Curious about what some of the most influential young minds in the media and entertainment industries read for inspiration? Here is a selection of book recommendations from the 40 under 40 in media and entertainment, including suggestions from Emily Ramshaw, founder of the new nonprofit newsroom the 19th; Peloton star instructor Robin Arzón; and music mogul Scooter Braun.
Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives by Brian L. Weiss
Over my career and life, I’ve read and listened to many different helpful books and podcasts, I couldn’t name just one. One book I recently read was Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss. It’s a very interesting book and allows us to think of our lives in not such a finite way, but rather grasp the idea that we are all here to continue our path of learning. —Scooter Braun, founder and chairman, SB Projects & Ithaca Holdings LLC
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
You may laugh at this, but it has helped me so much improve as a leader and person. I’m a big fan of Simon Sinek, who is a British-born American author and motivational speaker. He has a lot of fantastic videos on YouTube around leadership and inspiration, and in one of those talks he recommended the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. It really allowed me to do a better job as a leader managing people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and expertise. —Ryan Wyatt, head of gaming, commerce, brands, and immersive, YouTube
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, et al.
Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series has been an invaluable tool to go back to look at as inspiration for how far, wide, and deep storytelling can go. —Michael R. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright, lyricist, and composer
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned From 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Bob Iger
I love reading memoirs and biographies about business leaders I admire. The insights I’ve gained by seeing the challenges, opportunities, and decision-making they’ve experienced through their eyes have helped me navigate various pivot points and opportunities within my own career. One of my favorites is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, and, most recently, I finished The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger. —Nazanin (Naz) Aletaha, head of global e-sports partnerships and business development, Riot Games
Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi
While over a decade old, Ferrazzi’s book is a timeless approach to the strength of relationships in business. It taught me to never “network,” but to build actual authentic relationships. MasterClass wouldn’t exist today without building strong and meaningful relationships from signing instructors to bridging two distinct industries: tech and entertainment. —David Rogier, cofounder and CEO, MasterClass
Also, don’t miss…
Erica Anderson, executive producer, New York Magazine (Vox Media): The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson; Watchdogs of Democracy?: The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Has Failed the Public by Helen Thomas
Robin Arzón, head instructor and vice president of fitness programming, Peloton: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
Max Cutler, managing director of Parcast, Spotify: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Carolina Garcia, director of original series, Netflix: A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson; The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Emily Ramshaw, cofounder and CEO, the 19th: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
