth about Persuading, Convincing and Influencing Others
Forget everything you know about sales, this book will teach you a better way. A little slow at the start but there are some valuable lessons on how not to pitch for business and practical tips you can use straight away.
Good to Great (9/10)
Why Some Companies Make the Leap … And Others Don’t
Over five years, Jim Collins and his research team have analysed the histories of 28 companies, discovering why some companies make the leap and others don’t. The findings include:
- Level 5 Leadership: A surprising style, required for greatness
- The Hedgehog Concept: Finding your three circles
- A Culture of Discipline: The alchemy of great results
- Technology Accelerators: How great companies think differently about technology
- The Flywheel: Why those who do frequent restructuring fail to make the leap
Grit (8/10)
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Why do naturally talented people frequently fail to reach their potential while other far less gifted individuals go on to achieve amazing things? The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a passionate persistence. In other words, grit.
