2026 Summer Reading Guide for Business-related Books

As an annual tradition to commemorate the anniversary of Carol Roth’s instant New York Times bestselling book “You Will Own Nothing” (available for purchase here!), we have compiled the ultimate 2026 summer reading guide of business-related book recommendations from the incredible CarolRoth.com contributor network of business owners, advisors, experts and entrepreneurs. Their answers are presented below, in no particular order.

You may notice the same book listed more than one time, but we included the book descriptions, as well as the book attribution, in each contributor’s own words separately, as something in the way one is framed may resonate differently with you.

*Please note that the titles, descriptions and attributions provided are written in the words of the submitter and may not be portrayed exactly or as originally intended. All information listed below was submitted by our community members as a courtesy. Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC, Carol Roth and our affiliates neither endorse nor recommend any of the following and should you purchase from or hire anyone, please ask for references and do your due diligence first.

1. Likes Don’t Pay the Bills

I recommend "Social Media Is Bullshit" by B.J. Mendelson to every business owner who thinks posting daily is a growth strategy. With sharp honesty (and a bit of wit), he challenges the myth that social media is the ultimate path to success. In reality, meaningful growth still comes from real-world connections. After mentoring entrepreneurs for over eight years, I’ve seen it firsthand that many aren’t gaining traction; they’re losing time, money, and their sanity chasing “likes.”

Thanks to: Chloe Clark of Simply Sage Dog Treats.

2. Employees First Mindset

Most leaders still treat people as interchangeable, yet in private households and family offices, that mindset fails fast. The real risk is not client churn, it is internal fragility. When roles are unclear or trust is weak, performance collapses. The book, "Employees First, Customers Second" by Vineet Nayar matters now because it reframes employees as the infrastructure. In our world, recruitment is not filling roles, it is building a system where people, values, and discretion align for long term continuity.

Thanks to: Stéphanie Benouari of Heritage Staffing.

3. Standing Out in a Loud World

"Rock to Riches: Build Your Business the Rock & Roll Way" by Andrew Chapman & Lee T. Silber

It takes business principles and filters them through the mindset of rock legends, showing how creativity, branding, and reinvention in music translate directly into entrepreneurship. Instead of corporate theory, you get “behind-the-scenes” lessons on risk, identity, and building something that actually stands out in a loud world.

Thanks to: Tim Ash of Images By Tim Ash.

4. Stop Scaling, Start Hiding

"The Art of Invisibility" by Kevin Mitnick.

Most entrepreneurs obsess over growth books, rarely does somebody hand them a book about how everything they're building can quietly collapse overnight due to a breach or data exposure.

AI agents are being woven into business operations at breakneck speed, and most small business owners have zero visibility into the data those agents are touching. This book is the wake-up call entrepreneurs didn't know they needed, delivered without jargon.

Thanks to: Ali Hayat of Axipro Technology.

5. Self-Presentation is Gold!

"Executive Presence 2.0" by Sylvia Ann Hewlett!

As a young CEO entering my 30s, I worried about being taken seriously in my 20s. Hewlett explains how it's not your level of maturity, but how you present yourself as a potential leader at any age. The three things a leader must have whether starting a business or working their way up the ladder are behavior, appearance, and communication skills and the author outlines these in detail and I've implemented this book so far with good results.

Thanks to: Jazz Cole of Cole International Enterprises LLC.

6. The More You Give...

I strongly recommend reading a classic "The Go Giver" by Joe Berg and John David Mann. It shares timeless advice on why real success both in business and in life comes from consistently offering value to others. I especially appreciate how clearly it reinforces the idea that we can be Go-Givers and Go-Getters at the same time. It's about leading with value, intention, and service while being purposeful about your goals. Build meaningful relationships and create trust for best results.

Thanks to: Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls.

7. Best Business Book this Summer

For entrepreneurs, the best book this summer is "AI Curious, Think Bigger and Build Better with Artificial Intelligence," by Danny Iny (with Josh Bowen).

This book captures Danny's thinking and ideas on how to harness the power of AI as a strategic partner to build your entrepreneurial business. There is a lot of hype about AI but Danny is the real deal and his take on AI is unique.

Thanks to: Warren Heaps of Birches Group LLC.

8. From Zero to One... Hero

A book that truly challenges entrepreneurs to create something new—to go from zero to one—rather than copying existing ideas is "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel. Thiel emphasizes the importance of building monopolies and creating products or services that truly stand out. This book inspired me and will truly inspire you as well.

Thanks to: Chris Carter of Approyo.

9. 10 Ways to Get Sued

"10 Ways to Get Sued by Anyone and Everyone; The Small Business Owner's Guide to Staying Out of Court" by Mitchell C. Beinhaker, Esq. and Barry H. Cohen is an essential read for any small business. It's not a substitute for legal counsel, but if you follow the advice in this book, you'll be spending less on lawyers!

Thanks to: Barry Cohen of AdLab Media Communications, LLC.

10. Healthy Brains Perform Better

In business, we spend so much time chasing tomorrow, fixing yesterday, and carrying pressure that we forget to live today. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is a powerful reminder that being present is not soft. It protects your mental health, improves your brain's ability to make better decisions and helps you lead from a calmer, clearer place.

For any business building something hard, having a healthy brain becomes your greatest competitive advantage.

Thanks to: Michael Kawula of Genesis Brain Institute.

11. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: the best business book for modern founders. It teaches you to test ideas quickly, build only what customers need, and avoid wasting time and money. Instead of chasing perfection, you launch, learn, and adapt. It’s practical, efficient, and especially useful if you’re building something new or trying to find product–market fit.

Thanks to: Kristin Marquet of Marquet Media.

12. Knowing Ourselves is the Key

"6 Types of Working Genius" by Patrick Lencioni is that one book. Whether you are a sole proprietor trying to determine why you aren't making more progress, or you are the leader of a team who is frustrated with their lack of progress, then this book is for you. It uses imaginative storytelling to explain what the 6 types of genius are, and how you can leverage them to get more results while having more joy.

Thanks to: The Blind Blogger Maxwell Ivey of The Accessibility Advantage.

13. Win Friends Fast

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to building strong relationships. It teaches simple, practical ways to connect with people, communicate better, and earn trust. If you want to improve your social skills or feel more confident in conversations, this book gives clear, easy-to-use advice that still works today.

Thanks to: Janice Wald of Mostly Blogging.

14. Stay Valuable in the Age of AI

"Reshuffle" by Sangeet Paul Choudary (2025).

Most AI books tell founders which tools to adopt. Choudary asks a sharper question: when AI absorbs the work, where does the value actually move? He maps how industries get unbundled and which layers capture the margin afterwards. For entrepreneurs, this matters more than any prompt guide. You can build a great AI product and still end up on the wrong side of the value chain. This book helps you avoid that mistake.

Thanks to: Illia Termeno of FillEdge.

15. Read Your Way to Excellence

Brad Stulberg's latest of five books, "The Way of Excellence," supports entrepreneurs searching for a way out from distractions and busyness toward true greatness and satisfaction in our chaotic world. Readers will see that purposeful growth and meaningful engagement supports business leadership challenges and our personal life. Learn the value of unplugging, focus and consistency. One key mantra take-away that stuck with me: "excellence requires keeping the main things the main things."

Thanks to: Ashley Kenny of Send Heirloom, Inc.

16. Remote Not Distant

Most leaders still treat hybrid work as a logistics problem, but it’s a culture problem first. We manually vet companies for culture, transparency, and psychological safety, not just remote policies. Too many teams offer flexibility on paper but create distance in practice. "Remote, Not Distant" by Gustavo Razzetti flips that, and shows that proximity is built through intentional systems, not shared offices. For anyone serious about making hybrid actually work, not just exist, this is a must read.

Thanks to: Frederic S. of RemoteCorgi.

17. The Year in Tech, 2026

Most founders read trend reports to validate what they already think. This one challenges that.

From building Virlo.ai, what stands out in "The Year in Tech, 2026: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review," is its focus on applying AI in fast, real-world systems, not theory. The edge today is not access to AI, it is speed of adaptation.

It pushes leaders to think in feedback loops, which is exactly how modern platforms evolve, especially in fast-moving creator ecosystems.

Thanks to: Nicolas Mauro of Virlo.ai.

18. The Pumpkin Plan

In my view, "The Pumpkin Plan" is quite simply a masterpiece by Mike Michalowicz. He uses a deeply candid and contemptuous style to engage the readers right from the first go, which sets this book apart from all the rest. The hard-hitting advice written in this book provides actionable strategies and a complete step-by-step plan for budding entrepreneurs to move their business from average to exceptional. This book is a total gem, and I encourage all business owners to give it a go.

Thanks to: Matteo Valles of Vol Case.

19. Stop The Overthinking

In leading a wellness-focused brand, I’ve learned that business performance mirrors personal clarity. We believe you can’t deliver consistent results if you’re not operating at your best, mentally or physically. That’s why “Stop Letting Everything Affect You” by Daniel Chidiac stands out. Overthinking is a liability. This book shows how to cut through emotional noise, regain control, and lead with focus, which every business owner needs to stay sharp and effective.

Thanks to: Paul DiBrito of Kats Botanicals.

20. Reframe Problems as Solutions

"The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. Every entrepreneur faces walls at some point in their trajectory, i.e., slow seasons, intense competition, rising costs, you name it. Holiday draws on Stoic philosophy to reframe how we see those problems; he suggests that the obstacle itself is often the path forward. Through the trifecta of perception, action, and willpower, he delivers a powerful mental framework entrepreneurs can lean on for support time and again when things get hard.

Thanks to: Hannah Richter of Walker Metals.

21. Leadership Under Pressure

Book: "The Hard Thing About Hard Things"
Author: Ben Horowitz

Most business books focus on strategy when things are going right. This one focuses on what to do when they’re not. It’s a practical look at leadership under pressure: hiring, firing, making decisions with incomplete information, and navigating uncertainty. For entrepreneurs, that’s the reality. It’s one of the few books that doesn’t simplify the job and instead prepares you for it.

Thanks to: Bernard May of National Positions.

22. One Idea. Undefeated.

"The Goal" by Eliyahu Goldratt is a 1984 business novel about a factory manager that will reframe how you run your company in a single weekend. Goldratt's Theory of Constraints is the most useful idea in business that almost no founder has actually read in its original form. Skip the summaries. Read the book. You'll never look at your own operation the same way.

Thanks to: AJ Cheponis of Straightline Consulting Group.

23. No Frameworks. Just Honesty

I used to think startups failed because of bad markets or poor execution.

Then I read "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield — and realized the real killer is internal: procrastination, perfectionism, fear of shipping.

No frameworks. No case studies. Just the raw truth that Godin, Ferriss & Ryan Holiday all call essential.

Most business-critical book I've read.

Thanks to: Steven Sarver Sr of PetHabitats.

24. 12 Pillars

One of the more underrated books I always recommend is "12 Pillars" by Jim Rohn. It's essentially a book about a guy named Michael, whose car breaks down in front of this 12-pillar mansion, which leads him to meet Charlie, the caretaker of the mansion. Charlie goes through the principles of life that Michael needs to have a successful life. Really quick read, and you'll take a highlighter to the entire book.

Thanks to: Tim Bratz of Legacy Wealth Holdings.

25. Your Second Prime

"Your Second Prime: Does Aging Suck or Do We Suck at Aging?" by Gretchen Terry-Leonard

Written by a healthcare strategist and leadership expert with over two decades of experience, this book offers a refreshing take on longevity, decision-making, and leadership. Rather than focusing on early-career hustle, it reframes the later chapters of life as a time of peak clarity, influence, and strategic thinking.

Thanks to: Riley Jackson of RAGDOLL PR.

26. Change Your 10% Growth Mindset

I'd recommend "10x Is Easier Than 2x" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy to any business owner. The premise sounds insane until it isn't. Trying to grow 10% forces you to work harder. Trying to grow 1,000% forces entrepreneurs to think exponentially instead of incrementally. About people, systems, leverage and key partnerships. Your time doesn't scale. One more sales call won't get you there. The book brings this to light in a way that sticks.

Thanks to: Chris Arndt of expandCFO.

27. Beyond the Bottom Line

As entrepreneurs, we pride ourselves on rejecting long-standing dogma in pursuit of what actually works. And yet, even the most innovative business is only as strong as the economy surrounding it. In "The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy," journalist Nick Romeo presents real-world examples of actual, emerging alternatives to current capitalist models. Whatever your political leanings, this book serves as a powerful reminder, both of what is already happening and what is possible.

Thanks to: Jenn Christison of Seven Ways Consulting.

28. The Feedback Trap

My top pick is "The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick. It taught me one of the hardest business lessons: stop asking people what they think and start paying attention to what they actually do. Early on, I wasted months building features based on polite feedback. This book helped me ask better questions, spot false positives fast, and make decisions based on real customer behavior instead of compliments.

Thanks to: Akshay Chaudhary of Spade Pest Control.

29. The Literal Mom Test

"The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick.

The whole book hammers one point: people lie when you ask them about your idea, so stop asking. Ask about their actual life instead. I built LearnClash as a Christmas gift for my mom, and the test was literal: did she put the phone down? She didn't, and she found Harry Potter trivia on her own. That kind of unprompted use is the only validation worth anything. Save yourself months and read it before you build.

Thanks to: David Moosmann of LearnClash.

30. "The Mom Test"

Most founders pitch their idea when they should be interrogating the problem. Fitzpatrick shows you how to ask questions that cut through politeness and surface real buying signals. As a former SDR who spent years getting vague objections instead of honest ones, this book reframed how I sell, build, and market. Any founder who believes they already understand their customer should read it before their next client conversation.

Thanks to: Sebastian Buckeridge of Studio Monday.

31. "The Cuckoo's Egg"

In "The Cuckoo's Egg" by Cliff Stoll, a 1980s astronomer accidentally uncovers a Soviet hacker targeting US military systems and spends a year chasing him through early internet infrastructure, on a $0.75 accounting discrepancy that most people would've ignored. It reads like a thriller but every word is true, and it's still the most honest explanation I've found for why security is a human problem before it's a technical one. Any entrepreneur who thinks cybersecurity is purely IT's job needs to read this first.

Thanks to: Moe Rosenfeld of eCopier Solutions.

32. "Alchemy" by Rory Sutherland

Most entrepreneurs optimize for logic. Sutherland argues that's exactly wrong, and that the biggest value in business comes from counterintuitive and seemingly irrational moves. As someone who started an agency with $1 and is now betting early on AI search before most people take it seriously, I've made my best decisions by ignoring consensus. This book gives you permission to think weird. That's rare, and it's useful.

Thanks to: Tom Parling of growthvibe.

33. Growth AND Freedom

What if you don’t have to choose between a thriving firm and a great life — what if you can have both?

With practical exercises, real-world examples, and a holistic, human-centered approach, "The AND Approach" by Gary Mitchell serves as both a guidebook and a trusted companion for owners ready to grow their firms with intention, integrity, and balance.

Build a rock-solid mindset, improve self-care, reclaim freedom, lead with purpose, streamline operations, master marketing, Growth AND Freedom.

Thanks to: Gary Mitchell of OnTrac Coach.

34. "Setting the Table"

"Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer. Most business books treat hospitality like a soft skill. Meyer treats it like an operating system. He separates service (the technical part) from hospitality (how the guest feels), and reads like a back-of-house manual. Every owner-operator should read it once a year. It's the closest thing to a single text on running a place where humans have to feel something when they leave.

Thanks to: Billy Rhyne of Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort.

35. "Kitchen Confidential"

“Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain.

It reads like a food memoir but it’s the best management book nobody shelves in the business section. Bourdain covers hiring, firing, building crews under pressure, surviving on thin margins, and learning from failure - all from inside a professional kitchen. The lesson: the people who last aren’t the most talented. They’re the ones who show up for the unglamorous prep work every day. That’s entrepreneurship in a sentence.

Thanks to: Corey Cohen of The Roebling Team at Compass.

36. "Finite and Infinite Games"

"Finite and Infinite Games" by James P. Carse

Most entrepreneurs are stuck in the "finite" game of beating competitors or hitting quarterly targets. In his view, business is an infinite play, and the objective of running a business is to continue the game in a way that feels like play while inviting as many other players as possible into it. The single most competitive advantage of a founder is switching their mindset from winning to sustainability and evolution. It is a summer read that is philosophical but also practical.

Thanks to: Elena Zelencova of Chatim.

37. "Setting the Table"

Book: "Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer

In the travel industry, "enlightened hospitality" is everything. Meyer’s book teaches entrepreneurs that how you make people feel is just as important as the service you provide. Whether you are in SaaS or Safaris, his philosophy on putting your team first to ensure client satisfaction is a blueprint for building a lasting, soul-filled business.

Thanks to: Vummy Kihaule of Tanzania Safaris.

38. "Predictably Irrational"

"Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely

In the AI space, we often focus on logic and data, but markets are driven by human emotion. Ariely’s work on behavioral economics is essential for entrepreneurs building GTM strategies. Understanding why customers make "illogical" choices helps in pricing, positioning, and scaling products in a way that feels natural to the human brain.

Thanks to: Alexandra Hayes of Audiocleaner.

39. Sun Tzu Knew What MBAs Didn't

Most business books tell you what to do, but “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu tells you how to think. And that difference matters. 

I see entrepreneurs lose deals because they show their hand too early. About 2,500 years ago, Sun Tzu figured it out. Know your competition better than they know you, and you've already won.

For anyone building something from scratch, this is the only playbook worth reading and reflecting this summer.

Thanks to: Johanna Chen Lee of Ink Removal.

40. Building Strategies That Last

I recommend entrepreneurs to read "Seven Powers" by Hamilton Helmer this summer. It is a rare book that actually sharpens judgment and can teach readers how to stop copying playbooks.

I especially like how Helmer breaks down 7 durable ways to identify real power and how long they take to build. It teaches founders why some companies grow better and can change how they allocate time, capital and talent.

Thanks to: Himanshu Agarwal of Zenius.

41. Decision Over Doubt

“The Laws of Success" by Napoleon Hill is one book every entrepreneur must read this summer. Hill's Law of Faith and Law of Decision changed how I operate. I didn't have credentials or a plan, I had belief in myself and the guts to decide. That mindset took me from spraying water hoses at a refinery to closing 100+ real estate deals. Hill teaches that your circumstances don't define you; your decisions and faith in yourself do. Stop waiting for permission. Read this book, then decide to move.

Thanks to: Qendrim Marku of Offer Out Home Buyers.

42. Dare to Lead

As someone who works with leaders every day, I believe "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown is a must read for business owners this summer because it reframes what real leadership looks like. Strong leaders are not the ones who rely on control. They are the ones willing to build trust, lead with courage, and create genuine connection. In today’s workplace, employees stay where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Her message is a timely reminder that vulnerability and accountability are strengths.

Thanks to: Megan Fuciarelli of US² Consulting.

43. The Human Side of Innovation

“Leading Through Free Fall” is a practical playbook for leaders navigating stalled momentum, skepticism, and resistance during change. Drawing on 20 years of innovation consulting experience, Brianna Sylver reveals the invisible human dynamics that quietly derail strategy and offers 17 practical tools to transform friction into trust, accountability, and forward movement...even when uncertainty is high and teams are struggling to stay aligned through disruption.

Thanks to: Robyn Minor of Sylver Consulting.

44. Reframing Growth

"The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

This book has been influential because it reframes growth as something that comes from curiosity, learning, and continuous iteration rather than fixed ability. In marketing and business leadership, that mindset is critical because markets change quickly, teams need to adapt, and the best outcomes often come from testing, learning, and improving over time.

Thanks to: Sarmad Faraz of JETNET.

45. Breakthrough Ideas

"Borrowing Brilliance: The Six Steps to Business Innovation by Building on the Ideas of Others" by David Kord Murray

This book shows entrepreneurs that breakthrough ideas rarely appear out of thin air. Instead, the book explores how innovation often comes from combining, adapting, and reshaping existing concepts in smarter ways, making creativity feel far more practical and achievable for growing businesses.

Thanks to: Ruben Gamez of SignWell.

46. Women Building Wealth

"We Should All Be Millionaires" by Rachel Rodgers.

The book blends practical business advice with mindset shifts around money, ambition, and visibility, encouraging women to stop shrinking their goals and start building wealth boldly, strategically, and unapologetically.

Thanks to: Angela Ash of Flow Agency.

47. Debunking the Elevator Speech

I recommend "The Art of Hello" by Paula Calise. Most business books focus on closing deals; this one focuses on opening doors. It’s a reminder that relationships, memorable introductions, and genuine curiosity still matter in a world flooded with automation and noise. Entrepreneurs often underestimate how a thoughtful “hello” can shape partnerships, opportunities, and long-term trust.

Thanks to: Karen Dawson of www.southlake-travel.com.

48. When Silence Closes the Luxury

I really enjoy this business book, "Influence" by Robert Cialdini. I have learned luxury retailing is the exception in which high value purchases do not happen spontaneously. Often, the client will come back days later after clicking his mind with the buy. The book does a great job of clarifying why the product features don't matter as much as the scarcity, the authority, and the emotional timing.

Thanks to: Luke Stafford of Charles Fish.

49. The Science of Mastery

I recommend that entrepreneurs read the book, "Mastery: How Learning Transforms Our Brains, Minds, and Bodies" by Arturo E. Hernandez, PHD. This book uses research from neuroscience and psychology to explain how humans develop skills. Arturo connects learning with cognitive science and how the brain adapts. This book also debunks the myth of natural talent and explains how people gain expertise through continuous exposure and practice. Skills do not show up suddenly.

Thanks to: Kimberly Ihekwoaba of Copywriting with Kim.

50. Exploring Your Skillset

At Truck Driver Institute, we train people for careers in trucking. It’s important to realize that just because you’re good at a certain line of work doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy running a business that does that work. Michael Gerber wrote "The E-Myth Revisited" to explore this idea. Whether you want to be an owner-operator or open any other business, reading it can help make sure you’re on the right path.

Thanks to: Lauren Gast Stevens of TDI Tupelo Truck Driving School.

51. Married to Your Business?

Where would you find "A Marriage at Sea" in a business category on the bookshelves or listings online?

Author Sophie Elmhirst captures the journey of Maurice and Marlyn Bailey cast at sea when their boat was struck by a whale. Rendered helpless, almost hopeless, at wit's end more than once, I couldn't help but draw a parallel between solo entrepreneurs driven by pure unbridled passion, even obsession, having invented a successful product/service and surviving a near end-of-life experience.

Thanks to: Jean Chow of MsBizWiz.

52. Try The Shrimp Parm Recipe

"Parm to Table: Italian American and American Italian Recipes from Ponza to the Bronx" by Christian Petroni
Surrounded by old-world Italian culinary traditions, Christian has been working in kitchens since he was thirteen and has made a name for himself at some of the best restaurants in the NYC area, including his own, Fortina.

The book stresses the importance of appealing to an audience, giving what they want, and embracing tradition.

Thanks to: Rick Canale of EXOTIC FLOWERS.

53. "Deep Work" by Cal Newport

"Deep Work" explains how focused, distraction-free work has become one of the most valuable skills in today’s digital world. Cal Newport shows how constant notifications and multitasking reduce creativity and productivity, while deep concentration leads to better ideas, faster learning, and stronger business results. The book is practical, motivating, and especially useful for entrepreneurs, students, and professionals trying to work smarter in a noisy world.

Thanks to: David Magnani of M&A Executive Search.

54. "The High Achiever's Guide"

Every entrepreneur I know has the same problem: no matter how much they accomplish, they feel behind. "The High Achiever's Guide" by Maki Moussavi explains why. "The Gap" is measuring yourself against a moving ideal. "The Gain" is measuring against where you started — same wins, completely different psychology. If you're hitting your goals but still feel like you're failing, read this before summer ends. It changed how I run quarterly reviews, evaluate client work, and frankly, how I sleep.

Thanks to: Taylor McHenry of Tay Design Co.

55. Alignment Over Hustle

"Essentialism" by Greg McKeown.

The biggest trap most business owners fall into is spreading themselves too thin. This book invites you to strip things back and focus your energy on what truly matters. In a world that celebrates hustle and busyness, Essentialism reminds you that clarity, alignment, and aligned action—not constant motion—create meaningful and sustainable growth.

Thanks to: Musa Francis of BLOOMING QUEER.

56. A Top Business Read this Year

"The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber

Most founders are craftspeople who fell in love with their work, not business owners. Gerber nails why so many small businesses fail: the person is great at the thing but terrible at running the operation around it. The distinction between working in your business versus on it sounds simple, but actually sitting with it changes how you make every decision going forward.

Thanks to: Dr. Wasif Yaseen of Dr. Wasif Yaseen.

57. "Do the Work"

"Do the Work" by Gary John Bishop

This book really helped me do my business by making me think in a different way. I love the raw, uncensored way he gets his point across. Great read.

Thanks to: Christopher Mudd of Wonk's Junk.

58. "Deep Survival" by L. Gonzales

My favorite business book recommendation is "Deep Survival" by Laurence Gonzales. This is a book that most entrepreneurs would never think of as a business book. It analyzes why some people remain calm and make rational decisions during disasters, accidents, and high-stress situations, while others mentally, and sometimes physically, fall apart. Mr. Gonzales goes into how these high-stress situations can become much worse when people refuse to accept their new reality.

Thanks to: Alfred Pintor of Copper Collar Services LLC.

59. Read The Checklist Manifesto!

So few people realize how quickly tiny leaks sap profit, morale, and momentum across a year. That’s why my 2026 Book is "The Checklist Manifesto" by Atul Gawande. Basically, the book’s biggest lesson is about eliminating avoidable mistakes before they compound through teams and deadlines. Executing simply is the smart leaders’ solution because complexity exhausts people. Truthfully, steadiness replicates better than heroics.

Thanks to: Scott Flores of Empire Parking Lot Services.

60. “Thinking in Systems”

The best business-related book I would recommend for entrepreneurs this summer is “Thinking in Systems” by Donella H. Meadows. Meadows explains how systems naturally repeat the outcomes they were designed to produce, even when everyone involved works hard. Entrepreneurs reading that book usually start spotting hidden operational loops that quietly drain time, money, staffing capacity, and customer confidence year after year.

Thanks to: Lo Choe of Aura Fire Safety.

61. "The Art of Action" by Bungay

My one pick is "The Art of Action" by Stephen Bungay. Honestly, it hits entrepreneurs in a place most business books miss, because it deals with the messy stretch between plan and reality. In construction and restoration, a plan can look sharp at 8:00 a.m. and be under strain by 10:15 a.m. after weather shifts, access changes, or material delays. The same is true in business, and that is why this book matters so much.

Thanks to: Cameron Figgins of Absolute Maintenance and Consulting.

62. The ONE Book I Recommend Is...

The ONE book I recommend is "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz. So, most business books romanticize entrepreneurship with polished success formulas and motivational nonsense. This book does the opposite. It explains what happens at 2:00 a.m. when payroll, lawsuits, investor pressure and organizational breakdown collide at the same time. In reality, entrepreneurs need emotional endurance more than inspiration, and Horowitz articulates that brutally well.

Thanks to: Dr. James Chao, MD, FACS of VedaNu Wellness.

63. "The Effective Executive"

"The Effective Executive" by Peter F. Drucker endures as it pushes entrepreneurs to evaluate their thought processes and how they prioritize and focus attention on day-to-day activities. Entrepreneurs often fail to recognize how readily activity can crowd out thinking. Effectiveness, according to Drucker, is a skill that can be learned as a professional discipline rooted in time awareness and decision-making quality. Healthcare administration and clinical leadership is no different.

Thanks to: Dr. Heike Kraemer, D.M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc of IDEA USA.

64. "The E-Myth Revisited"

The best business book I recommend entrepreneurs read this summer is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber.

Most entrepreneurs start companies because they are skilled at a service, though many struggle once the business depends entirely on them every day. That pattern becomes exhausting fast once customer volume grows and operational problems start stacking together. Entrepreneurs should read it because operational dependency quietly limits growth long before revenue problems appear.

Thanks to: Cyrus Kennedy of The Ad Firm.

65. "The Innovator's Prescription"

My pick for this summer is "The Innovator's Prescription" by Clayton Christensen. The book applies disruption theory directly to healthcare delivery models, breaking down why traditional hospital systems struggle to compete with smaller, specialized practices like mine. Christensen explains how boutique clinics and retail health have quietly captured market share that big hospitals once owned. Reading it changed how I think about positioning Aviva against larger medspa chains in the region.

Thanks to: Jillian Kavanagh, MSN, RN, FNP-C of Aviva Wellness & Aesthetics.

66. "The Psychology of Money"

Most business failures are behavioral before they are strategic. "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel explains how ego, insecurity, greed, and impatience shape financial outcomes. Entrepreneurs need emotional durability as much as tactical skill.

Thanks to: Kiara DeWitt, RN, CPN of InjectCo.

67. "Poor Charlie’s Almanack"

Most business books teach tactics; this one teaches judgment. Charlie Munger’s obsession with mental models, inversion, and multidisciplinary thinking helps entrepreneurs avoid costly blind spots instead of merely chasing growth hacks. It’s especially valuable in a world where founders are overwhelmed by trends, AI hype, and short-term thinking. Entrepreneurs who read this tend to become calmer, more rational decision-makers.

Thanks to: Blaz Korosec of Investorade.

68. "Finite and Infinite Games"

"Finite and Infinite Games" by James P. Carse is one of the most quietly influential books in entrepreneurship circles because it reframes business entirely. Finite players want to “win.” Infinite players want to continue playing and compounding over decades. In an era obsessed with virality and overnight exits, this book reminds founders that endurance, adaptability, and long-term positioning often matter far more than short-term victories.

Thanks to: Brianna Torres of Medical Director Co.

69. "The Sovereign Individual"

Although written in the 1990s, "The Sovereign Individual" by William Rees-Mogg and James Dale Davidson predicted remote work, digital currencies, globalized talent, and internet-driven economic decentralization with eerie accuracy. Entrepreneurs reading it today may start thinking differently about where business, labor, taxation, and technology are heading next. Even readers who disagree with parts of it usually walk away with a broader strategic perspective.

Thanks to: Blake DeWitt of DeWitt Pharma.

70. "Company of One"

"Company of One" by Paul Jarvis challenges one of entrepreneurship’s biggest assumptions: that every business should continuously expand. Jarvis makes a compelling argument for building lean, profitable, intentionally small companies that maximize freedom instead of complexity. For burned-out founders or solo operators, it’s a powerful reminder that sustainability and independence can be more rewarding than endless scaling.

Thanks to: Jen Adams of Texas Academy of Medical Aesthetics.

71. "The Outsiders"

"The Outsiders" by William N. Thorndike Jr.

Rather than focusing on celebrity CEOs, this book studies eight highly unconventional leaders who quietly delivered extraordinary long-term returns. The central lesson is that smart capital allocation, patience, and disciplined thinking often outperform charisma and media attention. Entrepreneurs will come away understanding that operational brilliance matters less than consistently making intelligent strategic decisions.

Thanks to: Dr. Christopher Croner of SalesDrive.

72. "Titan" — by Ron Chernow

Far more than a biography, “Titan” is an incredible study of ambition, leverage, negotiation, public relations, and strategic patience. Rockefeller’s ability to systemize industries and think decades ahead still feels modern. Entrepreneurs can learn both what to emulate and what to avoid from one of history’s most consequential business builders.

Thanks to: Jason Conway of Becknell Industrial.

73. "The Fish That Ate the Whale!"

This unbelievable true story follows Sam Zemurray, a broke immigrant banana salesman who built a business empire through sheer aggressiveness, creativity, and instinct. Unlike polished corporate memoirs, "The Fish That Ate the Whale" by Rich Cohen captures entrepreneurship in its rawest form: opportunistic, messy, competitive, and relentless. It’s one of the most entertaining business books a founder can read while still delivering serious lessons about execution and adaptability.

Thanks to: Patrick Beltran of Ardoz Digital.

74. "The Unaccountability Machine"

Dan Davies' work and one of the smartest recent books on why large organizations become irrational, bloated, and incapable of making good decisions. Entrepreneurs often assume growth automatically creates efficiency, but "The Unaccountability Machine" explains how complexity can quietly destroy accountability. It’s especially valuable for founders scaling teams who want to avoid building companies that move slower as they grow.

Thanks to: Craig Focht of All Pro Door.

75. "The Dictator’s Handbook"

"The Dictator’s Handbook" — by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith

Despite being about politics, this is secretly one of the sharpest business books you can read. It explains how power, incentives, loyalty, and coalition-building work in every organization. Entrepreneurs will start seeing investor dynamics, executive politics, and corporate behavior through a completely different lens after reading it.

Thanks to: Shane Lucado, Esq of InPerSuit™.

76. "Debt: The First 5,000 Years"

"Debt: The First 5,000 Years" by David Graeber is not a traditional business book at all, which is exactly why entrepreneurs should read it. Graeber explores how money, debt, trade, and economic systems evolved across civilizations. Founders interested in fintech, economics, negotiation, or human incentives will gain a much broader understanding of how commerce actually shapes societies.

Thanks to: Eric Croak, CFP of Croak Capital.

77. "Boomerang" by Michael Lewis

Part business book, part economic travelogue, “Boomerang” examines how countries and institutions behave when cheap money distorts incentives. Lewis combines humor with sharp financial insight, making complex economic behavior understandable for entrepreneurs trying to navigate volatile markets, debt cycles, and irrational investor sentiment.

Thanks to: Danny Niemela of ArDan Construction.

78. Rory Sutherland's "Alchemy"

An entertaining and deeply unconventional look at why consumers behave irrationally — and why logic alone rarely wins in marketing. Sutherland argues that perception often matters more than objective reality in business. Entrepreneurs building brands, products, or pricing strategies will come away thinking far more creatively about human behavior.

Thanks to: Guillermo Triana of PEO-Marketplace.com.

79. The Emperor's Private Notes

Marcus Aurelius ran the Roman Empire for years and wrote "Meditations" entirely for himself.

That's why it works. A private reckoning with distractions, ego, and how to make decisions when absolutely nothing is certain.

Entrepreneurs spend a fortune on coaching to learn what Aurelius figured out alone, in a military tent, centuries ago.

Wish I'd read it earlier.

Thanks to: Vickie MacFadden of Quoteiac.

80. "The Mom Test"

My pick is "The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick. It teaches you to ask customer questions that surface the truth, not false positives. People want to be nice. They'll tell you your idea is great when it isn't.

I read it before building Chronicle. Instead of pitching disability law firms, we asked about the worst part of their week. That single shift surfaced the SSA portal problem we ended up solving. The book pays for itself the first week you use it.

Thanks to: Nikhil Pai of Chronicle.

81. "Obviously Awesome"

Most founders treat positioning as a marketing exercise. That's backwards. Positioning shapes every downstream choice. Who you sell to, how you price, what features matter, which competitors you measure against.

Reading "Obviously Awesome" by April Dunford shifted how I describe my own business. I stopped competing on features and started positioning around one specific buyer with one specific problem. Messaging, sales conversations, and onboarding all got sharper almost overnight.

Thanks to: Will Yang of Chronicle.

As always, many thanks to everyone that contributed to this article!

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