photo: JD Lasica/Socialmedia.biz
Chief Operating Officer of Facebook talks about some great books that had a tremendous effect on her life and career
”Bossypants” by Tina Fey
– from interview to The New York Times
This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at a comedienne who impersonates politicians with style and flair. Before her fame on Saturday Night LIve, there were nights of nerdhood extraordinary, and culinary habits that would grace any trailer park. All of these tidbits are nothing, next to the insights on males and females in the workplace, which make Dave Barry look like he’s met his female match. Fans of Fey’s work in person may not want to see behind the character mask, though the realistic humor of juggling mommy duties with make-up ring true to life.
”Now, Discover Your Strengths”by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
– from interview to The New York Times
“The Lean Startup: HowToday’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically SuccessfulBusinesses” by Eric Ries
– from interview to The New York Times
Also mentioned in Best Books To Read Before Starting Business Due To Dustin Moskovitz
If you want to read only one book on startups you should choose The Lean Startup. It’s about one of the hottest startup theories today: startup is all about testing your ideas, hypothesis and then finding their best combination. Like a science, not casino
”How Companies Win” by RickKash, David Calhoun
– Sheryl’s review
If you don’t remember life before McDonald’s as a mega-corporation, or if you’ve ever wondered where your company falls on the supply-demand chain, Kash and Calhoun of the Cambridge Group offer insights into the marketplace’s financial chinks in the armor. Pricing and innovation tips are taken from a mashup of giants: HP, Bestbuy, Allstate, Google, andHersheys. Rather than a rehashed view of efficient supply-chain management, theauthors offer highly profitable pools of demand that lead to winning the powerwar of pricing.
”The Big Short” by MichaelLewis
– from interview to The New York Times
Who knew about the crash of 2008 before it happened? Fans of the author’s other works, Moneyball and The Blind Side, will appreciate this four-part perspective that sheds light on the murky world of high finance. While it might be comforting to only blame those at the top who make out like bandits (and act like it too), the truth in this fictional tale is that while some investors lost their shirts, some were able to predict and profit from a mess left by greed and lack of accountability – and huge gaps in data analysis.
”Home Game: An Accidental Guideto Fatherhood” by Michael Lewis
Not since Bill Cosby’s bestseller Fatherhood has a parenting book become famous so quickly. This account of a bewildered but persistent parent takes the mask off of the cover-up game that means, really, you just make up the rules as you go along. So do the children, from his daughter letting loose four-letter words and keeping brothers at bay with the power of pee in the swimming pool, to antics with the nanny. Fans of Liar’s Poker and The Next New Thing shouldn’t shirk at adding this gem to their collection.
”Conscious Business: How toBuild Value through Values” by Fred Kofman
– from interview to The New York Times
Can Level 5 Leaders (i.e. Collins’ Good to Great top tier of quality leaders) be developed? Consciousness, says Kofman, is the key making decisions based on a real-life understanding of your team’s obstacles and the intentional working out of good decision-making under pressure. This Google and Chrysler consultant’s message of authenticity, integrity, and helpfulness in the marketplace are much-needed for business leaders in search of the three indispensible tools that will enhance workplace culture – that blend of the impersonal and interpersonal that lead to emotional mastery.
“A Wrinkle in Time”by Madeleine L’Engle
– from interview to The New York Times
Also mentioned in Jeff Bezos’ Exciting Book Choice
L’Engle’s novel, on time travel and the importance of family, is another classic children’s book that nearly never made it onto library bookshelves or anyone’s reading list. Like the unlikely heroine Meg, who stubbornly argues points with her teachers, L’Engle pitched the book to many publishers (says NPR) before finding one company who would give the metaphysics-laden novel a chance. Adult readers will be fascinated by this Newberry Award-winner, for its totalitarian themes of the IT-dominated Camazotz, and the power of love over hate.
“Harry Potter” series by J. K.Rowling
– from interview to The New York Times
These seven books may not have changed the face of Britain, but these simply written stories tends to grab the reader with a plot attraction that’s hard to resist. The appeal crosses age boundaries by its mixture of the battle and survival mentality of World War II with a world of teens, school, and magic. Harry Potter and his band of misfit renegades, aided and abetted by the soft-spoken but powerful Professor Dumbledore, manage to defy Lord Voldemort in his ceaseless quest for power – to rule both magical and non-magical folks worldwide.
