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Reset your skillset

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Life advice, hacks and strategies to lead your way through adversity and prosper.

As our world continues to change rapidly around us, the future feels less certain than ever before. One surety: we are living through challenging times. And though no one can predict the exact shape of our post-pandemic world, it will take resilience, leadership and creativity to get us there. Here are some books to help you hone your skillset, navigate towards a ‘new normal’ and thrive.

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – a competitive edge like no other
In his role as an FBI kidnapping negotiator, Chris Voss went head to head with bank robbers, gang leaders and terrorists. His book, Never Split the Difference, takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed. Skills to give you a tactical advantage in any discussion.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – finding balance between body and mind
In The Body Keeps the Score, Dutch psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk sheds new light on the routes away from trauma. Using sport, drama, yoga, mindfulness and meditation, he argues, we can regulate and synch body and mind. And when we discover these new equilibriums, we can look forward with purpose and joy.

Atomic Habits by James Clear – tiny strategies to transform your life
Miniscule changes can grow into life-altering outcomes. In Atomic Habits, James Clear delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience – as well as inspiring stories of overachievers – to explain why our habits matter. Through a handful of simple life hacks, he reveals how small changes can have a revolutionary effect on your career, your relationships, and your life.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – leadership development for the bold
Based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers and culture shifters, Dare to Lead is a book for everyone who is ready to choose courage over comfort, make a difference and lead. TED Talk phenomenon Brené Brown demonstrates that daring leadership is a combination of skillsets that are 100% teachable. Here she shows us how to put ideas into practice, and generate the brave leaders the world so desperately needs.

The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg – finding happiness through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness
With a blend of humour, poignancy and clear-eyed insight, in The Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg explains how by unlocking gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, we can all get the tools we need to thrive. A happier and more fulfilling life is likely closer than you think.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek – sparking action through inspirational leadership
Why do we do what we do? Why do we exist? Learning to ask these questions can unlock the secret to inspirational business. In Start with Why, Simon Sinek explains what it truly takes to lead and inspire, and how anyone can learn how to do it.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl – discover significance in the art of living
Amid the horrors of Auschwitz, psychiatrist Viktor E Frankl noticed that it was the men who comforted others that survived the longest – the sort of person the prisoner became was the result of an inner decision and not camp influences alone. In Man's Search for Meaning he illuminates pathways towards meaning and purpose.

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