‘Into Thin Air by John Krakauer, and Why We Buy by Paco Underhill. Into Thin Air is the amazing true story of an attempt at Everest which went horribly wrong. Why We Buy studies the science of retailing, and reveals the shopping behaviour and habits of modern consumers.’

Charles Dunstone is managing director of Carphone Warehouse.

‘I’m reading The English – A Portrait of a People, a fascinating explanation of what makes the English so English. Jeremy Paxman’s erudition is impressive.

Also The Character of Corporation by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones, on how to build cohesion; and David Guterson’s Snow Falling on Cedars.’

Professor Hunt is a writer and management consultant.