The Open Shelf

🎙️ #8 Principles: Adaptability - Culture, Change and Code In this principles episode of The Open Shelf, Willem and Mehdi tackle how to build systems that get stronger under stress while maintaining clear direction. They share stories from three books they've actually read and used in their careers. In Episode 8, we explore how organisations can thrive in uncertainty through: ✅ The Lean Startu...

🎙️ #7 Principles: Human Centered Priorities - Invest in People In this episode of The Open Shelf, we explore the principle that should guide every leader: "Take care of the people, the products, and the profits, in that order." Through three transformative books, we discover why people-first leadership isn't just good ethics, it's strategic business. In this deep dive, we explore...

🎙️ #6 Measure What Matters: Chapter #3 - Tracking and Stretching In this final episode of The Open Shelf's exploration of John Doerr's Measure What Matters , we dive deep into how tracking and stretching create organisational superpowers. In Chapter 3, we explore with Pedram Rahmati how tracking and stretching transform organisations: ✅ Why stretch goals unlock hidden potential: Real stor...

🎙️ #6 Measure What Matters: Chapter #2 - Focus and Alignment In this episode of The Open Shelf, we explore John Doerr's influential book  Measure What Matters , focusing on how ruthless prioritisation and alignment create organisational superpowers. In Chapter 2, we explore with  Pedram Rahmati  how focus and alignment transform organisations: ✅ Why saying "no" unlocks innovation: R...

🎙️ #6 Measure What Matters: Chapter #1 - Culture Makes or Breaks OKRs In this episode of The Open Shelf, we explore John Doerr's influential book  Measure What Matters , focusing on why organisational culture determines OKR success. In Chapter 1, we explore with  Pedram Rahmati  how culture creates the foundation for effective OKRs: ✅ Why leadership must use OKRs themselves: "they measur...

🎙️ #5 Principles: Honest Communication - When Truth Builds Trust In this episode of The Open Shelf, we launch our new principles series with an exploration of honest communication , focusing on how transparency builds trust and enables collective problem-solving in professional environments. In this deep dive episode, we explore how honest communication shapes workplace dynamics: ✅ Why transparen...

🎙️ #4 Winning: Chapter #3 - Competition & Crisis Management In this episode of The Open Shelf, we continue our deep dive into Jack Welch's influential book  Winning , focusing on competitive advantage, crisis management, and career development. In Chapter 3, we explore with  Vladimir Greavu  how organizations maintain a competitive edge while effectively managing crises and fostering caree...

🎙️ #4 Winning: Chapter # 2 – Company Mechanics & Leadership 🚀 In this episode of The Open Shelf, we turn our attention to one of the most impactful business leaders in history—📖 Jack Welch and his book Winning . We had the honour of speaking with Vladimir Greavu , who sheds light on Welch's core principles and how they shaped organisations worldwide. In Chapter 2, we dive into Company Me...

🎙️ #4 Winning: Chapter #1 - The Philosophy of Winning🚀 In this episode of The Open Shelf, we turn our attention to one of the most impactful business leaders in history—📖 Jack Welch and his book Winning . We had the honour of speaking with Vladimir Greavu , who sheds light on Welch's core principles and how they shaped organisations worldwide. Tune in as we delve into topics like: ✅ Leaders...

🎙️ The Open Shelf is entering a new chapter! In this short in-person episode, Mehdi and Willem share what’s changing behind the scenes, what’s staying true, and where the podcast is headed next. Expect more principle-driven conversations, a mix of deep-dive episodes and practical insights, and a growing lineup of thoughtful guests from tech, business, and beyond. 📅 New episodes will drop every se...

🎙️ Radical Candor: How to Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity | The Open Shelf Podcast 🚀In this episode of The Open Shelf , we dive into one of the most influential books on leadership and management—📖 Radical Candor by Kim Scott . We had the honor of speaking with Amy Sandler , Principal Coach and Podcast Host at the Radical Candor Foundation , who has trained thousands of leaders wo...

Are you building a business—or just creating a job for yourself? In this episode, we discuss The E-Myth Revisited and its timeless advice for entrepreneurs who want to build lasting businesses. Blending insights from classics like Built to Last and The Lean Startup, we share a roadmap for making your business work for you, not the other way around. Books: 03:13 The E-myth Revisited https://www.goo...

Do you prefer the soothing voice of an audiobook or the tactile joy of a highlighter gliding over a favorite quote? In this episode, we pit audiobooks against traditional reading and uncover the strengths (and struggles) of each. Discover tips for maximizing your reading style, whether you’re a multitasker or a note-taking perfectionist. We’ll also tackle big questions: How do you retain more from...

We're excited to launch The Open Shelf! Learn what it's all about and what's coming next. Books mentioned: The Slight Edge , by Jeff Olson Meditations , by Marcus Aurelius Total Recall , by Arnold Schwarzenegger