At arvy, we believe great books spark great ideas, much like quality investments compound value over time ;-). This winter, we have selected three books that combine history, negotiation skills and the courage to do things differently – offering lessons for investors, leaders and lifelong learners alike. Dive in and join the discussion!
First on our list is The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. This gripping historical account transports readers to the 18th-century high seas, where survival, leadership, and moral complexity are put to the ultimate test. A vivid reminder of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, it’s a story with lessons that echo in both life and business. Apparently the film adaptation with Leonardo Di Caprio and director Martin Scorsese will be released in cinemas in 2025/26.
Next, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss offers an unparalleled take on the art of negotiation. Drawing from his experience as an FBI hostage negotiator, Voss provides transformative tools for navigating high-stakes scenarios with empathy, strategy, and skill. A must-read for those looking to master the human side of decision-making.
Finally, The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike, Jr. challenges traditional views of corporate leadership and strategy. Through insightful analysis and compelling case studies, Thorndike reveals how disciplined capital allocation, independent thinking, and a focus on long-term value drive extraordinary results. It’s an inspiring guide for leaders and investors seeking to rethink success and unlock enduring potential.
So, grab your favorite blanket, a warm drink, and settle in for a winter of enriching and enlightening reads.
Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
Team arvy
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder
by David Grann
“Grann’s storytelling grips you from the first page, offering a profound exploration of human resilience and leadership under duress.” – Florian, Co-Founder
In The Wager, David Grann masterfully recounts the harrowing true story of an 18th-century British naval expedition that ends in disaster. The shipwrecked crew, stranded on a desolate island, is faced with unforgiving elements, dwindling supplies, and the fracturing of their collective will. As survival instincts clash with notions of duty and morality, the tale unfolds into a gripping drama of mutiny, betrayal, and the raw human struggle for life.
What sets this book apart is Grann’s ability to transport readers into the heart of the story, vividly portraying the physical and psychological toll on the crew. Beyond its historical intrigue, The Wager offers profound lessons in leadership, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure—parallels that resonate with today’s investors and leaders navigating turbulent environments.
Central to the book is the exploration of resilience in the face of adversity. Grann highlights the importance of resourcefulness and the ability to pivot in response to unforeseen challenges. The story also raises questions about the delicate balance between individual survival and collective responsibility, offering timeless insights into the dynamics of human behavior.
Florian’s takeaway: The Wager is not just a tale of survival; it’s a study of leadership, resilience, and moral complexity. David Grann delivers a compelling narrative that captivates and educates, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration from history’s most extraordinary trials.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
by Chris Voss
“Chris Voss reframes negotiation as an art of empathy and strategy, providing tools that transcend business and enrich everyday interactions.” – Patrick, Co-Founder
In Never Split the Difference, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss delivers a groundbreaking approach to negotiation that goes far beyond traditional tactics. Drawing from high-stakes experiences in crisis situations, Voss introduces readers to techniques like tactical empathy, calibrated questions, and mirroring to uncover hidden information and create win-win scenarios.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on understanding human psychology. Voss emphasizes that successful negotiation isn’t about compromise but about building trust, recognizing emotions, and steering conversations toward creative solutions. These lessons are applicable in everything from closing deals to resolving conflicts, making the book a valuable guide for professionals and individuals alike.
A key theme in the book is the power of preparation and presence. Voss challenges the idea of splitting the difference as a solution, advocating instead for a deeper dive into understanding what drives the other party’s decisions. His strategies, tested in life-or-death situations, empower readers to negotiate with confidence and clarity, even in high-pressure scenarios.
Patrick’s takeaway: Never Split the Difference equips readers with practical, actionable skills for mastering negotiation. Chris Voss’s insights are invaluable for professionals and investors seeking to build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes by understanding the human element behind every decision.
The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
by William N. Thorndike, Jr.
“Thorndike redefines leadership, showing how visionary thinking and disciplined execution create lasting value.” – Thierry, Co-Founder
In The Outsiders, William N. Thorndike, Jr. takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the remarkable stories of eight unconventional CEOs. These leaders defied traditional corporate norms and achieved extraordinary results, not through flashy strategies, but through a relentless focus on capital allocation and long-term value creation.
What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on substance over style. Thorndike highlights how these CEOs – from Warren Buffett to John Malone – prioritized shareholder value, avoided unnecessary risks, and operated with a radical independence that set them apart from their peers. Their success was not about charisma or following the crowd but about clear thinking, calculated decision-making, and a willingness to act differently.
The book provides powerful lessons for investors, business leaders, and anyone looking to understand the mechanics of sustainable success. Thorndike’s analysis reveals how these “outsiders” maximized returns, navigated challenges, and built enduring companies by thinking unconventionally and executing with precision.
Thierry’s takeaway: The Outsiders is an essential read for those seeking timeless insights into leadership and value creation. Thorndike’s case studies inspire readers to question conventional wisdom and focus on what truly matters: delivering results through discipline, vision, and an unwavering commitment to long-term goals.
No German Version Available
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