Reading has been key in my career journey. As I look back on my life, some of my most transformational moments came from books about professional and personal development. These books changed how I approach life and my career - especially during my transition from design to tech.
I often get asked about which books helped me transition from design to tech and grow in my QA career. Here's my running list of books that made a real difference, with notes on why each one mattered to me.
Technical & Testing Books
1. Agile Testing by Lisa Crispin & Janet Gregory
Why it matters:
This book found me right when I was starting my QA journey. The mind-mapping technique I introduced to here completely changed how I approach test planning using mind maps. I still use these concepts daily.
2. AI-Assisted Testing by Mark Winteringham
Key takeaway:
This book helped me understand how to use AI tools effectively in testing without losing the human element. I’ve been using these concepts daily in my current work with ChatGPT and Claude.
3. How Can I Test This? by S. Bala et al.
Perfect for: Those moments when you're staring at a new feature wondering where to start. The practical examples mirror real situations I face with clients. It featured very practical examples. I still reference this book during technical challenges today.
4. Contemporary Exploratory Testing by Maaret Pyhäjärvi
What clicked: The modern take on exploration helped me balance automation with thoughtful manual testing.
5. The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim
First impact:
This was my introduction to DevOps through storytelling. Reading about Bill's challenges with deployments and the Three Ways helped me understand why quality needs to be built in from the start. It changed how I view my role in the development process. It was also my intro to business fiction books.
6. Assessing Agile Quality Practices with QPAM by Janet Gregory & Selena Delesie
What works: The practical framework for measuring and improving quality practices. I pulled on this last year when started with my new team at Konabos and we were working through the standardization of the QA Process. I referenced this whenever I need to assess a team's testing maturity and evaluations.
7. Exploratory Software Testing by James Whittaker
Why it helps: The tours concept from this book gave me a structured way to explore applications. Instead of random testing, I now have clear patterns to follow when I need to learn new software quickly. The comparison to a tourist exploring a city made exploratory testing click for me.
8. Agile Testing Condensed by Janet Gregory & Lisa Crispin
Quick Win: It’s a simplified version of Agile Testing with updated concepts that I have applied to my testing strategies. Think of this as your agile testing starter pack. It takes the core ideas from their bigger book and makes them super practical. I use their testing quadrants almost daily to ensure I cover all types of testing my projects need. It's become my go-to reference for explaining testing strategy to new team members.
9. Explore It! By Elisabeth Hendrickson
Key insight: This book showed me how to mix structure with creativity in testing. The charter concept helps me keep my exploratory testing focused while still leaving room for discovery. I use her "what if" questioning technique in every test session.
10. Agile Changed My Life by D. Ray Freeman
Personal impact:
Having met and interacted with Ray personally, this felt like reading messages from a mentor who really gets the human side of Agile. I connected with the stories of teams struggling with change and learned practical ways to help my own team adapt to agile practices. I also employed these principles in our home which helped to better organize family activities. The focus on real experiences over theory made the concepts stick.
Leadership & Communication
1. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
What stood out: Her "clear is kind" principle changed how I write bug reports and communicate with my teams. When I'm unsure about giving feedback on a difficult testing situation, I come back to this idea.
2. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Key impact:
It helped me understand how to navigate tech as a woman, especially during my early days transitioning from design to QA. The chapter on mentorship pushed me to seek out learning opportunities I might have missed.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Why it works:
Covey's principles helped me structure my approach to testing and team leadership. The habit of "begin with the end in mind" shapes how I plan everything, from test strategies to meal plans for my family.
4. Crucial Conversations
Key impact:
This book changed how I handle tough quality conversations with teams. I used to worry about bringing up issues, especially with senior developers or stakeholders. Now I have a framework for discussing problems while keeping relationships strong. For example, when I needed to push back on a rushed release timeline recently, I used the "start with facts" approach to make my case effectively.
5. The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
Personal growth:
Speaking at conferences like SauceCon used to terrify me. This book gave me practical techniques I still use when presenting testing concepts to large groups. The idea of focusing on helping your audience rather than worrying about yourself shifted my entire approach to public speaking. These days, I think about sharing knowledge rather than "giving a talk."
6. Predictable Success by Les McKeown
Why it matters:
This book helped me understand the natural ups and downs teams go through. When I joined Konabos last year, I could spot where we were in the growth cycle and what was needed next. It's especially useful when working with different clients - I can identify what stage their QA process is in and suggest appropriate improvements. The stages concept helps me adapt my testing approach to match where each team is in their journey.
Personal Growth
1. The Art of Extraordinary Confidence by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
Perfect for:
Those moments when imposter syndrome hits (like my first couple of testing projects!). The practical exercises helped me build confidence in challenging situations, whether personal or professional.
2. The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Why I recommend it:
This one's simple but powerful. I use her countdown method whenever I need to push past hesitation and take action. It's helped me speak up in meetings and make tough decisions.
3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Game changer:
Changed my entire approach to learning and challenges. Instead of "I can't do this," I started asking "How can I learn this?". This shift helped me tackle everything from test automation to running my design business.
4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Unexpected benefit: Shows how to test ideas quickly and learn from feedback. I've applied these principles to both my professional projects and personal goals.
5. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Personal impact:
Helped me trust my instincts more and stop doubting my inner voice. Sometimes you just know something isn't right, and this book taught me to honor that feeling.
6. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
Key learning:
Understanding the science behind confidence helped me see it as a skill to build, not a personality trait you're born with. This perspective changed how I approach new technical challenges.
7. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Impact:
Learning to embrace imperfection was game-changing for me. The book helped me understand that striving for perfection often holds us back from meaningful progress. Most importantly, it taught me that being vulnerable and authentic builds stronger connections - both at home and at work.
8. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Key takeaway:
This book shifted how I think about money management. Instead of getting caught up in small decisions, I learned to focus on setting up systems that automatically handle the important stuff. His concept of "money dials" helped me get clear on what I truly value and where I want to spend more freely versus where I can cut back.
9. You are a badass by Jen Sincero
Impact:
Reminded me that believing in yourself isn't arrogant - it's necessary. Sometimes you need that kick of motivation to pursue bigger goals.
10. Atomic Habits
Key takeaway:
Small changes add up to big results. I've used this to build better daily routines and break some not-so-helpful habits.
11. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Why it matters:
Changed how I think about creativity and originality. Everything is a remix of what came before - it's about adding your unique perspective.
12. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
Perspective shift:
Challenged my assumptions about work and productivity. It's not about working more hours, but about working smarter.
Career Development & Productivity
1. The Software Tester's Journey by Vernon Richards & Nicola Lindgren
Why it resonates:
This book feels like having a mentor walk you through different career paths in testing. When I was first started transitioning into QA, I struggled to see where my career could go. The authors' clear mapping of various testing specializations and career trajectories has been invaluable in providing clarity and direction at this stage of my journey. Their insights are helping me navigate and shape my own career growth plan.
2. Work It Out by Mel Robbins
Personal impact:
This isn't just about career moves - it's about figuring out what truly matters to you. Her frameworks helped me structure both my career transitions: first from design to QA, and then growing into a senior role. The exercises for identifying your strengths and values were especially helpful when I was deciding to join Konabos. I still use her decision-making matrix when facing big career choices.
3. Personal Kanban by Jim Brown
Key insight:
This book changed how I manage my daily work and personal tasks. Instead of endless to-do lists, I learned to visualize my workflow and limit work in progress. The simple act of moving tasks across a board helps me stay focused and avoid overcommitting. I've used these principles to manage everything from test cases to home renovation projects.
Books to finish reading this quarter of 2025
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Reading Tips That Work For Me
Aim to read for 20 minutes each day
Audiobooks are great for busy schedules
Keep a few books close by for testing reference library at work
Take quick notes when something connects to my current project
Reread key chapters when facing similar challenges
A Note to Readers
These books aren't just about career growth - they're about becoming more confident in your choices and voice in your everyday lives.
These are just a few of the books that have had a significant impact on my personal and professional development. I hope that you find them as valuable as I have. Reading is an amazing way to learn and grow, and I encourage you to make it a regular part of your self-improvement journey.
I'll keep updating this list as I discover new books. If you've read any of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts or discuss how you've applied the concepts in your work and life.
Thank you for reading!
Happy Testing!
Comments