Books, movies, songs: Suresh Raina, Martin Lindstrom & other leaders share what kept them going in the pandemic

Bosses share what they tuned into to tune out during the pandemic.

By Glynda Alves, ET Bureau | Jan 08, 2021, 05.31 PM IST

Raina (L) watched a lot of movies with his dad and sister during the lockdown; Martin Lindstrom recommends Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast.

The lockdown means that we’ve all had a little more down time where we can tune in to tune out. These bosses tell us what movies and podcasts they discovered. From inspirational listens to motivational must-watches, here is their list of recommendations.

Booked: Fabian Lintott, lead designer, Hidesign
I have been listening to ‘Conversations of Inspiration’ by Holly Tucker and I have also been listening to an audio book ‘Think like a Monk’ by Jay Shetty which is also a must listen to.

Movie buff: Suresh Raina, cricketer
During this time, I watched a lot of movies with my dad and sister. I have seen a lot of Punjabi movies with them and horror movies with my little one as well as online shows and series with my wife, Priyanka.

Chasing the unicorn: Rajiv Bhalla, MD, Barco India
I really enjoy the podcast ‘Dreamers & Unicorns’ by Abhijit Bhaduri. In the podcast, he shares insights on drivers of future workplaces, like talent strategies, organization culture, and leadership. I recommend the podcast as the real-life examples and nuggets by established market shapers ensure that we always take back something of value.

Reel vs real life: Damian Irzyk, Consul General of Poland in Mumbai
I watched 'Contagion', a 2011 Steven Soderbergh movie a second time, and the current pandemic showed just how well researched it was. When it comes to books, I finally had the time to read the novels of Olga Tokarczuk, who recently won the Nobel prize in literature for her work.

Friends with benefits: Martin Lindstrom, author
When it comes to podcasts, I really recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast. He’s a friend of mine – and a person I admire immensely. The podcast is a must-listen.

Revisit favourites: Suraj Vazirani, Founder, The Beauty Co.
During the lockdown, I tuned into my two favourite movies: 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Pursuit of Happyness'. If you haven’t watched them already, I suggest you add it to your list.

The Joy Of Giving: These India Inc Bosses Are Donating Half Their Wealth

1/6

^{For some leaders, personal wealth doesn’t mean amassing a fortune for themselves, but creating a legacy of giving back to society and to causes they hold dear. That’s why these business leaders have decided to donate 50 per cent of their wealth. Their narratives are apt in a week that is celebrating the Festival of Giving.}