One of the most common habits of successful CEOs is reading regularly. Microsoft CEO Bill Gates is a famously voracious reader, who claims to read around 50 books a year.
This is no surprise, as studies repeatedly show that reading has myriad benefits, both physical and cognitive. It improves brain connectivity and problem-solving abilities, boosts vocabulary and comprehension, increases empathy by allowing the reader to see other people’s perspectives, and even reduces stress – all highly useful skills for businesspeople.
In this series, we’re looking at the reading habits of CEOs in Malta – the books that have shaped their lives and the ones that have helped them to get ahead in business.
Today we’re talking to Steve Mercieca, CEO of Quicklets and Zanzi Homes.
What role does reading play in your day-to-day life?
I try and get in as much as I can. I definitely don’t manage to get in as much as I would like to. I’m very hyperactive – I have a character that tends to get bored very quickly and I can’t say I have the best concentration ability in the room. My mind travels quickly and I’m the type of person that likes to get things done quickly too. So my personality sort of pulls me away from the book and I’m doing the task that that specific paragraph triggered in my brain.
What are the books that have left the biggest impact on your work-life Why?
I don’t read fiction books so it would have to be a biography or a self-improvement book. I love the style of The Greatest Salesman and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. This sort of fictional self-improvement book is more engaging than the average technical growth book.
What are your favourite books of all time? Why?
A bit cliche, but would have to be The Secret by Rhonda Bryne. It’s one of the first books I read and really helped me with my motivation.
What is one book you think everyone should read? Why?
Grit To Great by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval is a super book. An easy read everyone can enjoy. It really inspires you to take it to the next step.
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