A leadership book about giving direct, honest feedback while still caring personally, how to challenge directly without being a jerk.
Why I liked it: Simple, actionable, and easy to revisit. It helped me navigate tough conversations with clarity and empathy. One of the few management books that I highly recommend.

The origin story of id Software and how two friends, John Carmack and John Romero, revolutionized gaming with Doom and Quake.
Why I liked it: I loved this one. It’s the story of how two eccentric geniuses basically invented the modern video game industry. There’s something inspiring about how scrappy and bold they were—creative chaos meets technical brilliance. It reminded me that the best work often comes from friction and obsession.

A straightforward, practical guide to the current state of AI, what it is, how it works, and how to use it wisely.
Why I liked it: It’s short, clear, and surprisingly useful. A good basic handbook if you’re trying to understand AI without the hype.

A timeless introduction to Zen practice, filled with short, quiet reflections on presence, discipline, and seeing the world with fresh eyes.
Why I liked it: I absolutely love this book. The simplicity of thought, the calm it brings—it’s everything. I’ve read it several times, and when I was in Japan, I read it again. It felt like people there were living every line of this book in real life. It reminds me to stay open, stay grounded, and find clarity in the quiet.

A sharp leadership book about driving urgency, raising standards, and leading companies through hyper-growth. Fast, direct, and kind of ruthless in the best way.
Why I liked it: This isn’t a book full of fluff, it’s about setting a high bar, making bold calls, and pushing teams to execute fast. I don’t agree with everything, but it made me reflect on how I lead, and where clarity and urgency matter most.

A science-based exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and mindfulness, written especially for skeptics.
Why I liked it: Thoughtful and sometimes confronting. I appreciated the balance between mindfulness and science. He has an app with the same name, and the content is gold, I literally paid for the lifetime subscription. That’s how much it resonated with me.

A raw, powerful memoir by performance artist Marina Abramović, tracing her life, art, and the emotional endurance behind both.
Why I liked it: I’m always curious about what shapes an artist, the life behind the work. This book is a perfect example of that. Her story is intense and unforgettable, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for how much of herself she pours into her art.

A practical and powerful guide to inclusive design and how exclusion happens through everyday products.
Why I liked it: Kat Holmes helped pioneer inclusive design at Microsoft, and that’s where I learned everything on this topic, this book captures the heart of that work. It’s clear, thoughtful, and full of real stories that show how better design can serve everyone.

A visually rich and thoughtful exploration of beauty, what it means, why it matters, and how it shows up in design, art, and everyday life.
Why I liked it: It’s a simple but deeply interesting take on a topic that often gets overlooked in modern design. I’ve always believed that good design should be beautiful, practical, and accessible. None should be compromised—that’s the real challenge for a designer. This book puts that belief into words and visuals.

A clear, visual guide to spotting and tracking cultural trends, and translating them into design, product, or business strategy.
Why I liked it: It breaks down trend forecasting into smart, practical steps—backed by interviews and case studies—so it doesn't feel like guesswork. I appreciate how it blends systems thinking with creative intuition, great for students and teachers.

A data-driven look at what really sets billion-dollar startup founders apart—based on patterns pulled from hundreds of companies.
Why I liked it: A really interesting read. Ali breaks down the myths we often hear about unicorns and backs everything with real data. The fact that he studied so many public biases makes the insights even more surprising, and more useful if you’re building or investing.

A powerful memoir by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, reflecting on meaning, purpose, and what makes life worth living.
Why I liked it: I followed Paul’s journey while he was still writing and battling cancer, and this book stayed with me long after I finished it. I’m drawn to real stories, and this one hits hard—it’s a raw, beautiful reminder of how fragile and precious life really is. A must-read.

A clear, approachable guide to becoming a great manager, especially in fast-paced tech environments, told through Julie’s own journey at Facebook.
Why I liked it: This is my top recommendation for first-time managers in a corporate setting. It’s relatable, well-written, and feels like a personal coaching session. While it pulls wisdom from many management books, it’s grounded in Julie’s lived experience, which makes it all the more valuable.

A biography of Apple’s legendary design chief, tracing his journey from childhood through his iconic work on the iMac, iPhone, and more.
Why I liked it: I enjoyed learning about his path, how being the son of an engineer and a designer shaped both his eye for beauty and his deep curiosity about how things work. It’s always fascinating to see how early influences lead to world-changing impact.

A book about the power of rethinking, why staying open, questioning what we “know,” and willing to change our mind is a superpower in work and life.
Why I liked it: I often recommend this when I mentor others. It’s a great reminder that confidence doesn’t mean certainty, and that flexibility in thinking is a strength. Clear, smart, and full of examples that stick with you.

A guide to mastering high-stakes discussions—how to stay calm, speak candidly, and create psychological safety so real dialogue can happen.
Why I liked it: I regularly recommend this during mentoring and leadership coaching. The strategies are practical and grounded. A must-have toolkit for anyone who cares about real communication.