Team SLS 360 Reading List
01
The Brave Leader by David McQueen
I had the pleasure of attending The Brave Leader Summit last month expertly curated by David McQueen with a host of inspiring speakers and sessions in a room full of 'Good' people. His book, released this month, is more of the good stuff for inclusive leaders. 'More Courage, Less Fear. Better decisions for inclusive leadership' A few chapters in and I love it already. One for the EDI reading list!
02
The Accidental Sexist by Gary Ford, Stephen Koch, Dr Jill Armstrong
I mentioned this in a recent Radio SLS 360 audiocast as the book I was gifted by one of the authors, Gary Ford, at a recent event I attended at Winchester University. Building an inclusive workplace needs everyone (men included) to act as allies so if you are uncertain about what to do or why it matters, in relation to gender equity and equality, then this book is for you.
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I love how it offers practical solutions and real-world insight into this issue and on delivering the benefits of diversity and inclusion. One for everyone but especially men who want to explore what true allyship looks like. Grab your copy here!
03
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Associate Nzinga Orgill is reading this powerful book which offers tactical advice and on how to gain and maintain power, using lessons drawn from parables and the experiences of historical figures. It suggests that power depends on the relationships between a person and those he or she seeks to control.
The book is a collection of stories illustrating the 48 rules broadly applicable to success in life but has a few which are considered dangerous by some and for that reason, it is banned from many US prisons! Intrigued? Grab your copy here and let us know what you think!
04
If I Was A Racist: Exploring Racism in Music Teaching by Nathan Holder
This book will challenge the reader to think deeply about their own beliefs about music and music education to help chart a path toward a more inclusive and richer musical experience for teachers and their students. It is challenging, but I challenge you to lean into discomfort and see what comes out the other side. A must read for inclusive leaders and music educators. Get your copy here.
05
Great Thinkers by The School of Life
No surprise our Data expert is reading a book on The Great Thinkers! It is a collection of some of the most important ideas of Eastern and Western culture - drawn from the works of philosophers, political theorists, sociologists, artists and novelists who have the most to offer to us today.
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This 480-page book contains the canon of The School of Life, the gallery of individuals across the millennia who help to frame our intellectual world and illuminate the multiple dilemmas, joys and griefs of daily life.
06
The Happy Index by James Timpson
I was inspired by an article on LinkedIn by Sal Naseem about the UK’s new Prisons Minister, James Timpson, Founder and CEO of Timpson and how he developed several innovative ways to run the business at a time when traditional High Street retailing has suffered. The key to the growth of the business has been the culture that James has pioneered, based on trust and kindness.
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The Happy Index is about how he created this culture structured into lessons that will equip you and the people you work with, with the tools and tactics to re-evaluate the ways you manage your business.
Offering insight into the ways in which James has overseen the family business, he firmly believes that you will see the benefits of working with an upside-down mindset, not only for financial success but also your team’s wellbeing and happiness. In his opinion, it’s easy. Turn up on time. Trust your team. Do your work. You can buy it here.
07
Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
Associate Hannah Mitchell is reading this powerful book which leads readers on a journey through psychology, philosophy, and a great many silent retreats to show how and why meditation can serve as the foundation for a spiritual life in a secular age.
This book combines evolutionary psychology with cutting-edge neuroscience to defend the radical claims at the heart of Buddhist philosophy. With bracing honesty and fierce wisdom, it attempts to show the reader not just that Buddhism is true—which is to say, a way out of our delusion—but that it can ultimately save us from ourselves, as individuals and as a species. Grab your copy here.
08
8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty
In this book 8 Rules of Love, you'll discover that love isn't something we're taught—most of our understanding comes from movies and pop culture. This book offers practical guidance through a series of actionable steps, helping you learn how to nurture love. Through eight key principles, you'll explore how to love yourself, your partner, and the world around you.
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What I like about the book most is that the author often references his own lived experiences as a monk. I love this perspective which is such a contrast to my own experiences. The biggest takeaway for me is when he talks about focussing on the process, not the winning or the end result. He says that the process is 99.99%, the winning is 0.01%. In the process we are learning, experimenting, struggling and practising. This is all a valuable part of life. You can buy it here.
09
Together by Vivek H. Murthy
"There are two basic human yearnings. To feel at home in one’s own skin and to feel at home on this wonderful earth. Our sense of self is a communal construct. Whether you put it theoretically or biologically, we are created for community.” - Dr. Parker J. Palmer
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This line is taken from the book: Together by Vivek H. Murthy, United States Surgeon General. ​What I love about this book is that it explores a topic that is not often spoken about but affects so many people…loneliness.
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I love reading books because I get to experience other people’s stories. It’s what connects us as human beings. Books show us that no matter who you are or what your status, we are all humans.
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This book is filled with stories of truly inspiring beings. You can buy it here.
10
Awareness by Anthony de Mello
This book is a masterpiece of self-reflection and discovery. Listening to his conversations which are filled with humour and poignant and profound statements, leave you wanting to do better and be better. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to elevate their consciousness and self-awareness.
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You can buy it here.