Books Recommendations

Below is a collection of books that have shaped my values, fueled my purpose as a lifelong learner and guide (coach/mentor/consultant/advisor), and influenced my thought process for every new topics or interest that I come across.

Some of them were pivotal at specific phases of my career and life, some are great foundational knowledge to have, and some reflect passions I’ve developed in recent years as a professional guide (coach) and aspiring healer. For example, “The Making of a Manager” and “Radical Candor” helped me define the kind of leader I wanted to become in my analytics career; “Atomic Habits” is one that I recommend to anyone who struggles to stay on track with their goals; and everything in the “Body, Mind, Soul” category comes from my ongoing quest to help myself and others to feel “whole” in this ever-changing world.

Personal Growth

Atomic Habits

James Clear

The golden loop of cue, craving, response, and reward. And the identity-based method to make habits last and create greater rate for accomplishment.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Susan Cain

The book the celebrates being quiet in the World. It helped me recognize quietness can be a power.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Mark Manson

As a first-gen Taiwanese American immigrant, I used to spend a lot of time ruminating about the presentation I did the day before or the conversations I had at happy hour with coworkers. But then I came across this book, and it was liberating. Coupled with years of learning about myself and healing, now I am giving ways less fxck to things that don’t energize or bring me joy, or helping me move closer to the life I want. Same for the mantra “If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a no.”

Nonviolent Communication

Marshall Rosenberg

A book that helped me be more effective in giving feedback and fulfilling my emotional needs, either with my direct reports at work or with my husbands and parents at home.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

Nedra Glover Tawwab

Transformative for me to how I set up boundaries with others and myself, and how I pivoted self-talk to be more compassionate.

Leadership

The Making of a Manager

Julie Zhuo

THE book for first time people manager.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

Brené Brown

It talks about how to lead with full heart, coming from a place of love vs. fear.

Radical Candor

Kim Malone Scott

It elevated my leadership and management style, becoming even more empowering, supportive, and transformative for the people I manage and influence.

The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

Daniel Coyle

Helps me understand how groups work in corporate setting.

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job

Sally Helgesen, Marshall Goldsmith

Outlines how women can break through social and familial conditionings, and create the fulfilling career they desire.

Career

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

Bill Burnett, Dave Evans

THE book that helped me pivoted into coaching from corporate tech worker.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It―Unlock Your Persuasion Potential in Professional and Personal Life

Chris Voss, Tahl Raz

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

The Concise 48 Laws Of Power

Robert Greene

I don’t recommend to follow these “laws” most are seen as manipulative and deceitful. It’s more of a “defence-against-the-dark-arts”. This book has helped me understand other’s actions, cultivate empathy & compassion, and informed my responses.