Each year ahead of the holiday season, the Inkling team curates a list of the most impactful books and podcasts we’ve come across that year. Featuring insights from local and global thought leaders and researchers, these selections have inspired us and helped shape our thinking and work.
No matter where you are on your journey, there’s a resource here to inspire, guide and support you too!
Happy holidays from the Inkling team- and happy reading and listening!
Books | Our top reads from 2025
Awaken your Genius – Ozan Varol
Why it’s a must-read:
“I’m always looking for resources that challenge conventional thinking and empower individuals to bring their authentic selves to work. Awaken Your Genius does exactly that by encouraging readers to break free from conformity, embrace curiosity, and unlock their unique strengths. In a world where inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives drive innovation, this book offers practical insights for fostering originality and creating environments where everyone can thrive. It’s a powerful read for anyone committed to building cultures of belonging and bold thinking. – Rashida Lowe, Director
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander
Why it’s a must-read:
“The Art of Possibility completely reframes how we think about leadership, creativity, and human potential. It challenges the mindset of scarcity, the belief that opportunities are limited and instead invites us to lead from abundance, possibility, and imagination.
The stories and practices in this book are simple yet transformative. From ‘Giving an A’ to ‘Rule #6’, each chapter offers practical ways to expand your thinking, remove self-imposed barriers, and unlock the potential in yourself and others. It’s one of those books that shifts your worldview and stays with you long after you’ve read it. A brilliant blend of psychology, art, and leadership.” – Shipra Chopra, Client Delivery Manager
The Emotionally Intelligent Team by Vanessa Urch Druskat
Why it’s a must-read:
“This book is written by a social and organisational psychologist for leaders to better understand why building emotionally intelligent teams is critical. She also shares practical and science backed techniques for cultivating emotional intelligence in teams.” – Lisa Skovron, Principal
Overwork by Brigid Schulte
Why it’s a must-read:
“This book will prompt you to rethink paradigms and habits for how you work that may be contributing to your stress levels and feeling time constrained. It will prompt you to consider other options for working that deliver outcomes whilst helping to reduce time, stress and find more meaning.” – Lisa Skovron, Principal
Podcasts
Unlocking Us | Living into our Values episode | Brene Brown and Barrett Guillen
Why it’s a must-listen:
“In this episode, Brené Brown takes us through the core concept of “living into our values” — not merely identifying what we stand for, but ensuring our behaviours, decisions and culture reflect those values consistently. She emphasises that clarity of values is essential: if everything feels like a value, then nothing truly drives us” – Shipra Chopra, Client Delivery Manager
The Philosopher’s Zone | In Defense of Workism episode
Why it’s a must-listen:
“The episode explores the concept of “workism”—the idea that work has become not just a means to an end but the core of one’s identity and purpose”. – Shipra Chopra, Client Delivery Manager
We need to talk with Paul C. Brunson
Why it’s a must-listen:
The Diary of CEO with Steven Bartlett | Ex-Google Exec (Mo Gawdat) on AI episode
“This is one I shared recently on LinkedIn and have been fascinated by it since listening. I found Mo Gawdat’s conversation on AI both thought-provoking and urgent. He breaks down complex ideas about artificial intelligence into practical insights, highlighting why ethical design and responsible leadership matter more than ever. The episode reinforces the need for human-centered decision-making in tech something that resonates strongly with creating inclusive workplaces. If you care about the future of work and the role of technology in shaping equitable cultures, this is a must-listen”. –Rashida Lowe, Director