Category Archives: Business

Review: Fred Kofman – The Meaning Revolution (S)

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The Meaning Revolution
Leading with the Power of Purpose
Fred Kofman

“Forget the standard practices of leadership taught in business school — all about compensation, command and control. This is a new model for how to inspire — through purpose, principle and people. The Meaning Revolution is Fred Kofman’s call to arms for anyone who has ever felt unengaged at work and offers actionable advice for how we can all find more meaning and dignity whatever we do.”

This book dives into what it means to lead with purpose. The author focuses on the idea of having a noble purpose—a mission that lines up with the personal goals of others—and how to lead in a way that inspires. Some of it was a good reminder, but there were definitely fresh ideas that stood out too.

One of the best parts of the book is how it shows the importance of helping people find meaning in their work. For anyone trying to motivate a team, the section where the author explains the difference between happiness and meaning really hits home. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about having a deeper sense of purpose.

That said the book does have some weak points. The chapter on capitalism didn’t really connect to the rest of the book and felt like a letdown at the end. The epilogue had some great takeaways, but it would have been better if those ideas had been fleshed out more in a full chapter or two. A lot of the book focuses on why purpose matters and what happens when it’s missing, but it didn’t give enough practical advice on how to actually change your mindset or help others find meaning.

Even with these issues, the book is really engaging, and for such a long read, it keeps your attention. If you’re in a leadership role, it’s definitely worth picking up. There’s a lot to take away, even if the ending isn’t as strong as the rest. 4 stars.

Review: Albert Bourla – Moonshot

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Moonshot
Inside Pfizer’s Nine-Month Race to Make the Impossible Possible
Albert Bourla

“The exclusive, first-hand, behind-the-scenes story of how Pfizer raced to create the first Covid-19 vaccine, told by Pfizer’s Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla. A riveting, fast-paced, inside look at one of the most incredible private sector achievements in history, Moonshot recounts the intensive nine months in 2020 when the scientists at Pfizer… As Dr. Bourla makes clear, Pfizer’s success wasn’t due to luck; it was because of preparation driven by four simple values—Courage, Excellence, Equity, and Joy.”

Moonshot is a fascinating and fast-paced look at the incredible race to develop Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Written by the Pfizer’s CEO, it’s an engaging read that takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent history.

The author does a great job explaining the challenges, risks, and big decisions that had to be made to pull this off. From completely rethinking testing processes to overhauling the supply chain, the book highlights how Pfizer managed to produce millions of vaccines in record time. It’s hard not to admire the leadership and vision it took to make it all happen.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is the breakdown of how a vaccine, which normally takes over seven years to develop, was done in just nine months. It raises some big questions: If this is possible, why isn’t it the norm? The author points out the inefficiencies in the current system, with its red tape and politics, and challenges us to think about how things could change.

The book spends a lot of time on the political side of things—world leaders, negotiations, and global politics played a big role in the process. While that’s part of the story, it might not be as interesting for people hoping for more behind-the-scenes science or business strategies. There are moments where more detail about the actual decision-making would’ve made it even better, especially for those curious about the organizational side of things.

Overall, Moonshot is an inspiring and easy read that captures a historical moment we all lived through. It’s a unique perspective on the pandemic and what it took to create a vaccine that changed the world. 4 stars.

Review: Ron Tite, Scott Kavanagh, Christopher Novais – Everyone’s An Artist

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Everyone’s An Artist (or At Least They Should Be)
How Creativity Gives You the Edge in Everything You Do
Ron Tite, Scott Kavanagh, Christopher Novais

“Can a Canali-clad million-dollar banker learn anything from a paint-stained artist? Definitely. Especially now. Clearly, succeeding in business is an art form. We’ve informally labelled activities and pursuits as “the art of management,” “the art of marketing” or even “the art of doing more with less,” but we’ve rarely made the direct connection between the two worlds. With a rapidly changing digital economy, new and emerging technologies, increased clutter and a drastically altered media landscape, successful companies are those that are original, creative and innovative. Defining business as art is now a credible school of thought, and the lessons are far more practical than philosophical. Everyone’s an Artist shows how and why the most successful executives and entrepreneurs think like artists.”

The core message of this book is clear: being in business requires creativity, whether you’re an executive or an entrepreneur. It’s an interesting concept, but the execution leaves something to be desired.

The author has a fun, light-hearted writing style with plenty of humor, which I appreciated—it gave the book a relatable, human touch. However the book felt overly long and could have conveyed its key points more efficiently. The narrative often drifted into lengthy discussions about artists and their work. While there’s a connection between art and creativity in business, the references and stories were about artists. From comedians, painters, writers etc. Instead of focusing on artists, it would have been more relevant to highlight creative business leaders, of which there were only a handful, and those mentioned were the usual suspects like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.

Each chapter seemed to blend into the next without distinct takeaways. The overall message was there to be an artist, I guess just in fluffy art format! While I recommend the core idea of the book, I’m not convinced it’s worth the full read. 3 stars.

Review: Simon Sinek – Leaders Eat Last (S)

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Leaders Eat Last
Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t
Simon Sinek

“Why do only a few people get to say “I love my job”? It seems unfair that finding fulfillment at work is like winning a lottery; that only a few lucky ones get to feel valued by their organizations, to feel like they belong. Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders are creating environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.”

Having enjoyed Simon Sinek’s widely acclaimed book Start With Why, I approached Leaders Eat Last with high expectations. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver the same impact.

While the premise of the book is intriguing, I found it fell into a pattern of clichés and overused concepts. The author weaves together scientific definitions and business jargon in an attempt to present insights into leadership and teamwork. However, the ideas felt neither fresh nor insightful.

The authors points felt disjointed, and the narrative often jumped between topics without clear connections. Much of the content focused on how we arrived at this point, including the different generations and examples of companies with poor leadership. It offered little in terms of actionable solutions or standout examples of companies that embody effective leadership practices. When tips were provided, they were buried in five small chapters that lacked clear, memorable points.

Much of the content seemed to regurgitate basic principles that other authors and studies have explored more effectively. I was disinterested with the military stories, US politics and other outdated US company stories that have no relevance. While these anecdotes might resonate with some readers, they didn’t feel relatable to me.

The book’s central message—treat your employees as human beings rather than numbers—is undeniably valuable. However, it felt stretched thin across the chapters. As someone who loved Start With Why, I was genuinely disappointed by Leaders Eat Last. While the intention behind the book is admirable, the execution didn’t meet my expectations. If you’re looking for fresh insights on leadership, there are other books that might resonate more deeply. 3 stars.

Review: Travis Bradberry – Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (S)

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Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Travis Bradberry

“From Dr. Travis Bradberry, #1 bestselling author of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE HABITS. The book’s smooth narrative style turns rigorous research into memorable stories and practical strategies that anyone can use to his or her advantage. With 90% of top performers high in EQ, and EQ twice as important as IQ in getting where you want to go in life, who can afford to ignore it?”

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is a quick, 250-page guide full of practical tips for improving your emotional intelligence. You could read it all in one go but it might be better to take your time, spread it out over a few days or weeks so you can actually try out some of the advice and think about how it applies to your life.

If you’re someone who reads a lot of self-help or personal growth books, this one probably isn’t for you. It’s more like a short summary of the basics. But if you’re looking for a quick refresher or just a straightforward starting point, this book does the job.

A lot of the info isn’t new but sometimes we need a reminder of the basics to make better decisions or adopt healthier habits. Seeing those ideas in a new way—or just having them pop up at the right time—can be really helpful.

I’d recommend this book to older teens or young adults, especially if they’re just starting to explore things like self-awareness and personal growth. It’s a great intro to understanding yourself better and building habits that could lead to real success and happiness. It’s a good, simple resource. I’d give it 3 stars.

Review: Patrick Lencioni – Silos, Politics and Turf Wars (S)

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Silos, Politics and Turf Wars
A Leadership Fable About Destroying the Barriers That Turn Colleagues Into Competitors
Patrick Lencioni

“Practical and hands-on strategies for breaking down silos and minimizing workplace politics In yet another page-turner, New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed management expert Patrick Lencioni addresses the costly and maddening issue of silos: the barriers that create organizational politics. Silos devastate organizations, kill productivity, push good people out the door, and jeopardize the achievement of corporate goals. As with his other books, Lencioni writes Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars as a fictional―but eerily familiar―story. The story is about Jude Cousins, an eager young management consultant struggling to launch his practice by solving one of the more universal and frustrating problems faced by his clients. Through trial and error, he develops a simple yet ground-breaking approach for helping them transform confusion and infighting into clarity and alignment.”

The author dives into one of the most frustrating issues at work—silos. If you aren’t familiar with Lencioni’s work he writes fables that embed simple business truths into a story.

The big takeaway? Teams need a shared goal that’s clear and actionable. People have to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture and, more importantly, prioritize the team’s success over their own agendas. The author also makes a strong case for leaders to drop their titles at the door. No matter your role, when you’re part of a leadership team, your job is to make the company better—not just protect your department.

The storyline—a consultant figuring out how to solve silo problems—is pretty relatable, but it didn’t grab me like some of the author’s other books. It’s a little weak on the storytelling side and doesn’t have those big “aha” moments that stick with you long after.

That said, the lessons are practical and easy to apply, especially if silos are causing headaches in your organization. While it’s not my favorite from the author, it’s still a solid read for anyone trying to build a more connected, aligned team. 4 stars.

Review: Patrick Lencioni – The 6 Types of Working Genius (S)

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The 6 Types of Working Genius
Patrick Lencioni

“The 6 Types of Working Genius is the fastest way to help people identify the type of work that brings them joy and energy, and avoid work that leads to frustration and burnout. Beyond the personal discovery and instant relief that Working Genius provides, the model also gives teams a remarkably simple and practical framework for tapping into one another’s natural gifts, which increases productivity and reduces unnecessary judgment. In classic Lencioni fashion, Pat brings his model to life in a page-turning fable that is as relatable as it is compelling. He tells the story of Bull Brooks, an entrepreneur, husband, and father who sets out to solve his own frustration at work and stumbles into a new way of thinking that changes the way he sees his work, his team, and even his marriage.”

I love this author and his books. I was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint! The overall take away of the book is to do what you love. The author doesn’t particularly mean based on your work industry but rather the type of task you are doing. I definitely do agree with this! I loved the fable story that the author tells the book through, and definitely found it funny at times. However, as I have read a lot of his other books, it has a similar narrative that it follows which you can predict after you have read a few of his books.
Most people have two areas where they’re in the zone and get energy when they do it (genius), two areas where they get frustrated and are miserable when they do it (frustrations), and two areas in the middle they’re good at, but don’t really love to do (competencies).

I highly recommend that you check this book out! 4.5 stars.

Review: Kristen Butler – The Comfort Zone

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The Comfort Zone
Create a Life You Really Love with Less Stress and More Flow
Kristen Butler

The Comfort Zone challenges the familiar mantra that we must constantly push ourselves out of our comfort zones. Instead, the author argues that thriving within our comfort zone is not only possible but beneficial. Rather than seeing comfort as something we need to escape from, the author presents it as a place where we can recharge, grow, and ultimately build a life we love.

In a world where we’re always encouraged to stretch beyond our limits, this message feels refreshing. Rather than stressing and burning ourselves out by constantly stepping into the unknown, the author suggests that comfort can be a source of strength. The idea is that when we leave our comfort zone too often, we can become anxious and stressed, comparing ourselves to others and often doing things that don’t truly bring joy to our lives. According to the author, our comfort zone isn’t a danger zone—it’s the foundation for our best life.

However the book isn’t saying to stay completely within your comfort zone forever. The author encourages readers to push the boundaries of their comfort zones in small, manageable ways, rather than taking huge leaps into the unknown. It’s about slow, intentional growth without forcing ourselves into survival mode.

While the core idea is solid, I found some parts of the book a bit repetitive. The message seemed to be stretched out, with certain metaphors and ideas repeated a few too many times. While there are good tips scattered throughout, the pacing can feel slow, and the content might have been more impactful in a shorter format.

Overall The Comfort Zone is a good read for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the pressure to always be doing more. If you need a positivity boost or feel like you’re pushing yourself too hard, this book might provide some much-needed perspective. I’d give it 3 stars—it has helpful insights but could benefit from a more concise delivery.

Quick Reviews of Non-Fiction Business Books #7 (S)

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Good People: The Only Leadership Decision That Really Matters – Anthony Tjan

This book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I anticipated a more in-depth exploration of “good people” within companies—not just those who are competent at their jobs, but those who fit the author’s definition of genuinely good individuals. I expected more practical examples and tips, such as how to identify and hire good people. Instead, the author wrote in more general terms.

It was an enjoyable and inspiring read, serving as a reminder to strive to be a good person in general. However, some material could have been presented more concisely. The “Goodness of People” pyramid seemed overly simplified. I appreciated the point that leaders should prioritize values over competence. Practicing goodness can make us better employees, mentors, and humans. We often overestimate short-term effects and underestimate long-term effects. While I didn’t learn anything new from this book, it provided good reminders. I recommend this book if you are a mentor or in a position to hire team members. 3 stars.

The Real-Life MBA: The no-nonsense guide to winning the game, building a team and growing your career –  Jack Welch and Suzy Welch

This book covers the basics of career development and team building in a straightforward way. It’s good if you want a quick overview of these topics in one place. However, if you’re looking for more detailed insights, you might find it a bit too general. The book is aimed to be general and the basics, so I guess it achieved that. The content is interesting but might seem a bit too simple if you’re hoping to learn how to build a team and advance your career beyond the basics. It’s not specifically aimed at MBA students and is more of a general business book, but it still offers some valuable ideas. I especially liked the section on career development called “It’s About You.” It gives practical advice that makes sense, even if it’s mostly common sense.

Overall, this book serves as a helpful reminder of key career strategies, pointing out areas where you can improve and confirming what you’re doing well. If you want a quick introduction to career and business basics, this book does the job. 3 stars.

Quick Reviews of Non-Fiction Business Books #6 (S)

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Creative Selection: Inside Apple’s Design Process During the Golden Age of Steve Jobs – Ken Kocienda

This book turned out to be different from my initial expectations, yet it was a satisfying read. It doesn’t provide a comprehensive overview of Apple’s entire history and product line, and it’s not a conventional business theory book either. It goes in depth with the author’s experience in his areas of product development only. It has very little of Steve Jobs. So if you are looking for a book on him, this is not it. I really enjoyed it though. It was well written, and in depth on the product creation. It’s very much written like a story. It had me laughing at some points and I found it interesting. There were a few points that I lost interest in it though. The author being a software engineer does get a bit technical at times, but does a great job of drawing familiar parallels to software principles.

I would enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone curious about the intricate process of product development at Apple. It offers a delightful and enlightening reading experience, making it a solid 4 star recommendation.

Hello Gen Z: Engaging the Generation of Post-Millennials – Claire Madden

Gen Z, born between 1995 and 2009, currently aged 29 to 15, I picked up this book wanting to know more about Gen Z, particularly in the workforce. I understand that at the time of writing, in 2017, many Gen Z individuals were teenagers, but there were also adults in the workforce, and Gen Z would be increasingly entering the workforce as the years went on. The author could have focused more on the future. I felt that I had high hopes to learn a lot from the book, but in the end, it let me down. It was filled with quotes from Gen Z, which is fine, but it was inundated with repetitive quotes all saying the same thing. There was a lot of “this is how it is right now,” but no strategies for dealing with Gen Z in the workforce or in general. Some of it focused on understanding Gen Z, which is necessary in the book, but not to the extreme extent of what we are already observing from them. It didn’t provide explanations. I felt it took a long time to get into the book, and even then, it lacked depth. I’ve read other books on different generations, and they had more depth, even for the era in which they were written. I felt like the terms, slang, and things labeled as Gen Z were more characteristic of Gen Y, especially since I am Gen Y. I’m unsure if Gen Z is just not that different, or if I’m not as old as I thought I was! I recommend this for generations X and above. 3 stars.

Conscious Leadership: Reveal your potential. Inspire excellence. – Neil Seligman

I don’t believe this book is poor, but it didn’t quite resonate with me either. This book presents itself as a guide for leaders, but it’s really for anyone interested in understanding themselves better and making better choices. It offers examples, exercises, and suggestions for further reading on each topic. It’s short and covers a lot about self-development and becoming a better person. Overall, it’s a pretty good book. I don’t really have any faults with it. I think it just wasn’t for me. 3 stars.