Here are some of the must have books, podcasts and tv shows to help leaders navigate 2024 (Photo by … [+]
As I worked on my book this year, many books and podcasts inspired me with a blend of seriousness and entertainment. I eagerly anticipate delving into several more soon-to-be-released books in 2024. Whether the focus is on leadership in advocacy, policy entrepreneurship, philanthropy, sustainability, or any other subject, this curated collection offers something for leaders of all types. I’ve also added some TV shows to this year’s list that complement some of the recommended books.
1. BOOKS
By Chris Anderson
Known as the founder of TED, Chris Anderson explores the profound concept of generosity in this inspiring read. Delving into what makes us distinctly human, he shares compelling examples of extraordinary generosity worldwide. Anderson showcases these instances and outlines how we can contribute to spreading this powerful idea in 2024. A self-proclaimed optimist, Chris Anderson is sure to approach the subject with a “glass half full” mentality, making this book an essential read to kick off the new year.
By Eddie Ndopu
Compelling, humorous, and exhilarating, this personal memoir is a true page-turner. During a red-eye flight this year, I devoured the entire book. Chronicling the triumphs of an inspiring individual, I wrote about last year—Eddie Ndopu’s narrative is a powerful challenge to our biases and assumptions surrounding ableism.
At its core, this memoir celebrates resilience, offering universal lessons about overcoming challenges to pursue our dreams. Whether you’re navigating personal obstacles or seeking a fresh perspective, Ndopu’s story will resonate. This book has earned a permanent spot in my home Zoom background for the past six months—a testament to its lasting impression.
By Kim Stanley Robinson
Released just a few years ago, Kim Stanley Robinson’s work, whether classified as science fiction or within the emerging genre of climate fiction (cli-sci), eerily anticipated many of this year’s climate-related events—record heat waves, erratic weather patterns, and global geopolitical debates on combating climate change.
Far from a doomsday prophecy, the book is optimistic, offering practical and pragmatic solutions to the pressing climate crisis. It serves as a hopeful guidepost against which we can measure the world’s progress in addressing these challenges. Reassuringly, Robinson himself, in interviews, has noted that the world appears to be faring better than he anticipated. In Ministry, he refers to the 2030s as “zombie years” but now recognizes that we are already deeply engaged in the struggle to adapt and mitigate. For example, 2023 is now projected to be the year of peak emissions from power generation. These emissions could enter structural decline starting in 2024. While there is still much work to be done to avert the worst effects of climate change, there is also reason for hope that we can achieve meaningful progress.
By Oren Kessler
Reviewing this book earlier this year, I found a personal connection through my grandfather’s tour of duty in British-controlled Palestine during the 1930s. Oren Kessler persuasively argues that the history of the Middle East conflict, including recent events, is deeply rooted in the tumultuous years of the 1930s.
The “Arab Revolt,” a significant armed struggle between Palestinian Arabs and British authorities, was ignited by tensions between Arab leaders and Jewish immigrants settling in the region. Kessler’s work underscores the importance of understanding and empathy in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.
Palestine 1936 is a compelling and vital narrative highlighting a neglected history chapter. Given the ongoing unresolved dispute and outbreaks of violence in the region, Kessler’s contribution is particularly timely. It serves as a reminder that the conflict in the Holy Land is not a distant, abstract issue; the human toll continues to grow, demanding the world’s attention.
By Rajiv Shah
In recent years, Shah and the Rockefeller Foundation have been in the midst of a transformative journey. Founded over a century ago from the proceeds of Standard Oil, the Rockefeller Foundation has committed to divesting its endowment from fossil fuels and dedicating $1 billion to climate solutions, aligning seamlessly with the climate justice ideals of Bridgetown.
In this audacious book, Shah shares his experiences making significant bets to change the world, drawing compelling examples from his career and outlining opportunities for transformative change. The book highlights that, despite looming challenges, it is well within our capacity and the ingenuity of humanity to address them, provided we are willing to make bold and substantial investments.
By Glenn Denning
This book isn’t your typical boring academic textbook; it’s a compelling read with intriguing stories. Glenn Denning covers everything from the science of soil conservation to strategies for withstanding droughts while addressing how ideological biases can obstruct hunger solutions. By the end, I felt more equipped and reassured that our generation could be the one to end hunger and ensure everyone on the planet has access to healthy diets.
Denning’s optimistic approach rejects Malthusian notions, showing that we can create a sustainable planet while feeding all 8 billion humanity. Universal Food Security is a call to action, highlighting how we can and must achieve both goals.
By Bertrand Badre
Bertrand Badre, a former Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank, penned this book a few years ago. He authored it and co-chaired the private sector working group during this year’s Summit for a New Global Financing Pact hosted by President Macron in Paris over the summer. Badre, a realist within the financial system, is also an optimist about how it can be leveraged to deliver the public goods our world desperately needs.
Written for a general layperson, I found the book exceptionally helpful in the lead-up to the Summit, shedding light on key mechanics. What distinguishes Badre is his active involvement—he’s not an academic speculating from the sidelines. Through his ventures, he actively practices what he preaches, aiming to demonstrate viable test cases on how the private sector can be deployed to benefit developing countries.
By Ambassador David Donoghue
Ambassador David Donoghue, recognized as one of the key figures behind the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, also played a pivotal role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998—a milestone that marked its 25th anniversary this past year. The book’s title is derived from a remark by former US Senator George Mitchell, who famously noted about the peace process, “We had 700 bad days – and then one good day, which changed the course of history.”
Donoghue’s account is pivotal, showcasing that hope and peace remain achievable even in the darkest moments and amidst seemingly intractable disputes.
2. PODCASTS
By BBC Radio 4
This radio drama vividly brings to life the ascent of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in a way that starkly reminds us that this brutal chapter of history was not so distant. Beyond merely recounting events, it portrays how democracy itself was manipulated by populist politicians, some even convicted and jailed for treason, paving the way for a dictatorship that plunged the world into war within a decade. The fragility of democracy is underscored as the narrative reveals how easily it can be subverted.
What struck me most was the complacency of industrialists, center-right politicians, and others who believed they could control Hitler or ride on his coattails. This drama is a stark lesson we must not forget in our contemporary times.
By David Roberts
I stumbled upon this remarkable podcast while researching for a book chapter on the transition away from coal-powered electricity generation. David Roberts excels at demystifying technical concepts, such as carbon markets, making them accessible to his listeners. The podcast illuminates how the world is gradually moving away from fossil fuels, offering insights into what is proving effective, what isn’t, and potential solutions.
In the wake of the latest climate talks that concluded with a commitment to transition from fossil fuels, this podcast has become an invaluable resource. It equips you with the knowledge needed to comprehend the practicalities of such a transition. I highly recommend exploring some of his episodes from the past year. Additionally, the podcast delves into the captivating history of the ‘climate wars’ in Australia, providing a comprehensive and engaging perspective.
By Eric Olander and Cobus van Staden
This podcast has become a staple for our long drives, offering compelling analyses on finance, geopolitics, energy, debt, and climate financing. It provides valuable insights into how much the non-Western world perceives the global landscape. Contrary to the binary view often presented in Washington circles, dividing the world into democracies and autocracies, the podcast’s analysis reveals a more nuanced perspective. Many countries don’t see the world in this simplistic dichotomy; instead, they seek partnerships to fulfill their interests, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with the U.S., China, and other nations to achieve common goals.
As exemplified by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, who expressed in June 2023 during a gathering of world leaders in Paris, “The tension between the West and China is unhelpful, unnecessary, and as useless as the tension between the North and South when we discuss climate change.” The podcast effectively captures these nuanced perspectives, making it a valuable resource for understanding global dynamics – even if you disagree with some of their interviewees’ views.
By Paull Young and Ryan Hamilton
This brand-new podcast has recently debuted and resonated with me, especially since my daughter was born this year. It has prompted me to view climate change less abstractly, considering the significant changes that may unfold within her lifetime. I look forward to exploring the topics and insights this podcast may delve into over the coming year as it gains momentum.
3. TV SHOWS
Apple+
Part of the cli-fi genre, akin to The Ministry of the Future, Extrapolations unfolds its narrative in 2036 and 3070. As the title suggests, it extrapolates the consequences of climate change as temperatures gradually rise beyond 2 degrees Celsius. The series leans towards a less hopeful outlook than Ministry, positioning itself on the other side of the ledger.
While The Ministry of the Future paints a picture of humanity successfully coming together in time, Extrapolations delves into the aftermath if we fail to act promptly and the subsequent challenges of regaining control. Though it’s a tougher road with heightened pain, the series asserts that recovery is possible if we make the necessary sacrifices.
Apple+
I have been a devoted Isaac Asimov fan since my university days studying his Foundation series. The second season released this year is as thrilling as the first, delving deep into history and the universe. At its core, the Foundation series carries a powerful message. While history may seem predetermined and foretold, the series suggests that change is possible, and many of its main characters are motivated by the hope that their actions can make a significant difference.
In contrast to many other science fiction writers of his generation, Asimov was, at heart, an optimist. He believed that, despite the challenges, humanity would ultimately triumph. Foundation beautifully captures this optimistic spirit. This TV show does a remarkable job of bringing it to life.
Netflix
For fans of The West Wing and similar shows, The Diplomat is a TV series that will not disappoint, offering a rich and compelling narrative. Among its standout moments, one of the series’ highlights occurs towards the end when Hal Wyler, the fictional husband of the U.S. Ambassador, delivers an unconventional speech challenging the notion that engaging with enemies legitimizes them. Wyler emphasizes the importance of dialogues with everyone, even dictators, war criminals, and terrorists. He acknowledges that failure may be inevitable, but it’s an indispensable part of the diplomatic process. “Brush yourself off. And fail again. Because maybe… Maybe.” Given the events of the last few months, this speech about the power of engaging everyone has gained even more relevance.
Netflix
A cinematically beautiful interpretation of the bestselling novel, this four-part series is visually stunning and soulful. It vividly portrays World War II in one of France’s picturesque towns during the dying days of the conflict when French resistance fighters anxiously awaited the arrival of the Allies.
Disclaimer: Chris Anderson is a board member of Global Citizen, and Raj Shah and the Rockefeller Foundation are partners of Global Citizen.
