Bengaluru entrepreneur shares 5 books that changed how she thinks about work, life and relationships

Great literature serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, serving as a compass through professional hurdles and life's complexities. Engaging with insightful non-fiction, biographies, and reflective memoirs allows readers to adopt fresh perspectives, build emotional intelligence, and hone leadership capabilities. Books offer structured wisdom, offering timeless lessons that refine how we navigate professional networks, mental resilience, and meaningful connections. Highlighting this transformative power, Bengaluru entrepreneur Nirupa Shankar, Executive Director of Brigade Enterprises, has shared 5 book recommendations for anyone looking to recalibrate their mindset, master professional networking, and cultivate profound gratitude across every phase of life.

Never Eat Alone - Keith Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi’s classic guide redefines professional networking as a practice rooted in genuine human connections rather than transactional exchanges. For Nirupa Shankar, reading this work served as a major turning point during a period of introspection. It equipped her with actionable strategies to step out of her comfort zone, overcome introversion, and actively cultivate a strong, mutually beneficial professional network. The book demonstrates that deliberate relationship-building is a skill anyone can master to unlock career opportunities.

The Champion’s Mind - Jim Afremow

Written by sports psychologist Jim Afremow, this performance guide explores the mental habits, focus, and routines that drive elite athletes to success. Shankar treats this book as a dependable operational manual whenever she requires a mental reset. Its practical mental conditioning exercises offer actionable strategies to foster clarity, maintain fortitude under stress, and approach daily business challenges with peak performance, making it her go-to resource on demanding, high-pressure days.

Rafa: My Story - Rafael Nadal

Co-authored with John Carlin, tennis icon Rafael Nadal's autobiography offers a candid look behind his athletic achievements, highlighting the intense mental discipline required to sustain excellence. While initially drawn in by the sport, Shankar found lasting inspiration in Nadal’s profound psychological grit. The memoir details how he navigates intense pressure, physical pain, and self-doubt, providing valuable lessons for corporate leaders on overcoming adversity and staying grounded through tough career hurdles.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse - Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy’s universally acclaimed illustrated book uses simple conversations between four unique characters to explore vulnerability, empathy, and friendship. Though framed as a children's story, Shankar considers it essential reading for adults, frequently gifting it to loved ones. She was deeply moved by its core message that seeking help is an act of courage rather than weakness, making it a comforting reminder to prioritize compassion and supportive relationships.

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What I Know For Sure - Oprah Winfrey

Organized into themes like joy, resilience, and gratitude, Oprah Winfrey’s essay collection reflects on life lessons gathered over decades of personal and professional triumphs. This volume serves as Shankar’s most frequently revisited read. The book’s focus on mindfulness, accepting the aging process, and appreciating personal growth helps her stay centered. It acts as a gentle daily prompt to practice gratitude and find fulfillment in life's evolving journey.