Fabian G. Williams aka Fabs

Fabian G. Williams

Principal Product Manager, Microsoft Subscribe to my YouTube.

Start with Why: The How, the Why, and the What Behind My Reading Habit

A reflective look at Simon Sinek book and how it aligns with my personal approach to reading and growth.

Fabian Williams

2-Minute Read

Start with Why book by Simon Sinek

Why I Read the Way I Do

In a world where audiobooks and digital formats are on the rise, I still find myself drawn to the physicality of hardcover books. They’re not just objects—they’re experiences. A hardcover book lasts longer, can be passed down, or gifted to someone who may need its wisdom as much as I did.

But my love for hardcovers ties directly to my reading process: I read every book at least twice. The first time, I simply read—no notes, no highlights, just letting the words flow. The second time, I go in with a pen or notebook, deliberately jotting down the key takeaways. For me, writing things down makes them stick, and as a visual learner, this approach is the most effective way for me to absorb information.

My reading setup with Start with Why

How This Fuels My Growth

This isn’t just about reading for the sake of it. It’s about growth and implementation. Recently, I’ve been diving into Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. The book’s core message is simple yet profound: successful individuals and organizations don’t just communicate what they do—they communicate why they do it.

This principle has had a real impact on my work. Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed shifts in my content creation—whether it’s blog posts, videos, or presentations. Clarity of purpose, driven by a focus on the “why,” has made my messages resonate more deeply.

Purpose-driven communication inspires action

What I Recommend to You

If your role involves leading, inspiring, or motivating others, Start with Why is a must-read. Hardcover, paperback, eBook, or audio—choose the format that works for you, but make sure you read it. This book could reshape how you think about leadership, storytelling, and purpose.

Highlighting and note-taking while re-reading Journaling your thoughts and ideas
Highlighting and taking notes to retain ideas Journaling to organize and reflect on thoughts

Call to Action

📢 Now, over to you:
How do you approach reading? Do you prefer audiobooks, eBooks, or physical books? Are you someone who dives straight in, or do you take notes to capture key takeaways?

👇 Leave your comments below—I’d love to hear about your process and learn from your habits!

Let’s grow together!


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Fabs

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