Emergn summer reading: Our team’s top picks for inspiration and growth

With summer well underway, there’s no better time to dive into a good book. At Emergn, we believe in the power of continuous learning for personal and professional growth. Being open to learning and embracing new perspectives gives us the power to create the best and most innovative ideas and solutions.

This summer, our team has put together a diverse list of books that promise to inspire, educate, and challenge. From leadership and innovation to personal development and social issues, these recommendations reflect our team’s wide-ranging interests and expertise.

Take a look at what we’re reading this summer:

Transformed by Marty Cagan

If you’re looking for valuable insights into building successful and innovative product teams, this should be your next read. This book bridges the gap between current company practices and the transformations needed for success, mirroring the project-to-product transformations we advocate at Emergn.

Right Kind of Wrong: Why Learning to Fail Can Teach Us to Thrive by Amy Edmondson

Embracing failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Amy Edmondson’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to innovate and thrive both personally and professionally.

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

In this book, the author presents facts and arguments about how geography, environment, and access to resources changed the development of human fates and societies. If you’re curious about the development of civilization and history, this read won’t let you down.

Platform Engineering by Gregor Hophe

Gregor Hophe’s book on platform engineering covers various types of platforms, their relation to business strategy, and the importance of digital transformation. This resource is excellent for understanding the complexities of platform engineering.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

You probably already heard about this classic. Dive into the intricacies of human decision-making and behavior with this book and gain insights on how to better understand and interact with the world around you.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

In a world full of distractions, tips on how to improve productivity and focus are always welcome. In this book, Cal Newport presents strategies for cultivating the ability to focus intensely without distraction to achieve meaningful, high-quality work.

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Embrace the idea of reducing workload to achieve more meaningful and sustainable results. This book aligns with many of the principles we teach through our transformation approach for people and companies, Value, Flow, Quality (VFQ).

Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O’Neil

Explore the potential dark side of big data. In this book, Cathy O’Neil calls for ethical practices to ensure these tools benefit society.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

This book provides a comprehensive and clear framework for giving and receiving feedback that fosters growth and strong relationships. It’s the perfect read if you’re looking for a new approach to transform your team dynamics and leadership style.

No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy

It’s a great book to help anyone navigate their own feelings in the workplace and learn how to work better with others. The focus of the book is to gear what you’re feeling to a place where you’re able to express your emotions productively in order to be both happier and more effective at work. Filled with hilarious illustrations, this book is a guide to expressing emotions productively.

Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith

A distinguished philosopher of science and a skilled scuba diver shares a story of how nature became aware of itself – in the ocean, where animals first appeared. Explore the origins of consciousness through the lens of the octopus in this fascinating blend of philosophy and marine biology. Despite the seemingly niche topic, this read is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

Mastering negotiation is an essential life skill. Learn unique techniques rooted in emotional intelligence and tactical empathy from former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. These insights are invaluable for both personal and professional communication.

Each recommendation offers unique insights and valuable lessons, aligning with our commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills, gain a deeper understanding of social issues, or simply enjoy a thought-provoking read, we think our team’s selections are sure to inspire and challenge you. Embrace the opportunity to learn and evolve with these enriching reads.
Happy reading!

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