Most Recommended Books

Track reading, wishlists & new-book alerts

Get
Skip to content
Share:

21 Best Business Books

The best business books, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with notes on who they suit, from first-time founders to experienced managers.

Our take

Business books can help with very different problems: understanding the basics, testing an idea, managing people, choosing priorities, or learning from a company’s history. A broad introduction offers vocabulary across several functions, while a focused book may be more useful when you already know the problem. Memoirs and company studies provide context and examples, but their lessons need to be considered against your own organization and circumstances.

The Personal MBA offers a broad starting point, while The E-Myth Revisited focuses on building systems around a small business. The Lean Startup examines learning under uncertainty, and The Innovator's Dilemma explores why established companies can struggle with change. For management, consider The Effective Executive or the harder decisions in The Hard Thing About Hard Things. How To Win Friends and Influence People and Influence turn toward communication and persuasion. Start with the issue you need to understand now, then use a second perspective to test the first book’s ideas.

21 books · 8 sources · Last updated

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

How to choose from this list

Skip to the full ranking

If you want the business basics: The Personal MBA → The E-Myth Revisited
If you're exploring a startup idea: The Lean Startup → Zero to One
If you're leading people and making difficult decisions: The Effective Executive → The Hard Thing About Hard Things
If you want better communication and persuasion: How To Win Friends and Influence People → Influence
If your attention is spread too thin: Essentialism → Deep Work
If you want to compare ideas about company performance: Built to Last → The Innovator's Dilemma → Good to Great

The 21 books, ranked

Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.

1
Book cover for "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben HorowitzView on Amazon

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

by Ben Horowitz2014

For founders and managers facing decisions that tidy leadership models rarely address. Horowitz makes uncertainty and painful personnel choices concrete, though the venture-backed technology setting and forceful executive perspective do not fit every organization.

What it's about

Ben Horowitz draws on his experiences leading technology companies to discuss the difficult decisions involved in running a business. His advice covers leadership under pressure, personnel problems, competition, and the responsibilities that accompany the role of chief executive.

Also recommended by

22 people
  • Peter Thiel recommended this book
  • Mark Zuckerberg recommended this book
  • Peter Attia recommended this book
  • Marc Andreessen recommended this book
  • Larry Page recommended this book
  • Matt Mullenweg recommended this book
  • +16

    More recommendations

    • Andrew Ng
      "A bit dark but it does cover a lot of useful territory on what building an organization is like." - Andrew Ng
    • Drew Houston
      "One of the great things that [the author] wrote in [this book] is the hardest part of being a CEO is managing your psychology." - Drew Houston
    • Keith Rabois
      "Reflects 2000-2003." - Keith Rabois
    • Dustin Moskovitz
      Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book during a Stanford lecture in 2014.
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Luis von Ahn
      "I like this one, but it’s not for very new entrepreneurs." - Luis von Ahn
    • Kathryn Minshew
      Most Recommended Books reached out to Kathryn Minshew directly.
    • Andrew Wilkinson
      "One of the best business books I've picked up in years." - Andrew Wilkinson
    • Tim Ferriss
      "A great book." - Tim Ferriss
    • Blake Scholl
      "Good." - Blake Scholl
    • Chris Dixon
      Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Fred Wilson
      "Chapter five in [this book] is possibly the best thing I've read about leading a tech company." - Fred Wilson
    • Raoul Pal
      "By far, the best, most brutally honest and incredibly useful book about the realities of starting and running a company." - Raoul Pal
    • Jodie Cook
      "Reframes your mind: hard doesn’t mean bad. Seeking the easy route is a trap." - Jodie Cook
    • Michael Dell
      "Candidly talks about the very real thrills and perils of starting a business."- Michael Dell
    • Marty Cagan
      "Trust me: if you're a leader in tech, the best thing you can do in 2014 for your company is to read [this book]." - Marty Cagan
2
Book cover for "Influence" by Robert CialdiniView on Amazon

Influence

The Psychology of Persuasion

by Robert Cialdini

For readers who want to recognize recurring patterns in persuasion and decision-making. Cialdini connects research with memorable examples more systematically than a general relationship guide, though the principles are tendencies to examine rather than reliable buttons to press.

What it's about

Cialdini explores why people agree to requests and how recurring principles influence their decisions. Research and examples explain persuasion in everyday settings, alongside ways to recognize these mechanisms and resist attempts to exploit them.

Also recommended by

18 people
  • Tobi Lütke recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Naval Ravikant recommended this book
  • Charlie Munger recommended this book
  • Adam Robinson recommended this book
  • Ramit Sethi recommended this book
  • +12

    More recommendations

    • Alexis Ohanian
      "[Helps you] navigate the world with heightened awareness for how we're always being influenced/manipulated." - Alexis Ohanian
    • Guy Kawasaki
      "The guiding light for how I conduct business—and in many ways how I live my life." - Guy Kawasaki
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Noah Kagan
      "People can be influenced in their behaviors by many different tactics." - Noah Kagan
    • Samy Kamkar
      "I love it because it was a very systematic and analytical approach to the most common ways that human being have been known to be influenced and persuaded to do something." - Samy Kamkar
    • Andrew Wilkinson
      "[One of] my most recommended business books." - Andrew Wilkinson
    • Neil Strauss
      "Understanding these [principles] make all the difference in making the leap from interest to attraction." - Neil Strauss
    • Patrick O'Shaughnessy
      Patrick O'Shaughnessy recommended this book on a blog post.
    • Mark Manson
      Mark Manson recommended this book on his website.
    • Alex Hormozi
      Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
    • James Clear
      "[One of] the 10 best nonfiction books of all-time." - James Clear
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
3
Book cover for "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. GerberView on Amazon

The E-Myth Revisited

Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

by Michael E. Gerber

For small-business owners whose expertise has turned into a job they cannot step away from. Gerber makes the distinction between doing the work and designing the business clear, though the standardized systems approach needs adapting to specialized or creative services.

What it's about

Michael Gerber argues that technical expertise does not automatically equip someone to run a small business. He distinguishes entrepreneurial, managerial, and technical responsibilities, outlining a systems-based approach designed to reduce a company’s dependence on its owner.

Also recommended by

7 people
4
Book cover for "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim FerrissView on Amazon

The 4-Hour Workweek

Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

by Tim Ferriss2009

For readers who want to question how work occupies their time and explore delegation or automation. Ferriss offers provocative alternatives to conventional career routines, though dated tactics and exceptional examples should not be taken as a dependable income formula.

What it's about

Tim Ferriss presents an approach to reorganizing work around greater freedom of time and location. The guide explores reducing unnecessary tasks, outsourcing, automating income, and planning shorter periods away from work rather than postponing enjoyment until retirement.

Also recommended by

26 people
  • Eric Weinstein recommended this book
  • Tristan Harris recommended this book
  • Charles Poliquin recommended this book
  • Walter Isaacson recommended this book
  • Daniel Pink recommended this book
  • Blake Mycoskie recommended this book
  • +20

    More recommendations

    • David Heinemeier Hansson
      "My key takeaway from [this book] was the concept of lifestyle design." - DHH
    • Marc Andreessen
      "[The author] basically takes all of the time management and personal productivity theories of the last 20 to 30 years and pushes them to 11, to paraphrase 'Spinal Tap.'" - Marc Andreessen
    • Jason Silva
      "I was very affected by [this book]. I was like this guy has it figured out." - Jason Silva
    • Mike Shinoda
      "I do talk about [this book] quite a bit." - Mike Shinoda
    • Mark Bell
      "Taught me better ways to manage my time and the value of not making myself too busy." - Mark Bell
    • Maurice Ashley
      "Made me ditch the average life in search of one with complete flexibility and freedom to live life on my terms." - Maurice Ashley
    • Tim Draper
      "With this kind of time management and focus on the important things in life, people should be able to get 15 times as much done in a normal work week." - Tim Draper
    • Derek Sivers
      "Brilliant reversal of all of the 'how to manage all your crap' books." - Derek Sivers
    • Rolf Potts
      "Challenges the reader to seriously consider an essential–yet rarely asked–question: What do you really want from life?" - Rolf Potts
    • A.J. Jacobs
      A.J. Jacobs mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
    • Caterina Fake
      Caterina Fake mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
    • Ev Williams
      On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
    • Gary Keller
      "This is a significant book." - Gary Keller
    • Laura R Walker
      "For those who struggle with productivity and taking control of their lives, [I give this book], of course!" - Laura R Walker
    • Marc Goodman
      One of Marc Goodman's most-gifted or recommended books.
    • Mike Maples, Jr.
      "If you want to live life on your own terms, this is your blueprint." - Mike Maples, Jr.
    • Lewis Howes
      "I've only probably read 4 books cover to cover. [This is one of them.]" - Lewis Howes
    • Jodie Cook
      "Life and work are reimagined and built back from scratch, in a way optimised for freedom and enjoyment." - Jodie Cook
    • Brian Dean
      "This book created thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 15 years… including me." - Brian Dean
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
5
Book cover for "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale CarnegieView on Amazon

How To Win Friends and Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

For readers who want practical reminders about listening, tact, and cooperation at work. Carnegie makes interpersonal habits easy to remember, though the older anecdotes and emphasis on pleasing others need judgment when direct disagreement or firm boundaries matter.

What it's about

Carnegie presents practical guidance for building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others. Stories and principles explore social confidence, leadership, and cooperation, offering approaches readers can apply to interactions in their personal lives and at work.

Also recommended by

18 people
  • Warren Buffett recommended this book
  • Scott Adams recommended this book
  • Dave Ramsey recommended this book
  • Paul Graham recommended this book
  • Derek Sivers recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • +12

    More recommendations

    • Ken Block
      "One of the first books that really helped me achieve my management style and what’s helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
    • DJ Vlad
      Most Recommended Books reached out to DJ Vlad directly.
    • Strauss Zelnick
      "Archaic references and overweening title to the side, it’s actually a great guide to leadership and salesmanship." - Strauss Zelnick
    • Daymond John
      "I love all the Dale Carnegie books." - Daymond John
    • Shay Carl
      "A staple that I have listened to three or four times." - Shay Carl
    • Tim Draper
      "[One of the books] that are recommended or required at Draper University." - Tim Draper
    • Sahil Lavingia
      Sahil Lavingia recommended this book on Notion.
    • Barbara Corcoran
      "A must read for anyone in business." - Barbara Corcoran
    • Alex Hormozi
      Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
    • Ben Greenfield
      Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
6
Book cover for "The Personal MBA" by Josh KaufmanView on Amazon

The Personal MBA

Master the Art of Business

by Josh Kaufman

For newcomers who want a broad vocabulary for how businesses create, sell, and deliver value. Kaufman connects several functions in one accessible overview, though the breadth gives less depth than specialist books and cannot replace practical experience.

What it's about

Josh Kaufman presents the core ideas behind running a business without attending business school. He explains value creation, marketing, sales, finance, and operations through practical concepts and mental models intended to clarify everyday business decisions.

Also recommended by

1 person
  • Patrick O'Shaughnessy recommended this book
7
Book cover for "Zero to One" by Peter ThielView on Amazon

Zero to One

Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

by Peter Thiel2001

For founders who want a provocative argument for building something distinctive. Peter Thiel and Blake Masters emphasize differentiation and long-term ambition, though the technology-investing viewpoint and strong opinions provide less operational guidance for an ordinary small business.

What it's about

Peter Thiel examines how startups can create something new rather than imitate existing businesses. Written with Blake Masters, the book explores independent thinking, technological progress, and the search for opportunities that produce distinctive value in any industry.

Also recommended by

22 people
  • Andrew Ng recommended this book
  • Ben Horowitz recommended this book
  • Bryan Johnson recommended this book
  • Chris Dixon recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • Elon Musk recommended this book
  • +16

    More recommendations

    • Eric Weinstein
      "If you really understand something that the rest of the world is confused about, and it’s an important truth, [this book] says here are all the ways you might want to make that work." - Eric Weinstein
    • Keith Rabois
      Keith Rabois recommended this book on a Medium blog post.
    • Kishore Biyani
      "Captures some interesting perspectives and insights on the way the world and the business organisations are changing and challenging the status quo." - Kishore Biyani
    • Lee Stranahan
      "A great business book." - Lee Stranahan
    • Luis von Ahn
      "I love [this book]." - Luis von Ahn
    • Marc Andreessen
      "The first book any working or aspiring entrepreneur must read—period." - Marc Andreessen
    • Mark Zuckerberg
      "This book delivers completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world." - Mark Zuckerberg
    • Matt Mullenweg
      "[This book] was excellent." - Matt Mullenweg
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Nassim Taleb
      "When a risk taker writes a book, read it. In the case of [this author], read it twice. Or, to be safe, three times. This is a classic." - Nassim Taleb
    • Sam Altman
      This book was on Sam Altman's bookshelf.
    • Patrick O'Shaughnessy
      "An obvious suggestion, because [this book] is the talk of the town and sits at the top of bestseller lists everywhere." - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
    • Tom Bilyeu
      Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
    • Ryan Petersen
      "[Part of] my biz book canon." - Ryan Petersen
    • Brian Dean
      "Business classic that lives up to the hype. Completely reframes what a startup should do with their product and positioning." - Brian Dean
    • Rupert Murdoch
      "Brilliant, often provocative." - Rupert Murdoch
8
Book cover for "The Lean Startup" by Eric RiesView on Amazon

The Lean Startup

How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

by Eric Ries

For founders who need to test uncertain assumptions before committing heavily to a product. Ries connects customer learning with iterative development, though choosing meaningful experiments and measures takes more judgment than the compact framework can supply.

What it's about

Eric Ries proposes developing businesses through repeated experiments, customer feedback, and validated learning. The book explains how entrepreneurs can test assumptions, measure progress, and adjust products and strategy under uncertainty rather than rely entirely on detailed initial plans.

Also recommended by

15 people
  • Andrew Ng recommended this book
  • Ben Horowitz recommended this book
  • Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
  • Jason Calacanis recommended this book
  • Kevin Systrom recommended this book
  • Marc Andreessen recommended this book
  • +9

    More recommendations

    • Mark Cuban
      One of the 7 books Mark Cuban credits his success to.
    • Mike Maples, Jr.
      "[I was] lucky enough to have a front-row seat at the birth of these ideas." - Mike Maples, Jr.
    • Tim O’Reilly
      "[This book] isn't just about how to create a more successful entrepreneurial business, it's about what we can learn from those businesses to improve virtually everything we do." - Tim O’Reilly
    • Chris Dixon
      Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Raoul Pal
      Raoul Pal recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Sheryl Sandberg
      "Provides a great inside look at how the tech industry approaches building products and businesses." - Sheryl Sandberg
    • Steve Blank
      "A 'must have' for your shelf." - Steve Blank
    • Marty Cagan
      "Buy it." - Marty Cagan
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
9
Book cover for "Good to Great" by Jim CollinsView on Amazon

Good to Great

Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

by Jim Collins2001

For managers who want a vocabulary for disciplined leadership and organizational focus. Collins presents company comparisons in an accessible framework, though retrospective case selection and the later fortunes of some examples weaken any promise of repeatable results.

What it's about

Jim Collins examines why some companies achieve lasting improvements while comparable businesses do not. His research emphasizes leadership, people, disciplined focus, and cumulative momentum as foundations of transformation.

Also recommended by

11 people
10
Book cover for "Essentialism" by Greg McKeownView on Amazon

Essentialism

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

by Greg McKeown2014

For professionals who want to reduce competing commitments and make priorities clearer. McKeown offers a direct argument for deliberate tradeoffs, though people with limited control over their workload may find the examples easier to admire than implement.

What it's about

Greg McKeown argues for deliberately identifying what matters most and eliminating commitments that distract from it. Using examples and practical methods, he explores prioritization, trade-offs, boundaries, and creating routines that support a smaller number of meaningful pursuits.

Also recommended by

7 people
  • Noah Kagan recommended this book
  • Kevin Rose recommended this book
  • Reid Hoffman recommended this book
  • Austen Allred recommended this book
  • Steve Harvey recommended this book
  • Jodie Cook recommended this book
  • +1

    More recommendations

11
Book cover for "Built to Last" by Jim CollinsView on Amazon

Built to Last

Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

by Jim Collins1994

For readers interested in how organizations preserve identity while changing over time. Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras offer comparative company cases, though retrospective selection and later company performance limit the conclusions you can draw about lasting success.

What it's about

Jim Collins and Jerry Porras compare enduring visionary companies with their counterparts. Their research examines preserving core values, pursuing ambitious goals, and sustaining progress across generations of leaders.

Also recommended by

5 people
12
Book cover for "The Effective Executive" by Peter F. DruckerView on Amazon

The Effective Executive

The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done

by Peter F. Drucker

For managers and knowledge workers who want to examine where their time and effort actually contribute. Drucker emphasizes decisions and useful results over busyness, though the formal style and older organizational examples require some translation to current workplaces.

What it's about

Peter F. Drucker examines the practices that enable executives to turn knowledge and ability into useful results. He discusses managing time, focusing contributions, building on strengths, setting priorities, and making decisions, drawing on examples from business and government.

Also recommended by

5 people
  • Ev Williams recommended this book
  • Drew Houston recommended this book
  • Matt Mullenweg recommended this book
  • Guy Kawasaki recommended this book
  • Jim Collins recommended this book
13
Book cover for "The ONE Thing" by Gary KellerView on Amazon

The ONE Thing

The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

by Gary Keller2013

For readers who want a simple prompt for choosing their next priority. Gary Keller and Jay Papasan make focus easy to discuss, though complex roles often involve interdependent responsibilities that cannot be reduced to one task at every moment.

What it's about

Gary Keller and Jay Papasan argue that concentrating on the most important priority can improve results. They examine habits and distractions that consume time and explain how a clearer focus can guide everyday choices.

Also recommended by

4 people
  • Charles Poliquin recommended this book
  • Maria Sharapova recommended this book
  • Alexis Ohanian recommended this book
  • Kat Cole recommended this book
14
Book cover for "Deep Work" by Cal NewportView on Amazon

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

by Cal Newport2016

For knowledge workers whose days are fragmented by messages and competing demands. Newport offers concrete ways to protect sustained concentration, though the approach requires adaptation when a role depends on availability, service, or frequent collaboration.

What it's about

Newport makes the case that focused, distraction-free work is a rare and valuable skill. He explains why shallow busyness takes over and offers rules for building routines that protect serious thinking.

Also recommended by

1 person
  • Tai Lopez recommended this book
15
Book cover for "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. ChristensenView on Amazon

The Innovator's Dilemma

When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail

by Clayton M. Christensen

For readers who want to understand why successful incumbents can struggle with new markets. Christensen makes the tension between current customers and emerging opportunities clear, though the framework requires careful diagnosis and does not explain every competitive setback.

What it's about

Christensen examines why established companies can lose market leadership despite serving customers well and following sound management practices. Through industry examples, he explains disruptive innovation and considers how organizations can respond to emerging technologies and initially smaller markets.

Also recommended by

18 people
  • Jeff Bezos recommended this book
  • Steve Jobs recommended this book
  • Mark Cuban recommended this book
  • Marc Benioff recommended this book
  • Ben Horowitz recommended this book
  • Drew Houston recommended this book
  • +12

    More recommendations

    • Aaron Levie
      "[One of] four good books that I would highly recommend reading if you're gonna build a B2B software company." - Aaron Levie
    • Ev Williams
      On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
    • Max Levchin
      One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
    • Tim O’Reilly
      "[A] business classic." - Tim O’Reilly
    • Caterina Fake
      "A must-read for entrepreneurs." - Caterina Fake
    • Guy Kawasaki
      "Taught me why it’s so hard to come up with a second hit." - Guy Kawasaki
    • Bill Gurley
      "All entrepreneurs should read." - Bill Gurley
    • Blake Scholl
      "Everyone talks about it, I wonder how many people actually read it. You should actually read it." - Blake Scholl
    • Chris Dixon
      Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
    • Marc Andreessen
      "Really critical to understanding how this industry works." - Marc Andreessen
    • Michael Bloomberg
      "An insightful analysis of changing technology and its importance to a company's future success." - Michael Bloomberg
    • Steve Blank
      "The foundational read for managing disruptive innovation." - Steve Blank
16
Book cover for "The War of Art" by Steven PressfieldView on Amazon

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

by Steven Pressfield2002

For readers who need a short push to begin and sustain creative work. Pressfield’s blunt treatment of avoidance can make procrastination easier to confront, though the spiritual language and combative tone offer less practical detail than a planning method.

What it's about

Pressfield names the inner enemy of creative work, Resistance, then breaks down how fear, procrastination, and self-sabotage keep people from doing what matters. It is short, blunt, and aimed at writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone stuck at the starting line.

Also recommended by

16 people
  • Joe Rogan recommended this book
  • Lex Fridman recommended this book
  • Aubrey Marcus recommended this book
  • Ryan Holiday recommended this book
  • Seth Godin recommended this book
  • Brian Koppelman recommended this book
  • +10

    More recommendations

    • Marie Forleo
      "The essential no-bullshit guide for anyone who battles self-doubt or struggles to bring any important project to life." - Marie Forleo
    • Daniel Pink
      "I have [a little sign] on my desk here that says, 'Beat the resistance.' So, I’ve given [this book] out a lot too." - Daniel Pink
    • Derek Sivers
      "Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what “Resistance” is. This book is about that. Read it." - Derek Sivers
    • Soman Chainani
      "Half drill sergeant, half Zen voodoo master, [the author] shot me out of my stupor and taught me the meaning of creative discipline." - Soman Chainani
    • Russell Moore
      "About showing up and not waiting for inspiration to hit." - Russell Moore
    • Jen Sincero
      "Read this thing if you want to blast past your fears and insecurities and resistance to being your biggest, badassiest self." - Jen Sincero
    • Jodie Cook
      "This book is a sharp reality check for every artist. It will help you become unblocked, right now and possibly forever." - Jodie Cook
    • Danny Miranda
      "Odds of re-reading: close to 100%." - Danny Miranda
    • James Clear
      "[One of] the 10 best nonfiction books of all-time." - James Clear
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
17
Book cover for "Mindset" by Carol S. DweckView on Amazon

Mindset

The New Psychology of Success

by Carol S. Dweck

For readers interested in how beliefs about ability can affect learning and responses to setbacks. Dweck gives a useful language for reflection and feedback, though the idea should not become a label that overlooks resources, context, or specific skills.

What it's about

Carol Dweck explores how beliefs about ability influence learning, achievement, and responses to setbacks. Contrasting fixed and growth mindsets, she considers their implications for parenting, education, work, sports, and personal development.

Also recommended by

10 people
  • Bill Gates recommended this book
  • Tobi Lütke recommended this book
  • Satya Nadella recommended this book
  • Tony Robbins recommended this book
  • Josh Waitzkin recommended this book
  • Ev Williams recommended this book
  • +4

    More recommendations

18
Book cover for "Start with Why" by Simon SinekView on Amazon

Start with Why

How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

by Simon Sinek2009

For leaders who struggle to explain the purpose behind their work. Sinek supplies a memorable communication framework, though the selective company stories illustrate an argument rather than demonstrate that a clear purpose alone produces lasting success.

What it's about

Start with Why introduces the Golden Circle, Simon Sinek's simple model for leading with purpose rather than manipulation. Drawing on stories of companies and leaders, he shows how clearly communicating why you do something can inspire loyalty and lasting success.

Also recommended by

9 people
  • Richard Branson recommended this book
  • Robert Rodriguez recommended this book
  • Tony Hsieh recommended this book
  • Julie Rice recommended this book
  • Kathryn Minshew recommended this book
  • Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
  • +3

    More recommendations

    • Jim Kwik
      "Explains how great leaders and organizations use this superpower of motivation to achieve success." - Jim Kwik
    • Michael Hyatt
      Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
    • Patrick Bet-David
      Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
19
Book cover for "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon HillView on Amazon

Think and Grow Rich

by Napoleon Hill

For readers interested in the history of motivational business writing and its emphasis on goals and persistence. Hill’s energetic anecdotes may prompt reflection, though the unsupported claims and success stories do not establish a reliable method for becoming wealthy.

What it's about

Napoleon Hill presents a philosophy of achievement centered on definite goals, persistent effort, and directed thought. Using stories of successful business figures, he explores desire, planning, cooperation, and overcoming fear as elements of his approach to wealth.

Also recommended by

7 people
  • Neville Medhora recommended this book
  • Shay Carl recommended this book
  • Daymond John recommended this book
  • Anthony Pompliano recommended this book
  • Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
  • Jen Sincero recommended this book
  • +1

    More recommendations

20
Book cover for "Elon Musk" by Ashlee VanceView on Amazon

Elon Musk

Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

For readers who want a business biography focused on the earlier development of Tesla and SpaceX. Vance offers narrative context around ambition and organizational pressure, though the book covers an earlier period and cannot provide a current account of its subject.

What it's about

Ashlee Vance traces Elon Musk's life from childhood in South Africa to his entrepreneurial work in the United States. The biography examines the ambitions and challenges behind his involvement with PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity.

Also recommended by

6 people
21
Book cover for "First, Break All the Rules" by Gallup OrganizationView on Amazon

First, Break All the Rules

What the world's Greatest Managers Do Differently

by Gallup Organization

For managers who want to think more carefully about employee strengths and clear expectations. The Gallup research provides concrete workplace questions, though the findings do not remove the need to consider a team’s context, constraints, and changing responsibilities.

What it's about

Drawing on Gallup’s study of managers, this book explores how strong leaders turn individual talent into performance. It challenges conventional assumptions about developing employees and offers practical lessons on strengths, workplace expectations, and measuring the employee experience.

Sources

  1. 1

    Best Business Books of All Time

    smallbiztrends.com

  2. 2

    101 Best Business Books of All Time

    hacktheentrepreneur.com

  3. 3

    The 21 Best Business Books for Entrepreneurs

    scienceofpeople.com

  4. 4

    Business Books

    goodreads.com

  5. 5

    Top 15 Business Books Recommended by Today’s Top Entrepreneurs

    eofire.com

  6. 6

    Best Business Books

    jamesclear.com

  7. 7

    Best Practical Business Books?

    reddit.com

  8. 8

    The Personal MBA Recommended Reading List: The 99 Best Business Books

    personalmba.com

Other Lists

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Follow@richardreeze
Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shape MRB and its growth.

Follow@anuragwho

Comments

Spotted a missing book, a wrong order or a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix this page.

We're a reading guide, not the author or publisher, so we can't send books or pass on messages.

Discover and track your reading on the go

Track your reading, manage wishlists, and get notified when new books are added.

Download on the App StoreDownload on theApp StoreGet it on Google PlayGET IT ONGoogle Play