The powerful impact of a good book
For World Book Day, our team shared the most influential and impactful books they have read.
Coaching is a profession built on curiosity and learning, so it’s no surprise that the titles span psychology, leadership, philosophy, economics, and business.
What connects them all is the way they challenge assumptions and open up new ways of seeing people, performance and society.
Maryna’s Picks
The Tao of Pooh – Benjamin Hoff
A deceptively simple book that uses the characters from Winnie-the-Pooh to explain Taoist philosophy. Through gentle stories and humour, it explores ideas about simplicity, presence and living in harmony with the world around us. It changed how Maryna thinks about simplicity, presence and the idea that wisdom often comes from being natural rather than trying too hard.
Reading the Room: Group Dynamics for Coaches and Leaders – David Kantor
This book explores how people interact within groups and the hidden patterns that shape conversations and relationships. It helped Maryna see the invisible patterns in conversations and relationships — incredibly useful both for coaching and for working with teams.
Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson
An accessible introduction to behavioural styles, offering a practical framework for understanding why people communicate and behave so differently. It gave Maryna a simple framework for understanding why people communicate so differently and how much easier relationships become when we adjust our approach.
Jyoti’s Picks
Good to Great – Jim Collins
A classic leadership book exploring why some companies make the leap from good to truly great. Through extensive research, Collins identifies the leadership behaviours and organisational disciplines that sustain long-term success.
Stay Hungry Stay Foolish – Rashmi Bansal
A collection of inspiring stories about Indian entrepreneurs who chose unconventional paths to build meaningful ventures. It celebrates curiosity, courage and the willingness to pursue purpose over predictability.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma
A leadership fable about a high-powered lawyer who embarks on a journey to discover deeper purpose and fulfilment. The book blends personal development, spirituality and practical life lessons.
Blink – Malcolm Gladwell
A fascinating exploration of rapid cognition — the ability of our brains to make surprisingly accurate decisions in the blink of an eye. It highlights the power of intuition and the hidden processes behind quick judgments.
Jeff’s Picks
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
One of the most influential personal development books of the last few decades. Covey’s framework focuses on principles such as responsibility, purpose and long-term thinking, offering timeless guidance on both leadership and personal effectiveness.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek
Sinek’s central idea is simple but powerful: the most inspiring leaders and organisations start by clearly communicating why they do what they do. This clarity of purpose is what drives loyalty, motivation and meaningful impact.
You Coach You – Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
A modern guide to navigating careers in an increasingly complex world of work. The book encourages readers to take ownership of their development and design careers that align with their strengths and values.
Mark’s Picks
The Inner Game of Tennis – Timothy Gallwey
Although written about sport, this book is really about performance and learning. Gallwey describes the “inner game” — the dialogue in our minds that can either support or sabotage performance. The idea that we learn best through awareness and reduced self-interference has had a profound influence on coaching and how we help others develop their potential.
Doughnut Economics – Kate Raworth
Raworth challenges traditional economic models built around endless growth and GDP as the primary measure of progress. Her “doughnut” framework proposes an economy that meets human needs while staying within planetary boundaries — a powerful rethinking of how prosperity and sustainability can coexist.
Mind to Matter – Dawson Church
This thought-provoking book explores the relationship between the mind, the body and the world we experience. It encourages readers to consider the powerful role our thoughts and beliefs may play in shaping reality and wellbeing.
Humanise – Thomas Heatherwick
A passionate call for architecture and urban design that puts people first. Heatherwick argues that buildings and public spaces should inspire, connect communities and enhance wellbeing — reminding us that the environments we create profoundly shape how we live.
Let My People Go Surfing – Yvon Chouinard
The founder of Patagonia shares the unconventional journey behind one of the world’s most values-driven companies. The book shows how prioritising people, planet and purpose can create both a thriving business and a powerful force for environmental change.
One of the joys of coaching is the constant opportunity to learn — from research, from experience and from each other.
These books have influenced how we think about leadership, human potential, communication, sustainability and purpose. But the list is always evolving.
