By Hugh Kruzel and Jessica Watts
In this ongoing exploration of what people across our community are reading, we asked Kyle McCall, manager of the NORCAT Innovation Mill, what books have had a major influence on him.
At Sudbury’s Regional Innovation Centre, Kyle works with local technology entrepreneurs daily.
“I help to connect them to the resources and services they need to grow their ventures. As part of this, my team and I also work to bring online new programming, like workshops and speaking events, so that the clients we work with have the opportunity to keep up with developing trends in technology and startup culture.”
McCall made it clear he keeps abreast of change through a balance of print and daily digital sources. Though articles are important in the immediate moment, the larger “think” comes from multi-page examinations of systems and ideas. In short, a bookshelf, library, or bookseller is the place to go.
This journey can even be in areas and topics you would not normally associate with business acumen or motivation, or books on achieving success.
When asked what books he would pull off the shelf to give to someone who wants to imagine tomorrow today McCall had a few suggestions.
“When it comes to innovation, in my opinion, I think there’s no better place to start than with some science-fiction. If you can get past the story line, and turn your eye to the technologies enabling the story, there’s lots of inspiration to divine.”
What titles would that include?
“My top three must reads would be Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation Series”, “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert A. Heinlein, and “Dune” by Frank Herbert .” Classics for certain, these books have influenced at least three generations.
McCall turns his attention to the top three “must reads” to be in the right frame of mind to kick off a business venture. “Try The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. Ries offers an introduction to lean methodologies and a book I recommend to all new tech entrepreneurs.
“The Beermat Entrepreneur” by Mike Southon & Chris West is small and compact. It’s truly an accessible book, and will get you thinking about how to grow your small seed of an idea into a large, mature tree. Lastly, “Siddartha” by Herman Hesse – now, this one may seem a little out there, but when it comes to starting a venture, there’s going to be a lot of self-learning, and reflection. Give it a read with an open mind.”
“The other recommendation I would have, especially if you’re building products, is “The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability – Designing for Abundance”. Written by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, the book is a follow-up to their previous work “Cradle to Cradle”, and explores how, as a society, there are better ways to approach design to ensure sustainability for generations to come.”
“Over the last five years we’ve established our organization [NORCAT] as the ‘go-to’ place for support if you’re embarking on a startup journey. Why not think of us the place to go to for learning material and a repository of books and magazines on tech, start-ups, innovation, and entrepreneurship?”
A nascent core of print material exists on the second floor at 1545 Maley Drive. If you have books you would like to contribute McCall encourages your donation to the collection.
“I think if you asked most entrepreneurs, they’ll tell you that it’s not an easy path, but it’s very rewarding to see the thing you’ve spent countless hours working on succeed.”
McCall does not suggest everyone should have a pile of books on the bedside table, but that time invested in learning and thinking might have rewards both for your business ideas, day-to-day operations, and networking skills, but also for the inspiration of those who think forward, think big, think bold.
Off the Shelf explores the reading habits of Sudburians. Hugh Kruzel is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. Jessica Watts is the co-ordinator of outreach, programs and partnerships with Greater Sudbury Public Library.
