From the Top Shelf: Our Global Board’s Leadership Reading List

It is important for executives to find time to step away from their busy schedules for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. 

Executives in the Northern hemisphere often take their breaks during the summer months, while their counterparts in the Southern hemisphere might do so during their warmer season from December to February. 

But regardless of when or where these respites occur, after a few days of downtime, many find themselves craving intellectual engagement.

The Power of Reading

• Just six minutes of daily reading can slash stress levels by 68%
• Fifteen minutes can make you feel 69% more accomplished, 55% more relaxed, and 33% happier. 
• A half-hour can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beyond wellbeing, reading correlates strongly with professional success. Warren Buffet reportedly spends 80% of his day reading, while Bill Gates plows through 50 books every year.

So, why not grab a book the next time you have some time off? Here’s what our Global Board of Directors recommends for your reading list.

Stanton Chase’s Global Board of Directors’ Reading List 2024

1. Kristof Reynvoet, Global Chair of the Board

I’m reading “Humankind: A Hopeful History” by Rutger Bregman, and I’d recommend it to all executives and aspiring executives. Bregman challenges the notion that humans are inherently selfish and competitive—something we’ve all heard before. Through a mix of historical accounts and scientific evidence, he presents an optimistic view of human nature. Bregman argues that people are fundamentally good and inclined towards cooperation and trust. This aligns with my own beliefs and experiences from years as a corporate leader. His perspective serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the often-negative portrayals of humanity in media and popular discourse. It offers a silver lining amidst the challenging global events we face daily.

For those looking for a book on personal development and career growth, I’d recommend “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. While not new—it’s a golden oldie first published in 2001—it’s still incredibly relevant today. Collins and his research team examined why some companies make the leap from being good to great, while others fail to do so. One concept Collins introduces is “Level 5 Leadership.” According to Collins, Level 5 leaders have a mix of personal humility and professional will. These leaders put their company and its people first, much like servant leaders do. They’re modest about themselves but fiercely committed to making their organization great. Other factors Collins identifies as key to making companies great include getting the right people “on the bus” (and the wrong ones off), confronting brutal facts while maintaining faith, and creating a culture of discipline. 

2. Bernardita Mena, Global Vice Chair, People Excellence

At the moment, I’m rereading “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez. If I could read one book in my lifetime 1,000 times, it would be this one. It chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. Márquez explores themes of love, war, progress, and the cyclical nature of history as the isolated town evolves and its inhabitants grapple with solitude, passion, and the consequences of their actions across a century. This story offers lessons that translate not just to our personal lives but also to how we conduct ourselves in business — it reminds us that our actions ripple through time.

For nonfiction, I’d recommend a classic that should absolutely be read, reread, and then read again: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. Sandberg served as Chief Operating Officer of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, from 2008 to 2022. In “Lean In,” Sandberg presents an examination of women in the workplace. She combines personal anecdotes, hard data, and research to provide practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career for women. She also addresses the underlying issues that still prevent women from reaching the highest levels of leadership. Anyone aiming for career success, especially women in the corporate world, will benefit from Sandberg’s insights.

3. Çağrı Alkaya, Global Vice Chair, Regions

I’ve been curled up with some incredible books lately, and I’ve decided to reread one of my old favorites: “G” by John Berger. Set in early 20th century Europe, it follows the life of G, an unnamed Don Juan figure born to an Italian merchant and an English suffragette. Against the backdrop of events like the first airplane flight across the Alps and the lead-up to World War I, the story blends historical fact with fiction. G’s numerous relationships and encounters serve as a lens to explore themes of politics, class, and perception. It offers important lessons about how we treat each other and what we expect from one another. I won’t say more because I want you to read it yourself, but I promise it will be worth your time.

In terms of personal development, I would recommend “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges” by Amy Cuddy. It explores how we can harness our personal power to overcome our fears and perform at our best in high-pressure situations. Cuddy is a social psychologist, and she draws on her research to explain how presence helps in building trust and influencing others. When we are present, we listen better, communicate more effectively, and create stronger connections. 

4. Ken Nimitz, Global Vice Chair, Finance and Administration

I’d recommend “Lead It Like Lasso” by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio. If you’ve watched “Ted Lasso,” you know the show’s charm comes from its heartwarming humor and Ted’s unorthodox coaching style. This book unpacks these elements and shows how they apply to real-world leadership. 

“Lead It Like Lasso” tackles tough topics like handling conflict, making unpopular decisions, and dealing with office politics, all through the lens of Ted’s experiences. But it also covers lighter themes, like using humor to defuse tense situations, the power of a well-timed compliment, and how to make the perfect cup of tea. The book even explores Ted’s famous “biscuits with the boss” routine as a way to build rapport. 

It’s a quick, enjoyable read that’s left me reflecting on my own leadership style. Even if you’re not a “Ted Lasso” fan, I bet you’ll find some nuggets of wisdom here that you can apply in your own work—and maybe even a few chuckles along the way.

5. Tom Christensen, Global Vice Chair, Practice Groups

^{Pictured: Tom Christensen’s personal first edition copy of 1984}

I collect books, so picking just one is tricky. But I’d also recommend a golden oldie from 1949: “1984” by George Orwell.

For leaders, 1984 is a wake-up call about the dangers of absolute power. The Party’s control over every aspect of life shows how unchecked authority can crush individuality and innovation.

The concept of “doublethink” in 1984 is particularly relevant today. It reminds us to question our own beliefs and biases, especially when they contradict evidence. In business, this translates to staying open to new ideas and avoiding groupthink.

Orwell’s “memory hole” is a warning about the importance of institutional knowledge and history. It’s easy to focus only on the present. But understanding and learning from past successes and failures is important for any organization.

The novel’s exploration of language manipulation through “newspeak” is also a lesson in communication. It shows how limiting language can restrict thought. As leaders, our goal should be to leave the door open for clear, honest communication that encourages critical thinking and creativity.

1984 isn’t just a dystopian novel—it’s a guide for leaders on the importance of truth, individual thought, and the responsible use of power.

From Pages to Practice

Remember when teachers said “readers are leaders”? Turns out they were onto something. 

Whether you’re on a break or just looking for some downtime, consider picking up a book that genuinely interests you—be it a novel, non-fiction, or whatever captures your attention. It’s a great way to recharge your mental batteries before returning to work.

We hope you enjoy your reading and your well-deserved time off!