Brad's Favourites

What does it mean by Brad’s Favourites? Over the years I’ve been fortunate to consume many books, podcasts, movies, lectures, blogs etc. It has only been of recent times that I realised I haven’t added a favourites page to my website.

I have fixed this now. Here is a list of my favourite things I have consumed by year since I really turned things up in the reading space in 2015. As the years turn by my list is getting more aligned to books released in that year; keep that in mind. Enjoy….

One last thing. I’ve specifically added three key takeaways for each book that I have reviewed over the years. We all know the power of three, so make sure you scroll to the bottom of the post to get the cliff notes of each review!

2019

• Educated by Tara Westover – We sometimes get caught up in feeling sorry for ourselves. Read this and you know that anything can be fixed if you step up.
• Me by Elton John – Someone who needs no introduction. Funny book with many behind the scene stories in the entertainment industry.
• Lifespan: Why we age and why we don’t have to by David Sinclair – A great insight into ageing by someone at the top of his game.
• Permanent Record by Edward Snowden – Whether you like him or not, agree with what he did, this is a must read book to understand the intersection of government, technology and privacy.
• Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger – All the ingredients and stories for anyone who aspires to be a good leader.

2018

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – This is a must read for anyone wanting to get their “shit” together. So many good takeaways in this book! I don’t give 10/10 very often!
• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – The Story of Theronos, technology and how telling stories can manipulate in bad ways.
• Factfulness by Hans Rosling – Feeling down about where the world is. This is one of the best pick-me-up-books to get the real facts about where we are and what we can do.
• I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes – By far one of the best fiction books I’ve read! Definite page turner! (Another rare 10/10)
• Why we sleep by Matthew Walker – Sleep is soo important and we neglect the one thing we spent so much time on. All the best tips here on how to maximise sleep

2017

• The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – Fortunate enough to be part of a executive program with Erin back in 2016. She is at the top of her game on how culture impacts across borders.
• Deep Work by Cal Newport – Focus and dedicated time are two aspects we have lost in society. Cal brings their importance back in this book. Something I refer to a lot!
• The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency by Chris Whipple – Well researched book on the Chief of Staff role for the President of the United States.
• Obesity Code by Jason Fung – All things paleo, keto, sugar, intermittent fasting, longevity and health. I’ve read a tonne of books on these topics. This one bring a lot of those concepts together.
• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – One of the greatest stories in both retail and sport. Nike needs no introduction.

2016

• The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon – A different way to think about the relationship a sales person has with a customer.
• The Effective Manager by Mark Horstman – I’ve listened to the Manager Tools podcast since late 2005 and it was co-founded by Mark Horstman and Mike Auzenne. This is the bible on being a manager!
• Draw to Win by Dan Roam – As I get older I relise how important drawing, visualisation and storytelling are when communicating. This covers the first two of the three.
• Dream Team by Jack McCullum – Want to know the story about the 1992 USA Basketball Dream Team. One of the best and most connected in basketball writes about that journey.
• Influence by Robert Cialdini – One of the best books out there in influencing and working with people. I talk about this book all the time!

2015 (Note I wasn’t posting book reviews on this blog in 2015)

• Getting things done by David Allen – Getting organised and productive is what this book is about. Absolute classic!
• The Meaning of Life by Will Durant – The books that Will (and Auriel) have published over the years have always had me thinking. This is one of the shorter ones that packs a punch!
• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod – This book changed my life. My routine, habits, health, learning have all stemmed from this one book I read in January 2015! I wasn’t writing reviews back then but didn’t want to leave it off the list.
• Relentless by Tim Grover – Tim has worked with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant amongst other athletes. A unique insight into the focus and dedication some people have with their respective craft.
• The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman – Not a year goes by when I don’t read about health and wellness. This is the history of the human being and it delves into evolution and why things like processed foods and sugars just don’t make sense for humans.