A Year in Books: What I Read and Learned in 2024

As we have stepped into a new year, I have decided to institute a new tradition: an annual review of the books I have read over the course of the previous year.

Books have been one of my greatest sources of learning, inspiration, and reflection, and I feel this is the perfect way to share that journey with you. Each time, I will be highlighting my key takeaways from all the books that have kept me company over the course of the prior year, including my recommendations as to who each read might be most valuable for, so you get to choose what might be for you.

This article is a bit longer compared to my usual articles, but for a very good reason: sharing knowledge and learning is something which truly means a lot to me. And if you know me, you'll know that I'm a bit of a bookworm (quite a big one, in fact). These books have been my faithful companions on many a commute to the office, sparking new ideas and often making me rethink the way I do things at work and in life.

For this first edition, I've also included five bonus books I read in previous years. These titles have been especially formative for me, so it felt only right to give them a place of honor in this inaugural review.

I hope this list sparks your curiosity and serves as a resource whenever you are looking for your next great read. Whether you're seeking practical tools, fresh perspectives, or a little inspiration, there's something here for everyone.

The Three That Stole the Show in 2024

Think Again (Adam Grant)

In a constantly changing world like the one we are living in, unlearning old ideas and looking at a variety of perspectives is a crucial skill. Grant encourages us to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and embrace intellectual humility, making this my favourite book from him (to date, at least!).

This is for you if: You are ready to develop a mindset of lifelong learning by challenging the status quo, rethinking ideas and their underlying assumptions.

How it changed me: The trick to persuade others about our ideas, is not to convince them that we are right, but rather to open their mind to the possibility that they might be wrong. Their curiosity will do the rest, kick starting a re-thinking process.

The hallmark of an open mind is not letting your ideas become your identity.

The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career (Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis)

It's time to let go of the idea that our career paths should be linear. Careers today are squiggly, and that is all but a bad thing! An excellent self-help resource on crafting a career path that resonates with your values and strengths, packed with practical exercises and real-life examples.

This is for you if: You want to embrace how to navigate non-linear career paths, seeking clarity, confidence, and flexibility in your journey.

How it changed me: I gained a new perspective on networking, one that has empowered me to build new meaningful connections with intention and in line with my introverted nature.

Success is no longer about climbing a ladder; it’s about creating your own path.

Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)

Through personal anecdotes and grounded research, the author shows us how vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a strength that fosters connection, creativity, and courage. You will be empowered to dare to be yourself and learn ways of showing up in your life imperfectly and authentically, creating deeper connections.

This is for you if: You are seeking to forge better connections, be more vulnerable with others, and enjoy a more wholehearted life.

How it changed me: This read encouraged me to practice more self compassion and acceptance, which was the very first step I had to make in order to seek more opportunities to be vulnerable with others, and enjoy the stronger connection that came as a result.

Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.

The Rest of My 2024 Book Stack

Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman)

The book blends research insights with engaging storytelling to explain just how our minds are led in making certain choices through the workings of the two systems of thinking – our fast instinctive reactions, and our slow, deliberative reasoning, including how biases or cognitive shortcuts lean on us.

This is for you if: You are interested in learning how the mind works, how decisions are made, and what biases occur to affect our thoughts and behaviours.

How it changed me: The book brought to the fore the fact that our mind tends to make decisions based on what we know at a given time, whilst turning a blind eye toward what we do not. As a coach, this is an important reminder that I only see one side of a situation, enabling me to take perspective and support my clients to do the same.

What you see is all there is.

Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life (Rory Sutherland)

Through stories and examples from marketing, psychology, and behavioral science, the author reminds us that sometimes logic just isn't the answer, and some of the most brilliant ideas come from the most unexpected places.

This is for you if: You are interested in unconventional problem-solving and behavioral science, sprinkled with a good dose of witty sense of humour.

How it changed me: I took away several insights on the power of perception and branding, as well as explored how sometimes abandoning logic to embrace irrationality can lead to much more creative solutions.

Test counterintuitive things, because no one else is testing them.

Give and Take (Adam Grant)

This book reveals how helping and supporting others without expecting anything in return can be the key to success. You’ll learn how to balance this trait wisely, so that it can lead to stronger networks, meaningful work, and lasting impact.

This is for you if: You want to understand how to best share your generosity so that it can foster collaboration and lead to success in work and life.

How it changed me: I have learnt the key traits and behaviours that enable givers to help others whilst also supporting their own success, instead of turning into ‘doormats’ (Grant’s words, not mine!).

The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life (Susan David)

Illustrating how to live gracefully and flexibly through the challenges we constantly face in our lives, full of the latest research and practical tools.

This is for you if: You are looking to better manage your emotions, adapt to change and build resilience, both at work and in your personal life.

How it changed me: Stress in itself is not necessarily always bad. I have learnt to reflect on what is the right amount of stress that enables me to thrive and stay ‘whelmed’ whilst identifying the triggers that can tip me into ‘overwhelm’ territory.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but taking action despite it.

Designing Your Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness at Work (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)

A guide to improving our work life one step at a time, using a mix of creativity and practical advice.

This is for you if: You are curious about how design thinking can help you find more meaning and satisfaction in your work life.

How it changed me: There are no insurmountable problems. It is all about re-framing the issue into the best Minimum Actionable Problem (MAP). Once done, it is possible to think about viable potential solutions that I can test.

You are not stuck; you are simply at a prototype stage in your work life.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (Dr. Julie Smith)

This book is like having a therapist in your pocket. Whether dealing with anxiety, motivation, or self-doubt, this is a guide to navigating the ups and downs in our lives.

This is for you if: You are seeking practical tools and insights to help maintain and enhance your emotional wellbeing.

How it changed me: I have actively sought more opportunities, no matter how small, to step outside of my comfort zone. It turned out that indeed that is the only way to overcome my self-limiting beliefs.

To build confidence, go where you have none.

Systemic Coaching and Constellations: The Principles, Practices and Application for Individuals, Teams and Groups (John Whittington)

Blending theory and practice, this book uncovers and unpacks the unseen dynamics that influence teams and organisations.

This is for you if: You are a coach, consultant or leader interested in understanding and working with systemic dynamics in teams and organisations.

How it changed me: This read has taught me a lot about the dynamics that affect human interactions in the workplace and the key elements that sustain healthy relationships, including practical tips for how to restore clarity and flow in systems.

Belonging, order, and exchange are the foundational principles of systemic health.

Coaching for Wellbeing: An Evidence-Based Guide for Practitioners (Ana Paula Nacif)

Focused on mental and emotional health, this book is a practical guide for coaches aiming to help clients sustain their wellbeing and build resilience in their daily lives.

This is for you if: You are a coach or practitioner looking to enhance clients' wellbeing through evidence-based approaches.

How it changed me: I took away new perspectives and valuable resources to conceptualise the multi-faceted and complex idea of wellbeing in today’s society, so that I can better integrate it in my own coaching practice.

True wellbeing is a dynamic state that reflects the balance between our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Coaching with Values (Lindsay West)

Outlining how our values influence our thoughts, behaviours, and relationships, as well as providing a comprehensive framework for identifying and prioritising them, so that we can enhance our sense of purpose, fulfillment and wellbeing.

This is for you if: You are a coach or leader wanting to expand your toolkit to support others in making authentic, values-driven choices in both their personal and professional lives.

How it changed me: I took away a number of practical exercises to go deeper in the value exploration work I do with my clients, enabling greater and more actionable insights.

When we live in alignment with our values, we feel a sense of flow and fulfillment. When we don’t, we experience resistance and dissatisfaction.

Five Timeless Favourites from Previous Years

Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business and in Life (Thomas Erikson)

This book dives into the four main personality types and how they shape communication styles. Using a fun and accessible approach, the author guides us to better understand and connect with others, building stronger and more rewarding relationships at work and beyond.

This is for you if: You want to understand personality types to become a better communicator by adapting your style to different ways of thinking.

How it changed me: This is one of my all-time favourite non-fiction books. Its key lessons on how different personalities think and process information have taught me how to adapt my communication style so that I can build better relationships and be more influential at work.

Communication isn’t about what you say. It’s about what the other person understands.

Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Career You Want (Dr. Grace Lordan)

This book breaks down the path to achieving ambitious goals into small, manageable steps. You’ll learn how tiny, intentional changes today can lead to big successes in the future with the help of science-backed strategies and inspiring examples.

This is for you if: You are looking to achieve ambitious goals through small, effective actions.

How it changed me: I have learnt about the ‘spotlight effect’, a bias reflecting our tendency to think that others notice us way much more than they actually do. This has allowed me to overcome my fears of other people’s judgement and empowered me to take more risks.

Don’t underestimate the power of reflection to reshape your path.

The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme for Confidence, Success, and Happiness (Dr. Steve Peters)

Illustrating how the emotional part of our brain can both help and hinder us, with relatable examples and actionable tools for greater self-control toward a more fulfilling life.

This is for you if: You want to understand your inner emotions, learn how to manage them, and improve your mental resilience.

How it changed me: I deepened my understanding of how the human mind works and learnt how to better handle my own chimp, so that it does not hinder nor sabotage me.

Success is about the management of yourself and your emotions, not the absence of challenges.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (Simon Sinek)

Using examples of visionary leaders and businesses, the author shows how those who can effectively articulate their purpose can lead others to make lasting success and meaningful impact.

This is for you if: You want to understand how purpose and vision inspire and motivate others to achieve.

How it changed me: Having completed this read at the crucial time where my coaching business had started to grow, I was able to fully understand that when there is a sense of purpose and passion, we feel energised no matter how hard and how many hours we work.

Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.

Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long (David Rock)

Using neuroscience insights, the book provides actionable strategies to enhance your focus, manage stress, and make better decisions in order to work smarter, not harder.

This is for you if: You want to understand and improve your cognitive performance at work by overcoming challenges such as multitasking, information overload, and workplace stress.

How it changed me: Reading this gave me the push I needed to start prioritising my own ‘thinking time’ more, and be more intentional with how I use my time at work. I started setting boundaries, especially around meetings, to ensure I spend my time in the most efficient way so that I have the necessary space for deep, focused work. I have also started advocating more for purpose and focus in meetings within my organisation.

Creating space for deep thinking isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity in a world of constant distraction.

That's a wrap, I hope this article has left you with at least 1 addition to your reading list for 2025.

Before I go, I do need to conclude with an important disclaimer: I do love fiction too (dear fellow Harry Potter fans out there, I salute you!), but it just so happens that in the last year I was kept busy by books on mindset, productivity, personal growth, and (surprise surprise) coaching.

One day, I might share my top 10 fiction reads in another article… Get in touch and let me know if you’d like that!