This week, we’re excited to kick off an ongoing series where we explore our favourite books and podcasts from successful entrepreneurs, companies and sports people. Part psychology, part business manual and most definitely entertainment, you can delve right in or take in bite size chunks to inspire your working day. We have a library of books available to leaf through in HurstWorks so why not take time out when you’re next in?
Our first five recommendations come from Rob Fisher, founder of HurstWorks and avid postcast listener. Rob says: “I love listening to podcasts – on a dog walk, in the car or when I’ve got a bit of downtime. There is so much inspiring content out there. Here are my personal favourites- I’d love to hear yours.”
1. The Founder’s Mentality by Chris Zook and James Allen
This is a must-read for anyone who owns a small business that is looking to grow and avoid what they call ‘The growth paradox’. The central idea of the book is that the mentality of a founder has a significant impact on a business, and by transmitting that founder’s mentality into all employees you can transform the whole business. There are three attributes of this mentality:
- A clear mission and purpose: It’s vital for every company or business to have a mission that not only inspires but also unites its teams. When everyone shares a common purpose, it creates a sense of belonging and motivates us to do our best work together.
- An unambiguous owner mindset: Leaders should embrace a sense of ownership within their teams. This isn’t just about responsibility, it is also about supporting a culture where everyone feels accountable and committed to the company’s success. When each team member takes pride in their work, it can truly transform the organisation.
- A relentless obsession with the front line: Building strong connections with customers and frontline employees is essential. By understanding their needs and experiences, we can better respond to challenges and drive growth.
2. How to Make the World Add Up by Tim Harford
In this delightful book, BBC journalist Tim Harford shares ten rules for thinking about numbers in a new way. This is my personal favorite; Harford’s witty writing makes even tough topics feel easy to understand. This book helps readers to think logically about data, making it a great pick for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of how much data controls the world.
3. Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
This is a truly touching book. Former Google executive Mo Gawdat shares his heartfelt journey to happiness, showing us the mindset we can adopt to discover joy in our lives. His story is relatable and filled with insights that many readers will appreciate. It’s a comforting read that reminds us how to seek happiness in everyday moments.
4. The High Performance Podcast by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes
I didn’t initially click with this podcast, but soon became hooked, so my advice is to stick with it! It features fascinating discussions with top performers in different fields, from wellness to sport, entertainment, business, and health. This podcast is the perfect listen on long journeys or leisurely strolls. If you’re looking to elevate your own game, this is a great choice!
5. Things People Do Podcast by Joe Marler and Tom Fordyce
For a fun and educational listen, this podcast is a real treasure. Rugby legend Joe Marler teams up with Tom Fordyce to bring us hilarious conversations that are also surprisingly insightful. Their lively banter is not only entertaining but also gives you something new to think about. It’s perfect for those who want to laugh while learning!
We hope these recommendations inspire you. Let us know if you have favourite books or podcasts to share as we’d love to feature them in the future collection of this series.
