Review: Charlie Gilkey – Team Habits (S)

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Team Habits
How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results
Charlie Gilkey

“DISCOVER SMALL, TEAM-BASED CHANGES THAT HAVE COMPANY-WIDE RESULTS. The teams we work in amplify our individual efforts, yet we constantly struggle to accomplish what is possible. You can see all the problems in a typical weekly meeting. No planning. Missing goals. Muddled communication. We think just bringing our personal hopes and desires will be enough. It’s not.”

I had high hopes for Team Habits, but it turned out to be a real letdown. The premise sounds promising, but what you actually get is a lot of vague advice, recycled concepts, and filler content. There’s nothing new or groundbreaking here. Most of it reads like generic business blog posts strung together into a book.

The author touches on a ton of topics, but never dives deeply into any of them. The writing is full of abstract ideas with very little substance. The so-called “takeaways” at the end of each chapter are just painfully obvious stuff like “communicate clearly” and “encourage collaboration.” Great advice… if you’ve never worked with other people before.

It’s incredibly dry. There are no real stories, no case studies, and barely any examples to make the content engaging. I found myself skimming through entire sections, hoping it would eventually get better. It didn’t. Also worth noting: the book seems primarily aimed at project teams in tech or agile environments. If that’s not your world, it’s even less useful.

Overall: Team Habits might be helpful for someone completely new to team management, but if you’ve read even a couple of leadership books before, you’ve already seen everything this one has to offer. Skip it. 2 stars.

Review: Lee Hartley Carter – Persuasion (S)

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Persuasion
Convincing Others When Facts Don’t Seem to Matter
Lee Hartley Carter

“The secrets to persuading anyone, at work and in life, from a top communication strategist. So, how do you change someone’s mind–or at least advance the conversation–when everyone is entrenched in their own points of view? Communication expert Lee Hartley Carter has spent nearly twenty years advising and helping the world’s most well-known companies do just that. Filled with deeply researched insights into how we make up–and change–our minds, as well as colorful real-world examples and actionable recommendations, Persuasion will help you hone your message and craft your narrative in order to get heard and get results.”

When I picked up Persuasion, I was expecting a guide to everyday communication, something with tips on language, conversation, and how to connect with others in all kinds of settings. What I got instead was a book much more focused on business, branding, and marketing, particularly within an American and political context.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing – it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. The author writes in a clear, conversational tone, and the book is refreshingly easy to read. Rather than feeling like a dense text, it’s filled with real-life examples, practical tools, and a workshop-like approach. Each chapter ends with reflection questions or actionable steps, and there’s a handy Appendix at the end. I could see myself returning to some of these exercises later on.

The author’s main message is that persuasion isn’t about pushing facts. It’s about understanding where people are coming from, listening first, and then telling a story that resonates. It’s a valuable reminder in a time when facts alone often don’t change minds. Emotion and empathy matter.

However it leans heavily into American themes, including political case studies (yes, there are mentions of Trump), and specific examples that didn’t always translate well or feel relevant to me. At times it feels a little like a promotion for the author’s consulting business. There’s one particular story about the author’s firm helping to figure out how to make the “average white American not be afraid of Muslims” that felt uncomfortable in tone and not especially persuasive given the book’s title and promise.

There are solid insights here, especially if you’re in a marketing or leadership role and want to refresh your approach to communication. The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. If you already have some grounding in this space, nothing here will be groundbreaking, but it’s a good reminder of the basics.

Overall it’s practical, easy to read, sometimes insightful, but also narrow in scope and occasionally off-putting in tone. 3.5 stars.

Review: Jaime Roca, Sari Wilde – The Connector Manager (S)

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The Connector Manager:
Why Some Leaders Build Exceptional Talent – and Others Don’t
Jaime Roca, Sari Wilde

“There are four distinct types of managers. One performs much worse than the rest, and one performs far better. Which type are you? Based on a first-of-its-kind, wide-ranging global study of over 9,000 people, analysts at the global research and advisory firm Gartner were able to classify all managers into one of four types. Although the four types of managers are more or less evenly distributed, the Connector manager consistently outperforms the others by a significant margin. Meanwhile, Always-on managers tend to see their employees struggle to grow within the organization. Why is that?”

I came into this book with high expectations and maybe that’s exactly why it left me so disappointed. The premise is actually quite appealing. The idea of a connections manager is something I genuinely resonate with (probably because I already see myself as one, haha). But sadly, the delivery didn’t live up to its potential.

The writing just wasn’t engaging. I found myself constantly losing focus, struggling to stay interested, and even more so, struggling to understand what the author was trying to say. It felt clunky and under-edited, lacking the clarity and momentum that a good nonfiction book needs to keep the reader turning pages.

There were a few nuggets of interest, and the concept itself has merit. But the depth just wasn’t there. There were some stories included, but not enough, and most of them lacked context or explanation about how they were relevant. If you’re hoping for actionable strategies on how to become a connections manager, you won’t find them here. The main takeaway seemed to be to hire people who naturally have these traits. Not exactly the most insightful conclusion.

Overall, it felt like the kind of content that would have been better suited as a long-form blog post, something skimmable with links to reflective questions or external resources. As a full-length book, it simply didn’t have structure or substance to justify the format. 3 stars. A nice concept but not enough depth to make it worth the time.

Review: Charles B. Handy – Gods of Management (S)

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Gods of Management: The Changing Work of Organisations
Charles B. Handy

“It has always been a myth that there is one best way to manage – but it has been a pervasive myth and a damaging one, to both individuals and organisations. Alongside the most successful leaders in history, we can find a new story in the timeless wisdom of the Ancient Greeks. They recognised a variety of gods and, Charles Handy shows, this productive diversity should be reflected in management too.”

Gods of Management is a unique and interesting read that offers a fresh perspective on leadership and workplace culture. The author introduces the idea that there are four distinct “god types” which reflect different styles of management and organisational behaviour. Early on, I found the concept engaging and easy to relate to. I could clearly picture the types the author described and how they show up in real-life workplaces.

As the book progressed I found myself losing interest in parts that didn’t feel directly relevant. Some sections were a bit heavy or wandered off course from the core idea. I did the quiz towards the end and found it interesting. My result showed that I’m not aligned with one single “god” but more of an all-rounder across three types. I’m not quite sure what to make of that and how it fits with the book.

Although it was first published in 1986 the book still feels surprisingly relevant. The author’s thoughts on the future of work, particularly around more flexible structures and gig-economy, have largely come true and seem likely to keep evolving in that direction.

It didn’t hold my attention all the way through and it was an ok read. The framework is one that sticks with you and can help make sense of different leadership styles and organisational dynamics. 3 stars.

Quick Reviews of Non-Fiction Business Books #7 (S)

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Blockchain: The Next Everything
Stephen P. Williams

The author seems unsure of the book’s purpose. At times it leans toward being educational, but the information isn’t well-researched or in-depth enough to be truly informative. It skims the surface, repeating the same broad ideas in different forms without ever really getting to the heart of what blockchain is or how it’s actually being used today.

The focus is mostly on Blockchain’s potential, filled with vague references to what “people are saying”, without much substance to back it up. If you’re looking for a deep dive or anything that would satisfy a tech-savvy reader, this probably isn’t the book for you. It feels more like a long-form article padded out into book form. It’s frustratingly repetitive and light on new insights.

This wasn’t really my type of read to begin with, but I still hoped to take away something useful. I didn’t. For me it’s a 2-star read.

The Future Is Smart: How Your Company Can Capitalize on the Internet of Things—And Win in a Connected Economy
W. David Stephenson

This book gives a broad introduction to how businesses can use the Internet of Things (IoT) to become more connected, efficient, and data-driven. It includes some interesting examples from big companies like GE and John Deere, and it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not very techy.

That said, it’s already starting to feel a bit outdated, and the ideas don’t go very deep. It could’ve used more diverse, up-to-date examples and clearer takeaways. Overall, it doesn’t really land on a strong point or message, more of a general overview than a compelling argument.

Average, skimmable if you’re just curious. I didn’t really get into it. 3 stars.

The Art of Thinking in a Digital World: Be Logical – Be Creative – Be Critical
Luc de Brabandere

I picked up this book hoping for fresh, practical insights, but it mostly felt like a rambling mix of poorly organised stuff that the author thought could vaguely be relevant. It covers the “three modes of thinking”, logical, creative, critical and has a bit of historical context and AI-awareness, but it never drills into how to think better in a way that sticks. Instead you get a lot of surface chatter without much depth or actionable takeaways. The illustrations are nice, and I appreciated the occasional metaphor, but I often found myself wondering: “What’s the point?” Luc de Brabandere does shine in his earlier book Thinking in New Boxes. It’s far more practical and definitely worth a read if you want genuine, hands‑on strategies for reframing how you think.

2 Stars. Skip this one, and reach for Thinking in New Boxes instead.

Review: Mark Bertolini – Mission-Driven Leadership

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Mission-Driven Leadership: My Journey as a Radical Capitalist
Mark Bertolini

“In Mission-Driven Leadership , Mark Bertolini, the long-time chairman and CEO of Aetna, the Fortune 500 health insurance company, reveals that genuine leadership is not about dollars and market share but about improving lives and communities. Mark Bertolini didn’t get to the corner office through traditional means. He grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Detroit. Early in his career, he was known for his bare-knuckled leadership and hard driving competitiveness that helped him to turnaround several companies. But his ambition came at a cost as he ran roughshod over his colleagues and employees, and spent time away from his family.”

Memoirs aren’t usually my cup of tea. I wasn’t even planning to read a memoir—I was hoping for a more traditional leadership book. But every now and then, a book surprises me—and this one truly did. This book is an enthralling read that had me hooked from start to finish.

It is a memoir and not a traditional leadership manual. If you’re looking for a detailed guide to leadership principles or a step-by-step playbook, this is not it. But if you’re in the mood for an inspiring life story with leadership insights woven throughout, this book delivers.

Many books by CEOs and former CEOs can feel ego-driven, but the authors narrative is refreshingly grounded. He writes not just as a leader of one of the largest companies in the world (Aetna, a Fortune 50 health insurance company), but as a father and survivor. His son’s battle with “incurable” cancer and his own recovery from a life-altering accident add depth and humanity to his story.

The storytelling is excellent—so much so that I could hardly put it down. The author’s journey through personal and professional adversity is captivating. This is a light read. It’s engaging, easy to follow, and offers a mix of personal anecdotes and leadership philosophy.

In conclusion, Mission-Driven Leadership is mainly an inspiring autobiography and less so on a leadership reflection. If you’re seeking a compelling narrative from a leader who’s faced challenges, this book is worth your time. I’d rate it 4.5 to 5 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an uplifting, thought-provoking read.

Review: Fred Kofman – The Meaning Revolution (S)

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The Meaning Revolution
Leading with the Power of Purpose
Fred Kofman

“Forget the standard practices of leadership taught in business school — all about compensation, command and control. This is a new model for how to inspire — through purpose, principle and people. The Meaning Revolution is Fred Kofman’s call to arms for anyone who has ever felt unengaged at work and offers actionable advice for how we can all find more meaning and dignity whatever we do.”

This book dives into what it means to lead with purpose. The author focuses on the idea of having a noble purpose—a mission that lines up with the personal goals of others—and how to lead in a way that inspires. Some of it was a good reminder, but there were definitely fresh ideas that stood out too.

One of the best parts of the book is how it shows the importance of helping people find meaning in their work. For anyone trying to motivate a team, the section where the author explains the difference between happiness and meaning really hits home. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about having a deeper sense of purpose.

That said the book does have some weak points. The chapter on capitalism didn’t really connect to the rest of the book and felt like a letdown at the end. The epilogue had some great takeaways, but it would have been better if those ideas had been fleshed out more in a full chapter or two. A lot of the book focuses on why purpose matters and what happens when it’s missing, but it didn’t give enough practical advice on how to actually change your mindset or help others find meaning.

Even with these issues, the book is really engaging, and for such a long read, it keeps your attention. If you’re in a leadership role, it’s definitely worth picking up. There’s a lot to take away, even if the ending isn’t as strong as the rest. 4 stars.

Review: Albert Bourla – Moonshot

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Moonshot
Inside Pfizer’s Nine-Month Race to Make the Impossible Possible
Albert Bourla

“The exclusive, first-hand, behind-the-scenes story of how Pfizer raced to create the first Covid-19 vaccine, told by Pfizer’s Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla. A riveting, fast-paced, inside look at one of the most incredible private sector achievements in history, Moonshot recounts the intensive nine months in 2020 when the scientists at Pfizer… As Dr. Bourla makes clear, Pfizer’s success wasn’t due to luck; it was because of preparation driven by four simple values—Courage, Excellence, Equity, and Joy.”

Moonshot is a fascinating and fast-paced look at the incredible race to develop Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Written by the Pfizer’s CEO, it’s an engaging read that takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent history.

The author does a great job explaining the challenges, risks, and big decisions that had to be made to pull this off. From completely rethinking testing processes to overhauling the supply chain, the book highlights how Pfizer managed to produce millions of vaccines in record time. It’s hard not to admire the leadership and vision it took to make it all happen.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is the breakdown of how a vaccine, which normally takes over seven years to develop, was done in just nine months. It raises some big questions: If this is possible, why isn’t it the norm? The author points out the inefficiencies in the current system, with its red tape and politics, and challenges us to think about how things could change.

The book spends a lot of time on the political side of things—world leaders, negotiations, and global politics played a big role in the process. While that’s part of the story, it might not be as interesting for people hoping for more behind-the-scenes science or business strategies. There are moments where more detail about the actual decision-making would’ve made it even better, especially for those curious about the organizational side of things.

Overall, Moonshot is an inspiring and easy read that captures a historical moment we all lived through. It’s a unique perspective on the pandemic and what it took to create a vaccine that changed the world. 4 stars.

Review: Ron Tite, Scott Kavanagh, Christopher Novais – Everyone’s An Artist

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Everyone’s An Artist (or At Least They Should Be)
How Creativity Gives You the Edge in Everything You Do
Ron Tite, Scott Kavanagh, Christopher Novais

“Can a Canali-clad million-dollar banker learn anything from a paint-stained artist? Definitely. Especially now. Clearly, succeeding in business is an art form. We’ve informally labelled activities and pursuits as “the art of management,” “the art of marketing” or even “the art of doing more with less,” but we’ve rarely made the direct connection between the two worlds. With a rapidly changing digital economy, new and emerging technologies, increased clutter and a drastically altered media landscape, successful companies are those that are original, creative and innovative. Defining business as art is now a credible school of thought, and the lessons are far more practical than philosophical. Everyone’s an Artist shows how and why the most successful executives and entrepreneurs think like artists.”

The core message of this book is clear: being in business requires creativity, whether you’re an executive or an entrepreneur. It’s an interesting concept, but the execution leaves something to be desired.

The author has a fun, light-hearted writing style with plenty of humor, which I appreciated—it gave the book a relatable, human touch. However the book felt overly long and could have conveyed its key points more efficiently. The narrative often drifted into lengthy discussions about artists and their work. While there’s a connection between art and creativity in business, the references and stories were about artists. From comedians, painters, writers etc. Instead of focusing on artists, it would have been more relevant to highlight creative business leaders, of which there were only a handful, and those mentioned were the usual suspects like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.

Each chapter seemed to blend into the next without distinct takeaways. The overall message was there to be an artist, I guess just in fluffy art format! While I recommend the core idea of the book, I’m not convinced it’s worth the full read. 3 stars.

Review: Simon Sinek – Leaders Eat Last (S)

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Leaders Eat Last
Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t
Simon Sinek

“Why do only a few people get to say “I love my job”? It seems unfair that finding fulfillment at work is like winning a lottery; that only a few lucky ones get to feel valued by their organizations, to feel like they belong. Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders are creating environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.”

Having enjoyed Simon Sinek’s widely acclaimed book Start With Why, I approached Leaders Eat Last with high expectations. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver the same impact.

While the premise of the book is intriguing, I found it fell into a pattern of clichés and overused concepts. The author weaves together scientific definitions and business jargon in an attempt to present insights into leadership and teamwork. However, the ideas felt neither fresh nor insightful.

The authors points felt disjointed, and the narrative often jumped between topics without clear connections. Much of the content focused on how we arrived at this point, including the different generations and examples of companies with poor leadership. It offered little in terms of actionable solutions or standout examples of companies that embody effective leadership practices. When tips were provided, they were buried in five small chapters that lacked clear, memorable points.

Much of the content seemed to regurgitate basic principles that other authors and studies have explored more effectively. I was disinterested with the military stories, US politics and other outdated US company stories that have no relevance. While these anecdotes might resonate with some readers, they didn’t feel relatable to me.

The book’s central message—treat your employees as human beings rather than numbers—is undeniably valuable. However, it felt stretched thin across the chapters. As someone who loved Start With Why, I was genuinely disappointed by Leaders Eat Last. While the intention behind the book is admirable, the execution didn’t meet my expectations. If you’re looking for fresh insights on leadership, there are other books that might resonate more deeply. 3 stars.