In a world where time is the most expensive currency, choosing what to read or listen to is a high-stakes decision. The right book can shift your perspective in a single commute; the right podcast can make a long flight feel like a short walk. This hand-picked list of five sharp books and five no-nonsense podcasts is for those who value insight, wit, and a good return on their time investment. Whether you’re leading teams across time zones, trying to build better habits, or simply wondering why Monday meetings exist, these recommendations deliver maximum impact — with minimal fluff.
5 books are worth every page
(for those who read with their brain… and their calendar in mind)
1 – How to Live – Derek Sivers
A distilled life manual in just a few pages. Like hiring a strategy consultant… but cheaper and less likely to schedule endless meetings.
2 – The Culture Map – Erin Meyer
For anyone who thinks managing a global team is simple… until you try explaining British humour to a Finn.
3 – Atomic Habits – James Clear
Proof that small changes can deliver big results — and no, it’s not just about lowering your golf handicap.
4 – Breath – James Nestor
An eye‑opening guide to the lost art of breathing. Turns out, the way you inhale and exhale could be the ultimate productivity hack — and it’s free, no subscription required.
5 – Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari
A journey through human history that also explains why people insist on holding Monday morning meetings.
5 podcasts to inspire without sugarcoating
(perfect for long flights or the kind of traffic nobody asked for)
1 – How I Built This – Guy Raz
Stories of people who built something from nothing. Living proof that persistence and coffee are the two universal currencies.
2 – Odd Lots – Bloomberg
Economics for those who enjoy obscure details — because sometimes the real storm brews in a small port.
3 – What We Spend – Audacy
The human side of money, and it’s not just about numbers, it’s about what we do to spend them… stylishly or otherwise.
4 – WorkLife – Adam Grant
Workplace psychology explained without the jargon. Perfect for those who want to manage people… and their own sense of humour.
5 – The Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos
The science of happiness in bite‑sized episodes. Think of it as a mental gin and tonic — fresh, light, and instantly uplifting.