Storytelling has been a trend in organisational communications for some time. Sense-making stories provide background for decisions and help us understand why they are made. Sense-building stories focus on the future.

English studies were a great training for corporate storytelling, as we spent most of our time with top world literature, such as Shakespeare, Fitzgerald and Kerouac.

I still read a lot - mostly contemporary fiction from English-speaking countries, but increasingly writers from other countries. Not so much business books. Fiction gives me new perspectives and helps making sense. I learn to understand various cultures and ways of operating. Through books it is easier to accept and adjust to differences. I am convinced that my first business trips to India went more smoothly as I had learnt some of the norms and manners from literature.

Books are also a global small talk topic. Knowing my Shakespeare has helped more than once.

I have lots of tips for books and bookshops (and much more) on my Pinterest boards.