9 must-reads for every Business Enthusiast

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Written in 1937, this book by Hill is nothing short of a work of art. Considered a great self-improvement resource, Think and Grow Rich is a curation of the 13 most common habits of successful individuals. 

In the book, Hill summarizes his studies on successful people and their habits, sharing the most prevalent ones with his readers. Hill also claims that these philosophies will help anyone succeed in any line of work that they choose to partake in. Discussing topics like faith, influence and desire, Hill’s story is both unique and influential, and worth every turned page. 

2. The Invisible Rules by Holly Catalfamo and Paul Harrietha 

This book is a particularly interesting read because rather than focusing on men in the workplace, it shines a light on the way women are treated in both large and small corporations. Painting a picture of the average workplace, one in which highly ambitious women are so excited to enter, only to be put to rest by males climbing the corporate ladder quicker than they ever could.

Both Catalfamo and Harrietha do a great job at meeting each other in the middle of the playing field, and divulge on why white men typically dominate at a corporate scale. They back up each point with interviews that feature women in the C-Suite, who are more than willing to talk about the obstacles they overcame to get there. Additionally, the book offers a step-by-step plan to “help qualified and committed women ascend to leadership positions”, which, if you haven’t been convinced to read this book as of yet, I’m sure this will be your deciding factor. 

3.  The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor 

Achor, known for his advocacy of positive psychology, wrote this book in hopes of connecting with readers looking for an inspirational read. In the book. Achor provides a list of principles intended to help rewire our brains, and enhance performance, success and productivity.

Dividing the book into three sections, Achor addresses ways to spread The Happiness Advantage at work, at home and in social settings. Claiming that we tend to put success first and happiness second, he ponders the idea of reevaluating that method of psychology to see if a greater outcome is achieved. Once you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down, we’re sure of it. 

4.  Surrounded by idiots by Thomas Erikson

This Swedish bestseller is based on the theory that there are four key behavior types that define how we interact with people around us. Erikson’s goal? To help readers understand these patterns in order to achieve successful communication. 

By dissecting dominant, social, laid-back and analytical types, Erikson hones in on his colour system, an easy way to figure out which type of personality you’re dealing with based on a colour assigned to said character traits. The book includes details on relationships with said individuals, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Erikson also admits that some individuals can be more difficult to deal with than others, so he decides to provide his advice on that as well.

Through and through, Erikson’s work can be proven to be transformational and interesting. That’s why we would suggest giving this one a read; it’s certainly a strong piece of work by him.

5.  Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer 

Award-winning restaurateur Danny Meyer takes to the pages with his theory on why some restaurants work and others don’t. Claiming that 75 per cent of all ventures fail, Meyer started from the bottom at 27, and now owns an entire empire. This business management read discusses Meyer’s strategies on building strong in-house relationships with others in the industry, as well as his philosophy on Enlightened Hospitality. 

In writing this book, Meyer hoped to provide waitresses, restaurant managers and owners alike with his fantastic advice. By divulging on the true meaning of hospitality, readers will likely be offered a glimpse into Meyer’s head, and learn about his unique experience within the industry. Now more than ever, this is an important read. Restaurants have been drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now only finding their footing once more. To further understand the recipe to success,  every hospitality worker out there would likely benefit from grabbing themselves a copy of Meyer’s latest work.

6. The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle 

In this novel, Coyle writes about some of the most effective organizations in the world and how they’re set up for success. While emphasizing the importance of team cohesion, he examines  strategies and social cues and the way they work to bring people together. 

Coyle’s novel is effortlessly brilliant; talking about everything from shoe companies to military units, he provides tomorrows’ leaders with the tools they need to build a motivated culture. As a strong storyteller, 

7. Zero to One by Peter Thiel 

If you haven’t yet heard of Peter Thiel, today is your day. Thiel is the founder of Paypal, an American financial technology company that operates online payment systems across most countries globally. 

In this witty and thought-provoking novel, Thiel emphasizes that progress is always achievable. During the course of this book, you’ll see that Thiel is able to wear many different hats, and is often praised for his brilliant theories that you’ll read on each page. He talks about what works and what doesn’t, while giving his advice on how to build a business from the ground up. Thiel remains honest and expresses his view on the current economic situation in the United States, and offers advice that one might be able to apply in the real world.

All in all, Thiel has crafted a masterpiece sure to please anyone interested in reading from front to back. 

8. Think like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter

Think Like Zuck is a book that, being about the world’s most successful man, most would seemingly pick up. Inside, Walter explores all critical elements that made Facebook as widely used and known as it is today, and answers the million-dollar question: What did Mark Zuckerberg do right? 

You and I have watched Facebook thrive for the past decade. The social media app has revolutionized the way a huge population of people communicate. Walter examines the principles behind Facebook’s rise, and offers examples of success and direct demonstrations on how theories were applied and Zuckerberg’s goals were met. 

Altogether, Walter’s piece about Zuckerberg is a work of art. It encapsulates the perfect balance of entrepreneurship and success, all while teaching readers how to do exactly what it says: Think like Zuck.

9. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard 

As the founder of Patagonia, Chouinard knew he had his work cut out for him. Amidst trying to build a successful business, he was also trying to create a business that would be eco-friendly as well as respected. 

In his memoir, Chouinard inadvertently lets his readers know just how drastic his contribution was to the business world. Putting environmentally-friendly practices at the forefront of his brand, he knew his biggest goal was to be completely sustainable with whatever he were to create. 

With goals larger than life itself, Chouinard explains how his business and environmental views have evolved in a decade marked by recession and global crisis. He was so headstrong about the success of Patagonia Inc. even while others doubted it, which is what makes this a fabulous read.  

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