top of page
Writer's pictureAlpesh Patel

50 Great Books for the Leader and Entrepreneur: 150 lessons from them

Updated: Nov 15, 2023

The power to mould minds, drive innovation, and spawn monumental change is often sourced from the enlightening pages of a book. This extensive collection of 50 books spans a variety of topics and genres, offering insights into human behaviour, personal development, business strategy, and even suspense and storytelling.



1. How to Talk to Anyone

2. Atomic Habits

3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad

4. The 5 AM Club

5. Thinking Fast and Slow

6. The 48 Laws of Power

7. Make Your Bed

8. The Subtle Art of Not Caring

9. How to Win Friends and Influence People

10. Think and Grow Rich

11. The Power of Habit

12. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

13. The Power of Positive Thinking

14. 12 Rules for Life

15. The 80/20 Principle

16. The 4-Hour Body

17. Never Get a Real Job

18. Quiet

19. Girl, Stop Apologizing

20. Girl, Wash your Face

21. How to Stop Worrying

22. Act Like a Lady

23. Talking to Strangers

24. Deep Work

25. The Four Agreements

26. The Love Languages

27. Getting Things Done

28. Who Moved My Cheese

29. The 4-Hour Workweek

30. The Power of Now

31. Man's Search For Meaning

32. The Alchemist

33. Awaken the Giant Within

34. The Miracle Morning

35. Sapiens

36. Outliers

37. The Art of Happiness

38. The Magic of Thinking Big

39. Essentialism

40. 10% Happier

41. Don't Give in, God Wants You To Win

42. The Lover

43. Zero to One

44. Never Split the Difference

45. Getting to Yes

46. A Kiss Before Dying

47. Daring Greatly

48. Grit

49. The Lean Startup

50. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion


1. How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes


  • The Flooding Smile: Instead of offering a quick, insincere smile, take a moment to genuinely recognise the person you're greeting. This creates a sense of warmth and sincerity, making the other person feel truly acknowledged.

  • Sticky Eyes: By maintaining prolonged eye contact even after the other person has finished speaking, you convey deep interest and attentiveness. This technique fosters a deeper connection during conversations.

  • Eavesdrop: This doesn't mean intruding on others' privacy. Instead, it's about being observant and attentive in social situations. By listening to various conversations, you can pick up on social cues, topics of interest, and become a more engaging conversationalist.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear


  • 1% Better Every Day: Small, consistent improvements compound over time. For instance, if you improve a skill by just 1% daily, over a year, these small gains will multiply, leading to significant overall improvement.

  • Habits are the Compound Interest of Self-Improvement: Just as money grows through compound interest, the benefits of habits multiply as you repeat them. Consistent positive habits can lead to exponential personal growth over time.

  • The Four Laws of Behaviour Change: These are foundational principles to build good habits: Make it obvious: Set clear cues for your habits. Make it attractive: Ensure the habit has positive associations. Make it easy: Reduce friction to start the habit. Make it satisfying: Reward yourself after completing the habit.

3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki


  • Assets vs. Liabilities: An asset is something that puts money in your pocket (like investments), while a liability takes money out (like debts). To achieve financial independence, focus on building assets and minimising liabilities.

  • Work to Learn, Don’t Work for Money: Instead of merely working for a pay-check, prioritise jobs and roles that offer valuable skills and experiences. These can be leveraged for greater opportunities in the future.

  • The Importance of Financial Education: Continuously educate yourself about financial matters. Understanding investments, markets, and financial principles empowers you to make informed decisions about your money.

4. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma


  • The Power of Morning Routines: An intentional morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. By starting early, you get quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on personal growth, planning, and reflection.

  • The 20/20/20 Formula: This is a morning routine structure: First 20 minutes (Move): Engage in physical activity to awaken the body. Next 20 minutes (Reflect): Meditate, journal, or plan your day. Final 20 minutes (Grow): Read or learn something new.

  • The 4 Focuses of History-Makers: These are principles that many successful individuals prioritise: Capitalisation: Effectively use the resources at your disposal. Freedom from Distraction: Maintain focus on important tasks. Personal Mastery Practice: Continuously improve and refine your skills. Day Stacking: Ensure each day aligns with your long-term goals.

5. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman


  • Two Systems: The book describes two modes of thinking: System 1: Fast, instinctive, and emotional. It's our immediate, gut-reaction way of thinking. System 2: Slower, more deliberative, and more logical. It's the thinking mode we engage when we solve complex problems, evaluate choices, or focus on a task.

  • Anchoring Effect: This is a cognitive bias where people rely too heavily on the first piece of information they encounter (the "anchor") when making decisions. For example, if you first see a shirt priced at $100 and then see a similar one for $50, you're more likely to see the second shirt as a bargain.

  • Prospect Theory: This theory suggests that people make decisions based on the potential value of losses and gains rather than the final outcome. For instance, the pain of losing $10 is more intense than the pleasure of gaining the same amount.

6. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene


  • Never Outshine the Master: Always make those above you feel superior. If you display talents that surpass those of your superiors, you might be seen as a threat. Instead, use your skills to make them look better, ensuring your own security and advancement.

  • Conceal Your Intentions: By keeping your plans and strategies secret, you maintain an advantage. If others are unaware of your true intentions, they can't prepare a defense or counter-strategy.

  • Acquire Useful Enemies: While it might seem counterintuitive, having adversaries can be beneficial. They keep you alert, motivated, and often provide opportunities to demonstrate your capabilities.

7. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven


  • Start Your Day with a Task Completed: Making your bed is a simple act, but it sets a productive tone for the day. It gives you a sense of pride and encourages you to complete another task, and another, creating a positive domino effect.

  • Slide Down the Obstacle Head First: This refers to taking risks and choosing the difficult path when faced with challenges. By facing fears and taking the less conventional route, you can achieve greater rewards.

  • Don't Back Down from the Sharks: If you're confronted with a challenge or threat, face it head-on. Just as sharks will back down if you punch them in the snout, challenges often become more manageable when confronted directly.

8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson


  • Value-driven Living: Instead of chasing endless positivity, focus on what truly matters. It's about choosing where to direct your energy and concern based on personal values.

  • Accepting Limitations: Every individual has limitations. Accepting them doesn't mean resignation but rather understanding that there's a limit to what one can control.

  • Responsibility for Emotions: While you can't control everything that happens to you, you can control how you interpret and respond to it. Taking responsibility for your reactions is empowering.

9. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie


  • Genuine Appreciation: Offering sincere compliments and showing genuine appreciation can foster goodwill. It's not about flattery, but recognising and acknowledging the good in others.

  • Be Interested in Other People: Taking a genuine interest in someone else, asking about their experiences, and actively listening can build rapport and trust.

  • Avoid Criticism: Criticising others often leads to resentment and defensiveness. Instead, try to understand their perspective and offer constructive feedback when necessary.

10. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill


  • Desire: Clearly define what you want in life, both materially and personally. This clarity acts as a driving force, motivating you to take the necessary steps towards your goals.

  • Faith: Believing in your ability to achieve your goals is crucial. This belief, combined with positive affirmations, can influence your subconscious mind to work towards your desires.

  • Autosuggestion: This is a technique where you influence your subconscious mind by repeating positive affirmations. By doing so, you reinforce your beliefs and desires, making them a part of your daily thought process.

11. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg


  • Habit Formation: Habits are formed through a loop of cue, routine, and reward. Understanding this loop can help in developing new habits or changing existing ones.

  • Keystone Habits: These are habits that, when adopted, can lead to the formation of other positive habits. For instance, regular exercise can lead to better eating habits.

  • Organizational Habits: Beyond individual habits, organisations also have habits that can influence company culture and productivity.

12. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey


  • Be Proactive: This means taking control of your actions and behaviours. Instead of reacting to external events, proactive people recognise that their choices are the result of their decisions, not external factors.

  • Begin with the End in Mind: Visualise your desired outcomes and set goals accordingly. By knowing where you want to go, you can take steps that align with your vision.

  • Put First Things First: This involves prioritising tasks based on their importance rather than their urgency. Focus on activities that align with your values and long-term goals.

13. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale


  • Believe in Yourself: Self-confidence is the foundation of success. By believing in your abilities and maintaining a positive self-image, you're more likely to take risks and pursue opportunities.

  • Visualise Success: By mentally picturing yourself succeeding, you reinforce the belief that success is attainable. This visualisation can motivate you to take the necessary actions to achieve your goals.

  • Prayerful Attitude: Maintaining a spiritual connection and seeking guidance through prayer can provide comfort, direction, and a sense of purpose.

14. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson


  • Stand Up Straight: This is not just about physical posture but also about presenting oneself with dignity and confidence. By standing tall and facing the world head-on, you signal to others (and yourself) that you are capable and deserving of respect.

  • Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping: Often, people are harder on themselves than they would be on others. This rule emphasises the importance of self-care and self-compassion. By treating yourself with the same kindness and concern as you would treat a loved one, you foster self-worth and well-being.

  • Pursue What is Meaningful: Instead of seeking short-term pleasures or taking the easy route, focus on long-term goals and values. By pursuing what is genuinely meaningful, you cultivate a life of purpose and fulfilment.

15. The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch


  • Pareto Principle: This principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. For instance, in business, 80% of profits might come from 20% of customers. Recognising and focusing on these high-yield areas can optimise results.

  • Focus on the Vital Few: Instead of spreading yourself thin, concentrate on the most impactful tasks or areas. By dedicating more resources to what truly matters, you can achieve more with less.

  • Eliminate the Trivial: Recognise and reduce or eliminate activities or tasks that offer little value. By cutting out the "noise," you can better focus on what's essential.

16. The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss


  • Body Hacking: Ferriss presents various shortcuts and hacks to achieve desired physical results, from weight loss to muscle gain, in the shortest time possible.

  • Diverse Experiments: The book is based on a series of self-experiments, where Ferriss tests different theories and methods on himself to determine their efficacy.

  • Holistic Health: Beyond just fitness and diet, the book delves into other aspects of health, including sleep, sexual health, and mental well-being.

17. Never Get a Real Job by Scott Gerber


  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: This mindset values flexibility, innovation, and risk-taking. Gerber suggests that traditional employment isn't the only path and that young people should consider entrepreneurship as a viable career.

  • Bootstrap: Bootstrapping means starting and growing a business without external investment or funding. Instead, the business is "pulled up by its bootstraps," using initial earnings to fuel growth.

  • Fail Fast: Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a learning opportunity. By quickly recognising what doesn't work, you can pivot and adapt, ultimately finding a more successful path.

18. Quiet by Susan Cain


  • Power of Introverts: Introverts, often undervalued in a society that prizes extroversion, have unique strengths. They tend to be reflective, deep thinkers, and can excel in roles that require concentration and insight.

  • Value of Solitude: Alone time can be incredibly beneficial for creativity and introspection. In a world filled with constant stimulation, moments of solitude provide a chance to reflect, recharge, and develop new ideas.

  • Introverts in an Extrovert World: Cain discusses the challenges introverts face in a society that often values extroverted traits. She offers strategies for introverts to navigate social situations and advocate for their needs.

19. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis


  • Own Your Dreams: Embrace your ambitions without guilt or shame. Society often places expectations on women, making them feel they should prioritize others over their own aspirations. Hollis emphasises the importance of pursuing one's dreams with confidence.

  • Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of growth. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a learning opportunity. Each failure brings you one step closer to success.

  • Stop Asking for Permission: You don't need external validation to pursue your goals. Trust your instincts, believe in your capabilities, and take charge of your journey.

20. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis


  • Stop Believing Lies: Challenge and overcome self-limiting beliefs. Whether it's feeling unworthy, unloved, or incapable, recognise these thoughts as falsehoods and replace them with empowering truths.

  • Take Control: You are the architect of your life. Instead of playing the victim or waiting for things to happen, take proactive steps to shape your destiny.

  • Commit to Growth: Personal development is a continuous journey. Dedicate yourself to learning, evolving, and becoming the best version of yourself.

21. How to Stop Worrying by Dale Carnegie


  • Live in Day-tight Compartments: Focus on the present moment. Instead of agonising over the past or fearing the future, concentrate on today. By addressing each day's challenges as they come, you reduce anxiety and enhance productivity.

  • Ask Yourself the Worst: When faced with worries, ask yourself the worst that could happen. By confronting and accepting the worst-case scenario, you can then work on strategies to improve the situation.

  • Busy Yourself: Engage in activities that divert your mind from worries. Whether it's a hobby, work, or spending time with loved ones, keeping yourself occupied can alleviate anxiety.

22. Act Like a Lady by Steve Harvey


  • Know Your Worth: Recognise and value your unique qualities. In relationships, understanding your worth ensures you don't settle for less than you deserve.

  • Set Standards: Clearly define what you want and expect in a relationship. By setting boundaries and standards, you ensure that potential partners treat you with respect and consideration.

  • Think Like a Man: Gain insights into the male perspective. By understanding how men think and what motivates them, you can navigate relationships more effectively.

23. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell


  • Misunderstanding Strangers: Humans often misjudge people they don't know well, leading to miscommunications and misconceptions. Gladwell explores various real-life incidents where misunderstandings had significant consequences.

  • Transparency Illusion: We often expect people's behaviours to transparently reflect their inner feelings and intentions. However, this isn't always the case, leading to misinterpretations.

  • Coupling: Behaviours and actions are often closely linked to specific circumstances and contexts. Understanding this coupling can provide insights into why people act the way they do in certain situations.

24. Deep Work by Cal Newport


  • Value of Deep Work: In an age of constant distractions, focused, uninterrupted work is rare but incredibly valuable. Deep work allows for greater productivity, creativity, and mastery of skills.

  • Eliminate Distractions: Create an environment conducive to concentration. This might involve setting specific times for checking emails, using apps to block distractions, or designating a quiet space for work.

  • Embrace Boredom: Not every moment needs to be filled with stimuli. Embracing moments of boredom can enhance your ability to focus and engage in deep work when necessary.

25. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz


  • Be Impeccable with Your Word: Speak with integrity and honesty. Your words have power, so use them responsibly to spread positivity and truth.

  • Don't Take Anything Personally: People's actions and words are a reflection of their own reality, not yours. By not taking things personally, you shield yourself from unnecessary hurt and drama.

  • Don't Make Assumptions: Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Instead, seek clarity, ask questions, and communicate openly.

26. The Love Languages by Gary Chapman


  • Five Love Languages: These are the primary ways people give and receive love. Words of Affirmation: Expressing love through verbal affirmations, compliments, and words of appreciation. Acts of Service: Demonstrating love by performing actions or tasks for someone. Receiving Gifts: Giving and receiving presents as expressions of love. Quality Time: Spending meaningful, undistracted time together. Physical Touch: Expressing love through physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands.

  • Understanding Differences: Everyone has a primary love language that dictates how they feel loved and appreciated. Recognizing and understanding your partner's primary love language can enhance the relationship.

  • Effective Communication: It's essential to communicate in your partner's primary love language to ensure they feel loved and valued.

27. Getting Things Done by David Allen


  • Capture Everything: Write down all tasks, ideas, and responsibilities to clear your mind. Using tools like notebooks or digital apps ensures you don't forget or overlook tasks.

  • Clarify: Process what you've captured. Decide if it's actionable, delegate if necessary, and determine the next steps. This step helps prioritise and organise tasks.

  • Organise: Categorise and store tasks based on their importance, deadline, or context. Regularly review and update your lists to stay on top of your responsibilities.

28. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson


  • Change is Inevitable: Life is constantly evolving, and change is a natural part of it. Embracing change rather than resisting it can lead to growth and new opportunities.

  • Overcome Fears: Fear of the unknown can hold you back. By confronting and understanding these fears, you can navigate change more effectively.

  • Enjoy the Adventure: Change can be seen as an adventure or opportunity. Adopting a positive perspective can make the journey of change more enjoyable and rewarding.

29. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss


  • DEAL Formula: A framework for achieving a more efficient and fulfilling life. Definition: Redefine success on your own terms, not society's. Elimination: Focus on essential tasks and eliminate or delegate the rest. Automation: Use tools, systems, or outsourcing to automate repetitive tasks. Liberation: Achieve the freedom to live and work from anywhere.

  • Outsource: Delegate tasks that don't require your specific expertise. Using virtual assistants or other services can free up your time for more valuable activities.

  • Mini-Retirements: Instead of deferring life until retirement, take breaks throughout your life to travel, learn, or pursue passions.

30. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle


  • Ego and Present Moment: The ego often pulls us into past regrets or future anxieties. By focusing on the present moment, one can transcend the ego and find peace.

  • Resistance and Suffering: Resisting the present moment or reality can lead to suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, brings peace.

  • Spiritual Enlightenment: The book delves into deeper spiritual concepts, emphasising the importance of consciousness and being present as pathways to enlightenment.

31. Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl


  • Life's Purpose: Every individual has a unique purpose or meaning in life. Even in the face of suffering, one can find meaning through love, work, or courage in difficult times.

  • Power of Choice: Despite external circumstances, individuals always have the choice of how to respond internally. This inner freedom can never be taken away.

  • Logotherapy: A form of therapy that focuses on finding meaning in life. It's based on the premise that the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of meaning.

32. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho


  • Personal Legend: Each person has a unique path or destiny in life, known as their Personal Legend. Pursuing this path leads to true fulfilment.

  • Omens and Signs: The universe provides guidance through omens and signs. Being attentive to these can help one navigate their journey.

  • Journey Over Destination: The experiences, lessons, and growth that occur during the journey towards a goal are as valuable, if not more so, than the goal itself.

33. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins


  • Decision Making: The choices we make shape our destinies. By making conscious, empowering decisions, we can direct the course of our lives towards desired outcomes.

  • Mastering Emotions: Emotions influence our actions and quality of life. By understanding and managing emotions, we can respond to situations more effectively and achieve a more fulfilling life.

  • Creating Lasting Change: To bring about real change, one must raise their standards, change limiting beliefs, and alter their strategy until they achieve the desired result.

34. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod


  • Life S.A.V.E.R.S: A set of practices designed to start the day right. Silence (meditation or prayer) Affirmations (positive statements about goals and values) Visualisation (imagining achieving goals) Exercise (physical activity) Reading (personal development literature) Scribing (journaling)

  • Importance of Mornings: How you start your day influences the rest of it. A purposeful morning routine sets a positive and productive tone.

  • Consistency: The benefits of the Miracle Morning are amplified when practiced consistently. Over time, this routine can lead to significant personal growth and improvement.

35. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari


  • Cognitive Revolution: This refers to the emergence of fictive language and the ability of Homo sapiens to communicate about abstract concepts, leading to the development of cultures, religions, and social systems.

  • Agricultural Revolution: The shift from hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming communities. While it led to population growth and the birth of cities, it also introduced challenges like disease and social hierarchies.

  • Scientific Revolution: The rise of a scientific approach to understanding the world, leading to rapid advancements in technology, medicine, and societal structures.

36. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell


  • 10,000 Hour Rule: Mastery in any field often requires around 10,000 hours of practice. This emphasises the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving excellence.

  • Importance of Background: Individual success is not just the result of talent and effort but is also influenced by cultural, familial, and idiosyncratic factors.

  • Cultural Legacies: Deep-rooted cultural practices and beliefs can influence behaviours and opportunities for generations, impacting the potential for success.

37. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama


  • Inner Contentment: True happiness comes from within, not from external sources. Cultivating inner peace, compassion, and understanding can lead to lasting contentment.

  • Compassion and Connection: Genuine connections with others, built on compassion and empathy, are key sources of happiness.

  • Overcoming Suffering: Challenges and suffering are inevitable, but how we perceive and respond to them determines their impact on our well-being.

38. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz


  • Belief System: Your beliefs influence your actions. By believing you can achieve big things, you're more likely to take the necessary steps to realise those ambitions.

  • Overcome Excusitis: Avoid the trap of making excuses for why you can't achieve something. Instead, focus on reasons why you can and should.

  • Visualisation: Picturing yourself succeeding can boost confidence and motivation, making goals feel more attainable.

39. Essentialism by Greg McKeown


  • The Disciplined Pursuit of Less: Instead of trying to do everything, focus on what truly matters. By prioritising essential tasks and eliminating the non-essential, you can achieve more meaningful results.

  • Trade-offs: Recognise that you can't do everything. Making choices means accepting trade-offs, so ensure you're sacrificing for what's genuinely important.

  • Protect Your Time: Time is a limited resource. Be selective about commitments and learn to say no to activities that don't align with your priorities.

40. 10% Happier by Dan Harris


  • Mindfulness Meditation: This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can lead to increased self-awareness, reduced stress, and greater clarity.

  • Skeptic's Journey: Harris shares his personal journey from skepticism to embracing meditation, highlighting its practical benefits even for those initially doubtful.

  • Taming the Voice Inside: Everyone has an inner voice or critic. Through mindfulness, one can recognise, understand, and tame this voice, leading to greater peace and happiness.

41. Don't Give In, God Wants You To Win by Thelma Wells


  • Overcoming Adversity: Thelma Wells highlights the value of endurance and perseverance, emphasising that overcoming life’s obstacles is pivotal for personal growth and spiritual development.

  • Maintaining A Positive Attitude: By adopting a positive outlook, individuals can not only transform their lives but also bring about a positive impact on the lives of others around them.

  • Empowerment through Faith: By leaning on faith and building a deeper connection with God, individuals can find the strength to overcome challenges and achieve a greater sense of fulfilment and purpose in life.

42. The Lover by Marguerite Duras


  • Intense Passion: The novel delves into a tumultuous love affair, highlighting the depths of passion and the complexities of forbidden love.

  • Cultural and Social Differences: The relationship is not just a personal affair but is also influenced by societal norms, racial prejudices, and economic disparities.

  • Memory and Reflection: The narrative is a reflection on past events, emphasising the lasting impact of intense relationships and the way memory can shape our perceptions.

43. Zero to One by Peter Thiel


  • Innovation over Imitation: Instead of copying what already exists, true progress comes from novel innovation. Going from "zero to one" means creating something entirely new.

  • Monopoly Theory: Successful businesses aim to build monopolies in niche areas where they can dominate, rather than competing in saturated markets.

  • Future-Oriented Thinking: To build a successful startup, one must have a vision for the future and be willing to take risks to realise that vision.

44. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss


  • Tactical Empathy: This involves understanding and acknowledging an opponent's emotions and perspective. By doing so, you can build rapport and find common ground.

  • Mirroring: This technique involves repeating the last few words or the critical terms of what someone has just said. It encourages the other person to continue speaking and provides more information.

  • The "Accusation Audit": Before entering a negotiation, list all the potential negative things the other party could say about you. Addressing these upfront can defuse potential objections.

45. Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury


  • Separate People from the Problem: Focus on the issue at hand rather than getting personal. This approach ensures that negotiations remain objective and solutions-oriented.

  • Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Instead of sticking to fixed positions, delve deeper to understand the underlying interests or motivations. This can lead to more collaborative solutions.

  • Generate Options for Mutual Gain: Aim for win-win solutions. By brainstorming together, parties can come up with innovative solutions that benefit both sides.

46. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin


  • Deception and Ambition: The novel delves into the dark side of ambition, where the protagonist goes to extreme lengths, including deception and murder, to achieve his goals.

  • Mystery and Suspense: The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery.

  • Consequences of Greed: The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and the lengths some might go to for wealth and status.

47. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown


  • Vulnerability is Strength: The book advocates for embracing vulnerability as a form of courage rather than a weakness.

  • The Power of Shame: Brown discusses how shame can be debilitating and the importance of acknowledging it to lead a fuller life.

  • Connection Through Authenticity: Being open and authentic creates more meaningful connections with others.

48. Grit by Angela Duckworth


  • Passion Plus Perseverance: Duckworth argues that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a blend of passion and perseverance, which she calls "grit."

  • The Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset enhances grit, providing the belief that skills and abilities can be improved over time.

  • Deliberate Practice: Excellence comes through deliberate, challenging, and focused practice, not just repetitive actions.

49. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries


  • Minimum Viable Product (M.V.P.): Introduces the concept of releasing a bare-minimum version of your product as a way to test its market viability.

  • Build-Measure-Learn: Ries emphasizes the iterative process of building a product, measuring its effectiveness in the market, and learning from the results.

  • Validated Learning: Encourages startups to focus on what can be demonstrated as a step toward their end goals, reducing wasted time and resources.

50. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

  • Six Principles of Persuasion: Introduces and explains the six fundamental principles of persuasion—Reciprocity, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Authority, Liking, and Scarcity.

  • The Role of Social Dynamics: Discusses how social norms and expectations significantly influence our decisions.

  • Defense Against Manipulation: While the book teaches how to be persuasive, it also helps readers understand how to defend themselves against undue manipulation.

51. Mind of a Trader by Alpesh Patel (personal favourite)


Trader Psychology: Patel delves deep into the psychological aspects of trading,

emphasising the importance of discipline, patience, and emotional control in

achieving trading success.

Insights from Successful Traders: The book provides interviews with successful

traders, offering readers a chance to learn from their experiences, strategies, and

mistakes.

Holistic Approach: Beyond just strategies and techniques, Patel discusses the

lifestyle, mindset, and habits that contribute to trading success, emphasising the

importance of continuous learning and adaptation.

Alpesh B Patel



Kommentarer


bottom of page