It’s already the beginning of August, and no matter what type of investor you are there’s a good chance that you’re either on or planning on going on vacation this summer. And at PPR, we’re no different, so with that in mind I asked some members of the team what books they’re reading that they’d recommend to our audience.
Some of these might be familiar and others may be new to you, but I think they’re all worth a look whether you want to learn more about investing strategies, branding, or communication in the workplace. I even included one of new favorite business books at the end!
Jalen West, Senior Relationship Manager – Investor Relations
Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway
Algebra of Wealth is a new book by NYU Marketing Professor and serial entrepreneur, Scott Galloway. In the book he breaks down simple moves that almost any individual can use to slowly build wealth over time (among other things).
At PPR, I talk to investors every day and I am one myself so it’s great to find a book like this because it’s a transparent and honest look into how the author accumulated wealth throughout his career and the losses he took along the way. It’s refreshing since so many financial “gurus” tend to only talk about the wins and never what they learn from the losses. It’s a perfect read if you’re starting out or if you’re looking for a refresher on some core concepts to optimize your career or portfolio.
Dennis Matlack – Investment Surveillance Manager
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
This is a book designed to help you get a better understanding of both your own management style and your communication needs in the workplace. Author Susan Scott does this by helping you create a “user manual” for how to have candid conversations to build stronger relationships. There’s also a lot of different active listening exercises in here which I’ve found helpful as I continue to develop my career as a manager. It also details how to effectively hold meetings so you’re achieving an ideal amount of efficiency.
Patrick McClatchy – Investor Relations Manager
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
A classic, right? Well that’s probably for good reason and after recently finishing I get why. A lot has been said about the value this book can provide so I’ll just pick a line in here that has stuck with me ever since reading and it’s: “you can’t win an argument; you can’t because if you lose it, you lose it, and if you win it, you lose it.” Growing up I never understood the point of arguing and tended to avoid arguments without fully understanding why. I found this book sort of put it into words. As Carnegie points out, seeing a party walk away upset regardless of outcome makes it clear how pointless and irrelevant arguing is. This book is helpful with interpersonal communication in so many ways but it’s seeking that “win-win” that is the biggest takeaway for me and something I look to do in almost any conversation I have – whether it’s in the workplace or in my personal life.
Chris Van Horn – Director of Marketing
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman
A brand may be the most important thing a business can have. And what’s funny is, it’s hard to quantify, you can’t download it, or even touch it. Sometimes you can’t even define it but you know it’s there. And that’s because a brand is really just an idea.
I think what I like about Millman’s book is it understands that and shows the power behind it and how brands shape our lives. Through interviews with everyone from branding executives at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola to cultural critics and entrepreneurs, you get to learn from real life examples on why branding matters and how best to build it. I’m always looking to expand our brand at PPR and this book is chalk full of ideas that can help any business leader grow.
