Expansive by John Sanei and Erik Kruger is a practical guide for professionals who want to think more clearly and lead more effectively. it’s a bit of a mash-up of popular self-development themes, but the structure and delivery give it an edge over more bloated business books.
Sanei is a futurist who focuses on strategy and long-term thinking, while Kruger is a business coach who works closely with executives and teams. Together, they’ve hosted The Expansive podcast for several years. This book contains 52 short chapters, referred to as “provocations”, that can be read once a week or accessed as needed.
Step back from routine thinking
Each chapter raises a question or challenge. The format is consistent and easy to follow: a short essay followed by a simple weekly prompt or reflection exercise. The topics range from how we define success, to the role of technology in the workplace, to building resilience and better habits. The tone is plain and direct, avoiding jargon and motivational slogans in favour of practical insight.
Progress over Perfection focuses on the way perfectionism can block action. Many people feel stuck waiting for the right moment to change, or for conditions to be just right before they act. Sanei and Kruger argue that it’s more effective to work on steady, intentional change, even small steps, rather than getting caught in delay and self-doubt. The weekly challenge asks readers to identify one habit or behaviour to improve that week. It’s straightforward advice, but it’s the kind of thinking that can make a real difference when applied regularly.
Humans at the Centre looks at the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. The authors don’t frame AI as a threat, but as a tool, one that should free up humans to focus on the things machines can’t do. These include empathy, judgment, storytelling and decision-making in complex or emotional situations. It’s a practical way for leaders to think about balancing automation with the kind of judgment and connection only people can bring.
Expansive draws on the idea of “glocal” leadership — staying rooted in local realities while being alert to global shifts. It’s not a new concept, but it’s framed here as a practical approach that encourages readers to think critically about where they can influence change and how their decisions connect to wider economic, social and technological trends.
It isn’t a dense academic text or a typical business book. The weekly structure works well for people who want to build regular reflection into their routine. Each essay is short, and most can be read in less than 10 minutes. The content can also be used in leadership, coaching or staff development settings.
Sanei and Kruger are clear about not chasing productivity for its own sake. The book focuses more on clarity and alignment. The aim is to help readers notice patterns in their own thinking, challenge their assumptions, and make better decisions over time as they build long-term capability.
The ideas — mindset, habit change, emotional intelligence — aren’t new. What sets the book apart is how clearly it presents them, and the weekly format that makes changes easy to apply. It’s built for consistent, practical progress rather than big, one-off changes.
A practical tool for people who want to lead with more focus and purpose, Expansive is aimed at people in leadership roles, though the ideas apply to anyone looking to grow in their work or personal life. If you are trying to shift your thinking, or handle change more effectively, this book will give you a clear starting point and a structure to help you stay on track.
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