Building for Good: Our Winter Reading List for a Reflective New Year

Winter and the turn of the new year offer a natural pause to slow down, reflect, and look ahead with clarity. Our winter reading list brings together perspectives on money, human behaviour, relationships, and long term decision making themes that resonate deeply with family businesses, principled operations, and stewardship of people and planet.From quiet introspection to broader economic and social insight, these books invite reflection on how values are shaped and carried forward over time. We hope they offer thoughtful moments over the holidays and a grounded, reflective start to the year ahead.Wishing you a restful winter and a meaningful, considered new year as we continue to build- for good. #PurposeDriven#LeadershipDevelopmen#FamilyBusiness#WinterReading

At August One, being active in thought, opportunity, and knowledge is a core value that binds us together. As a team of avid readers and ‘perpetual learners,’ we are constantly recommending books to each other. With our mantra of Investing together for good, we’re delighted to share this year’s collection of books that have inspired, informed, and motivated us.

This reading list features 10 titles ranging from personal development and leadership to fiction, psychology, and investment strategies. It’s a diverse collection that reflects our values and aspirations as individuals and as a team:

• The Vegetarian by Han Kang: A haunting and thought-provoking novel exploring identity, autonomy, and resistance through a quiet rebellion.

• Poor Economics by Abhijit Banerjee & Esther Duflo: An insightful exploration using research to uncover the real-world impact of policy decisions on poverty and behavior.

• The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga: An introduction to Adlerian psychology emphasizing personal responsibility and emotional freedom.

• Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami: A collection of short stories offering deep insight into human relationships, loneliness, and loss.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A timeless classic highlighting the importance of self-awareness and empathy in personal growth and relationships.

• The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini: A definitive guide to influence, helping readers navigate decision-making and human behavior effectively.

• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday: Using Stoic philosophy to show how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for resilience and success.

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: Explores how behavior and long-term thinking shape financial success, viewing money as a psychological tool.

• Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza: Explains how conscious awareness can rewire the brain to change habitual thoughts and behaviors.

• The Way of the Shepherd by Kevin Leman & William Pentak: Leadership lessons through a parable about shepherding, highlighting principles of guidance and care.

With best regards to you and your families,

August One

We’d love to hear your recommendations! What’s on your reading list?

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Innovation #Books #AugustOne