Read, watch, listen: What Aussie founders will be getting into over summer

The summer break provides an opportunity for many of us to wind down and catch up on our reading, listening and watching. We asked seven Aussie founders what books, podcasts and TV shows they’ll be hooking into over the holiday season.

Nicho Plowman, co-founder of meditation app Insight Timer and Vedic Meditation teacher

“I have tapped out on streaming shows; I will be keeping the TV switched off. I feel like I’ve watched everything I can. I am a serial binger – and I’m all binged out.

“I predominantly read science fiction, that is usually my go-to. However, right now I’m reading a book called A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. As well as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita: A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6.”

Mark Calabro Co-CEO and Co-Founder, HUNGRYHUNGRY

“Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza. Why? I’m all about habits and routines, however there comes a time to reflect on which of these are serving you well, and which aren’t. Then it’s about killing off the old and creating new ones. It is one of the most profound books I have ever read.”

Aaron Bassin, CEO and co-founder, Bridgit

“The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger and Joel Lovell. It’s a real page-turner and gives an inside look at what it takes to reinvent one of the most beloved companies in the world.

“What I found really interesting about this book was the ‘true leadership’ principles offered by Bob. Every business is different and no two journeys will look the same, but Bob’s principles of leadership offer a really smart playbook to help us become better leaders and people. If you’ve ever wanted to get inside the mind of one of the world’s most innovative CEOs of our time, this book needs to be on your list.”

Arjun Paliwal, Head of Research and founder, InvestorKit

“I’ll be listening to The Old Man & The Three. It’s a podcast by ex-NBA player JJ Reddick and goes into the lives of NBA players and their career journey, the challenges they faced, how they got through it, and inspiring stories as well as good laughs.

“As a true NBA and basketball fan, I enjoy the laughs and get the inside jokes as a wind-down, but also get inspired by their stories.”

Maria Halasz, CEO, Stride Equity

“Deadwind on Netflix. I watched the first season and I am completely obsessed. Well-nuanced characters and relationships, excitement, and just a bit of gore that you would expect from a Scandinavian crime series.

“The Power Law by Sebastian Mallaby – the history of venture capital with interesting insights on the start of Apple, Paypal, Facebook, etc. I started this book right after finishing The Contrarian, Peter Thiel’s biography. Interesting to observe the differing perspectives on the same companies.

“Dr Peter Attia, The Drive, Longevity – this is an absolute must for anyone interested in longevity. Peter Attia’s podcast is factual, unbiased and gives you a review of the latest science by top researchers in the relevant field.”

Alex West, CEO, Swoop

“I’ll be reading Patrick Lencioly’s The Motive. It talks about organisational health, dysfunctions of teams, and the challenges of being an executive and having the right approaches.

“Simon Sinec, Infinite Game, talks about how we approach our businesses, understanding the WHY, it helps me think about my own business approach.

“Basically anything about building a great company and culture is what I enjoy reading.”

Ben Lipschitz, CEO and co-founder, FoodByUs

“The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee. The book discusses the power of genetics in determining people’s wellbeing and traits.”

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Kochie’s Business Builders on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.