Greetings Tribe Members! In the past I’ve shared with y’all my all-time favorite summer reads, winter reads, and also non-fiction books. Basically, when I’m not sleeping or eating, I’m reading.
This time I’m eager to share with you, my favorite books for business! These are the books that have inspired me over the last twelve years of running and growing my company. I hope you find them as helpful as I do!
Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg- I have to start with this one because I have an Oprah meets Steve Jobs style business crush on Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook). Lean In is a must read for all women everywhere, not just in business. This book challenges us to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they CAN do. It’s also the kick in the pants I needed years ago to truly step into my role as a leader.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz- I didn’t just love this book, I FREAKING loved this book! Everyone talks about how exciting it is to start your own business, but very few talk about what it actually takes to run one… even fewer still share their failures in business so openly. Ben Horowitz uses his wit and charm to give the real low down on being a boss. Bonus: He’s a rap fanatic, so he often makes comparisons between Biggie and business. This read is perfect for entrepreneurs as well as those aspiring to open their own company.
The Talent Code– Daniel Coyle- Not a business book per se, but since talent is such a fundamental part of building a career or company I found this book fascinating. Coyle provides tips and techniques on how to grow your talents. We all know practice makes perfect but does the way you practice matter? The Talent Code says yes. This book will show you that working smart is just as important as working hard.
Think and Grow Rich – Napolean Hill- This book was written in 1937 and it’s still considered the guide to personal success. It doesn’t have fancy plot points or stylized grammar –which honestly threw me off at first– but the wisdom is incredibly sound and easy to implement into your own life no matter what your goals are.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek- This book has helped the theory behind what I do here at Chic. Sinek talks about great leaders and how they all have something in common. They realized that people wouldn’t truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it. Still trying to figure out your messaging or branding? Read this first!
Tools of Titans – Tim Ferris- I’m reading my way through this right now and absolutely loving it! Ferris used all of the tips and tricks he learned from his popular podcast (The Tim Ferriss Show the first business/interview podcast to pass 100 million downloads.) and boiled it down to one nifty book. Tool of Titans is full of methods and tangible real life takeaways for everything from health and fitness to business and finances.
Shoe Dog (about Phil Knight)- I’ve heard a lot lately about the idea of modeling behavior of people whose careers you admire, so I picked up this book. This fascinating memoir, tells the inside story of Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight during the company’s early days as a start-up. You get to experience the growth and change of one of the world’s most popular and profitable brands. Considering reading this book? Just Do It!
Grit- Angela Duckworth- I heard abou thtis one from my friend Jess– she basically demanded that I buy it immediately and I’m so glad I did. Can grit be taught? Duckworth says yes and even gives a hypothesis that what drives success is not that you have to be brilliant, BUT you have to have a blend of passion and perseverance. This read has helped me realize that it takes a combination of qualities to be prosperous, this comforts me when I’m not at the top of my game.
