There are books on my shelves that are tattered, dog-eared, highlighted and worn from years of love. Others are pristine, not because they’ve been untouched, but because I’ve given away so many copies, I’ve had to buy them again. These books have travelled with me through career changes, friendships, new partners, adventure, parenthood, self-discovery and deep transformation.

Some have whispered to me when I needed guidance, others shouted truths I wasn’t ready to hear. Each one has shaped who I am and how I show up in the world. As a coach, a woman, a leader, a Mum, friend, and a lifelong learner. I’d love to share some recommends with you, if you’re looking for your next read or inspiration. And I’ve included a bit of how they’ve influenced me, the time of life I was at and of course, what they are about!

The top five are just that, and the others I couldn’t honestly rank any further. 

1. The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho
This mystical tale found me around age 15. And inspired me to walk the Camino de Santiago and dream bigger than I ever had before. It opened the door to adventure, spiritual practice, and the idea that our journeys are as much about the inner landscape as the physical one. Walking the Camino is the one time in my life I can honestly say I cleared my mind. The memory of that walk still sits deep in my bones. It’s not as well known as Coelho’s, The Alchemist, but for me it went deeper.

2. Perfume – Patrick Süskind
This was the first book that completely intoxicated me with its language. My brother bought it for me in my 20s. I could smell every page, feel the damp of 18th-century Paris, and it showed me how words can bewitch your senses. It was a masterclass in storytelling and sensory writing. I’ve never read anything quite like it since.

3. Heidi – Johanna Spyri
As a little girl, I adored this story – adventure, mountain air, freedom, and love from family. If I’d had a daughter, I would have called her Heidi. It gave me an early appreciation for climbing metaphorical and literal mountains, and the grounding presence of grandparents.

4. Body and Soul – Anita Roddick
This was the first book I read about a female entrepreneur in my teens and boy did I love The Body Shop products as a teenager! Anita’s activism taught me early on about ethics, animals, and the planet. It lit a spark in me that business could be both bold and good.

5. The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
These four simple principles shape so many coaching and team conversations I have. Don’t take things personally. Don’t make assumptions. Be impeccable with your word. Always do your best. They sound simple – they’re profound.

Let’s jump into the rest… in no such order!

A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving
Owen Meany stole my heart – a little terror with a big soul. This book deepened my empathy and reminded me to look out for those who are different, who might need more care and understanding. It’s funny, heartbreaking and left a permanent mark on me. The film is really sweet too, but is adapted differently, Simon Birch.

The Element – Sir Ken Robinson
Ken Robinson’s writing gave me a fresh perspective on learning and creativity. He helped me see how vital it is that we tailor education and work to people’s passions. His legacy is profound, though I do wish he had more time to influence the world further.

Quiet – Susan Cain
Reading this felt like being seen and acknowledged – quietly like I prefer. As someone who can lean into introversion, it gave me language and validation. It reframed and validated so many workplace experiences which made me feel ‘less than’ and helped me own my quieter power.

The Culture Code – Daniel Coyle
I use this book like a bible when working with teams. Coyle breaks high-performing cultures down into three transformative principles: safety, vulnerability and purpose. It’s packed with real stories and simple, powerful behaviours that help teams build trust, connection and momentum. I return to it time and again because it reminds me that culture isn’t built by big gestures — it’s in the small moments, signals and shared language that make people feel like they belong.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – Susan Jeffers
My Mum gave me this from a dusty second-hand bookstore when I was a teenager. It was the first self-help book I ever read and the simplicity of it worked. I still remember how good it felt to apply the tools and feel them change my confidence.

You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay
I still have the 1984 edition on my shelf. Possibly stolen from Mum when I left home for uni. It’s a comforting, dog-eared oracle I’ve returned to countless times. Over the years, it’s been a source of wisdom, or route to intuition, and healing.

The Big Difference – Nicola Phillips
A former boss gave me this in my 20s after I’d made an honest mistake, and lied about it. Rather than punish me, she coached me with care and encouragement. This book was part of that process. It was the first time I truly grasped the idea of a growth mindset.

Multipliers – Liz Wiseman
The most recommended leadership book I’ve ever passed on. It helps leaders understand how to bring out the best in others – and how we can unintentionally diminish them. A must-read for any people leaders.

Brain Rules – John Medina
An accessible, engaging explanation of how the brain works – and why it matters. The stories and metaphors bring science to life. It’s another go-to recommendation for leaders wanting to understand how people learn and function. There are a bunch of spinoffs for work, parenting and ageing well.

Women Who Run with the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés
A classic. This book helped me break free of old stories and reclaim parts of myself I didn’t even realise existed. It’s wild, wise, and beautiful. It will also help you understand the conditioning women have been exposed to for centuries.

Crossing the Unknown Sea – David Whyte
I read this as I transitioned careers, and I recommend it to people in a similar position, especially if you want to lead with purpose. Whyte’s quote, “<your coaching business> is a sacred opportunity for discovering and shaping the unique place where your Self meets the World” helped me shape be. And how I think about coaching as sacred and meaningful. His poetry is captivating, this one and Essentials, sit next to my bed. I open a page most nights before I sleep.

More Myself – Alicia Keys
I adore Alicia Keys. Not just her music but how she lives. This book reflects her deep presence and the influence of her spiritual practice, especially kundalini yoga (which I too love). It’s honest, grounded, and powerful.

Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love – Stephanie Dowrick
I read this while studying counselling, and it fundamentally shifted how I understand forgiveness. Especially self-forgiveness. I return to it often when navigating hard moments in relationships and find it softens my edges. A must if you’re prone to holding on too tight to the past, overly critical or want to let go of resentment.

The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
Passed down from Mum again. The daily morning pages carried me through my advertising days, and I can see how it influenced my creativity and path towards coaching. The idea of weekly ‘artist dates’ still lives on through my Day of Ease. It gave me full permission to create, dream, and listen to myself.

The Biology of Belief – Bruce Lipton
This book blew my mind. The science behind how our beliefs can change our biology. And we can reprogram ourselves, is both hopeful and empowering. One day I’d love to see him speak in person.

Care to Dare – George Kohlrieser, Susan Goldsworthy, Duncan Coombe
Gifted by a client who had completed their program in Singapore, I fell in love with the idea of “secure bases.” It’s now a core concept I use in my leadership programs. Leaders do their best work when they feel supported. This book explains why.

The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
A dear friend posted me a signed copy after seeing Brené speak in NYC. Leanne knew I’d love her. I did. This book gave me language for vulnerability, courage, and self-acceptance. It’s been central to my coaching work ever since.

The Brain That Changes Itself – Norman Doidge
After my Dad had a severe stroke, this book gave us hope. It showed us what neuroplasticity could make possible, and we clung to that belief. It’s also shaped how I understand habit, learning and the brain in coaching.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy
I found this in a bookshop while buying a gift and ended up buying five. It’s filled with tiny, beautiful truths about kindness, friendship, and being human. I’ve torn out pages and put them all over our house (yes, the toilet!) or sent them in cards to friends.

Emotional Agility – Susan David
This is one of the most practical, clear books on emotions and values I’ve read. It helped me see emotions not as things to fix, but as guides to pay attention to. I recommend it to almost every client.

The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
A parenting game-changer. It helped me understand the developing brain and how to parent in a way that aligns with how kids are wired. It’s gentle, wise and practical. And has application at each age as your child grows up.

The Power of Neurodiversity – Thomas Armstrong
This book helped me better support my neurodivergent clients. It’s written with clarity and inclusion – never talking down. I wish more scientists wrote like this. And it’s a great read for any team or organisation that wants to understand how to be more inclusive and create belonging.

What To Do When It’s Your Turn – Seth Godin
This is my go-to book when I feel stuck, low in motivation or overwhelmed. Annie Kenney’s stare on the cover alone is a powerful nudge. Open it anywhere and you’ll find a message worth hearing. It’s a no-nonsense pep talk in paper form.

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Experiment a little…

Have a think about your ‘bookshelf of influence’. Take 15–20 minutes to reflect on the books that have shaped your life.

List 5 books that have stayed with you. The ones you’ve underlined, gifted, re-read or carried through life’s big moments.

Next to each book, write what it taught you or how it influenced your thinking, choices or identity.

Now ask yourself:

• What themes are emerging?
• What do these books say about what matters to me?
• Is there a book I need to revisit or share with someone else right now?

This simple practice can reconnect you to your values, spark insight, or offer a gentle (or obvious) nudge in a new or forgotten direction you aim to head in.

P.s. if you’re not a reader and prefer paintings or artwork, podcasts, YouTube, or movies… you can do the same with the questions above!

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My gosh this list was hard, I originally wanted it to be a Top 10, but couldn’t bear to leave some of these amazing reads out! I didn’t even get near the coffee table and interiors or art books either. Yikes not even my son’s bookshelf with Dr Suess and C.S. Lewis…

I often reflect on, “the right words at the right time can change everything.” These books have been just that for me. Perhaps one or two might find their way into your hands when you need them most. Let me know if they do. I always love a good book recommendation in return.

And last, we all love a deal and best price, but I strongly encourage you to support local bookstores, libraries and second-hand. Amazon doesn’t need your cash, hence why I’ve put all the links to local bookstores here in Australia.