Continuous learning is key for NEDs to remain effective and informed leaders, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that drive their organisations forward.

Our Boardroom Book Club events are designed for experienced non-executives eager to share ideas and connect with others. In our discussions, we explore pressing issues that influence today’s business landscape. Led by Shefaly Yogendra, a highly experienced portfolio NED, participants dive into a selection of thought-provoking books, generally non-fiction, that examine socio-economic challenges and the responsibilities of modern organisations.

Shefaly did a wonderful job of hosting the book club. She drew out interesting and thoughtful discussion and introduced me to a broad selection of books that I may not have considered otherwise. It was very enjoyable and great to hear the range of perspectives.

Here’s a list of the books we’ve read so far:

Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie

This book offers data-driven insights into how we can effectively address our concerns about climate change. It identifies falsehoods that we should challenge confidently and highlights areas where the situation may not be as dire as we fear. It suggests actions we can take to improve our environment and promote sustainability.

Judgement at Work by Andrew Likierman

Professionals invested in corporate governance may be familiar with Andrew Likierman’s contributions to the Cadbury Committee in 1990, which laid the groundwork for the UK’s current approach to financial reporting and accountability. His long-awaited book explores improving your judgement, from becoming a better decision-maker to identifying judgement in others.

Trust by Hernan Diaz

The quadriptych examines the sounds of the 1920s—the roar, boom, and crash of that era. Reading this in the 2020s, during tumultuous times for business, society, and politics, will likely provide a different perspective on the book’s content.

The Counting House by Gary Sernovitz

The Counting House explores the inner life of a CIO at an endowment fund, balancing personal insights with market challenges. It should resonate with those focused on resource allocation, emphasising that resources extend beyond corporate finances.

Co-intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

From Wharton professor and author of the One Useful Thing Substack comes an urgent and definitive playbook for working, learning and living in the new age of AI.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline by Andreas Malm

This book offers a thought-provoking perspective on climate issues. Malm argues that sabotage can be a valid and logical form of climate activism and that both pacifism within the climate movement and “climate fatalism” outside it are flawed.

The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earth’s Resources, by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy

This book is relevant for directors of both operating and investment companies to understand supply chains more deeply. It may also shape stakeholder engagement thinking.

Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the White-Collar Criminal by Eugene Soltes

Discussion on approaches to misconduct and ideas on how to spot it and how to challenge it.

The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations, by Daniel Yergin

A reality check for net zero transition. Discussion on the many geopolitical challenges shaping the broad context in which we are doing business.

Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson

Discussion on the impact on people and reward functions for companies benefitting from AI and other tech advances.

Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddarth Kara 

Discussion on implications for our responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act and other ethical commitments.

The 100 Trillion Dollar Wealth Transfer by Ken Costa

Discussion on the impact of Millennials and Gen-Z on ESG and the wider environment, and look ahead to when they are the dominant generation in the workplace.