Books
A selection of books I've enjoyed and what I learned from them.
Clarity & Connection
I find its short verses refreshing. It’s an easy go-to read and reread to reset and reflect.
Coming Into View: How AI and Other Megatrends Will Shape Your Investments
A good framework for thinking through how investments may play out if AI flies, stalls, or disappoints. And how to navigate each scenario.
Competing Against Luck
Clear framework for spotting breakthrough ideas by talking to users and figuring out JTBD, though it’s easier said than done. You’ll still need luck.
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life
You can MVP life hypotheses, test them, and iterate quickly based on lived experiences.
Don’t Make Me Think
Changed the way I look at every interface and touch point.
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success
Refreshing research on what I think is common sense. Just give generously and don't be an asshole. And avoid assholes and getting exploited.
High Output Management
Output = Manager x Leverage, where Leverage = A mix of system, process, software, culture, and smarts. It makes management easier to process.
How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking
Reveals math’s hidden role in everyday life.
How the World Really Works
A data-driven view of the forces shaping our economy, energy and environment.
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster
The best book I've read about climate change. Easy to understand, data-driven.
Inner Game of Tennis
Mastering your mindset can beat raw skill. Teaches focus and self-belief in high-pressure moments.
Managing Oneself
Build your life and career around your strengths, values, and how you work best. Be very self-aware.
Never Split the Difference
Super practical advice that’s easily applicable if you put in some effort.
No Worries: How to Live a Stress-Free Financial Life
Fun and educational read. The Awesome Portfolio is dead simple to follow, optimizing for peace of mind.
Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It
An easy framework to identify and execute positioning. I use it as part of my workflow when building products.
Outliers: The Story of Success
Success is rarely just talent. Timing, opportunity, culture, and effort compound over time. Even your birth month can matter more than you think.
Principles: Life and Work
An inside look into Bridgewater's systems and principles. Fascinating but also a little too overwhelming imo. In short, systemize but also humanize.
Quantitative Trading: How to Build Your Own Algorithmic Trading Business
Gets into the details of quant trading. Fun.
Raising Mentally Strong Kids
TL;DR: Learn to let go. Applies to adults too.
Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love
A timely read as I think about what to build next. Very grateful to Bill for sending a copy of his book.
Stephen Hawking’s Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Mind-blowing. Fascinating stuff. Joyful read.
The Art of Happiness
Blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology. Go-to book when one isn’t in the happy state.
The Book of Joy
Two leaders share how to find lasting happiness amid hardship. A joyful read.
The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution
Fascinating to see the ups and downs of how Jim Simons and a group of non-Wall Street mathematicians and scientists came together to create one of the world's most successful quant funds.
The Whole-Brain Child
Knowing the brain makes it easier to understand why kids (and adults) behave a certain way.
Think Like a Rocket Scientist
Teaches problem-solving by mixing bold ideas with logic. I enjoy its space-stories examples.
Tiny Habits
Easy-to-execute steps. Useful for kids and myself to build good habits.
Trillion Dollar Coach
Insightful leadership lessons from a coach’s point of view.