As a marketer I seek inspiration from multiple sources, but none more so than in what I read. The books that adorn my coffee table at any given time are usually a combination of style, tennis and business. Below is a snapshot of a few of the books and publications that have inspired me, my work and my creativity.

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

I own the physical, audio and kindle versions of this book. That is how much I love it. I’ve probably read it about 3 times already. It speaks to the scientific side of my brain (I have a degree in Medical Biochemistry). It’s ok, I wouldn’t have guessed either! And it reinforces much of the psychology I have learnt over the years as a marketer. Habits are powerful. But habits can be broken. This book is an art in teaching one how to form and break habits whilst going deeper into the science behind the art of successful habit making. A must read for any person that wishes to understand how to create great habits or break poor ones.

2. Chances by Jackie Collins

I read an exact from this very sexy, stylish and daring novel for my GCSE English Language oral examination. I omitted the curse words, but by teacher was still aghast (but I assume equally impressed because he gave me an A grade). I read this book every couple of years. The main character, Lucky has been inspiring me since I was a kid, and continues to do so to this day. A fierce, vulnerable, powerful, unapologetic in who she is and a not-to-be-messed-with kinda woman, she is my heroine, and at times probably my alter ego. I love how she does things her way. Kind of like the 16-year old me that refused to perform an oral exam from the suggested GCSE reading list of Jane Austen et al but instead forge my own path and do whatever gave me the most pleasure. This book is a reminder to not follow the status quo, but to do things your way. That has bode me well in life. Many of my life hiccups have occurred when I have failed to stay in my lane. My advice to you – stay in your lane, because no one else in it.

I ain’t no lady Gino. I’m a Santangelo, just like you. And you ain’t no gentleman.

Lucky Santangelo, Chances

3. Rafa – My Story by Rafa Nadal

Rafa Nadal is my favourite sporting hero. Like Lucky he inspires me (see above). I am an unapologetic tennis geek – case in point, for my A-Level Mathematics coursework, I performed a detailed statistical study on the Men’s US Open Final between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. Before Rafa it was Pete, but Rafa is my boy now and has been ever since I read this bio many years ago. It’s a story of triumph, loss, failure, falling and rising, pain, humility and tenacity. And I am here for every single piece of it. Do yourself a favour, read this book, fall in love with Rafa, fall in love with tennis. I guarantee you that you will not look back. To think only 1.75% of the population play this sport, is a travesty. Be part of the 1%. Play tennis.

Losing is not my enemy…fear of losing is my enemy

Rafa Nadal

4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I recently gave this as a parting gift to the Head of the English department at my daughter’s former primary school, with a note enclosed advising that they should make this book mandatory reading as part of their English curriculum. Kids would learn a lot from it. Besides, the current curriculum could do with an overhaul. I am not shy to share my thoughts and recommendations to Heads of English departments who have been teaching for – let’s see, about 30 years longer than me. But that is me – under qualified and over opinionated? Well, actually no, I am extremely passionate about pushing the boundaries and seeing kids achieve and do more than they every thought they were capable of. Again, I own the audiobook, hardback and kindle versions of this book. It’s a great book.

5. Porter Magazine

It’s an amazing publication. Such a shame that the print production was pulled. It featured the most beautiful imagery and much more aesthetically pleasing than any other magazine of its time. The articles were well written and perfectly suited to the modern international woman. I miss this bi-monthly doormat drop. Now, I have to make do with occasional copies of Vogue when the cover image captures my attention, and I must say Edward Enniful’s Vogue is a more enjoyable read than that of his predecessor so not complaining.

6. Talent is Overrated by Geoffrey Colvin

Every parent, every businessperson, every kid should read this book. It is phenomenal. If there was a genre named “they lied to you category” this would be the bestseller in the genre. This book dispels many commonly beliefs that people hold and that keeps them from realising their potential. Filled with substance, stats and the science to back up the narrative, it is groundbreaking. This is yet another book whose lessons should be taught and explored throughout educational institutions to benefit future generations. Other books that fit into this category would be Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. I urge you to read at least one of those books.

Just a few of the books that inspire me to reach for greatness. What are you favourite books and why?