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Reading Books Shapes Human Growth and Wellbeing
It is one of the rare practices that trains both focus and imagination, both discipline and freedom. For individuals, reading reduces stress, strengthens memory, deepens empathy, and gives a sense of purpose. For teams, it builds a shared language, shared values, and fosters the kind of dialogue that makes collaboration more intelligent and humane.

In an age of AI and digital noise, reading a book is a deliberate act of depth.
Reading is NOT just about pleasure...
  • It reduces stress more than any other activity (walking, music, or even sleep)
  • It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, trains attention and develops emotional regulation
  • It helps build new neuron pathways and prevent cognitive overload
  • Discussing books in a group helps building soft skills and psychological intelligence
  • For teams, its one of the best and most natural way of building and changing Company Culture.
  • For a team leader, it is an effortless possibility to build deep human connection, achieve engagement and develop loyalty among team members.
The Corporate Book Club
Designed for teams that want to grow intellectually, emotionally, and relationally.
  • Culture Building
    Book clubs build culture by fostering dialogue around shared ideas and experiences, which helps promote company and leadership values.
  • Community & Connection
    It bridges silos by letting employees connect as people, not just functions, responsibilities and roles.
  • Diversity of Thought
    Exposure to varied authors and genres cultivates openness to new perspectives. Openness to the ideas of other readers helps promote diversity in teams.
  • Soft Skills Development
    Book discussions naturally train empathy, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence through dialogue and reflection.
  • Leadership Development
    Reading about leaders’ choices and dilemmas gives employees a low-risk arena to practice judgment, ethics, vision, and decision-making.
  • Engagement & Retention
    A Corporate Book Club is a benefit, just like gym membership, but an intellectual gym. It contributes to the quality of life and promotes engagement.
How does it work
Corporate Book Clubs are customizable to your team’s needs or interests
You set the theme- I curate the journey with the right mix of fiction and nonfiction, classics and contemporary reads. Examples of themes: Leadership Skills Book Club, Women' Leadership, Mental Health Book Club, Personal Development Book Club, Meaning and Purpose Book Club (we can also alternate the themes on a monthly or quarterly basis)
There are various format options to accommodate for busy teams
We can meet once a month, or every 6-8 weeks, for busier team or longer reads. The discussions take place online or in Amsterdam (and surroundings). It will take us 90-120 mins to discuss the book in a group setting.
Small teams for psychological safety
Intimate groups create trust and openness, making employees more willing to share honest thoughts without fear of judgment. The groups are up to 10 participants for maximum engagement and psychological safety.
Get ready to learn, reflect and listen
We do not discuss the content of the book but rather focus on the deeper ideas, hidden meaning, personal lens, and reflections on the book through each one's unique life experiences.
Pricing: 950 euro/month per group of up to 10 people (ex. VAT)
Our collaboration could also start with a pilot project or a webinar for your team on the benefits of using books as a form of growth, development and de-stressing.
The Book Club Curator
Tamara Markova, PhD
  • PhD in Organizational Learning and Behavior
  • Ex-Lecturer of "Organizational Culture and Leadership" course at University of Amsterdam, Program Director of Executive Education program "Culture as Strategy" at Vrije Universitiet.
  • Professionally trained Book Club Moderator
  • Practicing Psychologist
  • Ex-top manager in large multinationals (M&A, corporate strategy and planning)
  • Ex-Board of Directors Member at a company with 500+ mln EUR turnover
  • More information on my professional website:
    www.the-psychologist.eu
Book Clubs for Individuals
Read 1 book per month
Each month we read another book. The list of books for 2025 is below. You can join us at any time. It's an international group, most people are non-native English speakers so your English does not have to be perfect.
Join 1 group call per month
Each month we meet online for 2hrs to discuss the book in a group setting.
Get ready to reflect and listen
We do not discuss the content of the book but rather focus on the deeper ideas, hidden meaning, personal lens, and reflections on the book through each one's unique life experiences.
Participation is on a membership basis
The participation in 1 meeting (1 book) costs 50 euro. It is paid upon registration and on the 1st of every month. If you wish to leave the club, you can notify us at any time.
Pricing for the Book Club for Individuals: €50 per month.
If you're unsure, you can join for just one month before committing to the full membership.
List of Books 2025
  • October 2025
    "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy
    October 26th, 2025, 10:00 - 12:00 CET
  • November 2025
    "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
    To be announced
  • December 2025
    "Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson" by Mitch Albom
    To be announced
  • January 2026
    "Martin Iden" by Jack London
In case of interest, please register here →
Register here
Contact Form
For questions, comments, proposals and registration please contact me.
Contact me
+31643006572
psychologist.eu@gmail.com
Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Working worldwide online