The Best Business Books to Read in 2023
If you want to outsmart the competition in the new creator economy, you need to come armed and ready. And in this battle, knowledge is the greatest weapon to bring to the table.
All of the best-selling business books in this list below can help you learn how to become better at marketing, negotiation, investing, and how to lead people in any current or future business venture you find yourself in.
The Best Business Books to Read in 2023
#1. Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion
by Robert B. Cialdini
Book Summary:
Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of business, or even just everyday life, hinges on understanding human behavior. Cue “Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini, the grand master of influence. With empirical wisdom, Cialdini breaks down the alchemy of why people say ‘yes,’ a treasure trove of insight that goes well beyond just business applications. The book unlocks the psychological underpinnings of persuasion, revealing not just how to influence others but also how we ourselves are subtly influenced every day.
No gimmicks here; this is social psychology at its most incisive. You’ll learn the principles that dictate the push and pull of persuasion and, importantly, how to wield them ethically.
Imagine understanding the hidden levers and pulleys that control human action and interaction. The implications stretch from closing that crucial business deal to improving your personal relationships. You’re at a fork in the road now: continue down the path of unawareness, or learn the subtle art of persuasion and become an undeniable force in any room you enter. The choice seems quite clear, doesn’t it?
Where to get it?
#2. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
by Simon Sinek
Book Summary:
Imagine a world where everyone springs out of bed each morning inspired to go to work and fulfilled by the work they do. Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” unveils the hidden architecture behind such an ideal landscape. You’ll discover why Apple isn’t just another tech company, and why Martin Luther King Jr. was able to galvanize a nation.
Both understood the profound power of ‘Why.’
Unlike the endless books that tell you what to do or how to do it, Sinek urges you to ask a different question that’s often ignored: Why?
This compelling narrative dissects the crucial difference between companies and leaders who are merely competent and those who are revolutionary. You’re on the brink of understanding how a seemingly simple question can shape empires and topple giants. But beware: once you know the secrets of ‘Why,’ there’s no turning back. You’ll either be captivated by the potential for monumental change or forever haunted for ignoring it. Now, how’s that for a reason to turn the page?
Where to get it?
#3. Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography
by Walter Isaacson
Book Summary:
Beneath the iconic black turtleneck and behind the shimmering Apple products lies a narrative far more complex than you might expect. Walter Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography” peels back the layers of a man who is both a revolutionary and a paradox. Through exhaustive interviews with Jobs himself, as well as those who loved, loathed, competed with, or admired him, Isaacson crafts a robust portrayal that illuminates the man’s brilliance and flaws alike.
What’s most compelling, however, is the prism through which Jobs’s monumental successes and failures are analyzed: his unyielding obsession with perfection and a ferocious drive that both energized and alienated.
His journey wasn’t simply a quest for innovation but a deeply personal odyssey for some existential satisfaction that eludes most of us. By the end, you’re left to wonder: did he find what he was looking for? And what would the world look like if he had lived a little longer to continue his search? The answer might lie within the pages, waiting for you to unearth it.
Where to get it?
#4. Think and Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill
Book Summary:
Imagine a book so impactful that it has not only stood the test of time but continues to be lauded almost a century after its publication. Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” is such a paragon, penned in the heyday of American industry yet still remarkably relevant. Hill takes you on a philosophical adventure, dissecting the kernels of wisdom he gleaned from industrial titan Andrew Carnegie. Though it flirts often with the topic of amassing wealth — making no apologies for it — the book’s central message is more expansive, arguing that the principles it presents can be applied to any ambition, whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur, artist, or simply a better version of yourself.
What makes “Think and Grow Rich” so mesmerizing isn’t merely its financial advice. Instead, it’s the underlying ethos, the psychological blueprint it offers for achieving any goal you set for yourself.
Hill doesn’t just tell you to think positively; he shows you how to transmute your thoughts into tangible success. All this leaves one tantalizing question hovering over the last page: If these principles were applied to your life, just what could you achieve? Would it be wealth, fame, or perhaps something more immeasurable? The book itself may not reveal your destiny, but it provides the compass for you to find it.
Where to get it?
#5. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by Malcolm Gladwell
Book Summary:
“The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell isn’t just a book; it’s a lens through which to view the world, one that transforms mundane phenomena into fascinating bursts of interconnected events. By dissecting the anatomy of societal epidemics — be it the spread of fashion trends, the rise of new technology, or even declines in crime rates — Gladwell illuminates how small actions or circumstances can ignite mass change.
He ingeniously applies principles from epidemiology to a range of topics, unveiling the ‘tipping points’ where things catch fire and spread with astonishing speed.
Gladwell gifts readers with a different kind of literacy, training them to see the latent potentials in overlooked details. He explores riveting case studies and introduces concepts like “The Law of the Few,” positing that a small group of people are disproportionately impactful in causing big shifts.
As you close the last page, you’ll find yourself pondering the phenomena around you, wondering what unseen factors are inching them towards their own tipping points. Could understanding this book’s principles make you the catalyst for the next big thing? Only time will tell.
Where to get it?
#6. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg
Book Summary:
In “Lean In,” Sheryl Sandberg isn’t just scribbling a memoir or conducting a gender studies lecture; she’s igniting a full-blown movement to alter the landscape of leadership. Drawing from her own journey scaling the corporate ladder and becoming Facebook’s COO, Sandberg dismantles the invisible hurdles women encounter in their professional lives. She coaxes her audience to confront the uncomfortable: the internal biases, the societal pressures, and the institutional roadblocks that often impede women from taking those crucial steps toward leadership roles.
Sandberg couples piercing insights with actionable advice, teaching women to “sit at the table,” negotiate effectively, and balance work-life responsibilities.
But her words resonate beyond just the female demographic; they serve as an inclusive call to action for all genders to champion gender equity in the workplace. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to lean into a new opportunity or challenge, remember that the anecdotal wisdom and strategic principles tucked inside these pages might just be the nudge you need.
Where to get it?
#7. How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
Book Summary:
Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is not just a book; it’s a masterclass in decoding the complex architecture of human relations. First published in 1936, this perennial guide dismantles the illusion that success is solely the domain of the intellectually gifted. Rather, Carnegie argues that the ability to understand and manage people is the ultimate skillset.
Employing a mix of anecdotal evidence, psychological insights, and can-do optimism, the book navigates you through a curriculum of soft skills that range from making a dazzling first impression to becoming a persuasive communicator.
Don’t mistake this for just another self-help book; it’s a toolbox filled with timeless principles that have been road-tested through decades of societal shifts and technological revolutions.
The lessons are simple yet transformative: How do you become genuinely interested in people? How do you handle criticism without breeding animosity?
The answers to these questions could make the difference between a life of mundane interactions and one bursting with meaningful connections and mutual respect. Ah, but will these principles really transform your life? There’s only one way to find out, and it’s not by wondering.
Where to get it?
#8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
by Stephen R. Covey
Book Summary:
Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” isn’t your run-of-the-mill productivity manual; it’s a magnum opus on life mastery. This transformative guide doesn’t just preach the virtues of efficiency; it delves deep into the essence of effectiveness by targeting character development and ethical decision-making. Covey leads you through a sequential odyssey of habits, starting with personal responsibility and culminating in synergistic collaboration.
Whether you’re a high-powered CEO or someone looking for a semblance of balance in a chaotic world, the seven habits serve as actionable paradigms for change.
What sets this edition apart is its 30th-anniversary update, adorned with modern insights from Sean Covey, which ensures that the book’s wisdom is not just timeless but timely. It deftly combines the enduring principles of human interaction with the challenges of the contemporary world.
Whether you’re seeking to overhaul your self-image or to navigate the murky waters of team dynamics, Covey provides a blueprint that is as pragmatic as it is profound. The 7 Habits are not just read; they’re absorbed into the fiber of your being. But to know how they can reshape you, you’ll have to open the book.
Where to get it?
#9. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Book Summary:
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki pivots around a disarmingly simple premise: two paternal figures with radically different approaches to money and life. One, his biological father, teaches him the conventional path — go to school, get a job, and save. The other, his best friend’s father (the “Rich Dad”), offers lessons that aren’t taught in school: how to let your money work for you, how to invest, and why financial literacy is a superpower.
Kiyosaki juggles these dual perspectives to deconstruct our ingrained beliefs about money, turning conventional wisdom on its head.
The core of the book lies in the philosophical divergence between the two dads. One believes in the sanctity of hard work and saving, while the other espouses the art of money-making through investments and understanding financial markets.
You might find yourself questioning long-held beliefs and reassessing how you view wealth and success. Can the unconventional wisdom of the Rich Dad fundamentally change your life trajectory? Well, that’s a story only your future self can tell.
Where to get it?
#10. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
by Phil Knight
Book Summary:
“Shoe Dog” is Phil Knight’s enthralling memoir that chronicles the dizzying ascent of Nike from a small enterprise to a global brand. Beginning with a $50 loan from his father, Knight imports Japanese athletic shoes to sell from his car’s trunk. It’s a story replete with twists, turns, and near failures that would spell doom for a less determined visionary.
The narrative is an odyssey of risks, sleepless nights, and countless miles traveled to keep his dream alive, stitched together with threads of raw emotion and invincible spirit.
Knight doesn’t just focus on corporate success; he delves into the relationships, doubts, and moral quandaries that make the journey real and relatable. This isn’t just about a pair of sneakers or a corporate logo; it’s about the relentless drive and resilience it takes to build something transformative.
Where to get it?
#11. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
by Michael E. Gerber
Book Summary:
“The E-Myth Revisited” is a surgical dissection of the lofty dreams and grim realities of owning a small business. Michael E. Gerber takes the reader on a transformative journey from the “entrepreneurial seizure” that sparks most ventures to the inevitable growing pains that doom a staggering majority of them. Through his lens, we see that the genius of your average small business owner often becomes a fatal flaw — while they might be excellent at their craft, they rarely possess the managerial savvy needed to run a business effectively.
The book’s masterstroke is in outlining the concept of working on your business rather than in it.
Using franchising as a paragon, Gerber educates readers on the idea that businesses must be systems-oriented, not just dependent on the unique skills of the founder. That said, you’re not just reading a book — you’re participating in a wake-up call to reevaluate everything you thought you knew about entrepreneurship.
#12. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
by Al Ries and Jack Trout
Book Summary:
“The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” is nothing short of a marketing Bible, meticulously penned by Al Ries and Jack Trout, industry veterans who hold 40 years of marketing mastery. Ries and Trout don’t just lay down abstract laws; they contextualize them with case studies, demonstrating the majestic successes and catastrophic failures of various marketing campaigns. With examples ranging from the seemingly invincible Coca-Cola brand to the ill-fated New Coke blunder, the book acts as a gallery of the marketing world’s Sistine Chapels and Mona Lisas, along with its dogs-playing-poker moments.
While some books give you a fish, this one teaches you to fish — in a sea teeming with consumer psychologies, competitive forces, and ever-shifting market trends.
After delving into these laws, you’ll find yourself armed with an array of new strategic avenues, pondering why that last marketing push failed or why your competitor’s ludicrous gimmick won the day. But be warned, while the laws are immutable, your perception of marketing won’t be; you’ll find it irrevocably changed, deepened, and perhaps, a little bit deconstructed.
Where to get it?
#13. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
by Daniel H. Pink
Book Summary:
“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” dives headfirst into the psychological undercurrents of motivation, challenging long-held assumptions. Forget the carrot and the stick; Daniel H. Pink argues that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are the true drivers of human behavior. Utilizing empirical evidence and illuminating studies, Pink dispels the myth that financial incentives are the be-all and end-all for motivation, both in the workplace and beyond. This is not just a book about motivation; it’s a manual for tapping into our innate human needs, helping us flourish in every aspect of life.
While the corporate world often relies on bonuses and promotions to spur productivity, Pink provides a new lens through which to view human potential.
The book opens up a Pandora’s box of questions about our traditional methods of motivating people — what if money isn’t the answer? What if, instead of dangling rewards in front of people, we focus on fostering their intrinsic motivation? The implications of Pink’s arguments are far-reaching, redefining how we view success, leadership, and human resource management. So, ready to delve into what really propels you forward?
Where to get it?
#14. The Intelligent Investor
by Benjamin Graham
In “The Intelligent Investor,” Benjamin Graham, hailed as the Yoda of Wall Street, lays the foundational principles of value investing. Originally penned in 1949, this book remains an indomitable classic that has helped countless individuals navigate the stormy seas of stock market investing. Graham’s philosophy centers on the concept of “value investing,” a method that emphasizes the importance of the intrinsic value of a stock, rather than speculative or market factors. Through a range of strategies, Graham teaches investors how to make educated decisions, minimize the risk of substantial error, and build a portfolio for long-term growth.
But why should you care about a book that first appeared when Truman was president? Because the crux of Graham’s insights is eternal, transcending market cycles and bubbles. It’s been the go-to guide for magnates like Warren Buffett for a reason.
Graham tackles complex topics in an accessible way, providing a framework to evaluate assets and make investment choices that stand the test of time.
The book serves as a revelatory exploration of financial wisdom, replete with examples, that can turn you from a gambler into a calculated value investor. Imagine that — the opportunity to sit at the feet of the 20th century’s greatest investment advisor without leaving your living room.
Where to get it?
#15. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
by Chris Voss
Book Summary:
In “Never Split the Difference,” former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss introduces an electrifying approach to the art and science of negotiation. While standard negotiating tactics often involve splitting the difference and seeking compromise, Voss argues that in high-stakes negotiations, this approach just won’t cut it.
His techniques revolve around understanding the psychology of the counterpart and leverage emotional intelligence to achieve favorable outcomes. The book aims to give you a distinct advantage in negotiations by enhancing not only your persuasion skills but also your ability to read people, set the terms of engagement, and defuse conflicts.
If you’re thinking, “Well, I’m not a negotiator,” think again. Life constantly presents you with negotiations, be it haggling over the price of a used car, discussing salary at your job, or even deciding where to go on vacation with your family.
Voss’s framework transcends the boardroom, making it equally applicable whether you’re negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal or trying to get your toddler to eat their vegetables.
Where to get it?
#16. Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
Book Summary:
“Creativity, Inc.” is not just another business book; it’s a tour de force into the very fabric of creativity as woven by Ed Catmull, one of the minds behind the powerhouse of imagination that is Pixar Animation Studios. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide, dissecting how Pixar became synonymous with innovation and storytelling.
From its humble garage origins to blockbuster films like “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo,” Catmull uncovers the philosophy and tactics that have enabled Pixar to stay consistently ahead of the curve.
The book delves into the concept of the “Braintrust,” Pixar’s unique system of collaborative critique, which provides a space for unfiltered feedback and dynamic creative expansion.
Now, you might wonder why Pixar’s secrets would apply to you, especially if you’re not trying to make the next great animated film. But here’s the twist: “Creativity, Inc.” isn’t really about animation; it’s about unleashing potential and making space for continuous innovation, no matter the industry.
Whether you’re leading a team, managing a corporation, or simply looking to foster creativity in your own life, this book provides a blueprint for achieving creative breakthroughs.
Where to get it?
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