Bookshelf
Here are some books I’ve found both useful and enjoyable, each contributing to my journey in its own way.
Product creation
Zero to one
Zero to One crystallized my understanding of the distinct mindsets needed for groundbreaking ‘0 to 1’ innovations versus ‘1 to n’ scale-ups.
Start with why
This book shifted my perspective, compelling me to always question the deeper purpose behind my projects and decisions.
Inspired
One of my favourite books of all time – Inspired reinforced the value of solving real customer problems as the heart of product innovation.
The lean startup
Lean Startup became my bible, fundamentally changing my approach to building new products with its emphasis on rapid iteration, customer feedback and intolerance to waste.
Don't make me think
Don’t Make Me Think sharpened my focus on creating user-friendly and intuitive web designs, making simplicity my top priority
User story mapping
This book offered me a clearer lens for understanding product features through the eyes of users, enhancing my product planning and execution processes.
Escaping the build trap
Escaping the Build Trap shifted my focus from just shipping features to creating real value and impact through strategic product management
Hit refresh
Hit Refresh allowed me to see things from the perspective of a trillion-dollar company’s CEO, emphasizing the power of empathy in leadership
Hooked
Hooked enlightened me on the science of creating habit-forming products, reshaping how I design with user behavior in mind
The cold start problem
The Cold Start Problem deepened my understanding of network effects, particularly highlighting the importance of identifying the smallest viable networks for sparking and scaling user growth
The personal MBA
The personal MBA hass filled the gaps in my business knowledge without the need for an expensive degree.
Data Science for Business
This book taught me to view problems through the lens of data requirements, enriching my decision-making with a data-driven approach
AI guide for thinking humans
This book established my fundamental understanding of neural networks and AI, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration into how these technologies can shape our future
The product book
The Product Book from Product School didn’t reveal new territories but sure did quiet my imposter syndrome, confirming I’m on the right track
The design of everyday things
The Design of Everyday Things fine-tuned my eye for user-centric design, stressing the importance of intuitive product interactions
Articulating design decisions
Articulating Design Decisions sharpened my ability to communicate the ‘why’ behind design choices, bridging the gap between vision and execution.
Laws of UX
Laws of UX distilled key principles of user experience into actionable insights, refining my approach to design with user psychology in mind
Continuous discovery habits
Continuous Discovery Habits provided actionable techniques for mapping the problem space and effectively securing leadership buy-in for continuous user discovery
Good strategy / Bad strategy
This book clarified the essence of what makes a strategy effective, distinguishing between mere aspirations and actionable plans.
The lean product playbook
The Lean Product Playbook equipped me with a systematic framework for developing products that truly meet customer needs, streamlining the path to product-market fit.
Personal development
Sapiens
Sapiens broadened my perspective, offering a profound look at humanity’s journey and the underlying truths that shape our existence
Stolen focus
Stolen Focus opened my eyes to the profound impact of modern distractions on our ability to concentrate, inspiring me to reclaim my attention and think more deeply
Range
Range reassured me, turning my unease as a jack of all trades into an appreciation for my broad interests and their unique value in problem-solving
The dictionary of obscure sorrows
One of my favourite books – it resonated deeply, revealing that my most intricate emotions are shared, fostering a deeper empathy towards others.
How to change your mind
This book literally changed how I see things, showing how new experiences and perspectives can deeply affect our growth and understanding as humans.
12 rules of life
12 Rules for Life provided practical advice, grounding my approach to life’s chaos with clear, actionable principles
Drive
Drive reshaped my understanding of motivation, highlighting the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose beyond conventional rewards
Rubaiyat
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam taught me to cherish the here and now, blending philosophy with the poetic to celebrate life’s moments.
Principles
Principles distilled Ray Dalio’s wisdom into actionable insights, guiding my approach to decision-making and success with a set of fundamental truths
The power of now
The Power of Now taught me the transformative effect of living in the moment, reducing stress and enhancing life’s richness
The power of habit
This book really unpacked the the science of habit formation, empowering me to reshape my routines and behaviours for lasting change.
Flow
Flow helped me identify and understand the state I valued but couldn’t name, teaching me how to more easily achieve deep immersion in my activities.
The happiness project
The Happiness Project inspired me to experiment with daily practices, finding joy in the pursuit of personal improvement and happiness.
Indistractable
This book was very helpful for me to combat the constant pull of distractions, helping me regain control over my attention and priorities.
Atomic Habits
I like this book a lot as it helped me understand the process of building good habits and breaking bad ones, emphasizing small changes for significant impact