Fifteen book discoveries or what are we reading at Danske

As every professional knows, it’s not just the body that needs exercise, but also the mind does too. That is why Danske has a well-stocked library. So, if you are looking for an interesting read and do not know what to choose, the colleagues at Danske are here to recommend you 15 literary treasures: from stories about the journey searching for the meaning of life to interesting theories on memory recording.

Nikas Martinėnas reads (Chief IT Security Specialist)

It will come as no surprise that I am the most interested in books about IT security. However, I consider that the most exceptional books are actually those that are able to catch and hold the attention no matter your profession.

• Kim Zetter: “Countdown to Zero Day“. This book looks at the Stuxnet virus, which was probably the first real cyberweapon. This virus was created by the joint efforts of Israeli and US special services as a way to sabotage Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Although, it is a documentary book, it feels like reading a taut thriller.

• Simon Singh: “The Code Book“. A beautifully and simply written book about the history of cryptography, encryption and decryption methods. This book tells about clay tablets, prehistoric safety solutions, and takes you through to modern technology.

Povilas Stankevičius reads (Asset and Investment Management Strategist)

To me, reading books is a way to relax. I usually read on the weekends. Aside from professional literature, I love to delve into the pages of classics that reflect world history, as well as those of must-read books.

• Edwin Lefèvre: “Reminiscences of a Stock Operator“. This book provides an account of trading on the financial markets in the late 19th and 20th centuries, a period that was like the Wild West compared to the  markets nowadays. It tells of a real, personal experience that perfectly captures early capitalism and consumer thinking, as well as the specifics of financial markets and stock trading.

• George Orwell: “Animal Farm“. This classic literary work has become well-known for its elements of satire and animal fable. As one of the greatest political allegories, it reflects the most important events of the Stalin era.

• Ernest Hemingway: “A Farewell to Arms“. This novel by Hemingway is considered a semi-autobiographical work that tells of love in the sanitary section of the Italian army during the First World War. Hemingway wrote 47 different endings for this bestselling book.

Vaida Bičkutė reads (Public Relations Representative)

• Ken Robinson: “Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life“. This book is a practical guide to help readers discover their hidden talents and strength, teaching them to accept the current state of things and encourage them to come up with their own definition of happiness.

• Chris Anderson: “TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking“. Today’s TED conference was created by Anderson, and in this special book, he explains how this miracle between the speaker and the audience happens and how to connect with listeners. It is a very good starting point for improvement, not only in the professional sphere but also in one’s personal life.

• Rimantas Kmita: “The Southside Chronicles“. The story of a man right after the restoration of independence, while the picturesque language of the work takes the reader right at the heart of the period of tracksuits, wild capitalism and the popularity of Rembo. I was fascinated, laughed, and found a lot of soul-thrilling moments. This is a very “personal” book.

Milda Dzidolikienė reads (Head of IT Service Centre Administration)

• Stephen Covey: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“. In his work, Covey presents a different, holistic approach to solving personal and professional problems. The book was released in 1989, but has not lost its relevance even today.

• Sheryl Sandberg: “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead“. The author of the book, who is Executive Director at Facebook, talks about her experience at work and what it means to be a woman manager in a world that overlooks the principles of equality. She also shares tips on how women can find a good work life balance by juggling their personal life, family and career.

• Daniel Goleman: “Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence“. Today, more and more emphasis are placed on emotional intelligence and a harmonious work place – which is what Goleman looks at here. As part of Danske Bank, I understand that these and other areas discussed in the book are an integral part of professional victories.

Vilius Lukauskas reads (Head of Global Service Centre Administration)

I don't read books as often as I would like. Nevertheless, I do believe that finding time to sit down and open the book is important to alter our daily pace of constant "scrolling", reading articles and taking in of day-to-day information.

• Laurent Gounelle: “God Always Travels Incognito“. This book takes the reader to Paris during the summer time. The author makes the reader to think about what can encourage us to overcome our fears, how to start to love life again and how to discover the meaning of life.

Karolina Adelbergytė reads (Data Scientist)

• Tom Goodwin: “Digital Darwinism: Survival of the Fittest in the Age of Business Disruption“. In this book the author shares insights into the future of technology, analyses the behaviour of society and presents lessons learned from the past to help understand how business should adapt in the world of technology, as well as what should we value and what is the least important.

• Michio Kaku: “The Future of the Mind“. One of the most famous futurists of this time skilfully shows that innovations such as recording of memories, telepathy, filming of dreams, control of thoughts, telekinesis and other recent scientific discoveries will become reality in the near future.