Author: Kevin Eikenberry

I am a reader. I have been my whole life.

You will find books in nearly every room in my house or office, somewhat to the displeasure of my wife. I read for pleasure, I read to learn, and I read as part of my work. As the host of Remarkable Leadership Podcast, I have read nearly 60 books this year.

But that isn't all I've read. Here are five books I read in 2023 that made a difference for me.

As you read this list, I hope at least one makes it to your reading list. Perhaps you will get a gift card and now know how to spend it. Three of these books were read for the podcast. The links to listen/watch those conversations are included in my review. You can watch while you wait for your copy to arrive.

Here is the list, in order of publication date.

Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts

by Annie Duke

We all make decisions all day long. Much is written about how we make decisions, and plenty of research shows we aren't great at it. Annie Duke is a famous Poker Champion and deep thinker who gave me a new perspective on the topic.

The book outlines many biases we hold - some you are likely familiar with, others perhaps not. In every case, she toggles from research and interesting examples to make her points. I find myself consciously thinking in new ways because of this book. I'm not sure there is higher praise I can give than that.

10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less

by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

I read this book for my thinking and our business growth. While written primarily for entrepreneurs, it challenges any reader to think bigger and nonlinearly. It provides inspiration, but more importantly, specific application ideas to help you think about anything differently. You can apply the ideas to your career, your business, your team or any other part of your life.

The Nine: The Tectonic Forces Reshaping the Workplace

by Phil Simon

This book is about the future of business and the future of work. Some of the ideas shared, while well-researched and documented, aren't surprising. But I bet there will be at least a couple of the nine you haven't thought of or thought about how they would impact you. It's a fast and engaging read, closing with practical ideas for what to do about these nine forces. Definitely worth reading as you think about the future of work and your place in it.

You can listen to my conversation with author Phil Simon on your favorite podcast app, or watch it here.

The Case for Good Jobs: How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and Meaning to Everyone's Work

by Zeynep Ton

This is perhaps the most thought-provoking book I read this year. Note the subtitle: How great companies bring dignity, pay, and meaning to everyone's work. Who doesn't want that for themselves and their colleagues?

Ton states a case, then provides a roadmap for helping to create "good jobs" across a team or organization. The ideas are relatable and challenging, uncovering a brighter future for work and a path to creating competitive advantage.

You can listen to my conversation with author Zeynep Ton on your favorite podcast app, or watch it here.

Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World

by Christian Madsbjerg

Paying attention is a powerful habit for all parts of our lives. But distractions are everywhere. Many of us have forgotten how to observe and listen intentionally. But doing so elevates our decision making, perspective, and relationships. Madsbjerg applies lessons from philosophy and science to help us see why this is important - and how to improve.

The book suggests - and I agree - that the skills of observation can set us apart. And while it may seem harder than ever to remove our distractions, great benefits come to those who do.

Watch my conversation with Christian Madsbjerg here.

Everyone's goals for reading and learning are different. I hope at least one of these books helps you on your journey. I know they each continue to help me on mine.