On Leadership Lessons, the AIDS Epidemic, and the Road to Wealth
On Leadership Lessons, the AIDS Epidemic, and the Road to Wealth
Books that changed my thinking, my behaviors, and my life
Hello all!
Here is your weekly dose of Three Book Thursday-books that changed my thinking, behaviors, and life.
1. Autobiography
My American Journey
Summary
This is the first book that taught me about leadership and decision making. Although Colin Powell lost some credibility in the early 2000’s for the Iraq war, this book is just an awesome collection of leadership principles (perhaps the General should’ve listened to his own words). I can recall reading this book more than 20 years ago and loving every page. It is also the first book that I took notes on while reading. And now I get to share them with you.
Insight: If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
Advice: You cannot slay the dragon every day.
Powell's Rules for Picking People
Intelligence and judgement
A capacity to anticipate, to see around corners
Loyalty, integrity, high energy, level
A certain passion, balanced ego
The drive to get things done.
Author: Colin Powell
Themes: Autobiography
My personal notes from the book
2. History
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic
Summary
This is the book that ignited my journey into medicine. I first watched the movie and loved the character played by Matthew Modine. Wanting to know more of the story, I went on to read the book and from there, to medical school. This book covers perhaps one of the most important clashes between medicine, culture, and politics of the past hundred years.
Insight: Prejudice makes prisoners of both the hated and the hater.
Principle: If you don't abide by scientific principles, chaos will ensue.
Latin phrase: Primum, non nocare - First, do no harm
Author: Randy Shilts
Themes: History, Medicine
My personal notes from the book
3. Personal finance
The Road to Wealth
Summary
This is the most comprehensive and practical personal finance book I’ve ever read. I used it as my financial playbook for almost a decade. It spans every aspect of personal finance, such as insurance, mortgages and home buying, trusts, prenups, everything. And what’s amazing about the content is that it is in a Q&A format, which makes it digestible.
Author: Suze Orman
Themes: Personal finance, Investing
My personal notes from the book
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading!
Please continue to share with me the books that changed your life!
Best,
Adam
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