Whether you’re an emerging leader, a senior executive, a DEI champion, or an ally eager to learn, embracing continuous learning is an essential component of growth. It’s a chance to adopt new, diverse perspectives, gain valuable insights, and implement strategies that enhance both your organisation’s approach and your own leadership journey. But where to begin?
At Inkling, continuous learning is a regular topic around the lunch table and in our MS Teams chat. We’re always sharing and discussing the latest articles, books, podcasts, and films that have inspired us, challenged our thinking, and influenced our work.
Each year ahead of the holiday season, the Inkling team curates a list of the 10 most impactful books we’ve come across. This year, we decided to expand our recommendations to include podcasts and films. We couldn’t squeeze them all into a top 10 list, so instead, we’ve handpicked our top 15. 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, listening, and viewing!
Books | Our top reads from 2024
1. The Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson
Why it’s a must-read:
“We know intellectually that failure is part of learning, growth, and innovation. Yet it’s not easy to experience, learn, and adapt from failure. This book inspires you to do the inner work required to do just that! It also provides some practical ways to help your teams learn and adapt from different types of failures. I listened to the audiobook – highly recommend it!”
– Lisa Skovron, Practice Lead – Diversity & Inclusion
2. Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
Why it’s a must-read:
“Susan Scott provides guidelines on how to put fear of relationship risk and career-limiting moves to one side and have a powerful conversation that removes barriers in relationships and creates a future-focused momentum that gives way to trust and collaboration without the need for a mediator or therapist. Self-doubt in relationships is recognisable for us all, and this read will provide confidence and capability to put your best foot forward.”
– Mike Newman, Practice Lead – Leadership
3. Alive at Work by Daniel M. Cable
Why it’s a must-read:
“Alive at Work is such a clear, engaging, and practical read about how to truly engage and motivate your team. Daniel Cable takes a strengths-based approach, offering powerful insights on adopting a more individualised leadership style, encouraging innovation and experimentation, and helping others connect with their personal purpose. It’s an inspiring and actionable guide for anyone looking to create a more energized and fulfilled workplace.”
– Michelle Scott, Manager, Client Delivery
4. Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature is Your Hidden Leadership Strength by Megumi Miki
Why it’s a must-read:
“I absolutely loved this book by Melbourne-based author Megumi Miki. It explores the importance of quiet leadership and the unique strengths that quieter leaders bring to the table, challenging the traditional ‘hero’ or ‘alpha’ leadership archetype we’ve grown so accustomed to. Given our work with all levels of women leaders across the APAC region, I know this message will resonate deeply with so many people.”
– Sugandha Chapman, Senior Manager, Client Delivery
5. Bittersweet by Susan Cain
Why it’s a must-read:
“Right now, I’m reading Bittersweet by Susan Cain, and it’s such a powerful book. Through her personal stories, Susan shows how embracing both joy and sorrow can deepen our empathy and strengthen our connections with others. It’s a beautiful reminder that great leadership and true inclusion come from valuing the whole, messy, and extraordinary spectrum of human experience. This is a book that stays with you long after you’ve put it down.”
– Katrina Cole, Manager, Client Delivery
6. The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
Why it’s a must-read:
“This book completely revolutionised the way I approach parenting. Then, as a people leader, I realised that many of the same principles for guiding little ones can also apply to leading and supporting adults. It’s packed with case studies and evidence-based research, making it an absolute page-turner that’s hard to put down. It’s one of those rare books that shifts your perspective in both personal and professional spaces.”
– Mike Newman, Practice Lead – Leadership
7. The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work by Ludmila Praslova
Why it’s a must-read:
“I first heard author Ludmila Praslova speak on Frances Frei and Anne Morriss’s Fixable podcast (highly recommend checking it out!), and her insights were so compelling I had to read her book, The Canary Code. Relatable and practical, it provides actionable strategies for creating spaces where individuals—especially those with intersecting identities—can truly belong. With an accessible style, it sparks ideas and conversations about building inclusive cultures. A must-read for anyone passionate about fostering workplace inclusion and valuable for leaders focused on belonging and inclusion.”
– Sugandha Chapman, Senior Manager, Client Delivery
8. Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Why it’s a must-read:
“I’ve always been a fan of Malcolm Gladwell, and I can’t wait to dive into Revenge of the Tipping Point over the holidays. In this book, he revisits the idea of tipping points, exploring how small, seemingly insignificant changes can create massive societal shifts. I’ve heard it’s particularly great as an audiobook—his storytelling really shines. If you enjoy thought-provoking discussions about change, this is definitely worth a read or a listen!”
– Rashida Lowe, Chief Delivery Officer
Podcasts | Our top listens from 2024
9. This Working Life: The Simple Things You Take for Granted at Work
“I love listening to a range of podcast series, and one of my favorites is the ABC podcast This Working Life. This particular episode is incredibly eye-opening as it shares the lived experiences of Australians with disabilities. Hearing their perspectives on workplace environments—what helps them feel included and what doesn’t—offers such valuable insights. It’s a must-listen for anyone wanting to foster more inclusive and supportive workplaces.”
–Lisa Skovron, Practice Lead – Diversity & Inclusion
10. Adam Grant’s Re: Thinking with Justin Trudeau on Facing Imposter Syndrome and Taking Criticism
Why it’s a must-listen:
“Adam Grant’s Rethinking podcast series is always fantastic, but this episode stood out as a powerful exploration of leadership through the lens of vulnerability. Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau opens up candidly about his struggles with imposter syndrome and how he navigates criticism. It’s incredibly relatable for anyone who has ever dealt with self-doubt or scrutiny, and it offers such valuable lessons on authentic leadership.”
– Rashida Lowe, Chief Delivery Officer
11. The Imperfects with Rana Hussain – Belonging for Connection
Why it’s a must-listen:
“This episode of the Imperfects podcast with Rana Hussain on Belonging for Connection is an absolute must-listen. Both heartfelt and insightful, Rana shares her personal experiences of not feeling like she belongs in Australia and why belonging is so essential. She also highlights simple, practical actions we can all take to foster a more inclusive culture, while making a strong business case for prioritising belonging in the workplace. It’s a beautiful and thought-provoking conversation.”
– Michelle Scott, Manager, Client Delivery
12. Coaching for Leaders Podcast: Help Your Team Coach Each Other with Keith Ferrazzi
Why it’s a must-listen:
“I recently listened to Keith Ferrazzi on Dave Stachowiak’s Coaching for Leaders podcast episode, Help Your Team Coach Each Other, and it was packed with incredible insights. The episode dives into how to create teams that coach and hold each other accountable through high-return practices. One quote from Keith stood out so much that I had to write it down: ‘You don’t think your way to a new way of acting – you act your way to a new way of thinking.‘ It’s such a powerful shift, focusing on practices rather than mindsets to drive success. I’ve just purchased his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, which further explores this topic, and I’m excited to dive into it over the holidays.”
– Sugandha Chapman, Senior Manager, Client Delivery
13. Future Women Leadership Series: Cherie Clonan’s Guide to Creating a Neurodivergent Inclusive Workplace
Why it’s a must-listen:
“In this Future Women podcast, Cherie Clonan, a proud Autistic woman and CEO of The Digital Picnic, opens up about her personal experience of receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, shedding light on the challenges that come with it, including the emotional toll of masking and the risk of burnout. She speaks with incredible honesty and vulnerability about navigating these experiences in both her personal and professional life. Beyond her own story, Cherie shares practical and insightful advice on the importance of understanding, acceptance, and specific strategies to make workplaces more supportive for neurodivergent individuals.”
– Michelle Scott, Manager, Client Delivery
Documentaries | Our top views from 2024
14. American Factory
Why it’s a must-watch:
“American Factory is a fascinating documentary that highlights the intersection of cultural diversity, workplace dynamics, and global collaboration. It shows how differing perspectives—shaped by national culture, leadership styles, and individual values—can create both tension and opportunities for innovation. This real-world case study offers valuable insights into the challenges and potential of cross-cultural teams in a globalised work environment.” – Rashida Lowe, Chief Delivery Officer
15. Crip Camp
Why it’s a must-watch:
“This was an eye-opening documentary that mixes humour, heart, and raw honesty to shed light on the disability rights movement. Through 1970s footage of Camp Jened in the USA, the film reveals the grit and determination of individuals who fought for accessibility, resulting in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While it celebrates their hard-won victories, it also highlights how much work remains to achieve true equality for people with disabilities. A powerful film!”
– Ellie Somers, Senior Manager, Marketing & Engagement