What to read and listen to this holiday: A list from McKinsey People Function leaders
Looking for ways to make the most of your summer without disconnecting from important topics? We’ve got you covered.
We asked our McKinsey People Function leaders to share what’s on their reading or listening lists. The books selected for our summer reading guide reflect on strategy, creative processes, and well-being, while also offering moments to unwind with novels or true crime.
Grab your reading lamp and bookmark and unwind with these recommendations:
Breath by James Nestor: It explores the overlooked art of breathing, challenging conventional wisdom with insights from various fields. You will never breathe the same way again! —Teun Hermsen
Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks: It provides practical advice on enhancing life through family, friendship, work, and faith. —Wendy Miller
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr: It’s a captivating novel with compelling characters and storytelling, ideal for summer reading. —Wendy Miller
Outlive by Peter Attia: It’s a manifesto written by a McKinsey alumnus challenging conventional aging theories and advocating for healthier longevity. —Marie Christine Padberg
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga: It discusses themes of self-forgiveness, self-care, and decluttering the mind. These themes are particularly resonant for HR professionals who often not only manage their own well-being but also influence the well-being of others. —Nancy Ryan-Donahue
The Friction Project by Huggy Rao and Bob Sutton: It offers strategies to make the right things easier and the wrong things harder, crucial for HR professionals dealing with organizational dynamics. —Daniel Morales
The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset that Drives Extraordinary Results by Andrew McAfee: It challenges traditional work approaches, offering tools for achieving significant goals. —Heather Stefanski
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo: It’s messy, maddening, heartbreaking, and tender—just like the concept of family, which this novel beautifully and realistically explores. —Blair Ciesil
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin: It’s a gripping science fiction trilogy that’s great for unwinding. —Daniel Morales
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: It’s a must-read for those facing procrastination or creative blocks. —Blair Ciesil
The Women by Kristin Hannah (audiobook): It’s a recommendation for fans of strong female characters who overcome challenges. —Katie Nedl
Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams: It’s a practical guide to enhancing communication skills, useful for handling complex topics. —Katie Nedl
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (audiobook): It’s a beautiful, moving novel about family narrated by Meryl Streep, perfect for walking. —Nancy Ryan-Donahue
Dr. Death: It’s a gripping true-crime podcast that adds intrigue to your walks or drives. —Nancy Ryan-Donahue
Lifestyle of Longevity by Dr. Kati Ernst and Kristine Zeller: It’s a recommendation for German speakers hosted by a McKinsey alumna exploring fitness and energy management for workplace challenges. —Marie Christine Padberg
McKinsey Talks Talent Podcast: Bryan Hancock, Brooke Weddle, and other talent experts help you navigate a fast-changing landscape and prepare for the future of work by making talent a competitive advantage. —Heather Stefanski
SmartLess: This lighthearted podcast offers delightful banter and mindless enjoyment, ideal for unwinding after a hectic day. —Wendy Miller
The Learning Geeks: It’s dedicated to those who passionately support the world in experiencing better learning. In each episode, the hosts dedicate time to talk about the things affecting the learning world, including new science, approaches, technologies, and ideas. —Heather Stefanski
And, as recommended by Daniel Morales, we can’t miss adding what he believes is the best article on the underlying mechanics of generative AI. It’s done in a cool visual format and is perfect for those who truly want to learn: “Generative AI exists because of the transformer.”
This summer, whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills or simply relax, these books and podcasts are sure to provide valuable insights and entertainment. Happy reading and listening!
