It has become a season tradition for our co-founder, Roger Urwin, to curate a reading list of thoughtful mix of fiction, non-fiction and everything in between.
This isn’t just about books, it’s about ideas, growth and the skills we need for a fast-changing world of work, and beyond.
Reading sparks neuroplasticity, builds empathy, sharpens critical thinking and helps us adapt. And in a future where bridge-building, systems-navigating and tech-connecting matters more than ever, the right reading choices can make all the difference.
Whether you’re hunting for stories that challenge your thinking or simply want to know what’s worth reading, his recommendations have become a trusted seasonal tradition. See what has made the cut this year.
Roger’s annual reading recommendations list
- December 2025 – “Everyone has a happy place—mine falls into two categories: snowy or beachy. This is my winter version: relaxing by a cosy fire with my book, finally enjoying a break from peak busy (and with apologies to the 12% of you in the southern hemisphere).” Explore >
- July 2025 – “This note is a bit more than about books – reading includes listening to audiobooks and podcasts, consuming papers and posts, and even looking at AI book summaries. All of these give you the dopamine hit from learning. Your neuroplasticity fires up. You strengthen your neural pathways, improve focus, build empathy, and sharpen your critical thinking.” Explore >
- 2024 – “This year I have continued to seek books that respect the world as a bigger, deeper, softer place than we give it credit. That is systems thinking: that with shared skin in the game we can come together to adapt the rules of the game for a better outcome.” Explore >
- 2023 – “The top trio of books highlighted come from thinking about the world as a bigger and wider place than we give it credit – this is systems thinking. My hope is that this type of thinking can expand our capabilities to deal with growing challenges because our world leadership often suffers from tunnel vision and doesn’t think ahead. ” Explore >
- 2022 – “”What is ‘good’ Christmas-time reading? In the holidays we are all seeking that bit more peace with respect to closing the year and that bit more hope with respect to a future year. Reading a book to complement those feelings has an obvious allure. ” Explore >
- 2021 – “What is ‘good’ summer reading? It seems almost ridiculous to generalise because so much is down to taste and the intentions behind the reading. So, yes, having a book list does border on presumptuousness but in defence there are 50 books on this list so maybe with this scatter-gun you might find one or two to enjoy and learn from.” Explore >
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My good-books make me think in new ways and about new things and about new ways of thinking about old things. That is precious stuff. Reading does something simply unique – it produces leadership capital.
