---
title: Ten top tech books, as recommended by our industry experts
description: Check out this extensive list of top tech books from our industry experts, just in time for National Book Lovers Day.
image: https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogPost_BookLoversDay_August9-1.jpg
---

[Skip to main content](https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts#maincontent) [Skip to footer](https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts#footer-en)

![Essential tech reads, handpicked by Payworks pros.  ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogBanner_BookLoversDay_August9.jpg)

# Ten top tech books, as recommended by our industry experts

Aug 09, 2025

[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources)

![Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/inTheLoop-ring-150px.png)

Payworks

Share this article

[![Share this on Facebook.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts) [![Share this on Twitter.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](http://twitter.com/share?text=A%20great%20article%20from%20Payworks!&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts) [![Share this on LinkedIn.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts&title=&summary=&source)

If you’re like our team and always on the lookout for the next great read, look no further! We asked a passionate group of [Payworks technology executives](https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/leadership-team) for their ideas, and most couldn’t pick just one. Before we turn the page on another National Book Lovers Day (that’s today!), check out this **extensive list of top tech and leadership books** from our industry experts. 

## If you’re interested in exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI), get started with this collection:

- ***[Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198678736-co-intelligence)*** by Ethan Mollick. Recommended by [Maureen Kinnear, Payworks’ Chief Technology Officer](https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/media/article/2024/08/12/payworks-welcomes-maureen-kinnear-as-chief-technology-officer), *Co-Intelligence*shows what it means to think and work together with smart machines, and why it's imperative that we master that skill.
- [***AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197554072-ai)by Roman Yampolskiy. Recommended by [Kevin Sokolowski, Chief Business Transformation Officer at Payworks](https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/leadership-team), this book focuses on AI safety and the importance of proper controls.
- [***Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20527133-superintelligence?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=We3hdinUkh&rank=1)by Nick Bostom. Recommended by [Andrew Stevens, Vice President, Development at Payworks](https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/leadership-team), *Superintelligence* is an analysis of AI and the future of intelligent life.

## If your focus is on promoting innovation and creative thinking within your organization, set your sights here:

- ***[Innovative Intelligence: The Art and Practice of Leading Sustainable Innovation in Your Organization](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10014402-innovative-intelligence)*** by David S. Weiss and Claude P. Legrand. Also recommended by Maureen, this (Canadian!) book helps you learn how to most effectively embrace a culture of innovation so that it permeates every level of the organization.
- [***Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25744928-deep-work)by Cal Newport. Also recommended by Andrew, this popular guide will help transform your mind and habits to support the skill of focused work.
- [***What Customers Want: Using Outcome-Driven Innovation to Create Breakthrough Products and Services***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/426683.What_Customers_Want) by Anthony W. Ulwick. Recommended by [Vidur Krishan, Vice President, Product Management at Payworks](https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/leadership-team), this approach to new product and service creation transforms innovation from an art into a science.
- [***Pirates in the Navy: How Innovators Lead Transformation***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52166407-pirates-in-the-navy) by Tendayi Viki. Recommended by [Derek Ward, Director, IT Strategy and Innovation at Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/introducing-derek-ward-our-new-director-of-development?hsLang=en-ca), *Pirates in the Navy* explores the concept of “intrapreneurs” – innovators working in large companies who want to create lasting change within their organizations.

## If you’d like learn more about human behaviour and the impacts of technology on people and society, dip into these stand-outs:

- [***Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28512671-everybody-lies) by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz. Recommended By [Stefan DeCosse, Vice President, Information Security at Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/watch-out-for-this-common-online-fraud-tactic-to-better-protect-your-business?hsLang=en-ca), this book offers an interesting perspective on understanding people’s inner thoughts by using data from platforms like Google.
- [***Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213395461-superbloom) by Nicholas Carr. Also recommended by Derek, this book may seem anti-technology – but it’s not! *Superbloom* explores media technologies and communication tools alongside the truths about human nature.

## If tech books aren’t really your jam, but personal development is, consider this popular recommendation that made the lists of Maureen, Andrew, and [Michael Markowski, Director, Development at Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/meet-michael-our-new-director-of-development?hsLang=en-ca):

- [***The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness***](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-courage-to-be-disliked) by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. Based on the theories of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, this book guides you through the principles of self-forgiveness, self-care, and mind decluttering in a straightforward, easy-to-digest style that’s accessible to all.

Looking for more ideas from the Payworks team (along with legislative explainers, updates on how to best leverage Payworks’ workforce management solutions, warm-and-fuzzy community news, and a whole lot more)? Subscribe to theWorks blog for a monthly roundup of insights delivered straight to your inbox: [https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/subscribe-to-theworks-blog](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/subscribe-to-theworks-blog?utm_source=payworks&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=Book%20Lovers%20Day:%20Recos%20from%20Mike,%20our%20Chief%20Operating%20Officer&utm_term=).

Key topics in this article:

[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources)[Finance](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/finance)[Business Owner](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/business-owner)[HR Management](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/hr-management)[SME](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/sme)[Franchisee](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/franchisee)[Payroll Management](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/payroll-management)

 These articles are produced by Payworks as an information service. They are not intended to substitute professional legal, regulatory, tax, or financial advice. Readers must rely on their own advisors, as applicable, for such advice.

[![Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/alberta-hr-compliance-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/alberta-hr-compliance-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/alberta-hr-compliance-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | August 04, 2026

Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know

Key Takeaways Alberta employers have a focused but impo…

[![National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/national-bank-of-canada-and-payworks-built-for-canadian-business?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/national-bank-of-canada-and-payworks-built-for-canadian-business?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/national-bank-of-canada-and-payworks-built-for-canadian-business?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 31, 2026

National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business

Why Are Canadian Businesses Choosing Homegrown Solution…

[![CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png?width=300&name=CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png)](https://blog.payworks.ca/cpp2-and-qpp2-explained-what-canadian-employers-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/cpp2-and-qpp2-explained-what-canadian-employers-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/cpp2-and-qpp2-explained-what-canadian-employers-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 21, 2026

CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know

Key Takeaways: As of January 1, 2024, Canadian employer…

[![Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's ahead](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/quebec-hr-compliance-in-2026-your-guide-to-whats-in-effect-and-whats-ahead?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/quebec-hr-compliance-in-2026-your-guide-to-whats-in-effect-and-whats-ahead?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/quebec-hr-compliance-in-2026-your-guide-to-whats-in-effect-and-whats-ahead?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 10, 2026

Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's …

Key Takeaways Québec employers are navigating one of th…

[![Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/pay-transparency-is-now-law-in-three-provinces-is-your-business-ready?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/pay-transparency-is-now-law-in-three-provinces-is-your-business-ready?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/pay-transparency-is-now-law-in-three-provinces-is-your-business-ready?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 07, 2026

Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready?

Key Takeaways

[![Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-b.c.-care-homes-payroll-data-ready-for-the-heabc-transition?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-b.c.-care-homes-payroll-data-ready-for-the-heabc-transition?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-b.c.-care-homes-payroll-data-ready-for-the-heabc-transition?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 30, 2026

Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition?

Key Takeaways: Eligible unionized B.C. long-term care (…

[![Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_June25.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_June25.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roes?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roes?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roes?hsLang=en-ca>[Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 12, 2026

Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide

Key Takeaways: An ROE provides information on employmen…

[![The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/the-canadian-2026-guide-to-holiday-stat-pay-employee-eligibility?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/the-canadian-2026-guide-to-holiday-stat-pay-employee-eligibility?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/the-canadian-2026-guide-to-holiday-stat-pay-employee-eligibility?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 09, 2026

The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility

Statutory holiday eligibility rules differ across every…

[![Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-payroll-provider-keeping-client-data-safe?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-payroll-provider-keeping-client-data-safe?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-payroll-provider-keeping-client-data-safe?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 05, 2026

Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe?

How to choose a secure payroll partner: a guide for acc…

[![From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/from-reporting-to-understanding-meet-payworks-analytics?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/from-reporting-to-understanding-meet-payworks-analytics?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/from-reporting-to-understanding-meet-payworks-analytics?hsLang=en-ca>[Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 02, 2026

From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics

Key Takeaways

[![What do employers need to know about Québec’s National Holiday?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_May24-1.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_May24-1.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/fete-nationale-du-quebec-stat-holiday-legislation?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/fete-nationale-du-quebec-stat-holiday-legislation?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/fete-nationale-du-quebec-stat-holiday-legislation?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | May 29, 2026

What do employers need to know about Québec’s National Holiday?

Key takeaways La fête nationale du Québec (June 24) is …

[![No surprises, no hidden fees – just affordable, accurate payroll](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogArticle_Pricing_May26.jpg?width=300&name=BlogArticle_Pricing_May26.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/no-surprises-no-hidden-fees-just-affordable-accurate-payroll?hsLang=en-ca)

<https://blog.payworks.ca/no-surprises-no-hidden-fees-just-affordable-accurate-payroll?hsLang=en-ca>

<https://blog.payworks.ca/no-surprises-no-hidden-fees-just-affordable-accurate-payroll?hsLang=en-ca>[Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | May 26, 2026

No surprises, no hidden fees – just affordable, accurate payroll

Key Takeaways: Payworks offers transparent payroll pric…

![ ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20Stock%20Photography/Cavan%20-%20Arlee.png)

## Seeing is believing!

Curious what better Canadian workforce management looks like in action (and how much time you could reclaim in your day-to-day)? Book a pressure-free, get-to-know you demo today.

[REQUEST A DEMO](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/book-a-demo)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Payworks",
    "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/author/payworks"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-08-21T17:22:04.638Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-08-09T13:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Ten top tech books, as recommended by our industry experts",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogPost_BookLoversDay_August9-1.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/ten-top-tech-books-as-recommended-by-our-industry-experts",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks.png"
    },
    "name" : "Payworks"
  }
}
```