My Reading Notes
Over the past year or so, I've been enjoying the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM to create little summaries of my notes and articles. I found it pretty useful, so I figured - why not turn my book notes into digestible audio podcasts I can listen to during my commute?
I'm not planning any kind of regular schedule or anything like that. I'll just make episodes when I finish reading a book. I'm starting with books I've already read and taken notes on, then as I read new stuff, I'll keep adding to it.
Really, the whole point of this podcast is to help me actually recall and use what I've learned from all the books I've read so far. Each episode will be my key takeaways and thoughts from whatever book I've just finished or revisited.
Feel free to subscribe and listen along. I hope you find it valuable too.
Episodes (20)
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
This book changed how I think about career growth. Marshall Goldsmith's book is all about a simple but powerful idea: the skills and behaviours that make you successful early in your career can actually become obstacles as you move up. It's not just about working harder or being smarter - it's about recognizing that leadership requires a completely different set of skills. What really hit me about this book is how it focuses on the interpersonal side of leadership. Goldsmith identifies these specific behaviours that successful people often have - Things like always needing to be right, or not listening properly - It starts to backfire when you're managing others. I recommend this book because it helps you understand that as you grow in your career, you need to make real changes in how you work and, more importantly, how you ensure the people working with you actually enjoy working with you. It's not just about your own success any more. In this episode, I am sharing my key takeaways and the passages that made me stop and think about my own leadership style. If you found the idea presented interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth (https://amzn.to/47dVXJU) 🔊 Note: This podcast is generated via the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM using my personal notes and highlights taken when I read the book.
To Sell is Human
To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink This book completely shifted how I think about selling. Pink's main point is that selling as a process has changed dramatically over time, and here's the kicker - even if you're not in sales, you're actually in sales. We're constantly selling our ideas to colleagues at work, trying to convince someone to do something for us, or persuading people in everyday situations. What really struck me is how the sales process itself has evolved. The old-school approach of having all the information and pushing it onto customers just doesn't work anymore. Nowadays, everyone has access to basic knowledge instantly - they can Google anything in seconds. So the game has changed completely. Pink talks about how we need to focus on becoming knowledge curators instead. We're all bombarded with tons of information every day, and people are actually overwhelmed rather than lacking information. The value now is in helping people make sense of all that information and guiding them to what actually matters. This resonated with me because it's so true in every aspect of work and life. Whether you're presenting an idea to your boss or trying to get your team on board with a new approach, you're essentially curating and presenting information in a way that helps them understand and act. If you found these concepts interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4oSTiLY)
The Almanack of Naval Ravikanth
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant This book is essentially a collection of wisdom, mental models, and thoughts on how to live a good life while focusing on building wealth. What I love about it is that it's not your typical finance book - it's more about thinking differently about money, work, and life in general. Naval has a lot of insights on how to actually achieve financial freedom by changing your mindset and approach. But what really got me thinking was his perspective on retirement. Most people think retirement is this final milestone you reach, but he frames it differently - it's more like a new journey where you get to work on doing what you actually like rather than doing things just for the sake of earning money. The book made me reconsider what wealth really means and how to think about building it in a way that aligns with living well, not just accumulating money. There are so many quotable moments and mental models that I found myself highlighting constantly. If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/47cehD9) 🔊 Note: This podcast is generated via the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM using my personal notes and highlights taken when I read the book.
A More Beautiful Question Warren Berger
A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger This is a great book that made me realize the importance of questioning. As a child, we're naturally curious about everything, but as we grow up, we slowly lose that ability to raise questions. We kind of get trained out of it. What hit me while reading this is that a lot of people may not be appreciative of those who ask questions - you know how it is, the person who keeps asking "but why?" in meetings can sometimes be seen as difficult. But as I read this book, it became all the more clear that only when I'm able to answer all the questions raised by others, my idea or concept is actually well founded. Berger shows how questioning isn't just about being curious - it's a skill that drives innovation and better thinking. The book breaks down different types of questions and when to use them effectively. Now I actually apply questioning techniques like the 5 Why's and other processes to get a more in-depth understanding of problems before jumping to solutions. It's changed how I approach both my own thinking and how I engage with other people's ideas. The book made me realize that asking the right question is often more valuable than having the right answer. Questions open up possibilities, while answers can sometimes close them down. In this episode, I'm sharing the insights that made me embrace being that person who asks questions, and how to do it in a way that actually helps rather than annoys people. If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth.(https://amzn.to/4oUamRI) 🔊 Note: This podcast is generated via the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM using my personal notes and highlights taken when I read the book.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Though it's a very old book, it's a must read for anyone and everyone because we all deal with people, so it's good to get what I call the best practices. Reading this book does allow you to think twice about your behavioral skills and what you can do to improve them. I've read this book multiple times and every time I come out with some new understanding. It's one of those books that hits differently depending on where you are in life and what situations you're dealing with. You can consider it as a shortcut for EQ skilling for anyone. Carnegie breaks down human psychology in such a practical way - how to make people feel heard, how to handle disagreements without creating enemies, how to get people genuinely interested in what you're saying. What I love about this book is that it's not manipulative. It's genuinely about understanding people and building better relationships. The principles are timeless because human nature hasn't really changed, even if the world around us has. Every time I revisit this book, I catch myself thinking "Oh, I should have handled that situation differently" or "This is exactly what I need to work on right now." It's like having a mirror for your social skills. In this episode, I'm sharing the insights that keep coming back to me and how I've tried to apply them in real situations, both at work and in personal relationships. If you found these concepts interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4oTI5uo) 🔊 Note: This podcast is generated via the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM using my personal notes and highlights taken when I read the book.
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling by Frank Bettger I picked this book when I saw the title appear across 3-4 reading lists online. Even though it's old, I think this is a gem of a book. This book actually got me understanding how sales really works from someone who has sold a lot and written way before the dawn of the digital age. What struck me is that a lot of current books just reiterate the same ideas - it's like old wine in a new bottle. But going back to the source, Bettger's approach feels so genuine and practical. He's not trying to sell you on some complex system or methodology - he's just sharing what actually worked for him in the trenches. The author gives clear examples of what you can do to improve sales, and honestly, reading it made me realize that the fundamentals of connecting with people and understanding their needs haven't changed much over the decades. The principles are timeless because they're based on human psychology, not on whatever the latest sales technique happens to be. It's highly recommended reading because Bettger writes from real experience - the successes, the failures, and everything he learned along the way. Maybe it's time for me to adopt a few of his strategies myself. In this episode, I'm sharing the key insights that made me understand why this book keeps appearing on reading lists decades after it was written, and the practical approaches that still work today. If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/3HP8lW8) 🔊 Note: This podcast is generated via the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM using my personal notes and highlights taken when I read the book.
THE ONE THING by Gary Keller , Jay Papasan - A Summary for quick leanings
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller This book was a good read on how to actually be productive, busting the myths of multitasking, work-life balance, and other aspects well engrained in the modern world. Keller basically takes apart all these things we've been told are important and shows why they might actually be holding us back. The book emphasizes that we should focus our efforts on one singular thing that can add the most value and how to leverage it for success. It sounds simple, but it's actually quite hard to implement because we're so conditioned to think that doing more means achieving more. What really got me thinking was how Keller challenges the whole idea of work-life balance. He argues that extraordinary results require extraordinary focus, and that means some things will get less attention at different times. It's more about understanding what matters most right now rather than trying to balance everything perfectly all the time. The "focusing question" he introduces - "What's the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" - is something I found myself coming back to again and again after reading this. In this episode, I'm sharing the insights that made me rethink productivity and how I approach my daily priorities. It's definitely changed how I think about what deserves my attention. If you found these concepts interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4n0EmJW) 🔊 Note: This Audio Podcast is generated from the highlights I took while reading the book. I work AI to structure this into a single cohesive essay that I can listen to easily. For my earlier Audio Podcast I was using NotebookLM but found it bit underwhelming so I have decided to take charge of the transcript for the video that makes sense for me
The Power of Inquiry: A Visual Summary of "A More Beautiful Question" by Warren Berger
Have you ever felt stuck, searching for an answer you can't find? The solution might not be an answer at all, but a better question. This video is a visual summary of the book, "A More Beautiful Question" by Warren Berger. It dives deep into the art and science of inquiry, exploring how asking the right questions can unlock innovation, spark creativity, and lead to profound change in your work and life. Join me as I explore a powerful framework for questioning that can help you solve problems, challenge assumptions, and create a better future. In this video, you'll learn: - Why Questions Matter More Than Answers: Discover how curiosity fuels all innovation. - The 'Why, What If, How' Framework: A simple sequence for tackling any challenge. - How to Build a Personal Questioning Habit: Practical tips for daily reflection and growth. - Creating a Culture of Inquiry: How to lead and foster curiosity within a team or organization. - From a Single Question to a Lasting Legacy: The power of committing to one beautiful question. This summary is perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, students, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills and approach life with a more curious and creative mindset. What is one beautiful question you will start asking today? If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth.(https://amzn.to/4oUamRI) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated from the highlights I took while reading the book. I work AI to structure this into a simple summary to help me remember more on what I read For those interested, you can download the presentation from below link https://pub-505d9081ef5d4feea98b8c53f499e709.r2.dev/The%20Power%20of%20Beautiful%20Questions.pdf
The ONE Thing: A Visual Guide to Finding Your Focus and Achieving Your Goals
Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Are you busy all day but feel like you're not making real progress on your biggest goals? The solution isn't more discipline or a new productivity app—it's focus. This video is a visual summary of the bestselling book, "The ONE Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. We break down the core principles of achieving extraordinary results by identifying and focusing on the single most important task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. Join us at DeepMind Notes as we explore how to cut through the clutter and build unstoppable momentum. In this video, you'll learn: - The Domino Effect: How one small, focused action can create a chain reaction of success. - The Myths of Productivity: Debunking common lies like multitasking and the need for "balance." - The Focusing Question: The simple question that will bring clarity to every area of your life. - Time-Blocking: How to protect time for your most important work. - The Three Commitments: The mindset required to sustain long-term success. What's your ONE Thing right now? If you found these concepts interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4n0EmJW) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated from the highlights I took while reading the book. I work AI to structure this into a simple summary to help me remember more on what I read For those interested, you can download the presentation from below link https://pub-505d9081ef5d4feea98b8c53f499e709.r2.dev/The%20ONE%20Thing_%20Focus%20for%20Extraordinary%20Results.pdf
How to Fail Your Way to Success | A Summary of the Book "Right Kind of Wrong"
We're all taught that failure is something to be avoided at all costs. But what if that's the single biggest mistake we're making? What if the ability to fail smartly is the key to innovation, growth, and high performance? This video is a visual summary of the groundbreaking book, "Right Kind of Wrong" by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson. We break down her powerful playbook for understanding and learning from failure, transforming it from a source of shame into your greatest asset. Join us at DeepMind Notes as we explore how to build a culture that embraces intelligent risks. In this video, you'll learn: - The 3 Types of Failure: Why not all failures are created equal (and which ones are actually good). - The Context Stakes Matrix: A simple tool to assess risk and guide your actions in any situation. - Psychological Safety: How to build the #1 ingredient for innovative, high-performing teams. - How to Re-frame Setbacks: Practical techniques to move from blame to learning. - Systems Thinking: How to see the hidden causes of complex problems and prevent them. This summary is essential for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to build a more resilient and innovative team where it's safe to experiment, learn, and grow. What's one "intelligent failure" you've learned from recently? If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4g8AWm0) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated from the highlights I took while reading the book. I work AI to structure this into a simple summary to help me remember more on what I read For those interested, you can download the presentation from below link https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MqVlOAvX_FoAYvlZPEHX70aUjlBWRoRtZlrUQQZh2Vo/edit?usp=sharing #RightKindOfWrong #AmyEdmondson #PsychologicalSafety #innovation #Leadership #BookSummary #DeepMindNotes
The 5 Innovation Frameworks from "Zero to One" That Will Change How You Think | Thiel's Blueprint
What if most "innovation" today isn't actually innovative? Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" reveals why we've become obsessed with copying instead of creating—and gives you 5 frameworks to build something genuinely new. In this deep dive, you'll discover the systematic approach behind breakthrough companies like Google, PayPal, and Facebook. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or anyone tackling complex challenges, these frameworks will transform how you think about creating value. 🎯 What You'll Learn: - The difference between "horizontal" copying (1→n) vs "vertical" innovation (0→1) - How to ask the contrarian question that reveals hidden opportunities - The 7-question validator that separates viable ideas from wishful thinking - How to build "creative monopolies" that generate lasting value - Why distribution matters as much as your product - The "definite optimism" mindset that drives breakthrough thinking 🔑 Key Question: What important truth do very few people agree with you on? Your answer might be the foundation of your next breakthrough. Based on Peter Thiel's "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/3Vdjp2v) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated using AI Voice based on the notes and the highlights I took while reading the book. #ZeroToOne #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #PeterThiel #Startup #BusinessStrategy
The 3 Most Powerful Lessons from Dale Carnegie (That Still Work Today)
Struggle with difficult conversations? Want to become more influential, persuasive, and build stronger relationships in your personal and professional life? This video distills Dale Carnegie's timeless masterpiece, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," into three core, actionable frameworks that you can apply the moment you finish watching. We skip the fluff and give you the practical tools to fundamentally change how you interact with others. In this 6-minute guide, you will learn: (0:00) Intro (0:48) Framework 1: The Foundation - Stop Criticizing, Start Understanding. The simple mindset shift that prevents arguments before they start. (2:24) Framework 2: The Motivator - Give Sincere Appreciation. How to motivate others and build genuine goodwill by fulfilling a core human desire. (4:05) Framework 3: The Influencer - See From Their Point of View. The single greatest secret to getting others to willingly want to do what you want them to do. (5:25) Your Actionable Takeaway This isn't just a book summary; it's a practical guide to becoming a more effective and likable person. Based on Dale Caregie's Book "How to Win Friends & Influence People" If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/463EqTJ) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated using AI Voice based on the notes and the highlights I took while reading the book.
Why 99.5% of Business Projects FAIL (And Simple Frameworks That Fixes It)
Only 0.5% of major projects deliver on time, on budget, with promised results. Your startup has a 99.5% chance of missing at least one key target. This summary of "How Big Things Get Done" by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner reveals the research-backed frameworks that separate the 0.5% of successful projects from the 99.5% that fail. 📚 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ The "Think Slow, Act Fast" principle that flips traditional business advice ✅ Pixar's secret planning process (and how to steal it for any business) ✅ The "Lego Strategy" for scaling without breaking your business ✅ Reference Class Forecasting: Why your optimistic projections are probably wrong ✅ Why being "first to market" is usually a losing strategy ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - The Shocking 99.5% Failure Rate 1:03 - Think Slow, Act Fast: The Golden Rule 2:21 - The Planning Toolkit (3 Key Frameworks) 3:43 - Pixar Planning Deep Dive 8:57 - Smart Execution Strategy 9:19 - The Lego Strategy: Finding your perfect business "brick" 12:37 - Putting It All Together (Real Examples) 💡 KEY TAKEAWAY: Stop rushing to execute. The 0.5% of successful projects aren't led by superhuman entrepreneurs - they're led by people who plan extensively before acting decisively. 🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR: Entrepreneurs and startup founders Small business owners Project managers Anyone planning a major life or career change People tired of projects that go over budget and behind schedule 📖 BOOK: "How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between". If you found these ideas interesting and useful, I always recommend reading the book to comprehend it in more depth. (https://amzn.to/4nAR5n4J) 🔊 Note: This Podcast is generated using AI Voice based on the notes and the highlights I took while reading the book.
Why Pixar Rewrites Scripts 8 Times #business #planning #creativity #strategy #startuptips
While other studios rush to production, Pixar: ✅ Rewrites concepts 8+ times ✅ Creates rough "comic book" versions first ✅ Gets brutal feedback from fresh eyes ✅ Makes failing cheap before investing millions #PixarStrategy #BusinessPlanning #Entrepreneurship #StartupTips #BusinessStrategy #ProjectManagement #CreativeProcess #BusinessSuccess #PlanningTips #ExecutionStrategy #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurLife
Stop thinking empire. Start thinking Lego 🧱
Elon Musk's Tesla secret: He didn't build one massive factory. He perfected ONE station, then copied it everywhere. McDonald's genius: Their Lego brick isn't "restaurant" - it's a 90-second burger system that works identically in 40,000+ locations 🍟 Your turn: 🔥 What's the SMALLEST thing customers will pay for? 🔥 Perfect that ONE thing first 🔥 Then replicate it endlessly Examples: ✅ Consultant → 2-hour workshop solving 1 problem ✅ App builder → 1 feature saving 10 minutes daily ✅ Service business → 1 standardized package The shift: Stop asking "How do I build something huge?" Start asking "How do I build something small and perfect that I can replicate?" Your competitors are trying to be everything to everyone. You're becoming the best at ONE thing 🎯 #LegoStrategy #BusinessScaling #Entrepreneurship #StartupTips #BusinessStrategy #Modularity #BusinessGrowth #ScaleUp #SmallBusiness #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessPlanning #Tesla #McDonalds
Disney CEO Bob Iger's Leadership Playbook | The Ride of a Lifetime Summary
Ever wonder what it takes to lead a company like Disney through massive disruption and growth? This video unpacks the core leadership lessons from Bob Iger's incredible career, as detailed in his book, "The Ride of a Lifetime." We'll explore the key moments that shaped his strategy—from his humble start at ABC to the game-changing acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Imagine learning the principles that guided the world's most powerful entertainment company, broken down into simple, actionable insights. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring leader, or just curious about what makes a great CEO, this summary provides a masterclass in strategy, integrity, and innovation. 00:00 - Introduction 00:29 - Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings 00:31 - From Studio Nights to the Corner Office 01:09 - The Mentors Who Shaped Him 01:37 - Chapter 2: Rising Through Chaos 01:40 - How to Lead by Listening 02:18 - Why Failure is the Price of Innovation 02:39 - Chapter 3: Disney Drama 02:41 - The Dangers of a Culture Crash 03:16 - Surviving Toxic Leadership 03:46 - Chapter 4: The Succession Playbook 03:48 - Campaign on the Future, Not the Past 04:30 - The 3 Pillars of a Winning Strategy 04:48 - Chapter 5: Deal Velocity 04:51 - Pixar: Betting the Company on Culture 05:19 - Marvel: Finding the Hidden Treasure 05:50 - Lucasfilm: A Masterclass in Negotiation 06:28 - Chapter 6: Self-Disrupt & Values 06:31 - Kill Your Business Before a Competitor Does 06:51 - When to Walk Away From a Deal 07:21 - Why Integrity Has No Price Tag 07:47 - The Iger Playbook: Key Takeaways I always recommend reading the book (https://amzn.to/4h7kO50) to get a more in depth understanding of the book
Beyond Returns: Key Takeaways from The Psychology of Money#finance #investment #mentalmodels
A personal reflection on key lessons from The Psychology of Money—why behavior, not intelligence, defines lasting financial success and freedom. I always recommend reading the book (https://amzn.to/4oyBMM3) to get a more in depth understanding of the book
Frank Bettger - How to Achieve Sales Success
Numerous books have been written on Sales. However, after reading a multitude of books, this is a book that I enjoyed as it explains how Frank Bettger actually managed to meet with sucess in sales. This book provides a clear path for sales success. It starts with the - Understand the seller's own mindset - You must act with enthusiasm, as this energy excites the customer. - You must also build courage, perhaps by practicing public speaking. The book details a lot of ideas and insights that have been packages by others in books over the years but it really interesting to see that core ideas has remain same even today I always recommend reading the book (https://amzn.to/43AVDC3) to get a more in depth understanding of the book #sales #booksummary #howtosell
From Bonus to Broke to Freedom: A 5 Minute Conversation That Will Change How You Think About Money
Watch two friends unpack the invisible psychology behind paycheck-to-paycheck living. In one candid dialogue they expose why flashy cars feel richer than savings accounts, reveal the “Man-in-the-Car Paradox,” and flip the scoreboard from “looking rich” to “being wealthy.” Walk away with three immediate moves: automate a savings rate you can stick with, pick the investment mix that lets you sleep, and re-frame market drops as the price of admission—so you can start buying freedom instead of likes. I always recommend reading the book (https://amzn.to/4oyBMM3) to get a more in depth understanding of the book #investing #moneymindset #moneymanagement
The 12 Questions That Fix Bad Business Decisions Before They Cost You
AI answers the question you give it. It has no interest in whether you asked the right one. Last year, a theft at one of my guarded warehouses forced me to confront this. Our investigation gave accurate answers to the wrong question. We had been asking how to fix what broke. We never asked what we were actually trying to protect. That gap is where most bad business decisions live. I read Warren Berger's The Book of Beautiful Questions to fix this. Not to use AI better. To find the questions I was not thinking to ask at all. This video walks through the 12 questions I now use on every significant decision — tested against real incidents from running a 50-city security operation. For the full essay with the warehouse incident and the thinking behind each question in detail, read here: https://www.kiranbrahma.com/blog/the-questions-that-fix-bad-business-decisions-before-they-cost-you/ If you are interested to explore in more details, do give the book a read The Book of Beautiful Questions - https://amzn.to/3PbqEbl Please Note The Video was created on Google Vids - https://workspace.google.com/intl/en_in/products/vids/ The Audio is AI Narrated and I used google Vids to create the voice over. Images were generated using Nano Banana 2 The script and all other written content was generated by me but I used AI to edit