The Re-Readables

BY MICHAEL SICURANZA

One of my favorite writers, content creators and podcasters is Bill Simmons.  I first was introduced to Bill’s work when he worked for ESPN, first as the feisty Bostonian columnist and then when he helped produce my favorite ESPN show “30 for 30”.  I found myself really enjoying his humor and both sports and cultural insight. 

 Bill left ESPN a few years ago and started his own company called The Ringer.  He has over the last several years expanded his content to include a podcast called “The Re-Watchables”.  The premise of the podcast is Bill and a few special guests review and discuss movies that EVERYONE stops to watch when they are flipping channels.  From those guilty pleasures like Road House to classics like The Godfather, they leave no scene un-scrutinized.  It’s a very funny and interesting 90 minutes.

 With the New Year upon us, I always try to read as much new material as possible but there are always several books that I tend to re-read on annual basis that help me clarify and prepare for the year.  So in honor of Bill Simmons, here is my list of “Re-Readables”.

 FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

  • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and the E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.  These two books are the original business building books.  One for mindset and one for scale.  Must reads for any entrepreneur.

  • To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink.  Sales is always such a bad word but as Daniel Pink, it is more about connecting. 

  • Hug Your People by Jack Mitchell.  The CEO of the famous clothing stores in NY goes through the culture he attempts to create for his company and his employees.

  • Traction by Gino Wickman.  This book is about scaling and running an already successful business.  It’s on my desk at all times and I review it constantly.

 FOR PERSONAL GROWTH / GOAL SETTING

  • Any of Ryan Holiday’s books but my favorite is Ego is the Enemy.

  • Getting More by Stuart Diamond.  This is a book about negotiating and getting what you want out of life.

  • The Startup of You by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha.  This book discussed how to treat yourself and your career like a startup.  Very practical tips from the guy who founded LinkedIn.

 PARENTING

  • Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls by Lisa Damour.  With two girls that are 14 and 16, I read this one like everyday

  • 10 Ways to Grow Tiny Super Humans by Ben Greenfield.  Off the beaten path but to raise kids without fear we need to let them do things beyond our comfort zone.

 What is your list?

Michael Sicuranza