Mike’s Must-Reads

Welcome to My Must-Reads

I’m a reader — or rather a listener (thanks, Audible). In some years, I consume 60-70 books, and in other years, 30-40. I gravitate to science fiction, history, fiction, behavioral economics — and anything related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

I had a ball putting together this list. I tried to offer up a bit of variety with the hope that there would be at least one where you’d say, “Yeah, I should check that out.”

I will add that books are just one way I consume content. Everything from social media sites from Instagram to LinkedIn, articles from The Atlantic to the New York Times, essays from Scott Galloway to Nate Silver, and podcasts from Lex Fridman to 3 Guys are on my consumption list. One of my resolves, business and personal, is to get a fraction of a percentage better every day. Feeding my mind with knowledge, inspiration, and yep, wonder is a juice starter.

The Singularity Is Nearer

Ray Kurzweil

The future is widely misunderstood. Our forebears expected it to be pretty much like their present, which had been pretty much like their past.”

This recent update to Kurzweil’s 2005 masterpiece, The Singularity Is Near, dives deep into the future of technology and humanity. Kurzweil paints a compelling picture of how accelerating technological advances will transform our world in ways we can barely imagine.

Understanding the trajectory of innovation is crucial for anyone in the venture capital world. This book isn’t just about the future: it’s a blueprint for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Psychology of Money

Morgan Housel

Doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave.”

This is a timeless exploration of how people think about wealth, greed, and happiness. Housel’s insights are a gold mine for investors and entrepreneurs alike, offering profound lessons on the importance of behavior over finance theory. This book is essential for anyone looking to understand how to make money, keep it, and — more importantly — enjoy it.

The Innovator’s Solution

Clayton M. Christensen

Disruptive innovations create jobs, efficiency innovations destroy them.”

Almost everyone has read The Innovator’s Dilemma — perhaps the most influential book on innovation written in our lifetime. I think this book is better. It’s a definitive guide to disruptive innovation and the strategies that can propel a company to the forefront of its industry.

Christensen’s work has been instrumental in shaping how we think about business growth and strategy. It’s not just about recognizing disruption but about mastering it. This book is an invaluable must-read for any entrepreneur or investor.

Infinite and Finite Games

James P. Carse

A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.”

This book challenges the conventional wisdom on how we approach life and business. Carse’s distinction between finite and infinite games provides a robust framework for understanding long-term strategy and success. It’s a perspective that every entrepreneur and investor should embrace — seeing beyond the immediate wins and focusing on the bigger, infinite game of building something that endures.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

This is a brilliant exploration of the power of small habits and their ability to compound into massive success. Clear’s insights are efficient and immediately applicable, making this book a cornerstone for anyone looking to optimize their personal and professional life. Whether launching a startup or scaling an established business, the habits you cultivate today will shape your tomorrow.

The Godfather

Mario Puzo

Great men are not born great, they grow great.”

I’m trying to mix it up with some just darn entertaining reads. We’ve all seen the movies — probably multiple times, but the book is also fantastic. Beyond the crime and drama lies a profound exploration of power, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships.

For me, The Godfather is not just a novel — it’s a study of leadership, negotiation, and the consequences of decisions. It’s a book that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever had to navigate the delicate balance between business and personal life.

Thinking in Bets

Annie Duke

Decisions are bets on the future, and they aren’t ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ based on whether they turn out well on any particular iteration.”

Some describe venture capital as about making bets. This is an essential read for anyone who makes decisions under uncertainty — which, let’s face it, is all of us. Duke’s insights on probability, risk, and decision-making are invaluable, especially in venture capital, where the outcomes are never guaranteed. This book, which I revisit often, has reshaped my thinking about risk and reward.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”

Economics has been rewritten in the last 20 years, and this is the “if you read one book” that I suggest. It’s a dense but groundbreaking exploration of the two systems that drive the way we think. Kahneman’s work is fundamental to understanding human behavior, particularly the biases and heuristics that can lead us astray. For anyone in business or investing, this book is a masterclass in making better decisions by understanding the workings of the mind. Noble Prize well-deserved.

Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

What do you do when you wake up in a strange place and don’t know how you got there? If you’re me, you solve the problem.”

From the writer of The Martian. This is a thrilling, science-packed adventure that’s as much about problem-solving and resilience as it is about space. Weir’s protagonist is a testament to the power of ingenuity and persistence — qualities that every entrepreneur and investor must possess. Project Hail Mary is more than just a novel. It’s an inspiring tale of survival against the odds, a narrative that resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial journey.

Deep Work

Cal Newport

The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive.”

This is a powerful argument for cultivating intense focus and minimizing distractions in a world increasingly filled with noise. Newport’s concept of ‘deep work’ is not just about productivity; it’s about honing the ability to perform at the highest level in your field. This book has been a game-changer, helping me structure my days (5 to 8 AM, 7 days a week) to maximize meaningful creation. It’s essential reading for anyone who wants to achieve extraordinary results in their professional life.

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