Your Summer Reading List: 12 Books for Athletes at Heart

“What are the secrets to success of the sporting and business elite? Written by a two-time Olympian and award-winning journalist, ‘Bounce’ delves deep into the human brain and dispels the myth that champions are born with a natural talent. This book offers a fascinating insight into the science behind high achievement in sport, business, and life, covering topics as widespread as neuroscience and psychology in a quest to understand not just success, but the mindset behind it.”

—Marcus Leach, Writer, Chef, Adventurer

“This real-life saga of the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition gone awry combines creative problem solving, motivation, decision quality, leading in ambiguity, and a plethora of timeless leadership competencies that exist in our day to day. The pragmatic parallels of leadership combined with the near-fatal expedition remind us that anything is possible and endurance is the key.”

—Tina Nicolai, Senior Recruiter at adidas

“Dr. Dweck’s book is a quick and simple read highlighting the importance of growth versus fixed mindsets and their effect on sustainable high performance. It is an especially powerful read for all those who approach their personal and professional growth in a sporting way of continuous improvement.”

—Mark Verstegen, Founder and President of EXOS

“This is one of those books you will read, reflect on, and come out with new perceptions. Dr. Brown recaps her research around shame and vulnerability, and how it is at the core of how we live our lives. She covers deep issues that affect how we show up in the workplace as professionals, and on the court or in the field as athletes. Touching on empathy, creativity, love, joy, and belonging, Brown helps us dig deep within ourselves to ultimately show greater courage and authenticity in the workplace.”

—Erica Cenci, Athlete Development Specialist and Professional Coach

“Psychologist Daniel Kahneman walks us through the mystery of human decision making. He describes two systems for how we think – one that is intuitive and emotional, and the other that is logical and deliberate. The book explains the advantages and faults of the way our brains are wired. You’ll be surprised and intrigued by the impacts of biases and the pervasive influence of intuition (whether right or wrong) on our thoughts and behaviors. You’ll start to question when you should be trusting your gut both in business and your personal life.”

—Olivia Rotenberg, Associate Manager Digital Business Development at Reebok

“This fictional story puts your work life and priorities into perspective and triggers your thoughts about the future role of digital and social networks in our world. I recommend reading ‘The Circle’ with a colleague, friend, or team mate at the same time so you can reflect on its themes together. You might end up in some pretty philosophical conversations.”

—Nina Weihrauch, Assistant Manager Social Media at adidas

“‘The Success Principles’ will teach you how to increase confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize your ambitions. As a Corporate Trainer at adidas, I conduct a workshop based on Canfield’s principles as part of our Company Sports Program. It has empowered participants to change their mindsets and live their dreams. If you work with the principles, the principles will work for you.”

—Linda Evenhuis, Senior Manager Program Facilitation at adidas

“A great read about our minds and the different ways of thinking – which the author calls saboteurs – that prevent us from achieving true greatness in life. In this easy-to-read book, Chamine talks in depth about how to recognize these mental saboteurs, and provides plenty of actionable concepts to help combat them. The book changed how I carry myself through life.”

—Omid Scheybani, World Culture Storyteller

“A great book that explains why we should start with the ‘why’ and not with the ‘what’ or ‘how’ we do things. I especially like the presentation of personalities such as Martin Luther King and Steve Jobs, and the key learning that successful people often follow the same patterns.”

—Florian Gschwandtner, Co-founder and CEO of Runtastic

“’The Alchemist’ is a must-read for all those on a journey to transform the power of dreams into reality. It will provoke you to embrace the fact the world is yours for the taking. Its simplicity is stunning, and at the same time the wisdom shared is monumentally staggering. The main character’s pilgrimage to find worldly goods morphs into a quest to discover the treasures he has within, something we can all relate to and learn from as we experience life’s triumphs and challenges.”

—Shaba Mohseni, Senior Manager Corporate Communication at adidas