Behind every great leader is a curious mind. As summer arrives and many find time to take a welcome break, we asked members of the CEIBS community, from students and alumni to staff across industries and continents, to recommend the books and podcasts that are shaping their perspectives.

From ancient Greece to modern China, from Nelson Mandela's reflections on freedom to conversations about identity and belonging in contemporary Shanghai, their selections explore history, philosophy, biography, culture and leadership.

Scroll on to discover what's inspiring members of the global CEIBS community this summer.

Huiling Ding

CEIBS Alumni International Chapter (CAIC) President

Founder, Pyxis Business Consulting Ltd.

Global EMBA 2013

Lao Tzu and Confucius Meet Heisenberg

By Danah Zohar

“This book is a profound masterclass in shifting from a rigid, mechanical ‘Newtonian’ mindset to a dynamic, interconnected ‘Quantum’ perspective. It bridges modern physics with ancient Eastern philosophy, offering business leaders a completely new cognitive operating system to navigate uncertainty, reduce organisational friction, and unlock spontaneous innovation.”

Sarah Tagliarol

CEIBS MBA 2027

Long Walk to Freedom

By Nelson Mandela

“My main takeaway from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography is that life is built one step at a time. We shape our future through countless small decisions and acts of perseverance. It also shows that our background does not determine our destiny. No matter where we come from, we are all capable of achieving extraordinary things.

The book is a powerful lesson in resilience, humility, and service. Mandela’s journey demonstrates that true leadership comes from staying faithful to one's values, even in the face of immense adversity.”

Gianmaria Delfino

General Manager, GMD Enterprise Limited HK

CEIBS Global EMBA 2025

Mornings in Jenin

By Susan Abulhawa

“I believe that in order to understand where the world is going, we also need to learn where we come from. This is an incredible story exploring part of our recent history that is still shaping the future.”

Julie Baidoe Ansah

CEO, Image and Style Matters

Creative Director, Efata By Juba

CEIBS WELA 2022

Ego is the Enemy

By Ryan Holiday

“One of this book’s most powerful lessons is that growth happens when we focus less on proving ourselves and more on improving ourselves. It challenged me to reflect on the subtle ways ego can shape our decisions and reinforced the value of leading with purpose, grace, and quiet confidence.”

Alexis K. Georgiou

Marketing & Admissions Manager, Global EMBA Programme

Podcast: The Odyssey Explained

By Dan Snow

“With Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey set to arrive in cinemas soon, now is the perfect time to explore the epic that has shaped storytelling for almost 3,000 years. Recorded on location in the landscapes where Odysseus' legendary journey is believed to have unfolded, Dan Snow brings Homer's masterpiece vividly to life through a special podcast series released in the lead-up to the film. Whether you're discovering the story for the first time or revisiting a classic, it's a fascinating way to understand one of history's greatest adventures—and to see whether Hollywood can truly capture its enduring legacy.”

Alex Kurban

CEIBS MBA 2027

Singapore’s Success: Engineering Economic Growth

By Henri C. Ghesquière

“This book helped me gain valuable insights from Singapore's economic development. For example, during the 1985 economic restructuring, the government encouraged companies to expand overseas and provided strong support—an approach that closely resembles China's current ‘Go Global’ strategy.”

Matteo Benci

Project Manager, Johnson Controls

Global EMBA 2025

Podcast: So Here We Are

By Astrid 马星星

“So Here We Are (我们在这里) is a bilingual video podcast made in Shanghai, where authentic conversations explore, cultural differences between east and west, professional journeys in China, and identity, belonging, and life between cultures, told by the people who are living it.

The podcast is hosted by Astrid 马星星, an Armenian violinist, Shanghai Magnolia Award recipient, and storyteller connecting cultures through meaningful conversations. Whether you’re an expat, a local professional, or simply fascinated by cross-cultural stories, this is the perfect podcast to accompany your summer.

Jerry Zhang

CEIBS MBA 2025

The Ming Dynasty Under the Microscope

By Ma Boyong

“This book offers a unique perspective on history by focusing on six true, forgotten stories from Ming Dynasty China. It reveals how the empire's fate was determined not just by emperors and generals, but by the intricate, often absurd, mechanics of its grassroots bureaucracy and fiscal system.”