Over the years, I’ve built businesses, led teams, and navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship — and I didn’t do it alone. Books have been some of my greatest mentors. These 11 titles shaped my mindset, deepened my leadership, and helped me create a business (and life) I love. Whether you’re launching your first venture or looking for fresh perspective, these reads offer timeless tools for success
1. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
I read this as a new business owner over 20 years ago—never imagining the impact it would have on my future. The mindset I gained from this book shifted how I view time, freedom, and productivity. It’s what helped me build a business that supports my life, not the other way around.
2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
This book is a must-read for anyone leading a team. One of my favorite principles is the Law of the Lid—the idea that your leadership ability determines your effectiveness. It’s one of the reasons I’m such a strong advocate for continual learning: if you want your business to grow, you have to grow.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This book helped me shift from reacting to life to intentionally designing it. Begin with the End in Mind and Put First Things First completely changed how I approach both business strategy and daily decisions. It’s a reminder that success starts with personal clarity and self-discipline.
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book helped me shift from chasing goals to becoming the kind of person who lives them out — and “habit stacking” made it doable. Listening to audiobooks and podcasts while showering, driving, or mowing may seem small, but it’s shaped who I’m becoming, one habit at a time.
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This classic taught me that relationships are everything in business. From customer service to team leadership, learning to listen, show genuine interest, and give honest appreciation will take you further than any sales tactic.
6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
This book helped me clarify that people don’t just buy what you do — they buy why you do it. As a leader, knowing and communicating your “why” creates loyalty, inspiration, and a stronger foundation for everything you build.
7. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
When I was younger, I struggled with having a positive mindset — and my life reflected it. This book helped me realize that when I made the decision to change my thinking, everything else began to shift with it.
8. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
This book taught me to take full responsibility for everything in my business — no excuses, no blame. I also admire Jocko’s no-frills communication style; it’s a reminder that clarity and directness are powerful leadership tools.
9. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
One of my favorite lessons from this book is, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” That perspective has helped me navigate tough seasons in business with clarity and purpose — especially when others were panicking.
10. Good to Great by Jim Collins
This book helped me understand that greatness isn’t about flashy wins — it’s about disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. The concept of getting the right people on the bus has deeply shaped how I build and lead teams.
11. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
This little book packs a punch — it reinforced for me that our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. When I started changing my thoughts, I didn’t just change my business… I changed my life.
Running a business takes more than strategy — it takes mindset, leadership, discipline, and heart. These 11 books have left a lasting imprint on how I show up in business and in life. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re years into your journey, I hope you’ll find something here that challenges and inspires you. Because in the end, readers really are leaders.
