Thread by @DataScienceUni

My top book recommendations for data scientists to read as part of their personal development.
#datascience #personaldevelopment
(A thread built from link.medium.com/MXM1owRj0X) 1/

In the Data Science Venn diagram a data scientist exists at the convergence of skills in mathematics & statistics, hacking and domain expertise¹. But alongside this is the importance of soft skills in data science roles².
¹drewconway.com/zia/2013/3/26/…
²towardsdatascience.com/soft-skills-wi… 2/

To be effective a data scientist should possess strong communication skills; be able to negotiate & persuade stakeholders; to lead projects & teams to success, in a range of commercial or industrial environments. This motivated me to compile this list of book recommendations. 3/

“How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” - Dale Carnegie

This was the first ‘self help’ book I read when I transitioned into a data science role, and it was an excellent introduction to the effectiveness of personal development. 4/

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” - Dale Carnegie

A top-ranked book about how to influence people. Don’t let the title put you off: the advice is rooted in being your most authentic self, with a focus on interpersonal skills and the importance of empathy. 5/

“Thinking Fast and Slow” - Daniel Kahneman

Great book to become aware of the differences between our conscious and unconscious thought processes so we can be more logical in our decision making and reduce any overconfidence that stems from emotion or unconscious bias. 6/

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” - Stephen R. Covey

Introduces seven approaches for being effective at attaining your goals, by moving from dependence to independence (self-mastery) and interdependence (working effectively with others). 7/

“The Personal MBA” - Josh Kaufman

A condensed version of the topics covered in an MBA program. It highlights key aspects of business admin, effective strategies and decision-making; from evaluating the market and measuring value to building a product and managing uncertainty. 8/

“The Bullet Journal Method” - Ryder Carroll

A method for improving your productivity through effective note taking, scheduling and planning. Highly recommended for anyone who struggles to keep track of their ever growing to-do list(s). 9/

“Freakonomics”, “Super Freakonomics”, “Think Like A Freak” and “When To Rob A Bank” - Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubne

These are a fascinating read that show how economics is at the root of so many parts of society, highlighting its importance and influence. 10/

“Adapt: why success always starts with failure”, “The Logic Of Life” and “The Undercover Economist” - Tim Harford

The psychology of people in society is explored through examples of economics at play in business, marketing, strategy and innovation. 11/

“The Four” - Scott Galloway
“Are you smart enough to work at Google?” - William Poundstone
“Outliers” - Malcolm Gladwell
“The Lean Startup” - Eric Ries

Highlighting how creativity and innovation are what current tech companies thrive on and seek to add/grow in their employ. 12/

“The Leader’s Mindset" - Terence Mauri
“The Five Minute Coach” - Lynne Cooper & Mariette Castellino
“How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking" - Dale Carnegie
“Getting Things Done" - David Allen

These introduce top aspects of great leadership. 13/

“Nudge" -  Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
“A Field Guide to Lies and Statistics” -  Daniel Levitin
“The Return of the Economic Naturalist” -  Robert H. Frank
“Predictably Irrational” -  Dan Ariely
“The Signal and the Noise" -  Nate Silver
14/

“Struck By Lightning” -  Jeffrey S. Rosenthal
“How Not To Be Wrong” - Jordan Ellenberg
“Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz” -  Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird

Great reads on the use of maths & stats to help understand the behaviours of people and society. 15/

“The Algebra of Happiness ” - Scott Galloway
“Happiness by Design" -  Paul Dolan
“The Power of Positive Thinking" -  Norman Vincent Peale
“Wake Up!" -  Chris Baréz-Brown

Lastly, some books about the importance of a positive and happy mindset throughout your career and life. 16/