WWSG’s Fall Reading List: Book Recommendations by Top Thought Leaders
Fall is a great time to curl up with a good book, and what better way to choose your next read than to follow the recommendations of WWSG thought leaders?
These experts are at the forefront of their fields, and their insights can provide us with valuable perspectives on the world around us. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, personal development, or something else entirely, there’s sure to be a book on this list that’s perfect for you.
While the individual achievements of these thought leaders may speak for themselves, understanding who or what inspires their work can lead to a deeper connection with the stories and messages they share with audiences. We hope you enjoy our fall reading list and leave a comment on the blog post with your favorite book, too.
Find a Speaker
A Recommendation from Chris Bashinelli: The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall
“Hi Friends! One book that is truly meaningful to me is The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by my mentor, Dr. Jane Goodall. In this book Dr. Jane reminds us that no matter what challenge we are going through personally, professionally or as a community – We always have the freedom to choose hope! As Dr. Jane has told me many times, “What we do makes a difference and we get to choose what kind of difference we want to make.” – Chris Bashinelli
A celebrated mindfulness and diversity & inclusion speaker, Bash has traveled the world for more than a decade sharing a message of connection and understanding everywhere from Fortune 500 Companies, to inside prison walls, to the United Nations General Assembly Hall. His world view was shaped on his childhood “stoop” where his friends shared a combined total of thirteen nationalities.The death of his father sent him on an international quest to better understand the human condition and the universal qualities that lead to a happy, meaningful life. Through one of kind stories of adventure and authentic moments of human connection, Bash truly bridges the gap between self and other, helping us recognize our shared humanity.
Invite Chris Bashinelli Invite Jane Goodall
A Recommendation from Josh Linkner: The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova
“I’m not a poker player, but this book is really about balancing risk, making smart decisions, discovering our blind spots, and finding a way to win at the highest levels. Maria Konnikova’s writing is exquisite, providing a read that’s both fun and impactful. So many business and pop-psychology books just repackage the same cliches, but The Biggest Bluff is fresh, compelling, and thought-provoking.” – Josh Linkner
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Invite Josh Linkner Invite Maria Konnikova
A Recommendation from John Katko: Tip and the Gripper by Chris Matthews
“For the WWSG fall reading list I recommend a book title “Tip and the Gipper” by Chris Matthews. This book brings us back to a time in the 1980’s when American politics were much less divisive and respect for your political opponents was far more common even when you disagreed with them. The book focuses on how President Ronald Reagan, a conservative Republican, and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, a liberal Democrat, worked together to achieve such meaningful results as tax cuts, tax reform, social security reform and immigration reform. These achievements seem impossible by todays political climate and were based on compromise and pragmatism instead of hard core divisiveness that pervades today’s Washington.” – John Katko
With nearly 20 years as a federal organized crime prosecutor and four terms as a leader on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, John Katko is a well-established, trusted expert on homeland security, law enforcement, and national security issues. He has become one of the strongest Congressional voices on cyber security, border security, and counterterrorism issues.
A Recommendation from Olga Koroleva: The Science and Technology of Growing Young by Sergey Young
“Written by a longevity investor and a founder of Longevity Vision Fund, this bestselling book I think is a must-read for anyone looking to live a longer, happier, and healthier life. In addition to covering emerging life extension technologies, the author outlines practical tips on how we can optimise our daily lives for health and longevity. This knowledge helps me stay physically and mentally strong, so that I can perform my best on the mountain and during training.” – Olga Koroleva
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2).
A Recommendation from General John Kelly: An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith
“Richard Norton Smith’s superb 2023 biography of President Gerald Ford, An Ordinary Man, is a profoundly important read for every American especially in the current political environment. It will remind every American of how our government is supposed to work as designed by the Founders—and not so long ago did work—and also what should be the character traits as well as the moral and ethical attributes those we elect to any public office should possess.” – General John Kelly
Retired Gen. John Kelly is a 45-year Marine veteran who headed the U.S. Southern Command, where he focused on U.S. border security, organized crime, terrorist organizations and drug traffickers in his Latin American region for more than three years. Kelly retired as a four-star general in 2016. He then served as the 5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration, where he earned a reputation for being an aggressive enforcer of ethics, established Homeland Security policy, and most importantly, the law. After six months, he was selected to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
Invite General KellyA Recommendation from Ben Nemtin: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
“The Creative Act” serves as an enlightening mirror, prompting a deep introspective journey to unlock the innate creativity residing in each of us. Rick Rubin beautifully conveys that artistry isn’t just for the traditionally labeled “artist”; everyone, from musicians to masons, has a creative spark that, when recognized, transforms the way we perceive and appreciate every endeavor. Embracing this broader definition of creativity has not only enriched my perspective but also infused my life with greater presence, resilience, and peace. While this book is not about music, it’s really cool that the author is one of the most influential music producers in the world, turning out decades of hits from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z.” – Ben Nemtin
From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from reuniting a father and son after seventeen years to surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm—Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to thrive. What started as a two-week road trip between four friends, turned into an MTV series, a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and a passion to help others to achieve their dreams by proving that anyone is capable of the impossible.
Invite Ben NemtinTo host any of these thought leaders for speaking engagements, contact WWSG.