Looking for a few more titles to round out your summer reading list this year? Perhaps you’re hoping to find some inspiration while relaxing by the pool on your next resort getaway? Or maybe just looking to escape into the pages of a fantasy adventure from the comfort of your upcoming staycation? Whatever your reading interests, CEIBS faculty have got you covered (get it?)! Check out these recommended books from our professors below.

Keeping at It

by

Paul A. Volcker

“I always recommend reading autobiographies to my classes. I think one of the most effective ways to understand any era is through its most important decision makers! Paul Volcker’s Keeping at It is especially good, as he wrote the book right before he passed away in 2019. Volcker served as Fed chairman from 1979-1987 and was famous for bringing an end to the high inflation period brought on by the oil shock. A nice read to understand the workings of the Fed, monetary policy, and the US economy.”

CEIBS Assistant Professor of Economics Howei Wu

Spinning Silver

by

Naomi Novik

“I’m a big fan of fantasy books! I’m reading Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver right now and recently finished her earlier book, Uprooted. Both are stand-alone books. These books take classic folklore (e.g., Rumpelstiltskin) as their inspiration for spinning an interesting ‘new’ story. The books are well-written with strong story arcs and good character development. Nice books to enjoy after having to read a tonne of academic research papers!”

CEIBS Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Daniel Han Ming Chng

Personality isn’t Permanent

by

Benjamin Hardy

“I’m now reading Personality isn’t Permanent by Benjamin Hardy. The book is filled with strategies for reframing your past and designing your future. It’s a guide to breaking free from the past and becoming the person you want to be.”

CEIBS Professor of Leadership Juan Antonio Fernandez

Creativity, Inc.

by

Ed Catmull

“Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is one of the best books written on how to build a creative organisation. Catmull shows how Pixar has made films that make them feel proud and has developed specific management practices to enhance creativity and performance. This is also one of the most interesting books I have read in the past ten years.”

CEIBS Philips Chair in Management Kim Tae-Yeol

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

by

Stephen R. Covey

“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a perennial favourite amongst business faculty to assign as pre- and post-course reading. Cultivating good habits at work and in daily life is becoming much more important in the digital age. This book begs us to examine our behaviour in-depth and provides a mirror for reflecting our true inner self. I read it at least once a year.”

CEIBS Associate Professor of Strategy and International Business Terence Tsai

Inclusify: the Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams

by

Stefanie K. Johnson

“Anyone who has taken one of my classes knows my passion for having candid conversations about how to manage diversity and build inclusive climates. Inclusify: the Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams by Stefanie K. Johnson is the first book that I’ve read in some time that gave me unique insights into the topic while also providing truly practical and tailored recommendations for different types of leaders who are trying to do better in this space. Now, perhaps more than ever, I think we all need more tools in our toolbox to bridge the things that divide us.”

CEIBS Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour Emily David

The Practice: Shipping Creative Work

by

Seth Godin

“The Practice: Shipping Creative Work is a really nice book for anyone who wants to take on creative work or a leadership role. It helps you get unstuck and find the courage to create something new. Seth Godin teaches you how to turn your passion into a process with structure, and how to deliver quality work on a consistent basis.”

CEIBS Professor of Finance Frank Yu

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

by

Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

“We tend to think resilience is all about bouncing back. In fact, resilience is also about bouncing forward to grow and reinvent ourselves. Option B is a powerful, inspiring, and practical book about building resilience and moving forward after life’s inevitable setbacks. It illuminates how to help people in crisis, develop compassion for ourselves, raise strong children, and create resilient families, communities, and workplaces.”

CEIBS Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour Michelle Zheng