2020 Top Reads

It is without a doubt that 2020 has been an unprecedented year with many unexpected things happening, most notably the global pandemic that leaves us all studying or working remotely from home. I believe that most of the things that occurred this year have impacted most people with more harm than good but as Thich Nhat Hanh said in his wisdom, "No mud, no lotus." The beauty of the lotus is its resilience — the ability to turn suffering into a source of growth. I personally have found 2020 as a year of learning and self-development. Locked up at home, I started developing great enthusiasm for reading non-fiction with topics far-ranging from leadership to spirituality. Having completed more than 30 books throughout the year, I would like to share the five books that have inspired me the most in hope that they will inspire you likewise.

1. The Meaning Revolution by Fred Kofman

Why do the most effective leaders have no followers? The Meaning Revolution offers counterintuitive ideas about what it means to be a transcendent leader by deconstructing the leadership problems that are prevalent in many organizations and offering actionable solutions that focus on eliciting commitment toward a shared purpose. Truly inspirational in every sense of the word, this book blends modern management principles and philosophical wisdom to challenge us to reflect on our core values and to mirror them within our organizations to achieve "success beyond success."

2. What You Do Is Who You Are by Ben Horowitz

Culture is such a buzzword in today's organizations, but what does culture really mean? How does one purposefully build her organization's culture? What You Do Is Who You Are digs deep into the essence of organizational culture by observing lessons from history's most notable cultural leaders. Ben Horowitz builds his framework on cultural insights from some of the most unusual role models like Toussaint Louvertoure and Genghis Khan. Philosophical yet pragmatic, this book dissects why culture is extremely difficult and what leaders must do to design the culture that ultimately defines their organizations.

3. Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

By far the most relevant to today's unpredictable circumstances, Victor Frankl retells his firsthand experience of how he survived one of the most atrocious episodes in human history, the Holocaust. Man's Search for Meaning unlocks the indomitable potential of human beings in navigating through difficulties and building resilience by prescribing meaning to our hardships. If there is a single book that can change your life, I bet this might be it.

4. The Art of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

True to its title, this book offers The Dalai Lama's insights to finding genuine happiness in life by forming a deep understanding of the ultimate purpose of life, developing compassion, transforming suffering into meaning, and navigating through life's inevitable hardships. Integrating spirituality of the East and science of the West, The Art of Happiness is a valuable read for anyone in search of a happier and more meaningful life.

5. Give and Take by Adam Grant

How does giving more lead to long-term success? In Give and Take, Adam Grant cleverly presents anecdotes and scientific findings that explain why being a giver is always the best way to go. Incorporating stories about how givers collaborate and lead in a highly-connected world, this book will surely change your perspective on why the most effective way to succeed is by helping others succeed.

Conclusion

These are the five most fascinating books I have read throughout the year. I hope that these books will support your personal growth and inspire the best in you. If you are interested in having further discussions about these books or have solid recommendations for my reading list, I would be more than delighted to hear from you. Wishing you a rewarding 2021!

Cheers, Hansel