Top 5 Books for Entrepreneurs

April 27, 2021

There are plenty of successful entrepreneurs who have started their businesses from scratch and made a lasting impact on the world. Whether through providing tools to help improve your wellbeing, the environment, or societal issues, last year alone there was reported to be five-hundred and eighty-two million entrepreneurs in the world (according to MARKINBLOG, 2020) all hustling to make the world a better place.

However, given that shockingly around twenty percent of small start-ups failed in 2020, it is evident that starting and scaling a business is a difficult and competitive process. What’s more, there are reported to be only thirty-three female CEO’s in the Fortune 500, meaning that the gender-gap is still present in business despite the ongoing work to level the playing field for people of all genders.

We’ve put together the top five books we recommend entrepreneurs read in order to gain vital information which is needed to help sustain productivity, creativity and resilience on a daily basis whilst running your business.

1) The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington Foundation - Brené Brown Endowed Chair. The author of five New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and Dare to Lead, if you haven’t heard of Brené Brown before, get ready to feel inspired and to change your mindset on leadership by reading one of these top sellers.

A personal favourite of mine,The Gifts of Imperfection is a book full of pearls of wisdom on how you can cultivate a resilient spirit and achieve success in your personal and professional life. In Brown’s own words, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do. Indeed,Brown draws on the importance of human connection to provide powerful anecdotes on how you can generate emotional honesty, set boundaries and create a sense of fulfilment in your busy day to day life.

Brown’s positive and practical outlook exposes how we can cultivate whole-hearted living despite adversity and through her own honest story depicts how we can transform trauma into whole-hearted, authentic living.

2) The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Duhigg is an award-winning New York Times business reporter whose book The Power of Habit unpicks the truths behind how and why we can create lasting habits which will help us achieve acclaimed success. From discussions focused on the importance of willpower, to designing lasting willpower habits, Duhigg’s book provides an in-depth insight into modern day habits and behavioural patterns which are key for any entrepreneur.

Just as mentors are vital in business, it is also important to learn from other successful entrepreneurs on how they run and scale their business so that you too can replicate this. Through detailed examples, research and studies, Duhigg provides a look behind-the-scenes of large corporations, using Starbucks’ own business model which has a current net worth of $139.32 billion as of April 22nd, 2021 to highlight how in order to handle moments of adversity, Duhigg points out that employees need strong willpower habits loops and behaviours ingrained in their way of thinking in order to handle any inflection points or uncertainty which may arise.

If you also think on your feet and adapt to changes on a daily basis as an entrepreneur, this book has plenty of tips on how to strengthen your willpower and resilience so that you too can achieve success.

3) The Power of Inner Peace by Diana Cooper

Diana Cooper is an internationally renowned speaker and author whose book The Power of Inner Peace gives practical advice on how we can journey to the peaceful world which lies within us. Cooper’s book is an important read for any entrepreneur who seeks to make a difference to the world. From tapping into our highest purpose, speaking our truth and transforming our own lives so that we can help others, Cooper indicates how we can use healing energy to achieve well being and spiritual growth which is inextricably linked to achieving success professionally.

Since it was revealed that the majority of the world’s richest people are “self-made” (according to CNBC, 2019), Cooper’s advice on finding inner peace will help you to become more connected with your deeper self so that you can bring calmness and clarity to your daily life. Being present and conscious is important especially when making decisions under pressure, as is speaking your truth.

4) The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukow

Gary Zukow is a Harvard graduate, and a former US Army Special Forces officer. Author of the New York Times bestseller The Seat of the Soul, and The Dancing Wu Li Masters, Zukow’s books have been sold in over thirty countries and read by millions of people. A personal favourite of mine, The Seat of the Soul draws on the authentic power of spiritual partnership and authentic power. This book is perfect for any entrepreneurs interested in creating values and businesses around their own personal drives.

One of Zukow’s main assertions for a rewarding life, is to enter into one’s life consciously and to follow life’s experiences to their roots. Whether that is your personal or professional life, Zukow reminds us that in order to create lasting and valuable happiness, businesses must reflect our genuine experiences and authentic selves which are the driving force behind everything we do. From listening to your emotions to reflect your intention, opening up your heart and channeling even childhood memories and experiences, Zukow describes how you can consider the deeper meanings of your existence to bring about connections and success both personally and financially.

5) The Secret by Rhonda Byrnes

A world renowned self-help book based on the law of attraction, Rhonda Byrnes’s internationally acclaimed book The Secret invites readers to acknowledge the truths found in history and religion that we can use to transform our life, and those around us. Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking success, power and influence in their businesses, Byrnes draws on empowering tools to share her holistic approach to manifesting a rewarding life.

Citing a three-step process: ask, believe, and receive, Byrnes conveys her two month odyssey of research and investigation. Unearthing the powerful importance of gratitude and visualisation, they provide a unique insight into creating our destiny and ultimate happiness. Linked to all areas of one’s personal and professional life: our health, relationships and even business, this book provides powerful tools which you can use to unlock your potential and make your goals a reality.

Conclusion

No matter where you are in life, we hope you can read these books to inform and educate yourself to better yourself personally and professionally.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a leading professional, these books are great for extracting useful advice and perfect for diving into even if you’ve only got ten minutes spare. Whilst it’s great to learn from colleagues and friends, these authors can act as mentors who have tons of life experience so that you can build your business authentically and integrally to your values and way of living.