Wondering which books to pack in your suitcase this summer? No worries, Gemma has you covered with her top 5 business books for summer 2022!
Summer is here! And you might be downing tools for a few weeks and heading for well-deserved fun in the sunshine! Here are five books we recommend you pop in your suitcase.
1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Shoe dog is one of my favourite ever reads! It is an intimate description of Phill Knight’s incredible business journey, becoming the billionaire creator of Nike. I don’t just love it because I love my Air Jordans – I love it because as a networker I love hearing all the twists and turns in every business’s journey to success.
Why it’s a summer read – This book has heaps of business lessons and experiences you can take away from it, but it reads like a work of fiction, perfect for the sunbed. Plus it starts with a beautiful description of soul-searching world travel.
Takeaway – Surround yourself with passionate people.
2. High Performance by Jake Humphrey & Prof Damian Hughes
You may already listen to the Number 1 podcast, famous in over 50 countries with more than 1 million downloads, well now there’s a book! In each podcast episode Jake Humphrey & Prof Damian Hughes, interview a well-known person who has achieved huge success in their respective fields – from business to entertainment to sport. As an F1 fan and business owner, one of my personal favourites is the Toto Wolff episode. This book draws on all these many hours of interviews and offers “lessons from the best on becoming your best”.
Why it’s a summer read – Tone and optimism. I would recommend listening to this on audiobook as its tone mirrors the friendly conversation style of the podcast. Plus the personal stories will leave you with a smile on your face.
Takeaway – High performers take responsibility.
3. The Four Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss
Sounds ideal! Ferriss lays out his “DEAL” for a millionaires lifestyle on a much smaller budget. A is for automation, and while some of the specific websites and methods listed may be a little outdated the philosophy isn’t. This book cuts to what matters – time and money.
Why it’s a summer read – Well, what better place to plot less work and more free time than the beach. My husband and I enjoyed walking along the seafront discussing, as instructed, what we would do with all our free time.
Takeaway – You must escape the 9-5!
4. When by Daniel H. Pink
This one is for the science nerds out there (like me). When – The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. Are you a Lark, a Night Owl or a Third Bird? And how does this affect what you should be doing when? I’m a Night Owl, I wrote most of my doctoral thesis between the hours of midnight and 6 am, and until this book had always thought negatively about my working patterns rather than bending them to my advantage. As business owners, we are some of the ablest to shed conformity and work when it suits us!
Why It’s a summer read – Holidays give us a break from the enforced rigour of routine and are the perfect opportunity to observe your natural self.
Takeaway – Do the right task at the right time FOR YOU!
5. Make Yourself a little bit famous by Penny Haslam
Ever plotted what you would say to Graham Norton or Jonathan Ross? Well, Penny Haslam, the former BBC journalist and presenter, has simple steps to help you nail it. This book is a vital read for all networkers – you are the expert at what you do and you need to take every opportunity to make sure every potential customer, partner, investor or future employee knows it!
Why it’s a summer read – This is a quick read book that provokes a lot of thinking. As you lounge in the sun, you can start formulating your first steps to fame!
Takeaway – Exposure!
Do you agree with our top recommendations for summer holiday reading? Have any of your own? Let us know in the comments.
And don’t forget the sun cream!
