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Charlie and one theory of inflation is the story of a young boy who tries to buy a new car with his birthday money, but finds the price has gone up since last year. Drawing on monetarist theories of inflation, his Dad explains how prices can go up.
Written for procurement, commercial and technology practitioners alike; Digital Asymmetry offers a practical guide to reducing asymmetry through integrative negotiation, calibrated questions, and a shared objective to architect more equitable deals for cloud services.
Charlie and the Cricketing Dilemma tells the story of how two boys try and use the Prisoner's Dilemma thought experiment to try and get out of trouble, but soon find out that utility is only one part of the equation.
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.
A provoking dissection of why 'geniuses' are so often monstrous in their behaviour. From Romain Polanski to Picasso, the book asks whether we can truly enjoy works created by Monsters?
Whilst religion, myths and legends may be nonsense, the value and role they play in shaping social norms was profound. Without them, we may be losing our way.
Is reality subjective? Both philosophically and physiologically 'yes'. This book explores how we can alter our own realities, and understand other spaces of possibility.
Whoever said computer science couldn't be fun? An entertaining and useful overview of how algorithms can help answer some of life's most ambiguous questions.
Gender equality is improving, but unseen structural divides perpetuate inequality, from long bathroom lines to higher risk of death from car accidents.
A collection of honest and provoking essays about feminism and equality - what does it mean to be an ally?
Captain Doomsday returns with a not-all-that-enjoyable explanation of why we're all screwed.
Two books from 'opposing' ends of the discourse on transgender (or rather, human) rights. Both are angry and repetitive at times, but ultimately do a good job of articulating the struggles, hopes and impacts of those living with gender dysmorphia.
John Gray isn't for everyone, but he makes some interesting points about how societies become more introspective and fractious once they have solved for war, disease and nutrition.
Do you know what you want in life? Chances are that you’ve got no idea. Even if you do, it’s likely that you don’t consistently make decisions that get you closer to your goal. Worth a read to better understand customers, friends and yourself.
An excellent book that undermines every trope and lazy statistic or political 'fact' out there. Taking an empirical approach to such questions as 'is immigration good?', and 'what drives growth', the authors poke fun at an establishment that has - quite literally - no idea.
Corporates and other large organisations (usually with the help of eager consultant) tend to experience never-ending increases in complexity, which they try to solve with measures that only increase 'complicatedness'. This book explores how to avoid that trap.
Confronted by endemic uncertainty, organizations need to improve the speed – and the quality – of their decisions.
Rethinking the tenets of economic orthodoxy could help improve customer choices.
The godfather of strategy returns with his trademark zeal for accessible, design-led strategy.
Network effects can drive organic low cost growth, create organic moats and scale at speed. The problem is getting them going.
Digital systems are increasingly a crucial part of the economy: but there is evidence that digital
systems are increasingly liable to service breaches due to failures in software systems among
other causes, and that these breaches are increasing in scale and duration. This paper considers those risks and how to respond.
How the importance of customer experience will continue to grow in industry 4.0 and what this means for risk management.
Explore the power of proactive contract reviews, operational compliance, and performance monitoring in fostering strong, productive relationships with partners. Discover how these strategies drive growth and ensure seamless collaboration.
Digital systems are increasingly a crucial part of the economy: but there is evidence that digital
systems are increasingly liable to service breaches due to failures in software systems among
other causes, and that these breaches are increasing in scale and duration. IT professionals and some others are aware of these risks, but risks from software failures have been “the elephant in the room”. Wider awareness by senior professionals is needed before most organisations have adequate policies and processes to prevent software failures and are able to mitigate the consequences of these.
Old school third party management doesn't work. Discover how to defend against disruption and create new value through Third Party Ecosystems in our latest white paper: 'The Future of Digital Collaboration'.
Even before Covid-19, Banks all over the world were facing pressure on profits, slowing revenues and increasing customer volatility. Our latest analysis sets out how Retail Banks can fight back, using adjacencies to identify and build digital alliances and partnerships that deliver customer-first value.
Third Party Ecosystems are increasingly referenced and discussed in the business press, management thinking and Boardroom conversations, download our latest thinking to find out what sits behind the buzzwords.
All too often procurement and risk professionals have the unenviable role of being (or feeling) accountable for risks that are outside of their control. However, with reliance on digital vendors on the rise, commercial and third party risks are only set to increase. In response, procurement must take a leadership role in enabling accountability for risk to be shouldered across the business, the entire C-suite, and by every employee.
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