Advisor I Mentor

Sparring partner

Piotr

Kania

Christmas is a time when we want to give our loved ones something truly special. Choosing the right gift can be a challenging task, but books are always an excellent choice that brings joy and inspires growth.

Books have invaluable value – they entertain, educate, motivate, and open doors to new worlds. Giving a book is a gift that not only provides a moment of relaxation but also becomes an invitation to personal and professional development. In this digital age and fast-paced life, a book still remains one of the most beautiful and personal gifts you can give. It's an ideal way to pass on valuable content that can inspire, change thinking, help with career development, or simply offer a moment of respite from the daily hustle and bustle.

This Christmas season, it’s worth choosing books that not only look beautiful under the tree but also provide valuable experiences. Here are some exceptional suggestions that can be a perfect gift – both for others and for yourself.

"Legacy" – James KerrThis book will take you behind the scenes of the success of one of the most decorated sports teams in the world – the All Blacks. You don’t need to be a rugby fan to gain invaluable knowledge from this read. Kerr reveals what makes this team so exceptional and how their principles – from humility to striving for perfection – can be applied to daily life and work.

It's an inspiring journey through 15 key leadership and team-building principles. Through it, you'll learn how leaders create a culture of victory and how you can apply these values in your own team, regardless of the industry.

Pick up this book if you want to discover how small changes in approach can lead to great results. It's a practical, yet extremely inspiring read that will help elevate yourself and your team to a new level.

Malcolm Gladwell – BlinkImagine being able to make the right decisions in the blink of an eye, without analyzing every possible option. This is the secret Malcolm Gladwell uncovers in Blink. This is not just a book about intuition – it’s a practical story of how your subconscious processes information faster than you can consciously notice. You’ll learn how to use these natural mechanisms in both professional and personal situations and when to avoid trusting your first instincts.

The book is full of examples – from the psychology of art to split-second decisions made by firefighters and doctors. It’s an inspiring look at how you can better understand yourself and others, while also making smarter decisions without getting paralyzed by over-analysis. This read will not only make you reflect but also provide practical tools for daily life.

Jeff Haden – The Motivation MythAre you waiting for the "perfect moment" to take action? Jeff Haden argues in The Motivation Myth that such a moment doesn’t exist. Instead, he shows that small, consistent steps lead to great achievements. This book is for you if you struggle with starting projects, staying persistent with your goals, or seeking practical ways to develop yourself and your team.

Haden debunks the myth that motivation is a gift from the heavens – you’ll learn that it comes from action, not the other way around. With practical advice, light anecdotes, and inspiring stories, this book is not just a useful guide but also an enjoyable read. Pick it up if you want to take control of your goals and see how small changes can lead to big results.

Travis Bradberry – Emotional Intelligence 2.0Did you know that your professional success and interpersonal relationships depend more on emotional intelligence than on raw intellect? In Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Travis Bradberry introduces you to the world of emotion management, which is key to a better life and more effective leadership.

You won’t find any theorizing here – instead, you’ll find concrete strategies and exercises that you can implement today. The author focuses on the four pillars of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. The book also provides access to an online test that helps you assess your EQ and focus on areas that need development. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to improve interpersonal skills and build stronger bonds with their team.

Steven Bartlett – The Diary of a CEODo you know what the life of an entrepreneur really looks like? In The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett opens the doors to his daily life – filled with successes, failures, and honest reflections. This isn’t your typical business book – it’s a diary that shows both the highs and lows of building a company from scratch.

Bartlett shares lessons on leadership, mental resilience, and the importance of self-understanding on the way to the top. You don’t have to be a CEO to benefit from this book – you’ll find universal tips and inspiration that will help you find balance between ambition and personal life. This authentic, engaging read will leave you with plenty of food for thought.

Matthew Syed – Black Box ThinkingImagine that every mistake you make could be your greatest teacher. In Black Box Thinking, Matthew Syed shows how successful leaders and organizations learn from their failures, not just to survive but to thrive. Syed bases his philosophy on an inspiring comparison to aviation, where every disaster is an opportunity to learn, eliminating future risks.

This book is a practical guide for managers who want to create a culture of openness and continuous improvement in their teams. You’ll find examples from business, sports, and medicine that show how failure doesn’t have to be the end of the road but can become a key turning point. This read will help you transform difficulties into the foundation for success.

Scott Kupor – Secrets of Sand Hill RoadHow does the world of venture capital work, and what do you need to know if you want to grow a startup? In Secrets of Sand Hill Road, Scott Kupor – a leader in the VC industry – takes you behind the scenes of this fascinating environment. This is more than just a guide – it’s a practical map for anyone who wants to better understand how investors make decisions, how they protect their interests, and what matters in the relationship between VC funds and entrepreneurs.

Kupor explains complex concepts like term sheets, company valuations, and ownership structures in a clear and accessible way. This book is ideal for you if you're interested in the startup ecosystem, investments, and modern business trends. In today’s world, where VC plays a key role in the global economy, this book helps you better understand a topic that’s on everyone’s lips – from Silicon Valley to Warsaw.

Phil Knight – Shoe DogHow do you build a brand that becomes a global phenomenon? Shoe Dog is an incredibly personal and honest story by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. It’s a tale of determination, passion, and courage behind one of the most recognizable companies in the world. Knight doesn’t present himself as a typical business "guru" – it’s more of an intimate journey through the highs and lows of building Nike from the ground up.

The book draws you in with its style and emotional approach. You’ll learn how Knight faced crises, which decisions were crucial, and what made Nike synonymous with innovation and success. This is a read not only for sports fans but for anyone looking for inspiration to start their own venture or to look at business through the lens of genuine commitment. After reading it, you’ll understand that victory begins the moment you dare to take the first step.

Books as gifts are an excellent way to share knowledge, inspiration, and motivation. By choosing one of the titles above, you’ll give your loved ones something that will not only bring them joy but also help in their personal and professional development. Whether you’re gifting friends, family, or yourself – a book is a gift that never goes out of style.

This Christmas, it’s worth picking a book that will change the way you think and serve as inspiration for the whole upcoming year. Let this be a time not just for rest, but also for growth that will last throughout the year!