For most entrepreneurs, no two days are the same, but every day requires them to be nimble and flexible enough to take on whatever challenges come their way.
Despite their constant busyness, successful entrepreneurs often make time to read, for the sake of their business and their personal growth. Here are 20 books every current and aspiring founder should consider exploring, broken down by business growth stage.
Startup stage
“Build the Damn Thing” by Kathryn Finney
In the Wall Street Journal bestseller “Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business If You're Not a Rich White Guy,” author Kathryn Finney provides a guide for entrepreneurs struggling to find their way in a world created by and for the “Entitleds.” With insightful tips on business plans, team growth, investor relations, and product development, Finney outlines how entrepreneurs can leverage available resources to step into their much-deserved place in the business world.
Accessing capital remains one of the most challenging aspects of launching a business. Finney’s book empowers entrepreneurs to seize their moment and build their business without waiting for permission.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to “take up space” in the business world; you deserve to be there, too.
“Million Dollar Weekend” by Noah Kagan
In the New York Times bestseller, “Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours,” Noah Kagan, writing with Tahl Raz, pushes entrepreneurs to stop dithering, stop researching, stop looking for the answer to every “how.” If you’ve identified a problem and can provide the solution, you have your idea for your business. Now what you need is a weekend to overcome your fears and just start — see what flows from there.
There has never been a better time to start your own business. Kagan lays out a plan to overcome your fears and start creating and experimenting your way to the life of your dreams.
Takeaway: Start small, start fast, and don’t worry about what you don’t know. You’ll figure it out along the way.
“The Greater Good” by Madeleine Shaw
Social entrepreneur Madeleine Shaw speaks to women and others who have been traditionally left out of mainstream business in “The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World.” The award-winning entrepreneur and menstrual health innovator offers a unique perspective for driven professionals dedicated to leading social impact ventures. Through her career insights and sharing the stories of other successful social entrepreneurs, Shaw helps readers understand that they can draw on their life experiences, values, and passions to create a successful venture — no business degree required.
Audiences and consumers are hungry for purpose-driven brands. Shaw helps aspiring social entrepreneurs see their lived experience and conviction as the real credentials they need to launch their business.
Takeaway: No two social entrepreneurs’ stories look alike. Their unique life experiences, passions, and values led to their success.
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
If you are afraid your startup will fail, author Eric Ries offers a new approach focused on using human creativity to grow wisely in the book “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses.” Ries provides entrepreneurs of all company sizes with a way to test their visions through “validated learning,” enabling real-time adaptation and adjustment.
Reis’ validated-learning approach teaches entrepreneurs how to course-correct before mistakes become very expensive to rectify.
Takeaway: Success is born from trial and error. Learn from your mistakes, pivot, and try again.
“48-Hour Start-up” by Fraser Doherty
Entrepreneurs who want to get a quick start will likely gravitate toward Fraser Doherty’s “48-Hour Start-up: From Idea to Launch in 1 Weekend.” The U.K.-based entrepreneur behind SuperJam, a multimillion-dollar company, provides a cheat sheet for developing a business idea and launching it quickly. Doherty outlines the online tools and shortcuts entrepreneurs can take to create and promote a product or service that people will gravitate toward.
The tools to launch a business have never been more accessible. Doherty’s cheat sheet undercuts entrepreneurs’ excuses for waiting and compels them to launch their businesses.
Takeaway: Trust that you’ll know when you’re ready to launch your business.
[Read more: Famous People on How Adversity Made Them Stronger]
Despite their constant busyness, successful entrepreneurs often make time to read, for the sake of their business and their personal growth.
Growth stage
“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
In her No. 1 New York Times bestseller “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts,” author Brené Brown talks about leadership beyond the title, status, or power that often come with it. Though managing a team can be challenging, Brown outlines the fundamental qualities a successful leader embodies. She writes that key traits of good leaders include courage, vulnerability, accountability, and clear values — all of which can serve you well as a budding entrepreneur.
Today’s corporate landscape has stretched workers’ trust in communication to the limit. Brown’s case for leading with integrity and vulnerability is what today’s fractured workplace needs.
Takeaway: Seek to lead yourself and others with courage, vulnerability, accountability, and clear values.
“Financial Intelligence” by Karen Berman and Joe Knight
Since its 2006 release, Karen Berman and Joe Knight’s “Financial Intelligence: A Manager's Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean” has been a go-to guide for entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of business finances. As founders of the Business Literacy Institute in Los Angeles, Berman and Knight, along with John Case, provide a layman’s guide to the world of finance free of jargon and full of entertaining real-world examples. “Financial Intelligence” is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of their finances and to uncover what their ledger truly means for their business. The updated 2013 release includes new data and insights into the 2008 financial crisis, as well as modern accounting best practices and broader financial strategies.
Understanding your finances is no longer optional; it’s imperative and can often mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
Takeaway: You may be surprised by what your finances really mean for your business.
“Move Fast and Fix Things” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
From the bestselling authors and hosts of the TED podcast “Fixable,” “Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader's Guide to Solving Hard Problems” rewrites the rulebook for leaders looking to effect change quickly without sacrificing trust or excellence. Frances Frei and Anne Morriss challenge the preconceived notion that businesses can either break boundaries and operate at the cutting edge of innovation or take care of their workforce, but not both. For entrepreneurs and business leaders looking for guidance on identifying and solving an all-too-common problem — creating a culture of trust where everyone can thrive and empowering your team to move quickly without compromising communication — this book is for you.
Speed and empathy don’t have to be tradeoffs. Frei and Morriss show how to move fast without leaving trust behind.
Takeaway: Innovating with and for your workforce creates a culture of trust where everyone can thrive.
“Primal Leadership” by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee
If you’ve heard the term “emotional intelligence” referenced in a business context in recent years, “Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence” might be the reason. Since 2001, this book by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee has cemented the importance of emotionally intelligent leadership in business and life. In a more divided and volatile world than when the book was initially published, the need for leadership that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and motivation has never been more critical.
Layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and the rise of AI have left teams feeling frayed. Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee’s research gives entrepreneurs concrete ways to rebuild trust.
Takeaway: Lead your team with empathy, collaboration, and motivation; the world needs leaders like this now more than ever.
“Virtual Freedom” by Chris Ducker
Many assume entrepreneurship has to be a “one-man show.” Chris Ducker, author of “Virtual Freedom: How to Work With Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business,” explains how small-business owners can build teams of virtual employees who manage daily operations, support initiatives, and help companies grow. As an outsourcing expert and “virtual CEO,” Ducker provides a step-by-step guide to outsourcing business tasks, working with virtual employees, accessing online resources, and sharing other helpful hints to help you begin building your expanded team.
Hiring globally remote talent is now the norm; Ducker’s blueprint for building and trusting a virtual team has never been more applicable.
Takeaway: Delegating to and relying on your team is necessary for your continued growth; let go and trust your people.
Scaling stage
“The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship” by Andreas Widmer
“The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value” by Andreas Widmer outlines a people-centered values model with practical application. Widmer outlines five pillars of success, including “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” and “To work is to create; to create is to be human.” The human aspect will become the center of your entrepreneurial journey. Outlining the entrepreneurial story of Art Ciocca, the successful mastermind behind The Wine Group, Widmer demonstrates the possible parallels between business and the greater good.
Employees and customers are demanding values-driven companies. Widmer shows how purpose and profit can work in tandem.
Takeaway: What’s good for your business can also be great for your people.
“Competing in the Age of AI” by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani
Navigating the uncharted territory of artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating to anyone. In their book, “Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World,” Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani give entrepreneurs insight into how implementing AI-driven processes can help their businesses increase scale and scope at an unprecedented rate. Iansiti and Lakhani outline the inherent risks of AI, offer advice on rethinking current operating models, highlight unique learning opportunities, and examine the new responsibilities of modern companies. This book is an excellent resource for any business that uses (or is considering using) AI in its operations and serves as a great guide on competing in today’s digital landscape.
With businesses scrambling to add AI into their processes, Iansiti and Lakhani’s book is the reality check entrepreneurs need before they take the plunge.
Takeaway: Implementing AI-driven processes on their own won’t benefit your business. Take the time to create a sustainable infrastructure to support your efforts.
“The Outsiders” by William N. Thorndike Jr.
Success looks different to everyone, especially in the business world. “The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success” by William N. Thorndike Jr. shines a light on some of the most successful and unconventional CEOs who excelled at capital allocation and achieved extraordinary returns for their shareholders — all on their own terms. Unlike their counterparts, these CEOs rebuffed the press and the latest management trends to remain humble and laser-focused on per-share value. This book offers compelling stories, insights, and strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to generate incredible returns for their companies.
In a culture obsessed with founder hype and press coverage, Thorndike’s collection of unconventional CEOs is a timely reminder that charisma is no match for discipline.
Takeaway: Be authentic, stay focused on what matters, and let go of everything else.
“The Science of Scaling” by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson
In “The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible,” Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson share the hard truth about businesses that fail to scale quickly: they usually fail. But not all hope is lost. Hardy and Erickson’s framework helps entrepreneurs shift their business models, identify their blind spots, and scale their companies 10- to 100-fold within three years.
As entrepreneurs face immense pressure to grow faster with fewer guardrails, Hardy and Erickson’s framework outlines how to scale deliberately rather than chaotically.
Takeaway: Only focus on the people and pathways that align with your most audacious vision for your business’s future.
“Work Smarter” by Nick Loper
If you have ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs stay organized, achieve their goals, and continue working toward success, look no further than “Work Smarter: 500+ Online Resources Today’s Top Entrepreneurs Use to Increase Productivity and Achieve Their Goals.” Author Nick Loper provides an entrepreneur resource supercenter with over 500 resources from over 800 successful entrepreneurs. Resources are organized into categories such as communication, team and project management, networking, outsourcing, and productivity — and most are free!
Loper’s curated resource list saves entrepreneurs from decision fatigue and helps you work smarter, not harder.
Takeaway: If you have a question, there’s probably a free resource to address it.
Founder mindset and leader inspiration
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“Atomic Habits: An Easy, Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear offers practical insights into the science behind habit formation and the powerful effect small, consistent habits can have over time. Clear’s book has inspired millions to create better systems that lead to transformational change.
Distraction and burnout are constant threats to our ability to focus. Clear’s small-habits framework remains one of the simplest, most practical ways for entrepreneurs to build lasting change, both in business and in life.
Takeaway: Focus on incorporating small, achievable habits into your schedule rather than becoming intimidated by the big picture.
“Burn Rate” by Andy Dunn
“Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind,” a national best-selling memoir by former Bonobos CEO Andy Dunn, takes readers on a journey through the menswear company and the dark side of success. In the eye-opening excerpt of his life, Dunn recalls the boundaries between work and life that were broken while he raised millions of dollars to scale his business — which ultimately led to his bipolar disorder rearing its head. The memoir opens the door to conversations about creativity, professional performance, and mental health.
Dunn’s raw account is a timely reminder that ambition without boundaries can have real costs.
Takeaway: Tread the fine line between high achievement and the potential for catastrophic burnout very carefully.
[Read more: Bonobos Co-Founder on Risk, Resilience, and Redefining Success]
“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
In his memoir “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,” Phil Knight reflects on the early days of his company, from its startup days to its eventual iconic global success. Cited as one of Bill Gates’ favorite books, Knight's New York Times bestseller shares his honest path to success through his journey of mistakes, struggles, and sacrifices.
Knight’s honest, messy account of Nike’s early years is a grounding reality check that cuts through the noise of “overnight success stories.”
Takeaway: The path to success may be fraught with challenges, but you’ll learn so much along the way.
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz
In an honest and insightful recollection, author Ben Horowitz — a respected and experienced Silicon Valley entrepreneur — shares his experience building and managing a startup. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers” is written with humor, straight talk, and lyrics from some of Horowitz’s favorite rap songs to convey the difficulty of running a business. Horowitz shares his personal experiences to help veteran and novice entrepreneurs alike succeed.
Startup advice can often feel sanitized and safe. Horowitz’s blunt, unfiltered take on the hardest parts of running a company is impactful and resonant.
Takeaway: Running a business is no joke, but finding humor in the challenges you face can offer an enlightening perspective.
“The 5 Types of Wealth” by Sahil Bloom
In “The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life,” Sahil Bloom shares a blueprint for building your life around five types of wealth: time, social, mental, physical, and financial. Through a combination of compelling storytelling and actionable, science-backed practices, Bloom shares insights to help everyone reframe their priorities and design the life they’ve always wanted.
Bloom’s broader definition of wealth undercuts the effects of hustle culture and gives entrepreneurs permission to redefine success on their own terms.
Takeaway: Don’t compromise your idea of true wealth; it looks different for everyone.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
Author Stephen R. Covey has facilitated change in countless lives, from CEOs and entrepreneurs to stay-at-home parents, through the success of his New York Times bestseller “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.” With over 400 million copies sold worldwide, Covey’s step-by-step pathway presents seven habits, with a principle-centered approach to solving both professional and personal problems.
Decades after its initial release, Covey’s principle-centered habits remain a steady foundation for entrepreneurs navigating the unrelenting nature of the business world.
Takeaway: The most transformational habits start with one small change; make that first change today.
[Read more: 20 Entrepreneurial Quotes to Keep You Motivated Through Tough Times]
How to build a reading habit as a busy entrepreneur
Running a successful business means your time is limited. Investing in reading is always a good idea, but with so many conflicting obligations and options, it can be overwhelming to decide what content to focus on. These tips can help you make the most of the time you can dedicate to reading:
- Keep a running list of recommendations. Reading recommendations for entrepreneurs are easy to come by, but that means they can pile up quickly. Start a detailed list with the book title, the name of the person who recommended it, and the context around the recommendation to help you determine what to read next.
- Schedule time to read. Like scheduling time for any important task, dedicating time helps create space in your routine for your professional development and growth. Consider setting a goal for how many books you’d like to read throughout the year and see how you do.
- Set up microreading sessions. If your schedule is packed, try incorporating two 10-minute microreading sessions daily. Having short, focused sessions at the beginning and end of your day creates a reading habit that’s easy to stick with.
- Take advantage of audiobooks and podcasts. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks allows you to learn while working out, commuting, and tackling other tasks.
- Choose subjects that are most interesting to you. There are many books to choose from, and only some business-related topics may appeal to you. Seek out information about topics that interest you to stay motivated to learn.
- Focus on implementation, not completion. Once you’ve decided on what book to read next, make the most of your time by reading to address a specific obstacle or challenge you’re facing. Take notes as you go to ensure you’re retaining the new information and develop action items with your colleagues to start practicing what you learn.
- Try reading with a specific business challenge in mind. Be discerning about the books you read. With so many to choose from, especially geared towards entrepreneurs, not every recommendation will be a good fit for you, your business, or what you’re trying to achieve. Instead, choose books, or even chapters of a book, that address the specific challenges you’re trying to solve.
- Abandon the books that aren’t resonating. If the author’s message or writing style isn’t resonating, move on to one that does.
Lauren Wingo and Kaytlyn Smith contributed to this article.
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