2020 is coming to a close, and many of you are probably looking forward to putting it behind you with a well-deserved kiwi summer.

Whatever your plans, you’ll want to catch up with some reading/listening while you do it, so we’ve prepared a list of books and podcasts recommended by some of our most knowledgeable thought leaders for you to enjoy over the break.

BIG PICTURE READING

These longer reads take a look at wider socio-economic factors to broaden your world view.

The Anarchy: The Relentless Rise of the East India Company – William Dalrymple

This award-winning history of the East India Company is not only a fascinating read but also extremely relevant as a document of how an unregulated multinational company can become a dangerous force of colonialism.

Recommended by: Professor Susan Watson, Dean of Business and Economics – University of Auckland Business School

A Small Farm Future: Making the Case for a Society Built Around Local Economies, Self-Provisioning, Agricultural Diversity, and a Shared Earth – Chris Smaje

A thoroughly researched, multidisciplinary look at how a different approach to farming and community might provide a sustainable future.

Recommended by: Fiona Michel, Executive Education Advisory Group/Chief People & Culture Officer – Vector Limited

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think – Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund

An example of how some people can “make data sing” this book breaks down some of our most widely held assumptions about the state of the world with some cold hard facts. One for the Freakanomics fans.

Recommended by: Patrick Rottiers – Executive Education facilitator/ Adviser for New Zealand – Flanders Investment & Trade

Humankind: A Hopeful History – Rutger Bregman

Another book that challenges some negative assumptions – this time about human nature – as author Rutger Bregman “takes some of the world’s most famous studies and events and reframes them, providing a new perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history.”

Recommended by: Susan Hansen, Executive Education facilitator/Author/Financial Training Consultant/Professional Director

 

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

For some wisdom on making business work, these reads are a must.

Innovator’s Playbook: How to Create Great Products, Services and Experiences that Your Customers Will Love – Nathan Baird

“Design and innovation are at the heart of all we do and doing them well is what differentiates organisations. Nathan makes understanding the mysterious world of innovation and the practical application in any business or organisation easy and provides a path to follow.”

Recommended by: Debbie Howarth, Executive Education Advisory Group/Director of Industry Engagement – New Zealand Defence Force

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable – Patrick Lencioni

Using a fictional tale as a base to illustrate his points, Author Patrick Lencioni reveals the key reasons why teams fail and offers some valuable actions for leaders to counter them.

Recommended by: Allan Lightbourne, Executive Education Advisory Group/Chief Digital Officer – Tauranga City Council

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded – Michael D. Watkins

“This is a great book for anyone changing roles or jobs.”

Recommended by: Executive Education Advisory Group/Chris Jewell, Chief Financial Officer – Genesis Energy Ltd

 

LISTEN AND LEARN

Podcasts to entertain and enlighten over summer

Economist Radio – The Economist

The Economist produces a range of podcast series, offering “sound reasoning on current affairs, business and finance, science and technology, and global issues” to keep you busy during the break.

“The Economist’s podcast series is my favourite and it’s a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening internationally.”

Recommended by: Stefan Knight, Chief Financial Officer – Spark New Zealand

Dolly Parton’s America – WNYC Radio

This nine episode podcast series gives a unique look at American culture and politics seen through the lens of one of its great popular icons

“You don’t need to be a Dolly Parton fan to really enjoy this podcast series. Highly recommended.”

Recommended by: Alex Sims – Executive Education facilitator/Associate Professor, Department of Commercial Law – University of Auckland Business School

 

10 MINUTES OF WISDOM

Be humble – and other lessons from the philosophy of water – Raymond Tang

“Now here’s something I’ve enjoyed that’s different. The Ted Talk on Philosophy of Water by Raymond Tang – especially his three lessons that make the acronym H2O = Humility; Harmony; Openness.”

Recommended by: Roseann Gedye – Executive Education facilitator/Communications Adviser