Walker Webcast Book List
Curated reads from Willy’s conversations
The Haves and Have-Yachts


Evan Osnos examines America's ultrarich and the influence of concentrated wealth on politics, business, and society. Through essays on billionaire culture and a new Gilded Age, he explores the people, institutions, and economic forces shaping contemporary America, and considers what growing inequality means for the country's democratic future.
Evan gives us a fascinating look inside the world of the ultrarich, from superyachts and extravagant lifestyles to the enormous influence wealth has on American business and politics. The Haves and Have-Yachts is filled with remarkable stories, some of which are almost too outrageous to believe. Evan is a terrific storyteller, and he does a great job of making you laugh while also making you think about the growing concentration of wealth and power in America. A really fun, insightful read.

No One Works Here


Paul Cheek explores how artificial intelligence and automation are changing the way businesses are built and managed. No One Works Here examines how entrepreneurs can launch companies, streamline operations, and expand with smaller teams, while considering the implications of these technologies for hiring, organizational structure, and future business growth.
Paul Cheek challenges you to rethink what a company can look like in the age of AI. No One Works Here is provocative, practical, and full of ideas that will change the way you think about building teams, scaling businesses, and the future of work.

Dirtbag Billionaire


David Gelles traces the life of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, from his early years as a climber to his leadership of a global apparel company. Dirtbag Billionaire examines Patagonia's business philosophy, environmental commitments, and Chouinard's decision to transfer company ownership to support efforts addressing climate change.
David Gelles tells a fascinating story about Yvon Chouinard, the unlikely billionaire who built Patagonia into one of the world’s most admired brands while challenging many of the conventions of capitalism along the way. Dirtbag Billionaire is entertaining and fast-paced, but underneath it is a compelling look at leadership, culture, and how Patagonia proved that a company can pursue both profit and purpose without sacrificing its values.

My Life, My Football


Andriy Shevchenko recounts his journey from growing up in Ukraine to becoming one of Europe's most celebrated footballers. His memoir explores his career at Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, and Chelsea, alongside the personal experiences, relationships, and national identity that shaped his life on and off the field.
Even if you're not a soccer fan, My Life, My Football is a must-read. Andriy Shevchenko's story is about far more than goals and trophies—it's about resilience, leadership, and carrying the weight of a nation with humility and grace.

Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America


Jeffrey Rosen examines the competing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson and how their disagreements shaped American democracy. Through the ideas and debates of the nation's founders, he traces the enduring tensions between federal power, individual liberty, and constitutional government that continue to influence American political life.
Jeff has a gift for making constitutional history feel remarkably relevant to the moment we're living through. The Pursuit of Liberty explores the enduring debate over what freedom means in America and offers a deeper appreciation for the people and ideas that have shaped our democracy. Thought-provoking, accessible, and especially timely today.

The Systems Leader


Robert Siegel explores how leaders can navigate increasingly complex organizations by understanding the relationships between people, technology, strategy, and culture. Drawing on business examples and leadership research, The Systems Leader examines the importance of balancing competing priorities, recognizing interconnected challenges, and making decisions in environments where traditional management approaches may fall short.
Rather than focusing on leadership traits, Robert Siegel asks a bigger question: how do leaders make sense of increasingly complex organizations and environments? The Systems Leader offers a thoughtful framework for connecting the dots across people, strategy, technology, and culture. I found it to be a practical guide for anyone trying to lead effectively when simple solutions no longer exist.

Brain Energy


Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer explores the relationship between metabolism, brain function, and mental health. Brain Energy presents his theory that metabolic dysfunction may contribute to a range of psychiatric conditions, drawing on neuroscience, clinical research, and patient experiences to examine potential connections between physical and mental health.
Dr. Palmer challenges the way we think about mental health, arguing that many psychiatric conditions may be rooted in metabolic dysfunction. What I appreciated most about Brain Energy is that it connects cutting-edge science with real hope for people who have struggled to find answers. It's a thought-provoking read that could change how you think about the relationship between the brain, the body, and overall well-being.

Die with Zero


Bill Perkins challenges conventional approaches to saving and retirement, arguing that financial planning should focus on maximizing meaningful life experiences rather than accumulating wealth indefinitely. Die with Zero explores the relationship between money, time, and health, offering a framework for making intentional spending decisions throughout different stages of life.
Die with Zero is one of those books that changes how you think about your entire life strategy. Bill challenges the default approach of saving endlessly, instead pushing for a more intentional balance between earning, spending, and actually living. It’s bold, practical, and likely to spark a few mindset shifts along the way.

Primal Intelligence


Angus Fletcher examines how human intelligence extends beyond logic and analytical reasoning. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and storytelling, Primal Intelligence explores the role of instinct, imagination, and emotion in solving problems, making decisions, and responding to uncertainty, particularly when established rules and conventional thinking offer limited guidance.
Angus Fletcher brings a fresh and fascinating perspective to how we think, decide, and create. Primal Intelligence challenges the idea that logic is always the answer, showing how instinct and emotion play a critical role in navigating complexity. It’s thought-provoking and incredibly relevant for leaders facing an unpredictable world.

A Great Place To Work For All


Michael C. Bush examines the relationship between workplace culture, employee experience, and organizational performance. Drawing on research from Great Place To Work, he explores how trust, fairness, inclusion, and effective leadership can help organizations create environments where employees contribute and succeed, regardless of their backgrounds or roles.
Michael Bush doesn’t just talk about workplace culture, he shows why it’s a competitive advantage. A Great Place to Work For All makes the case that trust, fairness, and strong leadership aren’t soft ideas; they’re what drive real performance. A valuable guide for anyone serious about building a company that lasts.

High Functioning


Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph explores high-functioning depression and the emotional struggles that can remain hidden behind outward success. Drawing on clinical research and patient experiences, she examines how burnout, emotional disconnection, and persistent pressure to perform can affect mental health, while introducing approaches to recognizing and addressing these challenges.
Dr. Judith Joseph takes a sharp, insightful look at the hidden struggles of people who seem to have it all together. High Functioning unpacks burnout, emotional health, and the pressure to always perform in a way that really hits home. A great read for anyone trying to balance success with actually feeling well.

Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible


Endurance athlete James Lawrence shares lessons from his experiences completing extreme physical challenges, including his record-setting Ironman pursuits. Iron Hope examines the mental and physical demands of pushing beyond perceived limits, exploring how discipline, resilience, preparation, and perseverance influence performance and the ability to overcome setbacks in sport and everyday life.
Iron Hope is a powerful testament to what the human mind and body are capable of when pushed beyond perceived limits. James Lawrence doesn’t just tell the story of endurance, he redefines it, sharing hard-won lessons on resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply facing your own version of “impossible,” this book will challenge you to raise your standard and keep going.

The Great Age Reboot


Michael Roizen, Albert Ratner, and Peter Linneman examine scientific and technological advances that could change how people experience aging. The Great Age Reboot explores developments in medicine, genetics, and longevity research, considering their potential effects on health, work, retirement, and society as people live longer and seek to maintain their quality of life.
The Great Age Reboot redefines what it means to grow older in a world where longevity is rapidly expanding. Michael Roizen, MD, Albert Ratner, MD, and Peter Linneman explore the science, technology, and behavioral shifts reshaping how we live, work, and lead in the decades ahead. This book offers a forward-looking roadmap for extending not just lifespan, but healthspan and purpose.

The 5 Types of Wealth


Sahil Bloom presents a framework for defining wealth beyond financial success. The 5 Types of Wealth examines five interconnected dimensions—time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth—and explores how individuals can make more intentional decisions about their priorities, relationships, health, and resources to build a fulfilling life.
The 5 Types of Wealth reframes success beyond money, offering a practical framework for building a truly rich life. Sahil Bloom introduces five interconnected forms of wealth that shape long-term fulfillment and sustainable achievement. Blending research, storytelling, and actionable insights, this book helps leaders align their time and priorities with what matters most. Highly recommended.

Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius


Behavioral scientist Jon Levy examines why some teams consistently outperform others and how leaders can create the conditions for collective success. Team Intelligence explores the role of trust, communication, group dynamics, and shared decision-making in helping individuals work together more effectively, drawing on research into human behavior and organizational performance.
Jon nails what so many leaders overlook. Success isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about how well your team thinks together. Team Intelligence is packed with surprising insights on how to build trust, drive collaboration, and unlock collective genius. A must-read for anyone serious about building stronger teams and making smarter decisions.

Phantom Orbit


David Ignatius explores the intersection of espionage, emerging technology, and international competition in this geopolitical thriller. Phantom Orbit follows a story of intelligence operations and strategic rivalry in which space becomes an increasingly important arena for national security, examining the risks created by technological advances and shifting global power.
David Ignatius has a knack for turning tomorrow’s headlines into compelling fiction, and Phantom Orbit is no exception. It’s a fast-moving, thought-provoking thriller that explores how space, technology, and national security are converging in ways that could reshape the future of global competition.

A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership


Carolyn Dewar and her McKinsey coauthors examine the different phases of a CEO's tenure, from preparing for the role to managing transitions and succession. Drawing on interviews and research involving corporate leaders, A CEO for All Seasons explores the decisions, relationships, and leadership approaches that shape performance at each stage.
A CEO for All Seasons is a masterclass in knowing how and when to lead differently. The McKinsey team, including Carolyn Dewar, distills hard-earned wisdom from some of the most successful CEOs in the world into a practical roadmap for navigating every phase of the role. Whether you're just stepping into leadership or focused on leaving a legacy, this book delivers insight you can act on today.

The Well-Tempered City: What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations, and Human Nature Teach Us about the Future of Urban Life


Jonathan F.P. Rose explores how cities can become more resilient, equitable, and sustainable by drawing lessons from history, science, and human behavior. The Well-Tempered City examines the relationships between urban planning, economic opportunity, environmental health, and community well-being, presenting an integrated approach to addressing the challenges facing modern cities.
Jonathan brings together history, data, and a deep sense of purpose to show how we can build cities that are more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. The Well-Tempered City is a thoughtful and timely guide for anyone who cares about the future of our communities — from policymakers and developers to everyday citizens.

After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice

Erling’s reflections on exploration and meaning stayed with me long after our conversation. After the North Pole is about more than surviving the harshest conditions on Earth. It’s about navigating the inner landscapes of purpose, solitude, and human resilience.

Our Better Angels: Seven Simple Virtues That Will Change Your Life and the World

This book is a powerful reminder that real change begins with how we show up for others. In Our Better Angels Jonathan shows how virtues like compassion, humility, and kindness aren't just good principles, but practical tools for leadership and impact.

Dealing with Feeling: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want

Marc has written a powerful guide to understanding and regulating our emotions - at home, work, and everywhere in between. His work emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and how we can use it to drive success. This one's a must-read for anyone looking to lead with empathy and clarity in today’s world.

Gray Matters

Gray Matters is one of the most riveting and profoundly human books I’ve ever read. Dr. Ted Schwartz takes readers into the operating room, into the mind, and into the emotional heartbeat of brain surgery. His storytelling is as precise as his surgical work and just as impactful.

Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life

Gillian does an incredible job showing how thinking like an anthropologist can help you spot what others miss, whether you’re running a company or just trying to make sense of the world. It’s smart, surprising, and super relevant for anyone leading through change. Definitely worth a spot on your shelf or your coffee table.

The Experimentation Machine: Finding Product-Market Fit in the Age of AI

This is a must-read for any business leader trying to stay relevant in the AI era. Jeff Bussgang lays out how startups are using AI to move faster and smarter, and why established companies need to rethink everything from client acquisition to product-market fit. I found it both eye-opening and actionable.

Table for Two

Amor never fails to deliver a great read. The real superpower of Table for Two is how it allows you to reflect on the chance encounters in your life that led you to where you are today. As a childhood friend, I’ve long admired Amor’s gift for storytelling, and this collection is him at his very best.

Living Beyond Your Dreams: 11 Principles for Triumphing in Life and Leadership

Living Beyond Your Dreams isn’t just another book about leadership – it’s about the mindset, resilience, and relationships that define success. It’s a playbook for anyone looking to rise to the top in business and make a lasting impact.

The Click Moment: Seizing Opportunity in an Unpredictable World

Frans’ theories about culture, diversity, and success are thought provoking and inspirational. The book provides insight on the keys to success and how to embrace uncertainty. This is a profound read.

No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can

Robert’s story is truly inspirational. From overcoming personal struggles to founding a multibillion-dollar company that is transforming the real estate industry, his journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of community.

Permacrisis: A Plan to Fix a Fractured World

From economic instability to the climate crisis, we’re faced with a myriad of challenges in the modern world. In Permacrisis, Mohamed and his co-authors provide hope – and a plan – for a better future. Mohamed is a rockstar. Read and learn!

Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine

While shedding light on the evolution of warfare, David highlights what to anticipate in the future to navigate our increasingly dangerous. David is a remarkable leader, scholar, and public servant, and it is always an honor to talk with him on the Walker Webcast. Read Conflict!

2025
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