Reading notes and book recommendations
I’m a little obsessed with collecting books, both hard copies from duty-free bookshops on my travels and audiobooks that keep me company on the move. What started as a way to fill quiet hours during solo journeys has become a habit I treasure. I used to be too restless to read; now I’m the kind of person who tries to live and lead by the book.
My collection reflects the questions I wrestle with most: business strategy, entrepreneurship, finance, personal development, memoirs, faith, and relationships. My library has become a lifehack and a compass, offering insight not just for my work with SMEs and leaders, but also for my own growth. This section is my way of keeping pace with the shelves I’ve built, and a promise to share at least one non-professional book each month. If you love ideas, or if you’ve ever wanted to read more, consider this an open invitation to journey with me.
The Smart Money Woman
I read the Smart money woman during the unending lockdown. The period was a new beginning for me, and I had just moved back to the UK to start again after almost a year in Nigeria. It was strategic to read a book that addresses financial education for women and the various stereotypes accustomed to women, especially from my part of the world. It was more crucial because of my circumstance and my consistent stretch for funds as an entrepreneur who finds it challenging to prioritise between work and personal financial needs. Can you blame me for that, thinking about massive insatiable needs and limited resources to meet them? The book's writer, Arese Agwu, took a holistic view of the lifestyle of various women. Whilst the context addresses women in the modern-day Nigerian cum African culture, I believe these women's financial challenges transcend a cultural perspective. I, therefore, recommend this read for all women regardless of their race, cultural or social-economic background. You are luckier if you get the opportunity to read it in your early 20s. I loved the romantic edge Tsola's part introduced, and how he mentored Zuri based on his personal experience to address her debt issues and build practical steps to financial freedom was a highlight. It also gives a few ideas for creating passive or side income for those interested. My favourite takeaway from the book was when Tsola told Zuri to document her goal for her ideal or perfect life. Regardless of what it meant, work back to how she intends to achieve it. I ran with that and have already seen some benefits in goal setting. Enjoy reading!
HBR Press Emotional Intelligence Series (Confidence)
If you have struggled with lack of confidence, self-doubt, and timidity, you will understand why this would be my favourite read. It focuses on the importance of confidence in succeeding. It draws on research that shows everyone, regardless of success, struggles with this challenge at one point or more within their career. That is reassuring! We are not alone. The book addresses the importance of practice to improve or increase confidence, overcoming the eight barriers to confidence. It also addresses how it affects genders differently and the perception of women for their personality types in leadership. It further highlights how imposter syndrome affects women compared to their male counterparts and why women need validation or get propped to take their next leap. Whereas men go for it even when they are not fully qualified. Furthermore, I loved the connection between knowing the unique value you bring and knowing one's purpose to overcome self-doubt when faced with comparisons that deflate our confidence. And finally, the importance of learning, its adverse effect on overconfidence and many more. If you'd like to take practical steps to overcome your struggle with confidence, you'd like to read and keep this book for reference. I read it a few years ago, and I feel I need to go through the book all over again.
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