by Michael Holland – 

Great people leaders are lifelong learners consuming blog posts, podcasts, articles, videos and books to gain perspective and increase knowledge.

Leverage that driving or flying time – or get away from the in-laws time – this holiday with a good book.

Here are some favorites from books I read this year.

No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings

Reed Hastings, the co-founder and CEO of Netflix. The book provides an inside look at the company’s history and culture, and how it has disrupted the traditional entertainment industry through innovation and a focus on data-driven decision-making.

In the book, Hastings discusses the company’s unique approach to management, which is centered on fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. He discusses the importance of empowering employees to take ownership of their work and make decisions, and the value of fostering a culture of transparency and honesty.

Hastings also discusses the role that data has played in shaping Netflix’s business decisions, and how the company has used data to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition. He also covers topics such as how Netflix has managed to scale its business and adapt to changing market conditions, and how it has used technology to deliver high-quality content to its customers.

Overall, “No Rules Rules” is an insightful look at the culture and practices of Netflix, and how the company has been able to disrupt the entertainment industry and achieve sustained success through innovation and a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed or Fail by Ray Dalio

“Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed or Fail” is a book written by Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, a global investment firm. The book discusses the changing nature of the global economy and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of nations.

In the book, Dalio argues that the world is undergoing a significant shift in its economic and political order, and that this shift is being driven by a combination of technological changes, demographic shifts, and other forces. He discusses the importance of understanding these changes and adapting to them in order to succeed in the 21st century.

Dalio identifies a number of principles that he believes are critical to success in a changing world order, including the importance of building a strong foundation of values and principles, the value of continuous learning and self-improvement, and the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication.

Overall, “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order” is a thought-provoking look at the forces shaping the global economy and the principles that can help nations succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits” is a self-help book that focuses on the importance of building small, incremental habits in order to achieve long-term success. The book argues that small, consistent changes in behavior, or “atomic habits,” can compound over time to produce significant improvements in a person’s life.

Clear discusses the concept of “habit stacking,” or the idea that new habits can be easier to form by attaching them to existing habits. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive feedback loop, where small wins and progress can lead to further motivation and success.

Clear also discusses the role of identity in shaping habits, and suggests that by aligning our actions with our values and long-term goals, we can more easily adopt new habits that support our desired identity.

Overall, “Atomic Habits” provides practical strategies for forming and maintaining good habits, as well as for breaking bad habits. The book encourages readers to focus on making small, incremental changes in their daily routines in order to achieve long-term success and happiness.

The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything by Michael Kanaan

Michael Kanaan, a technology entrepreneur and investor. The book discusses the concept of the metaverse, which refers to a virtual shared space where people can interact and experience a wide range of digital content.

Kanaan argues that the development of the metaverse will have significant implications for a wide range of industries, including entertainment, education, and commerce. He discusses the potential benefits of the metaverse, including the ability to create immersive and interactive experiences, and the potential for it to serve as a platform for innovation and experimentation.

The book also covers topics such as the technological and societal challenges that will need to be addressed in order to realize the full potential of the metaverse, and how the metaverse will change the way we work, learn, and interact with one another. Kanaan provides insights into the current state of the metaverse and its potential future developments, and offers his predictions for how it will revolutionize various aspects of our lives.

Overall, “The Metaverse” is a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of the metaverse and its potential to transform various aspects of our lives and society.

Be a lifelong learner and lead well!


Each year, I strive to read as many books as possible while also listening to Podcasts and reading articles that catch my eye.  Here is a list of the books I’ve read in 2022 on my personal blog.