For the past few years I have shared the three books that have done the most to influence my professional work. Because I read/listen to a lot of books, it can be hard to narrow down. This year I couldn’t leave any of these four out, so the 2022 highlights includes the Top 4!
If you have read any of these books and want to connect to discuss, I’d love to chat.
The Exponential Age, by Azeem Azhar: This book has done more to provide context to our moment in history than almost any other book I have read (perhaps rivaling Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari, but that was in a different way). The Exponential Age refers to the accelerating pace of technological change. Azhar makes the case that four General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) – computing, energy, biological sciences, and additive manufacturing - have been developing at an exponential pace. Because exponential growth seems slow in the early stages, it can be easy to miss. However, when these GPTs work together and build upon past developments, we are likely to see an era of tremendous change, potentially in the near future. There is so much more to this book, and I find myself referencing it frequently – highly recommend!
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire, by Rebecca Henderson: After working in community-based non-profits early in my career, I became convinced that a more equitable world required humane and thoughtful behavior was needed throughout the economy as a whole, and not just in the non-profit sector. Reimagining Capitalism provides the best framework and narrative I have come across for how this could be possible. By using concrete examples and a vision informed by business and economic acumen, Henderson makes the case that urgent change is needed and that a hopeful and sustainable pathway is available to us. She does all of this in a compelling read that feels energizing and not maudlin. Would love to hear your thoughts. (And thank you to Carladenise Edwards, PhD for the recommendation!)
Jugaad Innovation, by Navi Radou, Jaideep Prabhu, and Simone Ahuja: Jugaad is a Hindi word meaning an improvised solution born from ingenuity and cleverness. The authors argue that rich investments in highly structured research and development can lead to disappointing results. They offer as an alternative inspiring examples of practical solutions to hard problems that have arisen from people with great minds and limited means. These embody the notion that forced constraints rather than deep pockets can lead to truly groundbreaking ideas. This book made me feel more optimistic about the potential role that community-based organizations (CBOs) and other community-affiliated healthcare organizations could play in healthcare of the future.
The Book of Joy by his Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Honestly, this book was originally part of my personal rather than professional reading list. Yet, I was so moved by the clarity, peace, and joy exuded by these incredible leaders that I wanted to recognize the impacts that these principles have had in my own work in healthcare. The book documents the dialogue of these two friends coming together for a week to discuss their thoughts on some of the most important human experiences, challenges, and joys. The dialogue format is engaging, and their insights are novel and familiar at the same time.
What are you reading? I love recommendations.