September Reading Stack

I've been spending September diving into a few new reads and re-reading a couple of old favorites that keep teaching me something new every time.

My carefully curated reading list for September 2025

• The Leader's Guide by Eric Ries (re-read): Practical ways to scale innovation and keep focus when everything is moving fast.
• The Power of Less by Leo Babauta: Simplicity that creates more impact.
• Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday (re-read): A return to Stoicism; calm and clarity as leadership superpowers.
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown: Say no to the trivial many so you can say yes to the vital few.

There's a common thread here that I can't ignore. In a world that rewards being busy, these authors are making the case for being intentional. Whether it's Holiday's Stoic principles helping us find calm in chaos, or McKeown's framework for ruthless prioritization, the message is clear: less noise, more signal.

As engineering leaders, we're constantly pulled in different directions. The real skill isn't managing more; it's choosing better. Sometimes the most innovative thing you can do is eliminate everything that isn't essential.

What's landing on your October reading list? I'm always hunting for books that challenge conventional thinking or offer fresh perspectives on leadership and life. Drop your recommendations below!