Melbourne Business School's Summer Reading List for 2022
Looking for some fresh inspiration over the summer holidays? Here are the books and podcasts that had an impact on our staff through 2022.
Indigenomics; Taking a seat at the economic table by Carol Anne Hilton, MBA
Recommended by Mitch Hibbens, Associate Lecturer (Indigenous Programs) and Program Director, MURRA Indigenous Business Masterclass: “Carol lays out the foundations for the emerging Indigenous economy in Canada. This provides some critical considerations for our own nation to as we work toward true economic self-determination for Indigenous people and communities. This book is a call to action for business education providers, policy makers & the broader business community to rewrite the narrative around Indigenous people and economics and the opportunity to advance the modern economy through incorporating an Indigenous worldview."
Harmony by King Charles III
Recommended by Gary Veale, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainability and Business: “2022 brought many things, including a new head of state – King Charles III. You may or may not be aware, Charles has been a champion of sustainability for many years. Published back in 2010, this compassionate and insightful book shines a light on our new monarch’s deep interest in the world around us; and is a blueprint for a more balanced, sustainable way to live in the face of climate change.”
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Recommended by Stephen Smith, Senior Business Development Director: “Shoe Dog is one of the most popular autobiographies of business founders of all time. In his own words, Nike founder Phil Knight recounts the journey of founding the sneaker company and its ascent into a top athletic wear brand. Knight gives a peek into his early life and influences, as well as insights into his leadership and business philosophy.”
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommended Jill Klein, Professor of Marketing: “Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favourite authors and all of her novels are terrific. This is her most recent novel and it gives a great sense of the life and struggles of people in rural western Virginia and the impact of the opioid epidemic. Not really light, summer on the beach reading, but a wonderful book.”
Students First: Equity, Access and Opportunity in Higher Education by Paul LeBlanc
Recommended by Warren Kennard, Director, MBS Online: “Paul LeBlanc has re-imagined higher education, with a focus on the most fundamental of functions: student learning. In Students First, he advocates for an entire higher education ecosystem in which students have the flexibility to gain, assess, and certify their knowledge on their own terms and timelines.”
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
Recommended by Glenn Hoetker, Director, Centre for Sustainability and Business: “This book is written by the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard. Patagonia’s business model may not be for everyone, but Chouinard’s memoir challenges readers to ask “Why not?” Almost everyone will come away with some new ideas and, more importantly, some new questions.
Decisions Over Decimals: Striking the Balance between Intuition and Information by Professor Oded Netzer, Christopher Frank and Paul Magnone
Recommended by Yalcin Akcay, Director, Centre for Business Analytics: “Professor Oded Netzer was one of our keynote speakers at this year’s Melbourne Business Analytics Conference. In this book, Professor Netzer and his co-authors look at the common mistakes often made when using data to drive decision making. They guide professionals through the process, reminding the reader that intuition still has a place in the process. It’s a good explanation as to why, in order to make the most of data, you need to strike the right balance between information and intuition.”
East West Street by Phillipe Sands
Recommended by Deborah Fitton, Manager, Faculty Resources: “It is an interesting mix of autobiography, history and legal theory. A compelling memoir reveals the Jewish legal minds who sowed the seeds for human rights law at the Nuremberg trials. A really stimulating read.”
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons in Creative Leadership from the CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
Recommended by Geoff Martin, Professor of Business Strategy: “Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company took over the reigns in 2005 when the company was facing a difficult time with low staff morale and intense competition. Throughout his reign he has managed to transform it into the most successful media company in the world. In the book, Iger shares the lessons he learned during this transformative period and the principles he believes are necessary for effective leadership.”
The EdTech Podcast by Sophie Bailey
Recommended by Ellen Sullivan, Associate Director, Digital Learning: “As I’ve been setting up the Innovation Lab at MBS, I’ve kept returning to this vibrant podcast which brings EdTech and education disruptors together exploring the challenges facing education today. Sophie interviews educators, investors, start-ups, learners and education institutions about what’s changing or needs to change in the global education innovation space.”