Books That Shaped My 2024

The world is changing, seems 2024 was an accelerated year - the world seemed to change faster! I l traveled a lot, met some exceptional people and, hopefully, learnt a lot!! Technologies - things that I am most inspired by, seemed to be on a roll, and I got my fix for sure. But, unlike earlier years, I spent more time reading and learning, despite the travel.

As I look back on my journey this year, I feel compelled to share a list of books that truly resonated with me - more than just words on a page; they’ve offered me invaluable wisdom, sparked inspiration, and challenged my thinking in ways that have had a lasting impact on me in 2024.

The Money Trap by Alok Sama

In a year where financial innovation and economic landscapes were on my mind, Alok Sama 's The Money Trap was an invaluable read. The book dives into the complexities of money, investment, and economic choices, offering a fresh perspective on the financial strategies that drive success. Especially interesting is when you seem to have witnessed most of what is in the book personally, and as it happened. Thanks to my dear friend Sanjeev Bikhchandani for the recommendation.

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple’s The Golden Road took me on a historical journey across the Silk Road, offering a profound understanding of how cultures, economies, and innovations have shaped the world. Dalrymple’s writing is evocative, drawing connections between past and present, and it reminded me of the importance of history in shaping modern strategies. 

The Worlds I See by Fei Fei Li

As someone deeply involved in the AI sector, Fei-Fei Li 's The Worlds I See was particularly resonant, having seen her personally present its earliest versions at TED. This book explored the intersection of human vision, technology, and artificial intelligence. Fei Fei Li’s perspective on how AI can enhance human capabilities and reshape industries opened my eyes to the immense innovation that is happening as we speak.

Proximity by Rob Wolcott

My dear friend, Robert C. Wolcott 's Proximity offered a unique approach to understanding how proximity — both physical and intellectual — influences innovation. The book emphasizes the power of close connections in business, from customers to collaborators, and how they foster creativity. This concept was a reminder of the importance of relationships and networks in today’s business world, and knowing Robert, I have had a ringside view of how he brilliantly dissects today's networks.

Why Bharat Matters by Dr. S. Jaishankar

In Why Bharat Matters, the Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishanker offers an insightful perspective on India’s rising role on the global stage. This book opened my eyes to India’s influence in shaping the future, from diplomacy to economic policy. Jaishankar’s analysis deepened my appreciation for India’s strategic importance in the world, providing me with a richer understanding of the country’s global impact - something we miss, despite being so close.

The Book of Why by Judea Pearl

Judea Pearl’s The Book of Why is a fascinating exploration of causality and the science behind understanding how things work. Pearl’s approach to unraveling complex problems through the lens of causality was eye-opening. This book challenged the way I think about problem-solving, data, and decision-making. Thanks to my daughter, Ananya, for getting me to read this.

Exponential by Azeem Azhar

I have followed Azeem Azhar for a few years, through his delightful and incisive newsletter - Exponential View . Azeem Azhar’s book Exponential delves into the forces driving the exponential growth of technology and their disruptive impact on industries. The book outlines how technologies like AI, energy, and biology are advancing at an unprecedented pace and how businesses and individuals must adapt to keep up. Azhar’s insights into the future of technology left me energized and more aware of the rapid changes shaping our world. 

These books left me optimistic and ready for the brave new world that is round the corner. I will work to read more this coming year - a habit that needs more reinforcement now than ever.