This year’s list is a combination of issues around the economy and personal finance, about personal capabilities and leadership.

1. 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin

This book reads like a thriller. It’s rich in history and has clear leadership lessons for all of us in today’s age. The book integrates the learnings from the great depression to the digital/AI age. The book details the innovation, leadership struggles and bubbles that go bust.

2. Fixed by John Campbell and Tarun Ramadorai

We interact with the financial system daily. This book discusses why the personal finance market does not work for the ordinary citizen and offers some answers. Is the financial system working for the wealthy and educated only?

3. Rise to the 1% by Sharan Hegde

Sharan Hegde is one of the new breed of financial influencers. The book discusses the financial products and services available in the market and rates the various credit cards, insurance products, etc. It is a great handbook on the basics of the financial sector.

4. Money Ball by Sarthak Ahuja

Sarthak Ahuja is another financial influencer and in this book, he discusses all the issues involved in being an entrepreneur—from addressing a market and need, to working as founders, to raising capital and building an ecosystem. Ahuja has delved deep into the laws and by-laws to generate a simple guide.

5. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Working with other people is one of the most difficult things at work. Despite what we think, people surprise us. A big challenge at work is being cut off. How does one deal with these obvious and non-obvious rebuffs? The Let Them Theory is not about externalizing; it is not an excuse for not acting. It is in a way a bit of stoicism.

6. Confidence by Roxie Nafousi

Confidence is one of the key things everyone needs. Confidence is not about being aggressive or overt, it’s knowing your worth and it’s rooted in self-confidence. Roxie suffered from low self-esteem since she was a child and for her to unravel her truth in this book is amazing. Comparison is rampant in a social media world and rising above that comparison is difficult.

7. Tested by Pat Cummins  

Pat Cummins is a great cricketer and an unlikely successful captain of the Australian cricket team and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cummins lists his journey from the junior ranks to the second most important job in Australia. He talks of the discipline needed to stay relevant and competitive at the highest levels of the game by drawing on interviews with leaders from across different disciplines.

8. The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio

All of us want to be seen, heard, respected and regarded well. More people feel ignored today than ever before. Disengagement is at an all-time high. This is driving a mental health issue. Noticing is a powerful way for leaders to show people their unique gifts. How do you make people believe they are indispensable?  This book is full of practical advice to be a better leader.

9. A CEO for All Seasons by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram Malhotra & Kurt Strovink

CEOs deal with daily contradictions, and this book leans on lessons from 30 successful CEOs. This book discusses preparing for the role, leading with impact, staying ahead and leaving with grace and leaving a legacy. It discusses the many blind spots that leaders have and how to avoid them. This is a great playbook.

10. The Not To Do List by Rolf Dobelli

In this book, Rolf Dobelli discusses 52 common life mistakes and debates why the key to living well is simple if you choose it to be. He discusses common unproductive habits. One mistake people make is saying yes too often—to most people, being popular is a good thing. Success comes by subtracting, i.e. what you don’t do. Don’t try and change other people, let them be!