A Different Perspective podcast: Reading List

Throughout 2022, Zeus interviewed a series of UK leaders in business and finance in the podcast ‘A Different Perspective’. We asked them for their book recommendations, which form a fantastic reading list, highly recommended for anyone embarking on a career in financial services, or as a business leader.

A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Equity Sales. Zeus is an independent financial services group working across public and private capital markets in the UK.  We work alongside many of the most exciting businesses in the UK and we are passionate about supporting our clients.  This podcast is a series of interviews with interesting characters from the world of business and finance, uncovering a different perspective.

View all episodes on the Zeus website or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Google – Apple – Spotify – Amazon

In this compelling story of greed, chicanery and tarnished idealism, two Wall Street Journal reporters investigate a man who Bill Gates and Western governments entrusted with hundreds of millions of dollars to make profits and end poverty but now stands accused of masterminding one of the biggest, most brazen frauds ever. View on Amazon

Recommended by Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy in Episode 1.

Meet the business anthropologists seeking to explain how we buy, sell, work and think. From supermarkets to factories, trading floors to tech firms, their methods are revealing the hidden codes that define our lives. The result is a wholly new way to see human behaviour: anthro-vision.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Fergus Wylie, Director & Co-Founder of SIFA Strategy in Episode 2.

In this very funny sports book (a cross between Nick Hornby and Bill Bryson) young journalist Lawrence Donegan tells the story of the summer he spent caddying for Scottish golfer Ross Drummond, ranked over 400 in the world, on the European Tour. Thisis the inside story of the geniuses,the cheats, the gurus and the hangers-on that make up the golf scene.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Martin Gilbert, Chairman and Co-Founder of AssetCo in Episode 3.

A lawyer’s advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee’s classic novel – a black man falsely charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s. The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man’s struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much. View on Amazon

Recommended by Campbell Fleming, CEO of AssetCo in Episode 3.

The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham’s philosophy of “value investing”—which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies—has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Albert Ellis, CEO of Staffline in Episode 4 and Mike Allen, Head of Research at Zeus in Episode 6.

An internationally bestselling fable about a spiritual journey, littered with powerful life lessons that teach us how to abandon consumerism in order to embrace destiny, live life to the full and discover joy.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Richard Howarth in Episode 5.

A towering philosophical novel that is the summation of her Objectivist philosophy, Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is the saga of the enigmatic John Galt, and his ambitious plan to ‘stop the motor of the world’.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Richard Howarth in Episode 5.

Set in the closing months of World War II, this is the story of a bombardier named Yossarian who is frantic and furious because thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. His real problem is not the enemy – it is his own army which keeps increasing the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. If Yossarian makes any attempts to excuse himself from the perilous missions then he is caught in Catch-22: if he flies he is crazy, and doesn’t have to; but if he doesn’t want to he must be sane and has to. That’s some catch…  View on Amazon

Recommended by Richard Howarth in Episode 5.

See the world. Then make it better.

‘I am 94. I’ve had an extraordinary life. It’s only now that I appreciate how extraordinary.

As a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world – but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us, barely noticeable from day to day – the loss of our planet’s wild places, its biodiversity.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Mike Allen, Head of Research at Zeus in Episode 6.

A country-house party is given the opportunity to see for an instant the front page of the Times a year hence. View on Amazon

Recommended by Hugh Hendry, Acid Capitalist in Episode 7.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War has been a vastly influential treatise on military strategy in the east from the time of China’s Warring States Period (403-221 BC) onward. Though its first translation into a European language was only in 1782, the book’s significance was quickly recognized and even such towering figures of Western history as Napoleon and General Douglas MacArthur have claimed it a source of inspiration. Pax Librorum (www.PaxLibrorum.com) now brings readers this highly accessible unannotated edition of Lionel Giles’ definitive translation of Sun Tzu’s enduring masterpiece.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Richard Simpson, CEO of Watkin Jones in Episode 8 and Helena Marston, CEO of Purplebricks in Episode 11.

What makes a successful CEO? Most people call to mind a familiar definition: “a seasoned manager with deep industry expertise.” Others might point to the qualities of today’s so-called celebrity CEOs—charisma, virtuoso communication skills, and a confident management style. But what really matters when you run an organization? What is the hallmark of exceptional CEO performance? Quite simply, it is the returns for the shareholders of that company over the long term.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Simon Young, UK Fund Manager in Episode 9.

Want to be a better manager? Make the most of your talent? Start with this guide to the innovative management style that built the Admiral Group into one of the world’s most successful and admired companies. Written by Admiral founder and former CEO Henry Engelhardt, “Think Lead Succeed” is part memoir, part management philosophy, and part practical manual. It will help any manager in any business to think creatively, make smarter decisions, and manage people better. Admiral Group does £4 billion a year in revenue and earns profits of £500 million. How? In Engelhardt’s words, “When people like what they do, they’ll do it better.” That’s why Admiral is consistently voted one of the best companies in the world to work for. This book explains why—and shows you how to build a staff that love challenges, pull together, and succeed as a team.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Simon Young, UK Fund Manager in Episode 9.

We live in an age of serial asset bubbles and spectacular busts. Economists, policymakers, central bankers and most people in the financial world have been blindsided by these busts, while investors have lost trillions. Economists argue that bubbles can only be spotted after they burst and that market moves are unpredictable. Yet Marathon Asset Management, a London-based investment firm managing over $50 billion of assets has developed a relatively simple method for identifying and potentially avoiding them: follow the money, or rather the trail of investment.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Simon Young, UK Fund Manager in Episode 9.

In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard-legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.-shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. From his youth as the son of a French Canadian handyman to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport’s equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story of a man who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life-a book that will deeply affect entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  View on Amazon

Recommended by Alex Hoye, Co-Founder of The Faction Collective in Episode 10.

The final word on what traits make for highly successful managers and a detailed explanation of how to identify potential standout performers. Executive Intelligence is about the substance behind great leadership. Inspired by the work of Peter Drucker and Jim Collins, Justin Menkes set out to isolate the qualities that make for the ‘right’ people. Drawing on his background in psychology and bolstered by interviews with accomplished CEOs, Menkes paints the portrait of the ideal executive.  Buy

Recommended by Helena Marston, CEO of Purplebricks in Episode 11.

A remarkable true story. In a little beauty school in the war zone of Kabul, a community of women comes together, all with stories to tell.  Buy

Recommended by Helena Marston, CEO of Purplebricks in Episode 11.

Cochrane was a man of action, whose bold and impulsive nature meant he was often his own worst enemy. Writing with gripping narrative skill and drawing on his own travels and original research, Cordingly tells the rip-roaring story of a flawed Romantic hero who helped define his age.  Buy

Recommended by Tim Steer, Top-Rated UK Fund Manager in Episode 12.

Through exclusive interviews with key inside players, Belton tells how Putin’s people conducted their relentless seizure of private companies, took over the economy, siphoned billions, blurred the lines between organised crime and political powers, shut down opponents, and then used their riches and power to extend influence in the West.  Buy

Recommended by Tim Steer, Top-Rated UK Fund Manager in Episode 12.

In November 2009, the young lawyer Sergei Magnitsky was beaten to death by eight police officers in a freezing cell in a Moscow prison. His crime? Testifying against Russian officials who were involved in a conspiracy to steal $230 million of taxes. Red Notice is a searing exposé of the whitewash of this imprisonment and murder.  Buy

Recommended by Tim Steer, Top-Rated UK Fund Manager in Episode 12.

For decades, environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet at the same time, by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be?  Buy

Recommended by Barry Norris, Founder of Argonaut Capital Partners in Episode 13.

Diplomacy – Offering a panoramic view of history and a description of firsthand diplomatic encounters, the former Secretary of State describes his ideas about diplomacy and power balances, showing how national negotiating styles influence outcomes.  Buy 

World Order – In World Order, Henry Kissinger – one of the leading practitioners of world diplomacy and author of On China – makes his monumental investigation into the ‘tectonic plates’ of global history and state relations.  Buy

Recommended by Bobby Vedral, Portfolio Manager at Toscafund in Episode 14.

One of the great masterpieces of Western religious thought, the Zohar represents an attempt to uncover hidden meanings behind the world of appearances. It is the central work in the literature of the Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition.  Buy

Recommended by William Green, Author and Journalist in Episode 15.

Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup-practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular ben’s blog. Buy

Recommended by Zoe Watkiss, Co-Founder of SunGod in Episode 16

This book uncovers the eight essential habits of the world’s leading sportspeople, coaches and entrepreneurs.

From taking responsibility for your situation to finding your ‘Trademark Behaviours’, it reveals how the world’s highest-achieving people unlocked their potential – and how you can too. Anyone can learn the secrets of high performance. Buy

Recommended by Mark Cutler, CEO of Van Elle in Episode 17

Mark McCormack, dubbed ‘the most powerful man in sport’, founded IMG (International Management Group) on a handshake. It was the first and is the most successful sports management company in the world, becoming a multi-million dollar, worldwide corporation whose activities in the business and marketing spheres are so diverse as to defy classification. Buy

Recommended by Mark Cutler, CEO of Van Elle in Episode 17

Legendary investor Howard Marks is chairman and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, which has $100 billion under management. He is sought out by the world’s leading value investors and his client memos brim with insightful commentary and a time-tested, fundamental philosophy. Buy

Recommended by Richard Staveley, Lead Fund Manager at Rockwood Strategic in Episode 18

Ian recommends Tom Clancy as a good read and also cryptic crosswords, preferring the The Times and The Telegraph

Thirty years ago Tom Clancy was a Maryland insurance broker with a passion for naval history. Years before, he had been an English major at Baltimore’s Loyola College and had always dreamed of writing a novel.

Recommended by Ian Strafford Taylor, CEO of Equals PLC in Episode 19

Drawn from 3,000 years of the history of power, this is the definitive guide to help readers achieve for themselves what Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, Louis XIV and Machiavelli learnt the hard way. Law 1: Never outshine the master Law 2: Never put too much trust in friends; learn how to use enemies Law 3: Conceal your intentions Law 4: Always say less than necessary. Buy

Recommended by Mark Costar, Senior Fund Manager at JO Hambro in Episode 21

The relationship between the US and China, the world’s two superpowers, is peculiarly volatile. It rests on a seismic fault – of cultural misunderstanding, historical grievance, and ideological incompatibility. No other nations are so quick to offend and be offended. Their militaries play a dangerous game of chicken, corporations steal intellectual property, intelligence satellites peer, and AI technicians plot. The capacity for either country to cross a fatal line grows daily. Buy

Recommended by Mark Costar, Senior Fund Manager at JO Hambro in Episode 21

The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them.

They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature’s processes. Buy

Recommended by Mark Costar, Senior Fund Manager at JO Hambro in Episode 21

In Life Between the Tides, Adam Nicolson explores the natural wonders of the shoreline, from the extraordinary biology of its curious animals to the flow of our human history. This is an invitation to the water, where marvellous things wait an inch below the surface. Buy

Recommended by Mark Costar, Senior Fund Manager at JO Hambro in Episode 21

Daring Greatly is the culmination of 12 years of groundbreaking social research, across every area of our lives including home, relationships, work, and parenting. It is an invitation to be courageous; to show up and let ourselves be seen, even when there are no guarantees. Buy

Recommended by Jasmine Skee, CEO of Guild Esports in Episode 22

The Big Short tells a story of spectacular, epic folly. It has taken the world’s greatest financial meltdown to bring Michael Lewis back to the subject that made him famous. Buy

Recommended by Ken Wootton, Managing Director, Public Equity at Gresham House in Episode 23

In this deeply moving memoir, Vance tells the story of his family’s demons and of America ‘ s problem with generational neglect. How his mother struggled against, but never fully escaped, the legacies of abuse, alcoholism, poverty and trauma. Buy

Recommended by Ken Wootton, Managing Director, Public Equity at Gresham House in Episode 23

A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Equity Sales. Here, Nick interviews interesting characters from the world of business and finance, to uncover a different perspective.

Zeus is an independent financial services group working across public and private capital markets in the UK.  We work alongside many of the most exciting businesses in the UK and we are passionate about supporting our clients.  This podcast is a series of interviews with interesting characters from the world of business and finance, uncovering a different perspective.

View all episodes on the Zeus website or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Google – Apple – Spotify – Amazon

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed, within constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.