Let’s cut to the chase: feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of amazing books out there? You’re not alone. We all want to read or listen an audiobook, but choosing where to start can feel daunting. To help you decide, I’ve compiled a list of 10 must-read books spanning diverse areas, each highly praised by top CEOs and successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and others. Alongside each recommendation, you’ll find a brief explanation of why the book might be impactful for you.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases or subscriptions through my links in this content.“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck.
PS: you can claim one of this Audiobook for free with Audible TrialThis book explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets, emphasizing the power of believing in your ability to learn and grow. Recommended by Bill Gates in a GatesNotes blog post. Mr. Gates recommends this book for its insights into developing resilience and a continuous learning mindset.
Mindset by Carol Dweck – Audible
“Through clever research studies and engaging writing, Dweck illuminates how our beliefs about our capabilities exert tremendous influence on how we learn and which paths we take in life.” (Bill Gates, GatesNotes)
“Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel.
This book goes deep into the world of startups and innovation, offering practical advice on building companies that create something truly unique and valuable. Recommended by Elon Musk in a Q&A session with students at Stanford University. Mr. Musk credits this book for shaping his approach to entrepreneurship.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies, and Zero to One shows how.”—Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla
“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
This book examines the factors that contribute to success, exploring the role of opportunity, chance, and cultural context. Recommended by Mark Cuban on his blog in a post titled “The 4 Books That Changed My Life.” Mr. Cuban recommends it for its thought-provoking analysis of what it takes to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
From the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia, learn what sets high achievers apart – from Bill Gates to the Beatles – in this seminal work from “a singular talent” (New York Times Book Review).
“Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike” by Phil Knight.
This memoir chronicles the journey of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, offering valuable lessons in perseverance, overcoming challenges, and building a global brand. Recommended by Jeff Bezos in his annual shareholder letter in 2019. Mr. Bezos highlights it for its raw and inspiring story of entrepreneurial passion.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
In this candid and riveting memoir, for the first time ever, Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight shares the inside story of the company’s early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases or subscriptions through my links in this content.“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari.
This book takes a sweeping look at human history, exploring our evolution, social structures, and potential future. Recommended by Sheryl Sandberg in a podcast interview with Tim Ferriss on “The Tim Ferriss Show.” Mrs. Sandberg recommends it for its broad perspective on human nature and its implications for the future of business and society.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one – Homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?
“Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Obstacles to Open Innovation” by Ed Catmull.
This book talking about the culture of Pixar and its emphasis on fostering creativity and collaboration. Recommended by Larry Page in a conversation with Google employees about leadership and culture. Mr. Page recommends it for its insights into building innovative teams and organizations.
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull.
The co-founder and longtime president of Pixar updates and expands his 2014 New York Times bestseller on creative leadership, reflecting on the management principles that built Pixar’s singularly successful culture, and on all he learned during the past nine years that allowed Pixar to retain its creative culture while continuing to evolve.
“Might be the most thoughtful management book ever.”—Fast Company
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth.
This book explores the concept of grit as a key factor in success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and long-term goals. Recommended by Melinda Gates in a conversation with students at Harvard University. Ms. Gates recommends it for its practical advice on developing grit and achieving ambitious goals.
Grit by Angela Duckworth.
In this must-listen book for anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, educators, students, and businesspeople – both seasoned and new – that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a focused persistence called “grit”.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
This book examines the two systems of thinking in the human brain, offering insights into our decision-making processes and biases. Recommended by Richard Branson in a blog post titled “The 10 Books That Every Entrepreneur Should Read.” Mr. Branson recommends it for its valuable lessons in understanding human behavior and making better decisions.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
The guru to the gurus at last shares his knowledge with the rest of us. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman’s seminal studies in behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, and happiness studies have influenced numerous other authors, including Steven Pinker and Malcolm Gladwell.
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers” by Ben Horowitz.
This book offers practical advice and insights into the challenges of building a successful company, based on Ben Horowitz’s experiences as a venture capitalist. Recommended by Marc Andreessen in an article titled “The Startup Library.” Mr. Andreessen recommends this book for its realistic and honest portrayal of the entrepreneurial journey.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz.
Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup – practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular ben’s blog.
“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen.
This book explores the concept of disruptive innovation and how established companies can be challenged by new entrants. Recommended by Satya Nadella in an interview with Forbes magazine. Mr. Nadella recommends it for its insights into staying ahead of the curve in a constantly changing business landscape.
“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen.
Great companies can fail: not because they do anything wrong, but because they do everything right. Meeting customers’ current needs leads firms to reject breakthrough innovations, “disruptive technologies”, that create the products and opportunities of the future.
Note: the book that will be most life-changing for you depends on your individual goals, interests, and current stage in life. I encourage you to explore these recommendations and see which one resonates most with you. Each book offers unique perspectives and valuable lessons that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Well, reading is just the first step. The true impact comes from applying the learnings and insights gained from these books to your own life and career journey.
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