began at a very young age, already diving into the complex worlds of heavy philosophers in grade 3 and 4. Growing up, my favorite spot was the public library, a place that not only nurtured my love for reading but also played a pivotal role in my growth and thinking. My mom’s cousin, who has been the librarian there for 20+ years, made it a magical place for me. Recognizing my insatiable appetite for reading and understanding financial constraints, she would often order books specifically for me. This act of kindness and support was more than just about providing access to books; it was about acknowledging and nurturing young minds’ potential. 

Guided by my parents, both avid readers, I delved into the profound and challenging works of German philosophers like Kant and Nietzsche, Russian thinkers such as F. Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, and French intellectuals like Albert Camus. These readings set an early high standard for the complexity and depth of the texts I engaged with. By the time I reached high school, reading lighter materials for my graduation exams in Romania felt like a test of patience. 

My academic journey then took me through the realms of diplomacy, communication, and political studies during my university years. In recent years, as my path veered into entrepreneurship, my reading list has evolved to include a heavy focus on business and personal development. This shift reflects my journey and the new challenges and opportunities I face in the entrepreneurial world. I invite you to explore these book recommendations and discover how they have profoundly shaped my journey and thoughts. Each book on my list has been carefully selected based on the impact it has had on my life and the insights it offers. Scroll down and I hope you enjoy my selection!

Are you familiar with the tale of kissing frogs in search of your true prince, the perfect match for you? Well, Alison introduces a far more interesting concept of “Frog Farming”, the idea of diminishing a man’s strengths and qualities – through criticism, lack of appreciation, or misunderstanding. This concept is a call to awareness about how interactions and perceptions can negatively transform relationships.

In the context of business, as I see it, it’s about how any person, regardless of gender, might inadvertently ‘farm frogs’ by not recognizing and valuing the inherent strengths and contributions of their colleagues. Effective communication, respect for diversity of thought and approach, and genuine appreciation are key to fostering a productive and positive environment, both in personal relationships and in the workplace.

If you want to read a truly eye-opening book that delves into the intricacies of male-female relationships, offering a new perspective on understanding and appreciating each-other.

This is simply a masterclass in the art of negotiation. Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book delves into high-stakes negotiations, revealing strategies that helped save lives. Voss’s techniques, based on psychological insights and practical experience, are applicable far beyond the realms of law enforcement.

I highly recommend this book because it transforms the complexities of negotiation into an accessible, skill-enhancing toolkit. Whether you’re negotiating in business, resolving conflicts, or even navigating personal relationships, Voss’s lessons provide invaluable guidance.

Negotiation is not an act of battle; it’s a process of discovery. The goal is to uncover as much information as possible. Empathy is a stance of curiosity.

Recommended to me by my dear friend Zach Bloom, this book has been an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance, offering a fresh and impactful perspective on coaching and entrepreneurship. This book stands out for its approach to building an authentic coaching practice, emphasizing the creation of deep, meaningful client relationships over traditional marketing techniques. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its focus on the power of transformational coaching.

At the same time, this book demystifies the process of acquiring high-quality clients through integrity and trust, rather than aggressive sales tactics. In a field where the temptation to undervalue one’s services is common, Chandler and Litvin assert that charging what you’re truly worth is not only a reflection of self-respect but also a signal of the quality and seriousness of the service being offered.

The authors offer a real roadmap to creating meaningful, impactful coaching. I can say that their teachings have been instrumental in shaping my approach to business and personal development.

How do I even start this one? This book has been an extraordinary read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a manual for living with gusto and understanding the signals life throws at us (separating the noise from the signal, as Matthew would say). His insights are profound yet relatable, and his unique perspective on life is both refreshing and inspiring.

“I have a lot of proof that the world is conspiring to make me happy,”– oh how this one struck a chord with me! This idea of the universe aligning to our favor is not just about optimism; it’s about recognizing and seizing the opportunities (the ‘green lights’). His philosophy of being “less impressed, more involved” is a powerful call to engage actively with our lives, to participate rather than just observe. A reminder to immerse ourselves in the experiences and relationships that shape our journey (“All I want is all I can see, all I see is in front of me. Stillness”)
This approach to life is beautifully encapsulated in phrases like, “The genie’s in the magic, the magic’s in the steam,” and “The intellect should simplify things, not make them more cerebral.” The “be you, you are the character” and “reach beyond your grasp” are powerful motivators for personal growth and authenticity. I see Matthew’s book as a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking to live a life of purpose, passion, and presence.

In reading “As a Man Thinketh,” you’ll discover the profound truth that “Man is made or unmade by himself.” Our thoughts play a fundamental role in shaping our reality. He writes, “A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild.”. We have to consciously nurture our mental landscape, weeding out negative, unproductive thoughts and fostering positive, constructive ones. The principle that “Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results” is a reminder that the quality of our thoughts directly influences the quality of our lives.

I also connected with his philosophy that the body is the servant of the mind, the idea of connection between thought, action, and outcome, as a crucial concept in life (both personally and professionally) where mental resilience and clarity are essential. His words, “He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it,” encapsulate the entrepreneurial spirit – the drive to turn visions into reality. “As a Man Thinketh” will not only reinforce the belief in the power of thought but also provide a timeless guide on harnessing this power to create a fulfilling and successful life and that is why I truly recommend you reading it.

Ryan Holiday’s “The Obstacle Is the Way” remarkably echoes the insights and beliefs I’ve long held, articulating them in a manner that really, deeply resonates with my own thoughts. Holiday’s core philosophy is inspired by Stoicism. Finding opportunity in adversity (“within every obstacle lies an opportunity to improve our condition), viewing hurdles not as impediments but as catalysts for growth and innovation, “emotional regulation”, “clarity over sympathy” or “The greater the chaos, the calmer I must become,” have long been some of my personal mantras. In my journey, embracing this mindset has transformed challenges into stepping stones, helping me unlock new levels of potential and resilience. I find that, in the midst of turmoil, maintaining composure and clear-headedness is crucial.

At the same time, remembering that every action should serve the greater whole, has steered me towards more purposeful and directed actions in both personal and professional realms. The Stoic wisdom of Epictetus, to persist and resist, echoes throughout Holiday’s work. We have an endless well of energy. By continually tapping into this inner resource, I find the strength to overcome obstacles and pursue my goals with unwavering dedication.

This is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom about productivity and time management. It profoundly altered my entrepreneurial mindset by introducing me to the concept of ‘Eigenzeit,’ or respecting the intrinsic tempo of life’s endeavors. This idea, starkly contrasting the typical entrepreneurial rush for efficiency, taught me the value of patience and the importance of allowing ideas and relationships to mature at their own pace. It shifted my focus from sheer speed to depth and quality, reinforcing that some of the most critical aspects of business, like innovation and building trust, cannot be expedited without compromising their core value. This understanding has been pivotal in cultivating a more thoughtful and effective approach in my relationships.

The book also presented a refreshing perspective on the merits of selective engagement, encapsulated in the joy of missing out (JOMO) versus the fear of missing out (FOMO). This concept has empowered me to make more strategic choices about where to direct my energies, favoring activities that align with my long-term objectives and personal values. Burkeman’s emphasis on the principles of patience — acknowledging the limits of control, finding value in waiting, and accepting the time it takes for good things to mature —can guide entrepreneurs everywhere in building a resilient and grounded journey, one that values steady progress and well-being over fleeting achievements.