š LEE'S READING LIST
ā Favourite Non-Fiction
Books that made me smarter or changed my perspective.
I’ve read many of Ryan Holiday’s books but this is the one I’ve re-read. Ryan is famous for making ancient philosophy relevant to the modern day. One to read if you find yourself in a rut.
If ever there were 100 pages that every human should read, these are those. Regularly cited by high performers, I picked it up. It compelled me to visit Auschwitz myself. You should too.
My gateway drug to the world of podcasts and personal development books. While I don’t work 4-hour weeks, it inspired me to start many side projects. One to snap you out of the “9-5 mindset”.
I picked up this book by a pool on holiday and spent the week engrossed. Sapiens tells the story of humankind, interweaving history, biology, economics and more. It will make you feel small.
I especially recommend this as an audiobook. What Goggins can physically endure will blow your mind. Persevere through the slow, bleak start. This read is motivation on-tap. It got me out running.
Don’t let the title put you off. This is the book I needed as a male, career-obsessed twenty-something. Like Prof G, this book is funny and highly practical. It’s deeply honest about wealth and family.Ā
After binge-watching Parts Unknown and finding a new idol, I turned to this audiobook. Bourdain’s writing belongs to the Beat Generation, with a unique garnish of obscure food references.Ā
I always found geography boring, until I picked up this book. Throughout my history studies, geographic factors in world events were rarely mentioned. Prisoners got me interested in the news.
A fresh perspective on diversity which has become such a meaningless buzz word. An enjoyable read, in a style similar to Malcolm Gladwell’s. Something all leaders or aspiring leaders should pick up.
š£ Marketing & Business Books
Some books that made me a better marketer.
If you read one book on marketing or advertising, pick this one. An easier introduction to behavioural science than Cialdini’s Influence. I’ve recommended to many colleagues who often now cite Shotton.
I had to eventually readĀ InfluenceĀ after continually finding it referenced. Cialdini’s work will make you a better marketer. Learn why car dealerships offer you free coffee and much more!
Alchemy is the perfect accompaniment to other books on behavioural science in marketing above. This one is very funny. One of my favourite orators, make sure you listen to the audio version.
A controversial marketing book with plenty of ideas to get your teeth into. My takeaways were the importance of physical and mental availability in marketing and distinctive brand assets.
A handbook written in 1916 for those working in advertising. A timeless fable that reminds you to not overcomplicate things! You can read this short story in one sitting.Ā
Business lessons from real world brands owned by P&G. Lafley and Martin boil down strategy toĀ where to play and how to win. While all the examples are FMCG, the case studies are helpful.Ā
This book has more of a text-book feel thanĀ Playing To WinĀ but complements it well. Good strategy starts with the diagnosis of a problem. Bad strategy contains a lot of meaningless buzz words!
š° Personal Finance Books
The financial education I didn’t get at school.
Ignore the cringe-worthy title. This book is a great introduction to personal finance, one that refreshingly ignores budgeting to tackle bigger levers. I learned how to spend, not save money.Ā
The only investment book you will need to read and a great introduction to the FIRE movement.
One of the first finance books I read and a unique one told in the form of 4,000 year-old parables. It’s about the psychology of money and I preferred it to Napoleon Hill’s Think And Grow Rich.
The late and great founder of Vanguard‘s very own investment bible. If you haven’t heard of “index funds” then you should probably read this and then invest in one.
š Favourite Fiction
A handful of stories I return to and love as an English grad.
When I was in Sixth Form, my English teacher lent us each a book she thought we’d like. Any Human HeartĀ was her choice for me and it was an instant favourite. The BBC adaptation is great too.
My introduction to the Beat Generation and the book that sparked a love of American literature. Kerouac writes like no one else in “spontaneous prose” that breaks all the rules. This book sings.
A contender for my favourite author, I’ve read most of Hemingway but return to his first work. As with Kerouac, everything feels true because it’s based on real people and events.
Arguably the greatest novel ever written which is lucky as I had to read it half a dozen times for school. Nick Caraway is one of the great narrators. The ending is perfect. The film adaptation very good.Ā
Not everyone realises David Fincher’s 1999 film is based on a book. Like Generation X before it, I read it with teenage angst. Palahniuk is one of the great social commentators of fiction.
This was the one and only book I read at a Russian book club… Something I only attended after an unforgettable trip to Moscow and St Petersburg. Step into the shoes of a murderer…
The least recognisable story on my list and a visceral read. It’s a portrait of the poverty and violence of colonialism, not just the story but the language itself. I dedicated my university disseration to it.
The 1939 cult novel that later inspired Charles Bukowski. Los Angeles in the 1930s. Growing up with ambitions to be a writer, I was drawn to the protagonist, Arturo Bandini. Fante remains underrated.Ā
š§ FAVOURITE PODCASTS
š Hall of Fame
The podcasts that are usually in my ears.
The titan podcast that needs no introduction. If you haven’t had the pleasure, there are 500+ episodes to choose from. Here are 10 of the most popular podcasts. I couldn’t possibly pick my favourites.
Ever since readingĀ The Four, I’ve been hooked on Scott Galloway or “Prof G”. You should listen to this podcast for the intro music alone. I recommend for tech bros in particular.
After binging his TED talks and finishing Alchemy, I was relieved to find Rory Sutherland has a podcast. It’s introduced me to many cool brands like Dead Happy and some great marketers.
The newest addition to my regular listens, Chris Williamson was introduced to me through my brother. Chris is possibly the best interviewer I’ve come across. A podcast to rival even Tim Ferriss.
š” Marketing Podcasts
Great resources for self-teaching digital marketing, especially PPC.
See above.
AJ Wilcox is the world authority on LinkedIn Ads. I literally self-taught how to run campaigns from this very podcast and wouldn’t recommend any other teacher. He runs the LinkedIn Learning course too.
There are a few PPC podcasts out there that I dip into from time to time. Perpetual Traffic is great for beginners and covers multiple channels. It’s good background listening while you work.
Joe Glover, based up the road from me in Cambridge, has built a brilliant community of 25,000+ marketers. His podcast attracts some great guests. I hope to attend a face-to-face event soon.
While I don’t do as much Paid Search nowadays, this 300+ episode podcast is a great resource for those that do Google Ads or want to learn. I find it a good way to keep my hand in.Ā
Any recommendations? Drop me an email or connect with me on LinkedIn.