Editor's note: This piece was originally published on LinkedIn in October 2016, documenting a reading list compiled after a three-day intensive at Hyper Island. A decade later, most of these works remain foundational to anyone thinking seriously about digital transformation, organizational culture, and the future of work.

Recently I had the absolute pleasure to be taken out of my day-to-day work for a three-day training session hosted by Hyper Island. Jonathan, our main facilitator, was exceptionally well-read and by the close of the third day we had compiled a pretty sweet reading list and a set of podcasts that I am working my way through. What book or podcast has literally changed your life? I am on a search for the best material on offer.

The October suggested reading list

The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win

Authors: Kevin Behr, George Spafford, Gene Kim
Originally published: January 2013

Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: The Promise and Perils of the Digital Economy

Author: Douglas Rushkoff
Originally published: March 1, 2016

Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy

Author: Phil Barden
Originally published: January 1, 2013
A groundbreaking exploration of decision science and its application to marketing and purchase behaviour.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Authors: Sheryl Sandberg, Nell Scovell
Originally published: March 11, 2013

Laws of Simplicity

Author: John Maeda
Originally published: 2006
A manifesto that simplicity equals sanity. We're rebelling against technology that's too complicated, DVD players with too many menus, and software accompanied by 75-megabyte read-me manuals.

Start With Why

Author: Simon Sinek
Originally published: December 27, 2011
A book in which the author explains how to inspire with ideas. The golden circle, the celery test, and the split test are three core frameworks for how to get people to follow one's idea.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

Author: Tim Ferriss
Originally published: April 24, 2007
My current read.

Why People Fail

Author: Siimon Reynolds
Originally published: March 1, 2010
An essential guide for mastering failure in order to achieve your goals. Success is often just a moment—a goal fulfilled, soon to be replaced with new goals.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Author: Ben Horowitz
Originally published: March 4, 2014
Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley's most respected entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup—practical wisdom for facing the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Author: Patrick Lencioni
Originally published: January 1, 2002
A business book that describes the many pitfalls that teams face as they seek to row together.

Podcasts

  1. Mark Ritson: Marketing Deconstructed Lectures
  2. California Commonwealth Club
  3. 99% Invisible
  4. Intelligence Squared
  5. TEDx

Sharing is caring, so please let me know what I am missing out on in the comments.