The summer holidays are the perfect time to switch off, recharge and finally read the books you never get time for during the year. If you are curious about a future in finance or want to strengthen your thinking and leadership skills, these are the books we recommend you pick up over the break.
Each one is thoughtful, practical and easy to sink into on a quiet afternoon.
1. How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen
We recommend this because it gives you space to reflect on what actually matters to you.
Christensen takes ideas from business and applies them to life, purpose and career choices. The stories are gentle and meaningful, and they encourage you to think carefully about what a satisfying life really looks like.
Why you will enjoy it:
It helps you think long term about who you want to be, not just what job you want.
2. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
If you want to understand money in a more human and realistic way, this is the perfect place to start.
Housel explains how people behave with money, not how they are expected to behave. The short chapters and real stories make it easy to read, and you will keep thinking about the lessons long after you finish.
Why you will enjoy it:
It teaches emotional intelligence around money, which is just as important as technical knowledge.
3. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
If you want to build confidence and develop early leadership skills, this is the book for you.
Brown focuses on courage, communication, trust and integrity. Her writing is warm and honest, and it helps you understand what modern leadership looks like, especially in team environments.
Why you will enjoy it:
It builds practical leadership skills and self awareness in a way that feels approachable and real.
4. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
This book is more dense than the others, but it will genuinely change the way you think.
Kahneman breaks down how your brain makes decisions, where bias comes from and why smart people still make predictable mistakes. It is one of the most influential books in psychology and economics.
Why you will enjoy it:
You will become a clearer, more thoughtful decision maker, which is invaluable in any area of finance.
5. The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
This book helps you develop a long term mindset, which is crucial in a fast moving industry like finance.
Sinek explains why strong leaders focus on purpose, contribution and resilience rather than quick wins. The stories and examples make it easy to read and encouraging for anyone thinking about their career direction.
Why you will enjoy it:
It helps you zoom out and think of your career as something meaningful, not something rushed or defined by short term pressure.
A Final Note
Your summer break is a rare chance to breathe, reflect and invest in yourself. These books are not only great reads. They help you understand yourself better, think more clearly and build the mindset that future finance leaders value.
Choose one, take it to the beach or your favourite cafe and enjoy it. You never know which idea might shape the year ahead. Have a wonderful break!