The ClearBox bookshelf – our essential reads
At ClearBox, we believe that great ideas come from curiosity, continuous learning, and diverse perspectives. Whether we’re helping organisations improve internal communication, improve collaboration, or create a seamless digital workplace, the books we read shape our thinking and approach.
In this article, our team shares the books that have inspired us – covering leadership, storytelling, AI, digital work, and more. These aren’t just business books, they’re practical guides, thought-provoking insights, and even a few unexpected gems that will help you navigate the ever-changing world of work.
If you’re looking for fresh perspectives on employee experience, strategy, and effective communication, start here.
Sam’s top picks: smarter work, better communication
ClearBox MD, Sam, focuses on practical, evidence-based insights that improve digital workplaces, internal comms, and employee experience. His picks explore what truly drives engagement, how AI is reshaping communication, and why enterprise search is critical for knowledge management.
The Progress Principle
Author: Teresa Amabile & Steven Kramer
Synopsis: A data-driven look at workplace engagement, showing that small wins and removing obstacles matter more than corporate initiatives.
Sam’s take: “Digital Workplace managers can take inspiration from this book and ask: ‘What can I do to help people focus on the work that matters to them?”
Internal Communication in the Age of AI
Author: Monique Zytnik
Synopsis: A practical guide to AI’s impact on internal comms, with case studies and strategies for adapting.
Sam’s take: “An experienced practitioner, Monique distils some core issues and changes affecting internal communicators into an easily digestible read.”
Enterprise Search
Author: Martin White
Synopsis: A must-read for intranet and digital workplace managers, covering how to improve findability without technical overwhelm.
Sam’s take: “Still the go-to guide for those in charge of enterprise search, invaluable for strategic planning without getting bogged down in technical details.
Suzie’s top picks: leadership, innovation & smart thinking
ClearBox’s reports consultant, Suzie Robinson, is passionate about credible leadership, innovation in internal comms, and learning from failure. Her book selections focus on how to build trust, embrace creativity, and turn mistakes into growth opportunities.
Nobody Believes You
Author: Jenni Field
Synopsis: A research-backed guide to credibility in leadership, exploring the eight practices – including trust, empathy, and capability – that make people want to follow you.
Suzie’s take: “This book really resonated with me because so much of internal communication success depends on credibility. If people don’t trust you as a leader, engagement strategies won’t work.”
Innovative Internal Communication
Author: Joanna Parsons
Synopsis: A fresh take on internal comms, showing how creativity, behavioural science, and technology can drive real impact.
Suzie’s take: “A must-read for anyone wanting to move beyond ‘best practice’ and experiment with new, effective ways of working.”
The Narrative Age
Author: Frank Wolf
Synopsis: Staffbase co-founder, Steven Wolf, explores how the world’s biggest brands use narratives – not just stories – to inspire change and build stronger reputations.
Suzie’s take: “This book challenges the way we think about organisational storytelling and how we frame messages for impact.”
Black Box Thinking
Author: Matthew Syed
Synopsis: A deep dive into why learning from failure is key to innovation and success, with insights from Formula One, Dyson, and Team Sky.
Suzie’s take: “A fascinating look at how embracing failure helps organisations and individuals improve, instead of fearing mistakes.”
Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Author: Priya Bates & Advita Patel
Synopsis: A practical guide to DEI in internal comms, helping organisations move beyond tokenism to build a culture where everyone feels valued and included.
Suzie’s take: “A must-read for internal comms professionals looking to drive meaningful culture change and make DEI a core part of workplace communication.”
Wedge’s top picks: content, clarity & communication that works
Wedge’s picks champion clear, accessible, and user-focused communication. His book choices focus on content design, employee communication strategy, and the principles behind great content experiences – critical for internal comms, digital workplaces, and UX-driven intranets.
Content Design (Second Edition)
Author: Sarah Winters and Rachel Edwards
Synopsis: A practical guide to content design, showing how to create user-focused, needs-based content that works across platforms.
Wedge’s take: “For comms and reference content, this book brings writing into the design fold, ensuring pages meet actual needs.”
Successful Employee Communications
Author: Sue Dewhurst and Liam FitzPatrick
Synopsis: A toolkit for internal communicators, offering frameworks, models, and best practices for managing comms effectively.
Wedge’s take: “Perfect for comms management.“
The Elements of Content Strategy
Author: Erin Kissane
Synopsis: A concise but essential guide to what content strategy is, why it matters, and how to do it well.
Sam’s take: “A free resource, you can now read online – go get it!”
One to watch – Accessible Communications (Available for pre-order)
Releasing later this year, Accessible Communications by Lisa Riemers & Matisse Hamel-Nelis is a must-read for communicators. With practical tips and real-world examples, it helps teams create inclusive content, build trust, and avoid missteps.
Pre-order now – essential for anyone in comms!
Final thoughts – building better workplaces through great ideas
At ClearBox, we know that the best strategies start with great thinking. Whether it’s navigating AI, improving search, crafting better content, or leading with credibility, these books have shaped how we approach internal comms and the digital workplace.
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, challenge your thinking, or find fresh inspiration, we hope this list gives you a great place to start.
