Books That Influenced Us Last Year
It's that time of year again, where we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. In 2022, our team read and enjoyed a variety of different books that have influenced our expectations for 2023 and beyond. We wanted to take a moment and share them with you in case you're looking for some reading material to kick off the new year!
The Power Law
So much of our global innovation over the past 3-4 decades has been on the backs of a blossoming venture-capital segment of the capital markets. We think The Power Law is an important read heading into 2023 because of the impact interest rate hikes may have on this asset class and the ramifications it will have to startup-founders and the economy in general.
More Money Than God
Written by Sebastian Mallaby, a journalist and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. The book is a history of the hedge fund industry. It explores the rise of hedge funds and their impact on the global financial system. Mallaby examines the strategies and personalities of some of the most successful hedge fund managers and how they made and lost vast sums of money. He also discusses the role that hedge funds have played in shaping the financial markets and the broader cultural and political implications of their success.
The End of the World is Just the Beginning
There’s an old saying: “You can have it fast, you can have it good, you can have it cheap: pick two.” The book discusses how the end of the Cold War, the rise of China, and the increasing importance of energy security have disrupted the traditional global order and how these shifts will impact various regions and industries around the world. Zeihan argues that the world is entering a new era of decentralization and localization, in which power will shift away from traditional global centers and toward smaller, more autonomous regions. The book also examines the implications of these changes for various sectors, including finance, trade, and technology, and offers insights into how individuals and businesses can navigate the challenges and opportunities of this rapidly changing environment.
Slouching Towards Utopia
Written by economist Brad DeLong. The book is a history of the global economy in the 20th century, covering major events such as the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the rise of globalization. DeLong explores how economic policies and institutions have evolved over time and how they have shaped the world we live in today. He discusses the successes and failures of various economic systems and the lessons that can be learned from them. The book also looks at the economic challenges that the world is facing today and offers insights and ideas for how to address them.
AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order
AI Superpowers discusses the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society and the global economy. The book argues that AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities for growth but also poses significant challenges, including the potential for job displacement and the potential for misuse by governments and other powerful actors. Lee explores the AI strategies of China and the United States, the two main "superpowers" in the field, and how their approaches are shaping the future of AI development and deployment. The book also delves into the ethical and social implications of AI, including the role of AI in shaping the future of work and education, and offers insights into how individuals and organizations can navigate and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. Read this and ‘The End of the World is Just the Beginning,’ and you’ll play mental ping-pong to decide if China is going to take over the world or collapse like a house of cards.
Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again
Stolen Focus is a book by Johann Hari that explores the factors that contribute to the modern attention crisis and offers strategies for reclaiming focus and deepening thinking. The book argues that the rise of technology and the increasing pace of modern life have led to an overstimulated and distracted society, and that this has had negative consequences for our ability to think deeply and meaningfully. Hari discusses the role of the media, social media, and the way that our environments are designed in shaping our attention, and offers insights into how we can reclaim focus and find meaning in a world that is constantly vying for our attention. The book also explores the science of attention and how we can use this knowledge to cultivate deeper thinking and more meaningful connections with others.
What You Do is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture
Written by Ben Horowitz, co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The book is about the importance of company culture in a business and how it can impact the success or failure of an organization. Horowitz argues that company culture is not something that can be created or changed easily and that it is shaped by the actions and behaviors of the people within an organization. He offers practical advice and examples for how business leaders can create and maintain a positive and effective culture, and how to use culture as a strategic advantage in the competitive world of business.
The Hard Thing about Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
Also written by Ben Horowitz, this book is a memoir and business advice book that covers Horowitz's experiences as a CEO and entrepreneur. In the book, Horowitz shares the lessons he has learned through his career, including how to make difficult decisions, how to manage and motivate a team, and how to deal with setbacks and failures. He also discusses the importance of culture in a business and how it can impact the success or failure of an organization. The book is written in a candid and personal style and offers practical advice for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Timeless Books that Influence Ballast:
Traction – Get a Grip on Your Business (The EOS Guide)
The Toyota Way – 14 Management Principles from the Worlds’ Greatest Manufacturer
The Goal: a Process of Ongoing Improvement
The Firm: The Story of McKinsey and Its Secret Influence on American Business
Managing the Professional Service Firm
No matter what aspect of business or consulting you’re interested in, we hope this list helps you grow and gain insights that build your business. If you have a recommendation for us, get in touch!
