10 Books to Sharpen your Mind in Today's Business World

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1- Better, Simpler Strategy by Felix Oberholzer-Gee

This book will give you a simple way of seeing strategy as an innovative approach to create value for your company. At the top hierarchy is the customers' perception of value which will increase the value created for your company.

At the base, there's the value for your employees and suppliers (by creating long-term relationships and integration of employees and suppliers in your value creation chain).

I really enjoyed this book because it provides clear guidance on how to set up your strategy based on value creation

(financial performance).? Some people say: "Cash is king", Felix Oberholzer-Gee says : " Value is king". Focus on value and everything will follow.

2- Data Smart by John W. Foreman

While I've also read the second edition of Data Smart, I still chose the first edition by John W. Foreman because it is still very current and even more useful today. ?It clarifies basic techniques such as forecasting and how to set up a problem for predictive analysis. Finally, it shows you how to create a sound optimization model for any business situation.

3- Get to the Point by Joel Schwartzberg

If you read only one book on communication, this is it. This book will show you how to clarify your message and focus on what you wish to communicate and not just sharing of information. I highly recommend it because it will give you the opportunity to become more aware of what is being communicated to you. You will quickly learn how to identify other people's point, if they have one of course.

4- The work of Simon Sinek

Every year, I spend a lot of time re-reading his books and listening to his talks. I often purchase copies of Start With Why as gifts for people whom I've appreciated doing business with.

Why is Simon Sinek so important on this list? He highlights the importance of genuine leadership and describes in great details how to be, in order to become the leader you wish to had. Also, he's an amazing storyteller which helps when it comes to remembering his messages.

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5- Everyday Business Storytelling by Janine Kurnoff and Lee Lazarus

Run don't walk to grab your copy of this book. Storytelling allows you to present anything in a more structured manner and focused on your audience.

This book will help you create stories for your ideas and provide your audience with an emotional connection to your content.

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6- What's Your Problem by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

Framing a problem is can be a great challenge nowadays. Most people are looking for solutions, some people think they already have a solution but very few take a step back to understand the problem in order to find effective ways to solve it. This book takes you on the journey of learning how to frame the problem and gives plenty of examples across various industries. What's Your Problem will make you a better thinker over time. I've used this methodology for a few months now and I keep discovering new ways to look at the issues I encounter professionally and personally.

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7- The Art of Statistics by David Spiegelhalter

If you are in contact with data on a daily basis and are looking for ways to implement analysis and statistics, this book is a game changer. Statistics can be used in any situation in order to better understand the reality at hand. Each chapter is a complete course on the power of statistical analysis.

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8- Dark Horse by Todd Rose and Ogi Ogas

This book presents a personal development methodology based on case studies of individuals who did not necessarily follow a clear or "traditional" path toward success. This book will lead you on the discovery of your own fulfillment and inspire you to keep going even when all the odds are against you.

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9- The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

I recommend this book as a tool to help you become a better people manager. Its workbook format and companion website are helpful and engaging. Get ready for a transformation of yourself and the way you lead. My favorite line in this book: "Challenge yourself as much as you can". Michael Bungay Stanier will be your personal trainer and coach even after you've finished reading.

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10- Whether you are a beginner or consider yourself a seasoned data analyst, these 2 books are foundational for the use of AI within the organization. These books will allow you to apply Generative AI to data analysis so you can use these new tools in a constructive and innovative way.

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- Practical AI by? Alfred Essa and Shirine Mojahad

- The Handbook of Data Science and AI by Stephan Papp et al.

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Bonus: I didn't get a chance to give you a recommendation for something that can tie all your ideas together in a powerful way: Data Visualization. Although it takes time and practice to learn how to build effective visuals, anything by author Stephen Few, such as his book Show Me The Numbers can get you started on your journey.

Also Scott Berinato, the author of Good Charts and the Good Charts Workbook focuses on storytelling with data.

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Thanks for reading this list and my hope is it will be helpful to you in some way big or small. Remember that it takes a village to accomplish great things, and even the brightest light of them all cannot light up the entire village on its own.??

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Happy 2024! Keep learning and inspiring others to do the same.