Thought Leaders in T&E Recommend Top Reads to Set You on a Prosperous Journey for 2021

Sometimes a good book or podcast is just what you need to unwind or get inspired!

One of the best ways to reset our minds is to gain perspectives from others; so our team set out and asked some of our top T&E thought leaders what recommended reads helped them become better leaders, find career inspiration, or manage the many personal life changes we all experienced in 2020.

Here are the recommended reads for 2021:

1. First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman

Recommended by Jim Kile, CIO Leader of Travel and Mobility, IBM

"This book relies on a Gallup study of more than 80,000 managers to identify what great managers do differently. The three concepts that struck me (because I wanted to be managed in this way) was that great managers: focus on strengths while working around weaknesses; recognize the importance of alternate career paths; define the right outcome and not the right steps. Nevertheless, the critical item that sunk into my psyche was to break the 'Golden Rule' by not treating your employees according to what you desire and need. Instead, manage them with their preferences in mind."

2. Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave

Recommended by Bhart Sarin, Director of Procurement Operations, Corporate and North America, Ingredion Incorporated

“This book specifically targets many of the imbalances brought on by the pandemic.

Mind Hacking is a literal step-by-step guide to create positive loops in your thinking, thereby replacing the negative loops that have taken hold. I’ve read and followed the exercise plans in the book, and it has served me well in this most surreal year.”

3. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Recommended by Tami S. Novotny, Global Travel & Expense Manager, The Sherwin-Williams Company

“This book is about the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling dreams of others, and seizing every moment. It is an incredibly moving story that has one reviewing their own history as they read the author’s story of his last lecture after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. I thought it was a fitting book to read in 2020 with the world turning upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This book truly makes you appreciate the time you have and how you can make an impact on those around you.”

Want to see the next 12, along with the top podcasts recommended? Download the full list.