Recommended Reading & Listening

Resources for Personal Reinvention and Purposeful Living. These are a selection of my favourite books and are curated to spark reflection, guide reinvention, and deepen your understanding of life transitions, meaning, and self-leadership. Each includes a short note to explain why it's worth reading.

Books That Shift Perspective

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against AgeismAuthor: Ashton Applewhite

A provocative, funny, and deeply researched book that will change how you think about ageing. A must-read if you want to challenge internalised ageism and embrace possibility.

The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral LifeAuthor: David Brooks

Explores the transition from self-centred success to a deeper life of purpose, connection, and service. Ideal for anyone in a midlife or post-career transition.

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of LifeAuthor: Richard Rohr

A contemplative take on the idea that the second half of life offers a new kind of wisdom and wholeness if we dare to embrace it.

Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife Author: Barbara Bradley Hagerty

Part memoir, part research-driven exploration into how midlife can be the most creative, meaningful season of all.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life Author: Arthur C. Brooks

A powerful guide for redefining success in later stages of life, by focusing on wisdom over ambition.

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of LifeAuthor: Richard Rohr

A contemplative take on the idea that the second half of life offers a new kind of wisdom and wholeness if we dare to embrace it.

Books For Reinvention And Career Transition

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful LifeAuthors: Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Based on a popular Stanford course, this book gives you design tools to prototype the next phase of your life or career.

What Should I Do with My Life?Author: Po Bronson

Stories of people who faced the big question and found surprising answers.

Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your FutureAuthor: Dorie Clark

A smart and actionable book to help professionals reimagine their personal brand and pivot into new work identities.

The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term WorldAuthor: Dorie Clark

Helps you cultivate patience, strategic thinking, and resilience when reinventing yourself.

Shorter Works & Online Reads

The Real Roots of Midlife CrisisAuthor: Jonathan Rauch (The Atlantic)

A science-backed exploration of the U-curve of happiness and why midlife malaise is not a crisis, but a phase.

You Don’t Have to Have a Career Plan. Most People Don’t. Author: Oliver Burkeman (The Guardian)

An honest and liberating take on how purpose emerges from action, not from perfect plans.

Why Purpose is a Power Tool for Mental Fitness Author: Adam Grant (LinkedIn Article)

Adam Grant explains why purpose builds resilience and focus — in work and in life transitions.