Suzie’s recommended summer reads
As I head off on my summer break, I just want to share some books I’ve recently enjoyed, plus one that I’ll definitely be packing in my suitcase. These books have served me well and were recommended by our community of senior marketing leaders – they might be just what you need.
The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future by Mustafa Suleyman
This book was recommended by the brilliant Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society. It’s essential reading and so thought provoking that we even shared copies with everyone who attended our recent networking events.
“Soon you will live surrounded by AIs. In a world of quantum computers, robot assistants and abundant energy, they will organise your life, operate your business, and run government services.
None of us are prepared.
Mustafa Suleyman has been at the centre of this revolution. The next decade, he explains, will be defined by a wave of powerful, fast-proliferating new technologies. These will create immense prosperity but also present risks.
How do we ensure the flourishing of humankind? How do we maintain control over these technologies? And how do we find the narrow path to a successful future? In this groundbreaking book we learn how to think about the essential challenge of our age.”
The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life. A transformative self-help book blending brain science and personal development by by Robin Sharma
A 5am start is tough, but it’s been a game-changer for my energy, clarity and productivity levels. In a year where we’re launching AI Recruitment Solutions – our new recruitment technology product – this approach has really helped.
"Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life. A transformative self-help book blending brain science and personal development."
Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation by Benjamin Hardy
If you're looking to plan and set new goals this summer, this really helps to map out where you are and where you want to go.
“Who is your Future-Self?
That question may seem trite. But it’s literally the answer to all of your life’s questions. It’s the answer to what you’re going to do today. It’s the answer to how motivated you are, and how you feel about yourself. It’s the answer to whether you’ll distract yourself on social media for hours, whether you’ll eat junk food, and what time you get up in the morning.
Your imagined Future-Self is the driver of your current reality. It is up to you to develop the ability to imagine better and more expansive visions of your Future-Self.
Your current view of your Future-Self is very limited. If you seek learning, growth, and new experiences, you’ll be able to imagine a different and better Future-Self than you currently can.
It’s not only useful to see your Future-Self as a different person from who you are today, but it is also completely accurate. Your Future-Self will not be the same person you are today. They will see the world differently. They’ll have had experiences, challenges, and growth you currently don’t have. They’ll have different goals and priorities. They’ll have different habits. They’ll also be in a different world―a world with different cultural values, different technologies, and different challenges.”
And for those of you navigating the turbulent teenage years, the following book has been recommended to me by a candidate who survived this challenging part of the parenting journey. It’s said to be a laugh-out-loud and helpful read – I can’t wait to get started.
“Calling all Mums:
Are you feeling lonely and confused?
Are you panicking that you’re getting everything wrong?
Do you feel as if your relationship with your teenage daughter has worsened overnight?
Don't worry, you're not alone.
Enter parenting columnist Lorraine Candy, a mum of four (including three teens). Her warm, witty, and wise memoir will gently lead you to a harmonious place.
This book is a reassuring survivor's guide to the highs and lows of parenting adolescents. It will reconnect you to your daughter and help you feel good about your mothering.”
I hope you enjoy these and please do reach out with your own recommendations.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer with some well-deserved time to unwind.
With warmest regards,
Suzie
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