Foundations of Leadership, Strategy and Change
These books formed part of my MSc study in Strategy, Change and Leadership and continue to shape how I think about leadership, organisations and change in practice. The list represents a considered selection, rather than a complete record of everything I read during my studies.
They may be of interest to leaders who are curious about academic theory and want to deepen their understanding of the contexts, systems and dynamics they work within.
Alongside these books, my MSc involved extensive engagement with academic journal articles and research. This wider body of literature continues to inform my thinking, but is not listed here.
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Recommendations are shared because they are genuinely useful, not because of affiliation.
This section focuses on ideas rather than quick fixes and is best approached with curiosity rather than urgency. The books are organised into five groups.
Leadership
Books that explore leadership as relational, developmental and exercised within complexity rather than control.
Strategy and Organisations
Books that examine how organisations are designed, governed and directed in practice.
Change and Uncertainty
Books that explore how individuals and organisations experience and work through change, resistance, and uncertainty.
Systems Thinking and Complexity
Books that support understanding and working productively with interconnected, non-linear problems.
Power, Politics and Decision-Making
Books that explore how power, politics, and group dynamics shape decisions and organisational life.