On mPokket founder Gaurav Jalan's bookshelf: 'Alibaba: The house that Jack Ma built', 'Fooled by Randomness'

Jalan enjoys reading biographies and autobiographies, calls them a source of inspiration.

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The fin-tech boss also counts 'The Goal' and 'How to win friends and influence people' among his top 5 reads.
Books hold immense importance in the life of Gaurav Jalan, Founder & CEO, mPokket. The fin-tech boss is an avid reader and uses reading as a way to relax.

He told ET Panache,"They are a source of not just comfort and de-stressing but also inspiration for me. I like reading those books that deal with motivation and philosophies as these give you a lot of insight into how you have perceived life till now and how you can strive to have a better perception towards the various aspects of life."

Apart from these genres, Jalan really enjoys reading biographies and autobiographies. He added, "For instance, I am currently reading 'Alibaba: The house that Jack Ma built' penned by Duncan Clark. Reading about these people, all that they went through in their lives, and the various accomplishments they had along their journey inspires me to a great length."


​Jalan is currently reading 'Alibaba: The house that Jack Ma built' by Duncan Clark.​
Jalan is currently reading 'Alibaba: The house that Jack Ma built' by Duncan Clark.

Sharing his top five must-reads, Jalan lists, "I suppose the list would definitely have 'Fooled by Randomness' by Nassim Taleb at the top. This book taught me the importance of the role of chance in outcomes, thus avoiding over-confidence. 'The Goal' by Eli Goldratt made me realise how setting the right goals should be the initial step, and then identifying the key hindrances in each process should follow. 'Iacocca: An autobiography' by automobile tycoon Lee Iacocca taught me how to take the charge and turn around a failing business through a proactive approach."

'Fooled by Randomness' by Nassim Taleb tops ​Jalan's ​list of must-read books.
'Fooled by Randomness' by Nassim Taleb tops Jalan's list of must-read books.

The digital lending company boss said, "'How to win friends and influence people' by Dale Carnegie definitely comes in my top five, too. This book has been very handy in helping me with making connections with other people and being a good salesperson. Lastly, 'Poor Charlie's Almanack' by Charlie Munger has taught me about the immense importance of multidisciplinary learning and building mental models."
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Essentially, each of these books play a significant role in how his life has been shaped the way it is now in their own ways, and Jalan does not think his perception towards life would have been the same without any of these.

How Many Books Have You Read From Virat Kohli's List?
1/4

Recently the Indian captain made headlines for his reading choice during the opening Test between India and the West Indies.

Team India captain Virat Kohli wears many hats – batsman, model, fashion curator - but one title that few associate with him is bookworm. When he’s not playing cricket, practising his swing or hitting the gym, the right-handed batsman loves to relax with a good book, as evidenced by this tweet.

We take a look at some of the books that make the ‘nerd’ in Kohli happy.

(Image: Twitter/ViratKohli)

Recently the Indian captain made headlines for his reading choice during the opening Test between India and the West Indies.Team India captain Virat Kohli wears many hats – batsman, model, fashion cu..
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After being dismissed for nine in the first innings on Day 1 of the ongoing Test between India and the West Indies, the Indian captain had plenty of time on his hands for a little light reading.

Kohli was spotted reading 'Detox Your Ego: Seven Easy Steps to Achieving Freedom, Happiness and Success in Your Life' by Steven Sylvester, much to the amusement of India’s netizens who have long trolled Kohli for his arrogance.

Peppered with sports anecdotes, the book helps readers understand their underlying motivations and anxieties and improve the way they achieve their goals.


(Image: Twitter/DetoxYourEgo)

After being dismissed for nine in the first innings on Day 1 of the ongoing Test between India and the West Indies, the Indian captain had plenty of time on his hands for a little light reading.Kohli..
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A few years, Kohli made headlines when he recommended that fans and followers read a book that had made a huge difference to his life - ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda.

“I love this book. A must read for all those who are brave enough to let their thoughts and ideologies be challenged. The understanding and implementation of the knowledge in this book will change your whole perspective and life. Believe in the divine and keep marching on doing good deeds #onelove #begratefu l#helponeanother.” He said, recommending the book on social media.

Regarded as a spiritual classic, ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ traces the life of Paramahamsa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures in the East and West.

It was the only e-book found on the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's personal iPad 2. Jobs had first read the book in high-school and discovered it again while staying at a guesthouse in India. The book became a major part of Job’s life and he is said to have reread it every year.

(Image: Twitter/imVkohli)

A few years, Kohli made headlines when he recommended that fans and followers read a book that had made a huge difference to his life - ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda. “I love thi..
Read More
In the lead-up to the 2011 World Cup, as part of a joint initiative by the ICC and 'Room to Read' to promote global literacy and access to books, Kohli revealed another favourite tome on his reading list.

“I like Andre Agassi’s autobiography. The author tells the story of his remarkable career, which featured many ups and downs. The best part about the book is that at no point does the author try to project himself as a ‘superhuman’. He is as human as you and me, but a champion and an inspiration,” said Kohli.
In the lead-up to the 2011 World Cup, as part of a joint initiative by the ICC and 'Room to Read' to promote global literacy and access to books, Kohli revealed another favourite tome on his reading ..
Read More
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