The Digital Radish Book Club: May’s Top Picks
Last year we held our inaugural RadCon, and it just returned for 2024! What a day it was, full of ideas, inspiration, and information focused on creativity, psychology, and what holds space in minds and memories.
We were hugely fortunate to be joined by Phil Barden, author of ‘Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy’. Phil talked us through some of the research featured in his book, touching on how people’s minds work and the choices we can make as marketers that can help to influence people’s decisions.
And, alongside that fantastic book, came some cracking suggestions for other books which we obviously had to include in this month’s book club!
As ever, if you’ve got any recommendations, drop us a line at hello@digitalradish.co.uk
Don’t forget to check out our April book club here for B2B marketing inspo.
What’s it about?
This book offers a groundbreaking exploration into the science of purchasing because if you understand why people buy, you are already one step ahead in reaching out to them effectively with your products and services.
How does the author sum it up?
“In making decisions, conscious or unconscious, big or small, about our lives and what we buy and do, the context, framework, decision interface, medium and pathways through which we reach decisions may have a greater influence on the decisions we take than the long-term consequences of the decision.” — Phil Barden
Why we love it
“With real-life case studies, you can see how some of the biggest brands have won (and lost) their customers.” — Sarah Purvis
What’s it about?
Two types of thinking? There’s a thought. And it’s one that psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores in his 2011 popular science book. The main crux of the book is that there are two distinct modes of thought: “System 1” is fast, instinctive, and emotional; “System 2” is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
How does the author sum it up?
“The idea that the future is unpredictable is undermined every day by the ease with which the past is explained.” — Daniel Kahneman
Why we love it
“It helps you to understand how you can influence decisions.” — Charlie Boon
What’s it about?
This book explores a new way of organizing work that is more aligned with our current state of consciousness. With practical insights for building self-managing, purpose-driven organizations that foster employee fulfillment, it is full of insights, examples, and inspiring stories.
How does the author sum it up?
“In a forest, there is no master tree that plans and dictates change when rain fails to fall or when the spring comes early. The whole ecosystem reacts creatively, in the moment.” — Frédéric Laloux
Why we love it
“I love this book for its visionary approach to creating self-managing, purpose-driven organizations.” — Lorna Charlish
What’s it about?
There are classic advertising books, and then there is this. A staple on the desk of almost every creative out there, it looks at the history of advertising, from the good to the bad to the ugly, and the lessons we can all learn.
How does the author sum it up?
“There has never been a time in my career when I have faced the empty page and not been scared. I was scared as a junior-coassistant-copy-cub-intern. And I’m scared today.” — Luke Sullivan
Why we love it
“A perfect mix of practical advice, physical examples, and relatable anecdotes.” — Jack Toop
Share your favourites with us
Do you have any books you’d like to recommend to the Radishes? How about podcasts, videos, blogs or even documentaries? We’d love to hear from you – email us at hello@digitalradish.co.uk.