I’ve always been a bookworm.
As a kid, it was a constant battle for my mum to get me to put my book down, I’d happily walk around the house with my nose still buried in a chapter.
Adventure stories, historical fiction, sci-fi… if it had pages, I was in.
That love never left me.
Even now, I can’t go on holiday without both my Kindle and a paperback. (Yes, I know I don’t need both, but try telling that to my inner ten-year-old!)
There’s just something magical about losing yourself in other people’s imaginations. It completely relaxes me.
Losing, and Rediscovering, the Joy of Learning
Here’s the twist though…
I lost my love of reading to learn when I left school.
You know that feeling? You’ve been tested to death on Shakespeare and trigonometry, and suddenly books feel like work.
That changed about 15 years ago. I started picking up business, psychology, and self-development books, and I realised… the more I grew personally, the more my business grew.
Here are some of my favourites, not in any particular order , with a quick snapshot of why they’re worth a spot on your shelf.
My Go-To Book List
The Chimp Paradox – Dr Steve Peters
An eye-opening guide to understanding the “chimp” in your brain, that emotional, impulsive part of your mind, and how to work with it, not against it. Great for managing stress, decision-making, and staying calm under pressure.
The Expectation Effect – David Robson
A fascinating look at how our beliefs and expectations can literally change our physical and mental performance. It’s science-backed proof that mindset isn’t just “woo-woo”, it’s biology in action.
ACT in Sport – Mark Bennett
Acceptance and Commitment Training applied to sports (and life). Helps you focus on what matters in the moment and perform under pressure, whether you’re on the pitch or in a boardroom.
Oversubscribed – Daniel Priestley
If you’re tired of chasing clients, this book flips the script, it’s about becoming so in demand that customers queue to work with you.
The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber
A classic for entrepreneurs. Explains why working in your business is not the same as working on your business and how to make the leap.
Rebel Ideas – Matthew Syed
Explores the power of diverse thinking and how it leads to better problem-solving, innovation, and success.
Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
Why do some people achieve extraordinary success? Spoiler: it’s not just talent, it’s also about timing, opportunity, and deliberate practice.
Belonging – Owen Eastwood
A beautifully written reminder that humans thrive when they feel part of something bigger. Essential reading for leaders who want to build real team culture.
The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
A deep dive into why habits form, how they shape our lives, and how we can rewire them to work for us instead of against us.
And my bonus recommendation…
Hitting the Wall – Ash Taylor
This one’s close to my heart!
It’s about recognising when you’ve pushed yourself to the brink, learning how to step back, and finding a sustainable way forward, in business, sport, or life. It’s refreshingly honest and incredibly practical.
How This Ties into My Work
Reading has been one of my biggest sources of both inspiration and action. In fact, much of the work I do with my High Impact Productivity™ programme is rooted in ideas like these, about focus, mindset, and making space for the work that really matters.
Let’s Chat
If you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in day-to-day firefighting, or like there’s never enough time for the big stuff… that’s exactly what I help leaders and managers fix.
I’d love to chat – no pressure, just a conversation about what’s getting in your way and how to get you back in control of your time, your focus, and your results.
Book a quick 15-min call with me here
Over to You
So… have you read any of these books?
Which ones shaped your thinking or business? Let’s swap recommendations – my to-read list is never full!
