2024 has been a transformative year for me. In July, I transitioned from my corporate role into the dynamic world of startups, immersing myself daily in AI and Web3 research. It has been both exhilarating and grounding, filled with deep reflections on my personal and professional path. This year, books became an even greater part of my life, offering insights across four themes: Tech & Innovation, Business & Economics, Human Mind, and Literature. I hope sharing these reads and highlights will inspire your own explorations. :)
Tech & Innovation
In recent years, I have been working at the intersection of sustainability and knowledge management. While this path was meaningful, I am pleased to return to my core domain of innovation, particularly focusing on digital enablement and blockchain technology.
In Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains by Vitalik Buterin, I found a profound exploration of blockchain’s potential. As someone who believes in its transformative power, this book felt especially timely. If you’re interested in the journey of Ethereum, I recommend The Infinite Machine by Camila Russo which was one of my favourite form last year
Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet by Chris Dixon reflects on the history of the internet and highlights the possibilities of a decentralized, collaborative Web3. It’s insightful and provides inspiration for future developments.
Lastly, The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian Mallaby offers a comprehensive overview of how venture capital has driven innovation over the past 70 years. It’s fascinating to see the transformation of technology from the venture capital perspective and to hear the industry’s side of the story.
Business & Economics
To kick of my own business, and to help others on business strategy, some books help me to think critically about strategy and the systems that shape our world.
In strategy and business thinking, 7 Powers by Hamilton Helmer stood out with its clear framework for building sustainable advantages. The seven powers—Scale Economies, Network Economies, Counter-positioning, Switching Costs, Branding, Cornered Resource, and Process Power—felt practical yet ambitious. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you and helps shape how you think about creating value.
On a more reflective note, The Great Transformation by Karl Polanyi shocked me with its relevance, even though it was written in the 1940s. It examines how economic and political systems evolve, and I couldn’t help but see parallels to the challenges we’re facing today. It left me wondering: could technology offer the solutions that political systems seem unable to deliver?
Human Mind
Books in this category were personal for me this year. Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish and Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans both guided me to be intentional about the path I’m creating. They reinforced that it’s okay to experiment, make adjustments, and learn as you go. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson was another standout, offering insights on how to think about wealth, happiness, and success in ways that feel aligned with my values. Finally, Psych by Paul Bloom and The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor gave me a deeper understanding of how our minds work, making me more patient with myself and more curious about the ways we think and feel. These books were especially meaningful as I transitioned from corporate life into something more uncertain but ultimately more fulfilling. I’d recommend them to anyone considering a big leap—it’s worth it.
Literature
For all the reflection and strategy, I needed an escape too, and I found it in the Martin Beck series by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. These gritty crime novels set in 1970s Stockholm captured a raw and imperfect side of Scandinavia that feels far removed from its polished, progressive reputation. There’s something hopeful about seeing a place in progress, imperfections and all.
On a different note, Søren Kierkegaard’s The Seducer’s Diary was a timeless and thought-provoking exploration of human complexity. It left me reflecting on emotions and relationships in ways I hadn’t expected.
2024 has been a year of growth, curiosity, and embracing the unknown. These books have been an integral part of my journey, helping me think differently and stay inspired. What books have been a part of your year? Feel free to share if you’d like. Wishing us all a great year ahead—see you in 2025!
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Full List of Books
Tech & Innovation
1. Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains, Vitalik Buterin, 2022
2. Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet, Chris Dixon, 2022
3. The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future, Sebastian Mallaby, 2022
Business & Economics
4. 7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer, 2016
5. The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time, Karl Polanyi, 1944
6. Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing, Roger Dooley, 2011
Human Mind
7. Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results, Shane Parrish, 2023
8. Psych: The Story of the Human Mind, Paul Bloom, 2023
9. The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss, Mary-Frances O’Connor, 2022
10. Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen, Zoe Chance, 2022
11. Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, 2016
12. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness, Eric Jorgenson, 2020
Literature
13. Roseanna, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1965
14. The Terrorists, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1975
15. Cop Killer, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1974
16. The Man Who Went Up in Smoke, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1966
17. The Laughing Policeman, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1968
18. The Fire Engine That Disappeared, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, 1969
19. The Seducer’s Diary, Søren Kierkegaard, 1843