Reading my way to being a CEO

Reflecting on the past year transitioning to CEO has been quite the journey. From embracing new responsibilities to navigating through transitions, it's been a period of rapid growth and learning for me. One of my favorite ways to level up has been through reading, and I'm excited to share some of my top reads from the past year:

• The SaaS Playbook by Rob Walling: This book was both nostalgic and enlightening, especially the discussions on moat and pricing. Highly recommended for any founder navigating the world of SaaS.

• Who - The A Method of Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street: A framework that resonated deeply with impress.ai's goals, albeit I wish it was a bit shorter!

• Obviously Awesome by April Dunford: An eye-opening exploration of positioning that I've revisited multiple times. Still figuring out how to implement all the ideas!

• The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt: A classic that I regret not reading sooner. Adapting its principles to a SaaS company has been a bit of a challenge, but well worth the effort.

• Before the Exit by Dan Andrews: Essential reading for startup founders, offering valuable insights on exits and the things to think about while considering or even planning towards one.

• Amp It Up by Frank Slootman: Legendary advice from a legendary figure. If you want to amp up your business, this book is a must-read.

• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz: An inspiring read, especially the poignant poem "The Struggle" that captures the essence of being a founder. I have personally not found a better one page summary of the daily existence of being a founder.

• The Qualified Sales Leader by John McMahon: A recommendation that helped me understand how to work effectively with sales teams and structure them for success.

• From Good to Great Series by Jim Collins: While more retrospective in nature, these books provided valuable insights as I transitioned into my role as CEO.

• Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson: Amidst the stresses of leadership, a good laugh and warm feelings from a Bill Bryson book always work wonders.

I'd love to hear about your favourite reads from the past year and any recommendations you have for me. Let's continue learning and growing together!