Yahoo Finance 
What I read: Carousell CCO Lewis Ng says these books inspire reflection
By Isabelle Liew
SINGAPORE — Singapore observes National Reading Day in July. To mark the occasion, Yahoo Finance Singapore talks to some Asian business leaders about their bedside table favourites, and the reads that have shaped their approach to business and life. This is the first in a series.
When wrapping his head around a problem, Lewis Ng, Chief Commercial Officer of online marketplace Carousell, calls on familiar friends – the wide range of business and leadership books he’s combed through over the years. Books, he says, inspire reflection and prompt growth by “challenging how you think and operate in daily life”. By his own admission, he often goes back to specific chapters or ideas, which make themselves relevant at different points of his life.
Here are the mainstays on his shelf:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
“The Art of War by Sun Tzu is my favourite book. It is not an easy read, but leaves enough room for personal interpretation and allows you to imagine how its theories may apply to your own situation and circumstances. I have read specific chapters and ideas dozens of times, and often refer to its philosophies when solving problems and making decisions.”
Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
“I encountered this book through a deliberate search for personal enrichment on two topics I have interest in - poker and decision making. Thinking in Bets gives a great perspective on making decisions with limited information, and stresses the reality that a failed outcome does not necessarily result from a poor decision. It enabled me to feel free and comfortable in making timely decisions whilst embracing acceptable risks.”
Good to Great by Jim Collins
“Good to Great provides excellent insights from ordinary people who achieved extraordinary things, and is actually very relevant to different aspects of life. The book introduces different perspectives and approaches to challenge how you think and operate in your daily life, and it inspires you to reflect and subsequently grow as a person.”
Spin Selling by Neil Rackham
“Spin Selling is a must-have for all marketers and salespeople. Neil Rackham developed the Spin Selling methodology that measures the behaviours of buyers and sellers. I have read specific chapters and ideas within the book dozens of times to digest and relate to different scenarios.”
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“There is a good reason why ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ is one of the best-selling books of all time. The book provides so many helpful insights about dealing with others and yourself, and even though it was first published in 1936, its content is timeless. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to become a better communicator.”
More Singapore stories:
WeWork to lease 21-storey Singapore office tower after HSBC moves out
Gibraltar Crescent site to house Singapore’s first dementia care village
One-third of people in Singapore see investing as a form of gambling: OCBC study
