Trevor Forbes

‘The Wager’ recounts the doomed 1741 British naval expedition, from Trevor Forbes’s perspective, spotlighting its leadership failures and lessons. Forbes observes how Captain David Cheap’s reliance on authority, versus John Bulkeley’s influence-driven approach, shaped the crew’s survival after a disastrous shipwreck. Grann vividly portrays the harsh conditions on Wager Island, emphasizing how character, competence, and resilience determine leadership success.
Forbes highlights how the story remains relevant for today’s leaders in terms of adaptability, mentorship, and moral clarity under pressure. For Forbes, The Wager is a profound study of leadership dynamics during extreme adversity and offers timeless insights into courage and human endurance.

‘Son of the Morning Star’ by Evan S. Connell, as perceived by Trevor Forbes, is an intricate analysis of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The book discusses General Custer’s ambition and mistakes alongside Native American leaders who resisted the United States’ encroachment. Forbes appreciates Connell’s narration of cultural intricacy and personal reasons behind each side. Egoistic moves by Custer are a complete contrast to the desperate struggle by the Native Americans for survival.
Through many scenes, Connie vividly underscores the fearlessness of figures like Sitting Bull and women warriors like Buffalo Calf Road Woman. Forbes says that the book is some form of nuanced account of the tragedy and resilience shaping this event. Connell’s research explores the human and cultural costs of such conquests, delving into leadership, conflict, and the bigger picture of legacy.

Alfred Lansing’s ‘Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage’ tells the story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition. Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, got stuck and eventually crushed by pack ice, leaving 28 men stranded. Trevor Forbes’s point of view sees Shackleton’s leadership as outstanding, building morale and cohesion despite severe conditions. His sympathy, discipline, and swift action guaranteed the survival of the crew in extreme cold and isolation.
Shackleton emphasized teamwork and mobility, discarding unnecessary luggage to maximize their chances of survival. The team faced ice floes, starvation, and relentless hardship with hope, fueled by Shackleton’s leadership and optimism. Shackleton further embarked on an 800-mile open-boat trip to South Georgia to procure rescue for his men. Forbes describes the adventure as a lesson in exceptional leadership, resilience, and teamwork. History stands for human resolve and the power of coordinated group decisions in challenging circumstances.

‘The Managers Handbook’, as the name suggests, elaborates on “ five simple steps on how to build a team, stay focused, make better decisions, and crush your competition.” It’s a hands-on guide for managers at all levels which provides actionable advice for everyday challenges. Written by David Dodson, a long-time search fund entrepreneur and prolific investor, the book focuses on easy-to-understand frameworks, strategies, and checklists that help managers make better decisions and lead teams more efficiently.

In ‘The Outsiders’, William N. Thorndike shares the stories of eight successful CEOs who returned exceptionally better results, over a long time period, to their shareholders than their peers. Viewing the CEO role as that of an investor and capital allocator illuminates unconventional strategies used by these CEOs to create substantial value.

A timeless classic in the field of operations, “The Goal” introduces and develops for the reader key management concepts in an engaging and practical way.
Goldratt aims to help businesses achieve continuous improvement by focusing on what truly matters operationally—identifying and removing constraints. He challenges traditional efficiency-driven management, instead emphasizing the importance of problem-solving.
‘The Goal’ is a must-read for anyone looking to build a structure, improve productivity, and embrace a fresh, logical approach to business success. Whether you’re in manufacturing, service, or any other industry, this book offers lessons on achieving operational excellence.

In ‘Titan’, a biography of Rockefeller, Ron Chernow delves into his rise from humble beginnings to becoming the wealthiest man in modern history through his leadership of Standard Oil. This book is a portrayal of Rockefeller’s complex personality while constantly being in the public eye for his shrewd business practices, monopolistic tendencies, his deep religious faith, and his later role as a philanthropist.
Rockefeller’s methods were often ruthless, yet his philanthropic legacy changed industries like healthcare and education. ‘Titan’ is perfect for anyone interested in how power and wealth impacted the industrialization of society.

In ‘The Company’, Stephen R. Bown uncovers the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), one of the world’s oldest corporations. Bown takes readers through the company’s formation in the 17th century, its monopoly over the fur trade, and its role in shaping the political and economic landscape of North America. The story reveals how HBC operated not just as a business but as a governing force in uncharted territories, influencing relationships with Indigenous peoples and the development of modern Canada.
The book explores themes of trade, exploration, and colonialism. ‘The Company’ is a must-read for those interested in history, business, and the impact of corporate power on society.

A biography about Jim Simons, the mathematician-turned-financier who revolutionized Wall Street through his hedge fund, Renaissance Technologies. In ‘The Man Who Solved the Market’, Gregory Zuckerman examines how Simons, with his team of world-class mathematicians, developed quantitative trading strategies that defied market norms and consistently outperformed rivals. The book illuminates the secretive world of algorithmic trading and the impact Simons had on the financial industry.

‘The House of Morgan’ is a non-fiction book by Ron Chernow that follows the four generations of J.P. Morgan’s financial empire. The book examines how the Morgan family built an empire that shaped industries, economies, and even governments.
Chernow provides a view of the power, complexity, and evolution of this iconic banking house. ‘The House of Morgan’ is a read for anyone fascinated by finance, history, and the inner workings of global capitalism. Chernow demonstrates how the Morgan legacy helped create modern finance that shaped the 20th-century economy while revealing the moral and ethical dilemmas that accompanied such power.

Tom Nicholas maps the rise of venture capital in the United States, tracing its roots from early American industrial ventures (like the whaling industry) to the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley. Nicholas explores the role venture capital played in shaping innovation and entrepreneurship, from the railroad and automobile industries to modern-day tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook.
Nicholas’s goal is to showcase how venture capital has been a driving force behind American innovation and economic expansion. He examines how risk-taking investors have backed transformative ideas, which have led to economic growth and technological change.