The research by the National Association of Bookstores (ANL) reveals a concerning decline in reading habits in Brazil. Currently, 60% of the population does not read and more than 40% have lost interest in reading in recent years. In light of this scenario, reading becomes even more essential for those seeking to awaken creativity and foster entrepreneurship. It offers the opportunity to rediscover your value as a source of inspiration and solution, besides being a catalyst for reflection on the importance of innovation and transformation in the business environment
To inspire professionals, a selection of works recommended by CEOs and renowned leaders offers valuable insights on how reading can be a powerful tool to drive new ideas and strategies. Check the list below
Rodrigo Meinberg – Co-founder and CEO ofSkate
The Innovation Mindset: The journey to success to enhance the growth of your company – Guilherme Horn
The book addresses in a practical and direct way how innovation has become a vital necessity for companies. In a scenario of constant technological transformations, Horn teaches us to ensure competitiveness and success in the digital age. It is an essential read for those who want to lead with vision and protagonism
Deborah Montenegro – General Director of the Geekie
The rule is no rules: Netflix and the culture of reinvention
"The book inspires us by showing how questioning the status quo and creative freedom drive a culture that is agile and innovative". This book reinforces the importance of being innovative and efficient, always with a purpose: to transform education.”
Marcela Quint – CEO of Aurum
Start with why – Simon Sinek
"One of my great references. Simon Sinek studies how leaders connected to the purpose of their organizations inspire people and engage their teams, creating more innovative and more profitable companies.”
Thales-Zanussi – CEO of Mission Brazil
The universe in a nutshell – Stephen Hawking
"This book made me reflect a lot on how", in entrepreneurship, we are always dealing with the unknown, just like theoretical physicists. In our daily lives, we must be ready to embrace uncertainty, innovate and, sometimes, challenge the rules of the game, exactly how Hawking explores the boundaries of the universe. AND, just like in physics, we cannot be afraid to question the status quo and discover new possibilities. I highly recommend this reading for those looking to expand their perspective, both in business and in life.”
Caio Telles – CEO of BugHunt
The Innovator’s Dilemma – Clayton Christensen
"The concept of disruptive innovation that he brings is something that has left a strong impression on me". It is a warning for business leaders to always keep an eye on the future and be willing to embrace change, even when, at first glance, they seem risky or not very profitable. The book has a solid research foundation and shows how even by doing 'everything right', companies can be caught by surprise. What impacted me the most was realizing that innovating is not just about creating something new, but also having the courage to leave behind what is already working and seek new ways to evolve.”
Victor Santos – CEO of Liv Up
Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
"The book tells the story of the creation of Nike", such an iconic and inspiring brand – for me and for millions of people. It was very enriching to read about the brand's construction in the early years and understand how it scaled over time. The book shows how some bets and decisions can take a business to another level.”
Fanny Moral – COO and co-founder of Eureka Coworking
Clear Thinking – Shane Parresh
In times of so many important decisions in daily life, Shane Parresh's book has been essential for those looking to stand out in such a competitive and innovative market. He presents us with mental models that help us think critically and make more assertive decisions, avoiding the famous traps of cognitive biases. The most interesting thing is the practical way he teaches to apply these concepts in daily life, showing that it is possible to train our brain to have clarity and objectivity when making important decisions.”
John Brognoli – CEO and founder of the Duo&Co Group
Be Awesome – Caio Carneiro
"The book shows exactly what a person needs to be a distinguished and high-level human being". Qualities that today, are lacking in the market, and that only above-average people are capable of achieving.”
Gabriel Oliveira – CEO ofI AM TROUBLING
The Lean Startup: how to use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses – Eric Ries
"It is a fundamental book for entrepreneurs looking to maximize their chances of success in the competitive world of startups". Ries' approach, centered on experimentation and continuous adaptation, transforms the way companies are built. Furthermore, offers practical tools to quickly validate ideas, avoiding waste and promoting sustainable growth. It is an essential read for any entrepreneur who wants to innovate, stand out in the market and be successful.”
Felipe Negri – CEO ofPinbank
Road Less Stupid – Keith J. Cunningham
"This book presents an innovative way to negotiate with a board of successful entrepreneurs". Normally, when we think of something innovative, we think of sophistication, technology, something out of the box. This book makes us reflect and tells stories of how seemingly simple solutions can be extremely innovative and effective, mainly for everyday problems in the business world, in addition to shedding light on when simplicity, many times, it will be much more decisive in a negotiation pitch, than a more complex narrative
Paulo Silveira – CEO ofGAIT
The Innovation Dilemma – Clayton Christensen
A book that is almost 30 years old and remains relevant and current. Nele, Professor Christensen introduces the concept of disruption in the context of entrepreneurship and technology, highlighting that innovation can be perceived as a threat to our own business: and that this should not be a problem. On the contrary, inertia is a much greater risk, because it can make us targets of disruption by competing companies
Adriano Almeida – leader ofAlura For Companies
The infinite game – Simon Sinek
In game theory, there are the concepts of Finite and Infinite Game. The same applies to business. Companies that play the Finite Game are doomed to failure. Success comes to those who understand that the game is infinite: the rules change, the competitors evolve, and innovation is constant. This work, rich in nuances and highly practical, it is the book I give as a gift to all my direct leaders
Renato Avelar – partner and co-CEO ofA&EIGHT
Exponential organizations – Michael S. Malone, Salim Ismail and Yuri Van Gees
"Every business manager should read this book", because, in addition to explaining the concept of exponential startups, brings still the entire synthesis of a lean approach. The book presents a very interesting thesis about the 'big company' to show that it is useless to try to innovate with outdated and rigid processes. That is to say, these large companies should build startups to "attack the mother ship", that is, the company itself bets on models that diverge from its core business and that can change it, especially in a globalized world with constant innovation. I believe it is essential material to show how a large company should invest in corporate innovation, in the acceptance of products and services developed by smaller companies.”
