Paul McGee: Reading Is Essential To Life
Paul McGee’s reading list
7 books mentioned in this interview
- What Is The Bible · Rob Bell
- Famous Five books · Enid Blyton
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People · Stephen R. CoveyRecommended 7 times
- How to Win Friends and Influence People · Dale CarnegieRecommended 18 times
- My Turn: A Life of Total Football · Johan Cruyff
- The Little Book of Emotional Intelligence · Andy Cope
- Love Wins · Rob Bell
Books by Paul McGee: SUMO (Shut Up, Move On)
Paul McGee is known as the Sumo Guy, due to the success of his book SUMO (Shut Up, Move On) which became an instant best seller. Paul has become one of the world’s leading motivational speakers on the subject of change, workplace relationships and motivation. His work has been endorsed by the Elite Performance Director of the British Olympic Association, Sir Clive Woodward. Paul McGee has also published a book on the subject of self confidence which hit number 1 on the WHSmith Business Book chart, and stayed there for an incredible 24 weeks. From a background in psychology, Paul McGee has worked with numerous clients, including prominent blue chip organisations, public sector bodies and a leading Premiership football club. Paul says his goal is simple, he simply wants to help people achieve better results in life and have more fun in the process. Please enjoy my interview with Paul McGee…
When someone asks you ‘what do you do for a living?’ – How do you respond?
I’m a motivational speaker and author but my motivation is grounded in reality rather than ‘Ra-Ra’.
What are you reading at the moment?
What Is The Bible by Rob Bell. The bible is the world’s bestselling book and Rob Bell lifts the lid on a lot of myths and assumptions made about the biblical narrative.
When you think about your childhood, what book comes to mind?
When I think of my childhood, the books that come to mind are the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was growing up I wanted to be an actor or a journalist.
What do you think your school aged self would think of the present day you?
I think he’d say; ‘you’ve done alright mate’.
If you could wrap up a single book and gift it to yourself as you left education – which book would it be?
I would gift myself The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, because the book emphasises the importance of character and relationships and has a depth that many other books in this genre lack. It’s holistic in it’s view of life rather than simply focusing on what career success is.
Does your reading have routine? Is there a particular time or place that you like to read?
I usually read either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your career so far?
The book that has had the biggest impact on my career is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I started my business working for the Dale Carnegie organisation. It was one of the most intense personal development experiences of my life and Carnegie’s book was a key part of that.
Do you have any books that you strongly associate with someone important in your life?
My Father recently bought me My Turn: A Life of Total Football by Johan Cruyff, which is his autobiography.
What book have you recommended the most to friends and family?
The book I’ve recommended most is probably my own.
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
I prefer non-fiction. I have a passion around my subject that is fuelled by my reading of non-fiction, however I do read some fiction – it’s probably an 80:20 split.
Do you think reading is important?
It’s more than important, it’s essential to life
What’s the best book you’ve read in the last 6 months?
The best book I’ve read over the last six months is The Little Book of Emotional Intelligence by Andy Cope. I enjoy books that make me smile as well as make me think. This book does both. Some academic authors have the knowledge but are unable to communicate it in an engaging way. Andy Cope, the author of this book is not one of those people.
Do you prefer real books or digital books?
I wouldn’t say I have a preference.
Name a book that you feel every human should have to read by law.
I’d have to say it would be SUMO Shut Up, Move On – modesty prevents me from naming the author!
What is the book that you feel has had the single biggest impact on your life?
Are there any books you haven’t mentioned that you feel would make your reading list?
Love Wins by Rob Bell. I’m fascinated by issues of faith and the bigger picture in terms of what life is all about. Bell is prepared to ask uncomfortable questions without providing glib answers. He talks about what I believe matters and is a great antidote to the superficial and sensationalist interpretations of the bible.
What books or subject matter do you plan on reading in the next year?
A mixture of books that stimulate me on an emotional, psychological and spiritual level.
If you were to write an autobiography – what would it be called?
And Now for Something a Little Different.
If you’d like to learn more about Paul McGee, you can find him on his website and Twitter.
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