FOR a year now, Maria Elena “Nanette” Arbon has led the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cebu. Although relatively new to Cebu as the provincial director, she has been known in government service for advocating for technology enterprises, evident in her support for local startups. She has organized Slingshot PH, a DTI-led platform for public dialogue and partnership for the startup community.
Here are some of the DTI executive’s most loved books:
“Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage” by Robert Atkinson and Stephen Ezell. This 2014 book explores an innovation-led economy and what weakness in innovation has done to the United States, not only
contributing to the Great Recession but delaying America’s recovery from it.
“Ten Types of Innovation” by Larry Keeley explores patterns of innovations within industries and the innovation culture. Clearly written for managers and executives, the authors discusses innovation principles that are vital to the sustainabilty of any business and organization. (Another innovation-focused title that Director Arbon recommends is “Leading from the Emerging Future.”)
“Originals: How Nonconformists Rule the World” by Adam Grant, also previously recommended by businessman Robert Go, looks into stories of entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and professionals, and how they originated new ideas, policies, and practices.
“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain explores and emphasizes the strengths of introverts and how they can function in an extrovert-dominated culture. Cain notes that many creative individuals and distinguished leaders were introverts.