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Book cover of Accountable: The Rise of Citizen Capitalism

Gil Winch PhD Author Of Winning with Underdogs: How Hiring the Least Likely Candidates Can Spark Creativity, Improve Service, and Boost Profits for Your Business

From my list on workplace social justice with true-life stories.

Why am I passionate about this?

Most of the one billion people with disabilities in the world are chronically unemployed. Years ago, I set out on a mission to research why that is, and to then attempt to prove that people with disabilities and others are not unemployed for lack of ability. I discovered that we all lack understanding regarding what they need in order to bring their considerable abilities to bare. Fifteen years ago, I founded CY, a for-profit company as a proving ground and showcase for the solutions I found. Over 1,500 employees, 5 weddings, and two court cases later – I have quite a story to tell.   

Gil's book list on workplace social justice with true-life stories

Gil Winch PhD Why Gil loves this book

Accountable is a highly researched book filled with case studies and interesting stats to help make the author's case – that Capitalism needs some adjustments. It's especially important for people who don't fully buy into the modern rhetoric and abundant lip service of large companies regarding their "good doing" and self-stated "care" for communities, employees, and stakeholders. It grants an eye-opening perspective regarding the real motivations of business leaders and the incredible power their corporations wield. The many case studies of large and global companies convincingly demonstrate the danger we all face if that power is left unchecked and its wielders are left unaccountable to the globe we live in and the people that inhabit it. 

By Michael O'Leary , Warren Valdmanis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Accountable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Uses a combination of great stories and thoughtful analysis to suggest that we must find a way to change the purpose of our corporations if we are to build a society that works for all of us.
Rebecca M. Henderson, John & Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University

"Fresh, balanced, highly readable and deeply informed"
John Pepper, former Chairman and CEO of P&G

"Thought-provoking and insightful, Accountable offers a pragmatic and original roadmap to transform capitalism into a system that's more inclusive, sustainable, and just."
Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation

Capitalism is failing and the…


Book cover of The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity

Daniel M. Gerstein Author Of Tech Wars: Transforming U.S. Technology Development

From my list on understanding current tech war future of humanity.

Why am I passionate about this?

Everyone uses technology, but few stop to think about where these technologies come from and what this trajectory means to humanity. During my professional career, I have dedicated myself to public service focused on security and defense as a U.S. Army officer, senior government civilian, and in think tanks, industry, and academia. My journey has taken me to over 60 countries where I have witnessed humankind's best and worst. The difference is often in how our technologies are used—to build cities, feed populations, and develop life-saving vaccines or to oppress peoples or as tools of war. 

Daniel's book list on understanding current tech war future of humanity

Daniel M. Gerstein Why Daniel loves this book

This book speaks to the opportunities and challenges for the participants in today’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) competition. It highlights the barriers to entry in this tech war—high costs, advanced hardware such as semiconductors and high-performance computing, and perhaps most importantly, access to human capital.

This book provides a roadmap for thinking about the current AI tech competition. It also highlights what is at stake if the United States does not lead in this space. The idea of AI development led by an authoritarian regime or a nation that does not place humanity first could arrive at solutions that are unfriendly and perhaps even hostile to humanity. 

By Amy Webb ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Big Nine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We like to think that we are in control of the future of "artificial" intelligence. The reality, though, is that we--the everyday people whose data powers AI--aren't actually in control of anything. When, for example, we speak with Alexa, we contribute that data to a system we can't see and have no input into--one largely free from regulation or oversight. The big nine corporations--Amazon, Google, Facebook, Tencent, Baidu, Alibaba, Microsoft, IBM and Apple--are the new gods of AI and are short-changing our futures to reap immediate financial gain.

In this book, Amy Webb reveals the pervasive, invisible ways in which…


Book cover of Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One of the World's Most Successful Companies

Andreas Widmer Author Of The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value

From my list on change how you think on leadership business life.

Why am I passionate about this?

With decades of experience in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership, I’ve worked across industries and continents, particularly in emerging markets. From launching high-tech ventures to advising companies and co-founding The SEVEN Fund, which promotes enterprise solutions to poverty, my focus has been on how businesses can drive real, sustainable impact. I am a professor and an author, and I believe great businesses create lasting value—not just for shareholders but for employees, customers, and society. These five books have profoundly shaped my thinking on leadership, business strategy, and personal growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an executive, they offer invaluable insights for thinking and leading better.

Andreas' book list on change how you think on leadership business life

Andreas Widmer Why Andreas loves this book

I don’t think I’ve ever read a better book on management than this one. Charles Koch is, of course, no ordinary business leader—his results speak for themselves. Building one of the largest private companies in the world requires not just strategic brilliance but a deep understanding of human nature, incentives, and organizational design.

What sets Koch’s approach apart is his profound respect for human excellence. His Market-Based Management (MBM) system is one of the most person-centered frameworks I’ve encountered. Unlike the rigid structures of traditional corporate hierarchies, Koch embraces dynamic, self-organizing teams. There are no job descriptions or top-down mandates—teams select their own members and redefine roles based on each individual’s strengths, experiences, and comparative advantages. It’s simple, obvious in hindsight, yet uncommon and revolutionary in practice.

His philosophy aligns closely with my own conviction that true value creation is rooted in empowering individuals to operate at their highest…

By Charles G. Koch ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Good Profit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Koch Industries is one of the largest private companies in the world with an estimated worth of $100 billion. But what makes this company so profitable? You won't find its name on the connectors in your smartphone or your baby's ultra-absorbent nappies, but Koch makes these and many other innovations, driven by its Market-Based Management(R) system for generating good profit. Good profit results from products and services that improve people's lives. It results from a culture where employees are empowered to be entrepreneurial and customer-focused.
Drawing on stories from his nearly six decades in business,…


Book cover of Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World

Trudy Worth Author Of Heartful Business: Leading with the World in Mind

From my list on leadership to change the world of work for good.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve experienced good organisations and less so in my working life. Likewise, I've experienced the good and less so of leadership. In leading teams and organisations during my career, I, too, have been an example of both, so I’m passionate about helping leaders grow their capability to ‘avoid the less so’ and lead well, with humanity and greater consciousness, to create workplaces where people flourish and organisations that contribute positively to the future of our world.

Trudy's book list on leadership to change the world of work for good

Trudy Worth Why Trudy loves this book

Power has gotten a bad rap over the years due to its selfish/self-interested misuse in all walks of life. For me, Rometty’s book resets the dial with its refreshing focus on using power for the greater good and creating positive change in organisations and wider society.

I really liked the book's blend of memoir, practical advice and tools, and the core concept of good power—shifting from the traditional notion of leadership as control and power to a practice that puts empathy, inclusion, and service at heart. Ultimately, the book is about meaningful, positive change…something we can surely all get behind.

By Ginni Rometty ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Good Power as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

Former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty delivers a powerful combination of memoir, leadership lessons, and big ideas on how we can all drive meaningful change.

Ginni Rometty led one of the world's most iconic companies, and in Good Power she recounts her groundbreaking path from a challenging childhood to becoming the CEO of IBM and one of the world's most influential business leaders. With candor and depth, Rometty shares milestones from her life and career while redefining power as a way to drive meaningful change in positive ways for ourselves, our organizations, and for the many,…


Book cover of The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life

Joe Contrera Author Of Extraordinary Results for Life: Discover Your Path to Be UN-ordinary

From my list on transforming your business and your life!.

Why am I passionate about this?

For nearly 40 years, I have studied and written about blending the business world and the spiritual side of life together. By spiritual, I mean everything to do with our purpose and why we exist. I refer to this as being ALIVE @ WORK ®. We spend countless hours at work doing a j-o-b, when what we want most is knowing that we are making a difference in our lives and the lives of others. The key is taking 100% responsibility for our lives, knowing we have the power to change them in an instant. You will find this thread woven through all of my books and those I recommend.

Joe's book list on transforming your business and your life!

Joe Contrera Why Joe loves this book

This is a very recent addition to my list. It will take you on an incredible journey with a man (the author) from a career with multi-billion-dollar businesses (Aramark) to being the CEO of Homeboy Industries, the most successful gang rehabilitation program in the world.

It is his journey from one world to the next as he shares the need for us to radically change the way we do business in this country. In my opinion, “The Great Resignation” and “Quiet Quitting” are just symptoms of why we need to desperately change. You may ask yourself, “What do gangs and business have in common? Read this book and find out!  

By Thomas Vozzo ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Homeboy Way as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Leading with heart, authenticity and purpose, Thomas Vozzo provides a clear path to a new bottom line—including 55 rules to break—bringing the Homeboy Way to life as the perfect anecdote to the massive tidal currents of social injustice and inequities.

By every traditional measurement of success, Vozzo was a clear winner. In his world of billion-dollar revenues and million-dollar profits, he knew exactly what shareholders wanted and how to get it for them.

Then, through a series of fateful events, Vozzo landed as CEO of Homeboy Industries, the most successful gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the country, founded…


Book cover of Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Surefire Ways to Design a Workplace That Is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World

Bruno R. Cignacco Author Of The Art of Compassionate Business: Main Principles for the Human-Oriented Enterprise

From my list on conscious business.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a consultant, author, and researcher, for several years I have been very passionate about the study of companies that are very successful in the marketplace, but that are also human-oriented. In other words, I am very interested in companies that are profitable, but at the same time, are kind, compassionate, and caring with their main stakeholders. I like that these companies continually aim to foster robust long-term relationships with these stakeholders, and look for win-win agreements with them. What I love about these companies is that they focus on the quantitative aspects of business (e.g., profitability, growth, etc.) but also in its qualitative aspects (empathy, support, gratitude, generosity, etc.).

Bruno's book list on conscious business

Bruno R. Cignacco Why Bruno loves this book

I really like this book because it provides the reader with very actionable ways to develop a more human-oriented workplace. I found interesting the way this book thoroughly dissects relevant themes related to the work environment, such as: the importance of an authentic voice, employee wellness, the significance of sustainable actions, and the value of giving back, among others. It is very useful that this book includes several examples of companies to illustrate these topics. I found it valuable that each relevant theme discussed in this book is accompanied by a human action plan, with very practical suggestions.  

By Erica Keswin ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bring Your Human to Work as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The secret to business success? Get REAL and be HUMAN!

As human beings, we are built to connect and form relationships. So, it should be no surprise that relationships must also translate into the workplace, where we spend most of our time! Companies that recognize this will retain the most productive, creative, and loyal employees, and invariably seize the competitive edge.

The most successful leaders are those who actively form quality relationships with their employees, who honor fundamental human qualities-authenticity, openness, and basic politeness-and apply them day in and day out. Paying attention and genuinely caring about the effects people…


Book cover of The Innovation Delusion: How Our Obsession with the New Has Disrupted the Work That Matters Most

Gemma Milne Author Of Smoke & Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It

From my list on navigate technology hype.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve worked in and around the tech, science and startup world for the past 10 years, and hype has played various roles in my work and life. From working in advertising where my job was to build narratives around ideas and products, then in journalism where I was tasked with sorting hype from reality when deciding who and what to write about, to now being a researcher who looks into the very nature and power of narratives, ideologies, political economies and cultures around science and technology – hype has been a recurring topic which is so important in understanding and navigating the tech industry. I hope you find these books as enlightening as I have!

Gemma's book list on navigate technology hype

Gemma Milne Why Gemma loves this book

I loved this book because it not only picks apart the concept of "innovation" and helps you approach its usage across work, media, and everyday life but it also goes into exploring an alternative view – that of "maintenance."

It’s packed full of great examples, provides much-needed clear analysis of things we take for granted (like bridges!), and gives me hope for different ways of approaching how to talk about technology, innovation, and the future.

By Lee Vinsel , Andrew L. Russell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Innovation Delusion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Innovation” is the hottest buzzword in business. But what if our obsession with finding the next big thing has distracted us from the work that matters most?

“The most important book I’ve read in a long time . . . It explains so much about what is wrong with our technology, our economy, and the world, and gives a simple recipe for how to fix it: Focus on understanding what it takes for your products and services to last.”—Tim O’Reilly, founder of O’Reilly Media 

It’s hard to avoid innovation these days. Nearly every product gets marketed as being disruptive, whether…


Book cover of Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World

Kusi Hornberger Author Of Scaling Impact: Finance and Investment for a Better World

From my list on investing for impact.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Partner at Dalberg Global Development Advisors, where I lead a lot of our finance and investment advisory work with development finance institutions, family offices, and impact investors. I also serve on several impact investment and field-building organization advisory boards and regularly contribute to the ecosystem through thought leadership and speaking engagements at leading conferences. Over the course of my 20+ year career, I have played the role of advisor, investor, and technical assistance provider on more than 200 individual projects across the globe.   

Kusi's book list on investing for impact

Kusi Hornberger Why Kusi loves this book

I recommend this book for any leader seeking to better understand their ‘why’. I have long admired Jacqueline Novogratz and Acumen and while not her most famous book, this one really gets deep into the inside of what motivates Jacqueline and the work she does at Acumen.

As someone who considers themselves to be values-led, I deeply admire how Jacqueline doesn’t shy away from the ethics of financing social and impact enterprises and instead leans in to explain her thinking in this book and to challenge our collective moral imagination about what is right.

It is also filled with useful examples and interviews with changemakers across the globe, which helps bring her work and the concepts in the book to life. A must-read for anyone interested in impact-first investing. 

By Jacqueline Novogratz ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Manifesto for a Moral Revolution as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"An instant classic." ―Arianna Huffington
"Will inspire people from across the political spectrum." ―Jonathan Haidt

Longlisted for the Porchlight Business Book of the Year Award, an essential shortlist of leadership ideas for everyone who wants to do good in this world, from Jacqueline Novogratz, author of the New York Times bestseller The Blue Sweater and founder and CEO of Acumen.

In 2001, when Jacqueline Novogratz founded Acumen, a global community of socially and environmentally responsible partners dedicated to changing the way the world tackles poverty, few had heard of impact investing―Acumen’s practice of “doing well by doing good.” Nineteen years…


Book cover of Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism

John Montgomery Author Of Net Zero Business Models: Winning in the Global Net Zero Economy

From my list on creating a sustainable economy for our children.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a corporate lawyer, I saw first-hand that corporations lack a comprehensive social and environmental conscience. I had begun to experiment with articles and bylaws when I met one of the founders of B-Lab, the creator of the B-Corp and architect behind the benefit corporation, in 2008. I have been working to upgrade the operating principles of the economy ever since. I was the co-chair of the legal working group for California’s benefit corporation legislation and my former law firm was one of the first law firms to become a B Corp. I’m highly motivated to leave a habitable planet to our children and grandchildren.

John's book list on creating a sustainable economy for our children

John Montgomery Why John loves this book

The prevailing corporate form renders corporations prone to anti-social and environmentally destructive behavior because they are designed to maximize profits for shareholders without considering the consequences to society and the environment.

I love Better Business because it tells the story of the creation of an emergent alternative corporate form, the B-Corp with benefit corporation governance, that provides a material positive benefit to society and the environment in addition to making profits for shareholders.  

A sustainable economy not only requires new economic principles, but also new corporate forms that are endowed with a social and environmental conscience in addition to the usual pecuniary one. Better Business introduces you to these new corporate forms without bogging you down in legalese.

By Christopher Marquis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Better Business as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A compelling look at the B Corp movement and why socially and environmentally responsible companies are vital for everyone's future-"a valuable guide to an important force" (Financial Times)

"An important blueprint for how businesses can and should be both successful and a force for good."-Rose Marcario, President and CEO, Patagonia

"Better Business is the book to read if you want to put values and purpose at the center of your company. It's an inspiring book with great insights to share."-Jerry Greenfield, co-founder, Ben & Jerry's

Gold Medalist in the Business Ethics category, 2021 Axiom Business Book Awards and longlisted for…


Book cover of Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman - Including 10 More Years of Business as Usual

Ashwin Gulati Author Of Soul Venture

From my list on soul driven books to redefine success in business.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the author of a deeply introspective book about the difference between chasing success and truly living a successful life, told from deep within the startup trenches. I’ve spent decades navigating those trenches myself, which is why I’m so passionate about this theme. These books echo the questions I’ve lived, and continue to live, about meaning, purpose, and what truly matters. I picked these five books because they have shaped my understanding of success—and the deep, often messy, work it takes to redefine it from within. Together, they have shaped my belief that entrepreneurial success isn’t just about what we build, but who we become in the process. 

Ashwin's book list on soul driven books to redefine success in business

Ashwin Gulati Why Ashwin loves this book

Patagonia’s founder doesn’t just talk about building a company—he talks about building one with conscience. I admire how he defines success as humble and fiercely independent. This book is a manifesto for aligning profit with purpose and mission with mindfulness. It challenges entrepreneurs to think not just about revenue, but about the legacy they want to leave behind.

I loved this book because it gave me a behind-the-scenes look at a company I admired from afar but didn’t really know. I’d heard about Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability, but reading about how they actually implement their values—through design, materials, and a “repair, not replace” philosophy—was eye-opening. I also connected deeply with Chouinard’s memoir-style reflections. I appreciated his raw honesty, his resistance to conventional business wisdom, and how he stayed true to his principles. Those are all approaches that deeply resonate with me.

By Yvon Chouinard ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Let My People Go Surfing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Wonderful . . . a moving autobiography, the story of a unique business, and a detailed blueprint for hope." —Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel

In this 10th anniversary edition, Yvon Chouinard—legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.—shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth.

From his youth as the son of a French Canadian handyman to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport's equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story…