5 books to inspire and take action

Books are powerful tools that help us broaden our perspective on the world and ourselves. Today, on World Book Day, we invite you to look at it as a narrative enhancer. “Reading the world precedes reading the word”, said Paulo Freire, which shows us the importance of the particular place that each person comes from in the construction of language. At the same time, it makes us consider reading a possible way to expand our individual universe, with valuable lessons to collectively transform the world around us.

In this post, we selected some of the books nominated in Radar MBM, our monthly newsletter. In each edition, we invite a team member or industry partner to share a book to read and think about. To receive a good suggestion every month, sign up .

In this selection, the readings will inspire you to act. The works cover diverse themes, from stories of people who went through challenges and began to multiply the impact of their actions, to reflections on the importance of taking responsibility for the changes we desire in the world, aligned with the values ​​of a society based on social justice.

If you are looking for motivation to get involved in a cause, boost your performance, or simply want to expand your perception and learn from the experiences of other social leaders, this list is for you! check out

Structural racism

by Silvio Almeida

When reading “Structural Racism”, by jurist and current Minister of Human Rights, Silvio Almeida, the reader has access to an overview, albeit brief, of the racial issue in Brazil. In the work, the author presents statistical data and discusses the social, political and economic structure of Brazilian society, which contributed to inequalities, especially racial issues. Recommended reading for anyone who wants to start familiarizing themselves with the extremely important discussion in the Brazilian context, as well as for anyone who wants to have a quick pocket guide on the main topics. The book is part of the Feminismos Plurais collection, by philosopher Djamila Ribeiro, and helps to understand how discrimination is structured and forged in the origins of Brazil.

Evaluate what matters

by John Doerr

A path for those who want to set goals with more assertiveness and purpose, in life, professionally or whatever they desire. Embark on the wonderful journey of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in “Evaluate what matters”, by author John Doerr, who closely followed the development of the methodology. This is because it documents the growth process of giant technology companies, such as Intel and Google, which have adhered to the model that promises to use timely and relevant data to monitor the progress of projects. An excellent read to get acquainted with the tool, which is the basis of the work here at MBM. More focus and agility to achieve great results.

From the favela to the world

by Edu Lyra

“It’s not where you come from, it’s where you’re going.” With this mantra, Edu Lyra, founder and CEO of Gerando Falcões, an MBM partner organization, defies statistics to intervene in the lives of thousands of families living in poverty. In “From the favela to the World”, he invites the reader to a journey across the entire social spectrum through the point of view of someone who comes from the favela and has come a long way to dialogue and build bridges with the top of capital society. With audacious goals and challenges that could paralyze anyone, Edu is not frightened by the size of the problems, on the contrary, he turns everything into fuel to reach more and more people and reach his goal: transforming poverty into a museum piece. The book is just a part of this journey that is worth knowing.

Systemic management for a complex world

by Mariana Pechlivanis

“Everything is connected to everything. And you, are you aware of this?” This is the provocation contained in the subtitle of the book, written by Marina Pechlivanis, founding partner of Umbigo do Mundo, partner of Movimento Bem Maior on the Education Platform for Kindness and Generosity. The book addresses today's complex challenges from a systemic management approach, which sees an interdependent world where everything is connected to everything, including people. Just like us at Movimento Bem Maior, the author has a vision of a society in which everyone is co-responsible, so solutions need to be built in a network. In addition to reflections and questions based on a series of authors and thinkers, you have access to interviews and practical exercises. To start getting your hands dirty!

Lessons from a rebellious businessman 

by Yvon Chouinard

Yvon Chouinard is the founder and owner of Patagonia, an outdoor sports clothing and supplies company. In 2001, Yvon helped found 1% For The Planet, a business alliance that encourages the donation of at least one percent of these companies' annual sales to a group of organizations committed to the environment around the world. Today, he contributes significantly to activists engaged in these causes, is a member of numerous environmental organizations and spends much of his time outdoors. A story that teaches a lot about life purpose and makes us reflect on the place that companies need to occupy for a sustainable world.

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