Originally posted in: https://business.itn.co.uk/summer-inspiration-15-business-books-for-your-holiday-reading-list/
Taking a well-deserved break from work to soak up the sun doesn’t mean you have to pause your personal and professional development.
If you’re jetting off to hotter climes for a summer holiday (and might actually find time to read) throw into the case a few of these top business books to stimulate your mind… while the rest of you relaxes.
Here are 15 business books offering valuable insights, inspiration, and practical advice to help you develop your career and reflect on your purpose.
YOUR ESSENTIAL BUSINESS BOOK READING LIST:
1. The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis (2020)
This book by the co-founders of award-winning company, Amazing If, is packed with insight and practical tools for those who want to embrace a flexible and fulfilling career path, on their own terms. It challenges the traditional linear career trajectory and shares advice on how to navigate through various roles, industries, and experiences.
The book covers topics such as the rise of the squiggly career, the importance of a growth mindset, effective networking and mentorship, the value of sideways moves, the art of saying no, and the power of reflection.
2. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’tby Simon Sinek (2014)
The second business book of author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek explores the concept of leadership through the lens of sacrifice and trust. Sinek discusses the “Circle of Safety” and how leaders can protect their organisations from internal competition to maximise results. The book emphasises empathy, the biological basis of human behavior, and the importance of creating a safe environment for progress.
3. Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the world by Philippa J. White (2024)
In Philippa White’s debut book, she advocates for a human-centric approach to leadership and business. Drawing from diverse fields such as human rights in Syria, the UK prison system, and Brazilian psychiatric care, the book provides inspiring stories and practical strategies for a more compassionate and effective way of doing business. (Philippa’s interview with ITN Business as part of our new Unlocking Leadership series is another must-read!)
4. The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett (2023)
Entrepreneur and popular podcaster Steven Bartlett offers a candid look into the life of a young entrepreneur in his book The Diary of a CEO. Bartlett shares 33 laws of business and life that are rooted in psychology and behavioral science which he’s learned from his own experiences and interviews. The book is structured around four pillars: The Self, The Story, The Philosophy, and The Team, each containing laws that guide readers towards success.
5. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant (2021)
The fifth book of American author and organisational psychologist Adam Grant encourages readers to embrace the joy of being wrong and the power of rethinking. Adam discusses the importance of intellectual humility and being open to new ideas, while covering ideas such as imposter syndrome, the benefits of doubting our own expertise, and the significance of separating our identity from our beliefs.
6. Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World by David Epstein (2019)
In Range, author and journalist David Epstein argues that generalists, not specialists, are the ones who excel in today’s complex and unpredictable world. This book is filled with engaging stories and research that highlight the benefits of a diverse skillset and varied experiences, drawing on various examples from sports, business, and science.
Before becoming a well-known author, Epstein worked as an investigative reporter, focusing on sports science and athletic performance. He’s delivered a number of popular TED Talks, including ‘Why specialising early doesn’t always mean career success’, which discusses themes from Range.
7. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (2018)
Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead focuses on the importance of vulnerability, courage, and empathy in leadership. Drawing from her extensive research, Brown provides practical advice for leaders at all levels to foster a culture of trust and innovation within their teams.
8. CITIZENS: Why the key to fixing everything is all of us by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad (2022)
This groundbreaking book explores the concept of citizenship as a transformative force in addressing global challenges. The book argues that the traditional ‘consumer’ mindset, where individuals are seen primarily as buyers and users, is inadequate for tackling complex societal issues like climate change, inequality, and political polarisation. Instead, the authors advocate for a shift towards active citizenship, where people engage collaboratively in creating positive change.
Through a mix of case studies, research, and practical advice, the book highlights how collective action and community involvement are crucial in building a more equitable, sustainable, and democratic society. The central message is that by reimagining our roles as citizens, rather than just consumers, we can unlock the potential for real, lasting change.
9. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (2011)
Eric Ries’ The Lean Startup introduces a methodology for developing businesses and products through validated learning, rapid experimentation, and continuous innovation. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs looking to create successful ventures in a fast-paced world.
10. Black Box Thinking: Marginal Gains and the Secrets of High Performance by Matthew Syed (2015)
This insightful book by British journalist and former table tennis champion Matthew Syed opens with a compelling comparison between the aviation industry’s use of black boxes to investigate crashes and improve safety, and the healthcare sector’s often defensive and blame-oriented approach to mistakes. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on how embracing failure can lead to success.
Syed argues that high-performing organisations and individuals treat mistakes as learning opportunities, and that by systematically analysing errors, businesses can identify root causes and implement changes to prevent future failures.
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11. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins (2001)
Jim Collins’ Good to Great examines why some companies transition from being good to great, while others fail to make the leap. In the book, the American author and leadership consultant introduces the concept of ‘Level 5 Leadership’, characterised by a unique blend of personal humility and professional will. These leaders are ambitious first and foremost for the cause, the organisation, and its purpose — rather than themselves.
12. ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’ by Angela Duckworth (2016)
This best-selling book by psychologist Angela Duckworth delves into the power of passion and long-term perseverance as key drivers of success. The author argues that talent is not as important as a persistent effort to achieve long-term goals, and provides insights into how grit can be cultivated, both individually and within organisations.
As founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance scientific insights that help children thrive, Angela’s work has been influential in both educational and professional settings.
13. ‘Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs’ by John Doerr (2018)
John Doerr’s Measure What Matters introduces the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework used by successful organisations like Google and the Gates Foundation. The book delves into the principles and practices of OKRs, providing real-world examples of how they have been successfully implemented. Its author John Doerr is a venture capitalist and has been a key advisor to some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Google, Amazon, and Intuit.
14. The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton Christensen (1997)
Clayton Christensen’s classic The Innovator’s Dilemma explains why established companies often fail to innovate and how they can avoid this pitfall. This book has become a classic for good reason — Clayton’s concept of disruptive innovation — where smaller companies with fewer resources successfully challenge established businesses — has been validated by numerous real-world examples, and provides a framework still widely used today. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of innovation and disruption.
15. ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success’ by Carol S. Dweck (2006)
Carol Dweck’s Mindset explores the power of a growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This book provides valuable insights into how adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater success in business and life.
Looking for more reading inspiration? Check out the ITN Business team’s epic reading list, shared for this year’s World Book Day.
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