What I’m Reading on My Month-Long Journey (and Why These Books Matter)

Next week, my wife and I will board a plane for a month-long trip across five countries. 

We’ll travel from London to India, through Italy, France, and Greece, ending in Jordan before returning home for Thanksgiving.

It’s the kind of trip that reminds me how far things have come. 

Years ago, I couldn’t imagine being away from my CPA firm for more than a few days. 

Today, Straight Talk CPAs runs smoothly without me — a result of building a team and systems that thrive independently. 

And whenever I mention these travels, one question always pops up from fellow CPA firm owners: 

“Salim, what are you reading lately?” 

So, in the spirit of this trip — reflection, curiosity, and growth — here’s my reading list for the next month, along with what drew me to each book. 

1. The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

I’m fascinated by how intention changes everything — even in a simple meeting. Parker explores what makes gatherings meaningful and transformative. As someone who leads a team and communities, I’m hoping to learn how to make every interaction more purposeful and memorable. 

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow

A classic that dissects how we think — the split between fast, intuitive judgment and slow, deliberate reasoning. I’m revisiting it to challenge my assumptions about decision-making, especially in leadership and firm strategy.

3. The Charisma Myth

Cabane breaks down charisma into learnable behaviors. This isn’t about “acting confident,” but about being fully present and attuned to others — a skill every leader can sharpen.

4. Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about presence. Cabane shows that charisma is a skill anyone can develop. It’s a reminder that communication and emotional intelligence are as important as technical expertise.

5. The Infinite Game

Sinek reminds us that great leaders play for the long game — building organizations that outlast them. As I help other CPAs plan their exits, this book feels especially relevant.

6. Think Again

Another Grant book, because one wasn’t enough. Think Again is a masterclass in re-examining what we believe and staying intellectually flexible — something that becomes more valuable the longer we’re in business.

7. Unreasonable Hospitality 

The story behind the world-famous Eleven Madison Park restaurant. Guidara’s obsession with giving people more than they expect is a philosophy that transcends hospitality — it’s a blueprint for delighting clients.

8. Worthy  

A reminder that self-belief is not arrogance — it’s permission. Kern Lima’s story is about identity, worth, and resilience — lessons that apply to leadership as much as life.

9. Nonprofit Board Success

I currently advise a couple of nonprofit boards, and this one stood out. It’s about building boards that function like elite teams — aligned, accountable, and high-performing. The principles translate beautifully to business leadership too.

10. Excellence Wins

The co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton shares his no-nonsense formula for service, culture, and excellence. Schulze proves that “good enough” is never enough — a message every entrepreneur should revisit often.

Final Thought 

Reading, for me, isn’t about escaping — it’s about expanding. 

Each of these books helps me see leadership, business, and life through a sharper lens. 



If you’re curious which ideas will shape the next phase of Straight Talk CPAs (and the next season of my own growth), these books are where I’m starting.