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Acknowledging the traditional owners, peoples and custodians of the places and cultures that I've been privileged to live and work with; from Wales to London, Denmark to Nigeria, Malaysia to the Lands of the Wurundjeri people in Melbourne.
Tom is a strategy and commercial executive, with extensive experience in technology, online marketplaces, and operational excellence across financial services, resources and retail industries.
Tom holds an EMBA, and qualifications in law, risk, finance, and strategy, as well as Fellowship of the British Computer Society, and the Australian Governance Institute. He is a Graduate of the AICD and is a non-Executive Director.
Living in Melbourne, Tom is a keen cyclist and competes in the Noosa and Melbourne triathlon series regularly. He has published a book on commercial strategy in cloud services, two children’s stories on game theory and inflation, and reviews business literature for Duke University’s journal.
A genuinely fascinating exposition into the world's richest man. I'm not sure if I walked away in awe, disgust, or pity - or all of the above. But one thing is for sure, the need to be liked is a powerful constraint on humanity.
A critical examination of corporate governance, The Chairman's Lounge explores the dangers of weak oversight and blurred lines between boards and management. With candid insights into the power struggles that lead to corporate failure, it highlights the importance of accountability in business leadership.
One of the best books I read all year. Not because I do, or don't agree with the politics, but because 2024, Trump-Vance, and the temperature in America all makes so much more sense. Vance is incisive, accessible and razor sharp - for many reasons, he is one to watch.
This book provides a leadership blueprint, blending military strategy and business principles to help leaders bridge the gap between plans, actions, and results. It’s a must-read for those seeking to align teams, make decisions with purpose, and drive meaningful outcomes.
A timeless exploration of the power of thought and self-discipline. As a Man Thinketh shows how our beliefs shape our lives and encourages us to harness the mind’s power to transform our reality for the better.
A compelling theory that history unfolds in predictable cycles, The Fourth Turning argues that society moves through generational shifts, leading to pivotal moments of crisis and transformation. The book offers a chilling glimpse into the societal challenges we may soon face.
A deep dive into the science behind human behavior, Behave uncovers the complex biology, psychology, and social influences that shape our actions. It provides fascinating insights into the reasons behind our moral choices, aggression, and social dynamics.
Tony Blair’s memoir takes readers through his time as UK Prime Minister, offering candid reflections on the decisions, challenges, and personal toll of political life. From the Iraq War to domestic policies, A Journey gives an inside look at the highs and lows of leadership.
Bill Clinton’s My Life is an intimate and candid memoir that reflects on his political career, his time in office, and the personal and public struggles that defined his presidency. It offers a unique, personal lens on the complexities of American politics.
A children's book that I bought for my three year old. A simple, but important message to instil in our young men about what strength really means.
A philosophical exploration of consciousness and the self, I Am a Strange Loop dives into how our minds reflect on themselves, using the concept of “strange loops” to uncover the mysteries of identity and self-awareness.
A guide to achieving mastery through deliberate practice and continuous learning. Learned Excellence emphasizes that excellence isn’t innate—it’s cultivated through effort, resilience, and a mindset of constant improvement.
After reading Dark Emu last year, Farmers or Hunter Gatherers? seemed like the next logical read to (slightly) better understand Australia's relationship with the Aboriginal history. The book examines how humanity’s shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming changed everything about society, from economic structures to social norms. This book explores how those ancient choices still influence us today.
Outlive explores the science of aging, offering groundbreaking research on how we might extend our lifespans and improve our quality of life. With practical tips on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, it presents an optimistic view of the future of longevity.
Originally, I picked this up as I'd heard it provided insight into 'the room where it happened' for SEEK.com (for which I'm privileged to work). This book chronicles the rise and fall of one of Australia’s most powerful media empires. Through internal power struggles and leadership failures, Killing Fairfax offers a sobering look at the forces that can dismantle even the most dominant companies in the media industry.
A behind-the-scenes look at Geraint Thomas’s journey to winning the Tour de France, The Tour is a celebration of his resilience, strategy, and determination. It offers a personal glimpse into the sacrifices and mindset required to become a champion.
Winners uncovers the psychology and strategies of success, showing how top achievers set themselves apart through mindset, decisions, and resilience. This book offers a practical guide to winning, not just in sports but in any field, by mastering the mental game.
Paul Kalanithi’s moving memoir explores his journey from neurosurgeon to terminal cancer patient. When Breath Becomes Air is a meditation on mortality, offering profound reflections on life, purpose, and the fleeting nature of time.
I covered Four Thousand Weeks as an audio books on a three-hundred kilometre bike ride as I thought I might need to kill some time. Instead I was confronted with a book that lays bare the reality that our time on earth is limited. With sharp reflections on time management, this book challenges us to rethink our relationship with time and live more meaningfully, focusing on what truly matters.
This book claimed to break down the Uluru Statement from the Heart, explaining its historical and cultural significance. On such an important issue, it was a surprisingly poor exposition, with critics pointing to its self-referretial narrative throughout that (with the benefit of hindsight) had little impact on its intended audience.
David Sinclair’s Lifespan delves into the science of aging and longevity, exploring how groundbreaking research in genetics could allow us to live longer, healthier lives. It’s an exciting glimpse into the future of aging and the potential for extended vitality.
Complexity explores how interconnected systems—whether ecosystems, economies, or societies—operate in unpredictable ways. The book uncovers the hidden patterns that shape the world and offers fresh perspectives on solving complex problems.
A second reading, but always just as confronting. Nietzsche’s Thus Spake Zarathustra is a radical philosophical work that challenges conventional morality and explores the idea of the “Übermensch” or “Superman.” It invites readers to rethink values, desires, and personal transformation.
After hearing Rory Stewart speak in Melbourne, I can confirm he is a much more interesting author than speaking. His book focuses on the rise of populism and division in modern politics, Politics on the Edge offers a sharp analysis of the forces reshaping global political landscapes. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to understand where democracy is headed in an increasingly polarized world.
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