Learn, Be Curious, and Read

The best leaders I’ve known share one common trait: they never stop learning.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how the books we revisit shape our daily decisions just as much as new ideas do. Here are three recent reads sitting on my desk, along with three go-to classics I consistently return to:

📖 Recent Reads

Genius at Scale by Linda Hill:
Key Takeaway: True innovation isn’t driven by top-down commands from a single leader—it thrives when you build systems and a culture that empower collective creativity. Two concepts that particularly stood out to me were fostering a learning mindset and building accountability.

Empire of AI by Karen Hao:
Key Takeaway: This provides a sobering look at the human, ethical, and environmental costs of the rapid AI boom. It serves as a crucial reminder that as we adopt emerging technologies, robust governance and human-centered design must lead the way. In particular, Chapter 9 ("Disaster Capitalism") might completely reshape how you view OpenAI.

The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo:
Key Takeaway: Management requires a complete shift in mindset—moving from individual contribution to elevating collective team performance through clear feedback and direction. Whether you’re new to leadership or experienced, this book is must-read. Shoutout to Eva for putting it back on my reading list!

🏛️ Go-To Classics:

Influence by Robert Cialdini:
Why I keep returning to it: The foundational text on human decision-making and persuasion. Understanding principles like reciprocity and social proof is essential for driving change and aligning stakeholders across complex systems.

The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson:
Why I keep returning to it: The ultimate blueprint on psychological safety. Innovation and accountability thrive when people feel safe to speak up, surface mistakes, and question the status quo. If you know me, you know I love pushing past 'the way we’ve always done it.' 😀

Mindset by Carol Dweck:
Why I keep returning to it: The baseline framework for personal and organizational growth. Shifting teams from a "fixed" mindset to a "growth" mindset transforms how leaders navigate challenges, failure, and feedback.

What’s one book (recent or classic) that completely shifted how you approach leadership, influence, or culture?

Drop your recommendations in the comments 👇