100 books like Sort Your Career Out

By Shelley Johnson, Glen James,

Here are 100 books that Sort Your Career Out fans have personally recommended if you like Sort Your Career Out. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

Asad Husain Author Of Careers Unleashed: Unlock your potential for extraordinary career success

From my list on unlock your career potential.

Why am I passionate about this?

My career journey started as an HR trainee in Karachi, Pakistan, and ended as the head of HR at two major companies. Across 31 years, I have worked for blue-chip companies like The Gillette Company, P&G, and Del Monte, building my own and observing firsthand many extraordinary careers. Unfortunately, for every person I observed who built a fantastic career, I have seen many more feel unsuccessful and unfulfilled in their careers. This is why I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to help people navigate the challenges of the modern workplace and to provide them with the tools and strategies necessary to create their own extraordinary careers. 

Asad's book list on unlock your career potential

Asad Husain Why did Asad love this book?

I absolutely love this book because it is not just another career book; it is a paradigm shift.

Newport's approach challenged my perspective on passion and career fulfillment. His emphasis on skill development resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who believes in continuous growth.

I like the evidence-based blueprint he provides, and I found the book's insights to be practical and actionable, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking career success on their own terms.

By Cal Newport,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked So Good They Can't Ignore You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill -- and not necessarily their passion -- that determines their career path. Newport, who graduated from Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa) and recently earned a PhD. from MIT, contends that trying to find what drives us, instead of focusing on areas in which we naturally excel, is ultimately harmful and frustrating to job seekers. The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be…


Book cover of The Career Change Guide: Five Steps to Finding Your Dream Job

Asad Husain Author Of Careers Unleashed: Unlock your potential for extraordinary career success

From my list on unlock your career potential.

Why am I passionate about this?

My career journey started as an HR trainee in Karachi, Pakistan, and ended as the head of HR at two major companies. Across 31 years, I have worked for blue-chip companies like The Gillette Company, P&G, and Del Monte, building my own and observing firsthand many extraordinary careers. Unfortunately, for every person I observed who built a fantastic career, I have seen many more feel unsuccessful and unfulfilled in their careers. This is why I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to help people navigate the challenges of the modern workplace and to provide them with the tools and strategies necessary to create their own extraordinary careers. 

Asad's book list on unlock your career potential

Asad Husain Why did Asad love this book?

I picked up this book by Rachel Schofield because it deals with the subject of “career change,” which I think is something that almost everyone is going to face in this new world of work, as jobs disappear and new ones appear at warp speed.

I believe that everyone needs the skills, strategies, and mindset that are required to change careers, and this book, from my perspective, does a great job of assisting individuals seeking to make a significant transition in their professional lives.

I like it because, one, it offers practical advice and actionable strategies that resonate with me, and two, Rachel Schofield's insights into career change are not only practical but deeply empowering.

By Rachel Schofield,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Career Change Guide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover what you really want from work - and how to get there - with this empowering, practical guide from expert career coach Rachel Schofield

AS SEEN IN GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
ONE OF THE TELEGRAPH'S BEST SELF-HELP BOOKS OF 2023

'A doable plan to make changes that'll stick. This is the only book you need to take the leap' STYLIST

Are you dreaming of a new career? Or do you just want more out of your job? Either way, The Career Change Guide ensures that work works for you . . .
__________

This empowering, practical guide takes the confusion, fear…


Book cover of The Right and Wrong Stuff: How Brilliant Careers Are Made and Unmade

Asad Husain Author Of Careers Unleashed: Unlock your potential for extraordinary career success

From my list on unlock your career potential.

Why am I passionate about this?

My career journey started as an HR trainee in Karachi, Pakistan, and ended as the head of HR at two major companies. Across 31 years, I have worked for blue-chip companies like The Gillette Company, P&G, and Del Monte, building my own and observing firsthand many extraordinary careers. Unfortunately, for every person I observed who built a fantastic career, I have seen many more feel unsuccessful and unfulfilled in their careers. This is why I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to help people navigate the challenges of the modern workplace and to provide them with the tools and strategies necessary to create their own extraordinary careers. 

Asad's book list on unlock your career potential

Asad Husain Why did Asad love this book?

I picked up this book because I heard Carter Cast on a podcast and was very impressed with what he had to say.

This book isn't just a career guide; it's a game-changer. It resonates with me deeply because it's not about following a generic path to success but about embracing your unique strengths and qualities.

I like his refreshing and funny way of presenting his take on career success. His stories and actionable advice resonate with me because he has learned from his own career, which is also my story.

By Carter Cast,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Right and Wrong Stuff as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Nearly a quarter century ago Carter Cast seemed to have it all together: he had a first-class education, an all-American athletic career, and was a very bright and energetic rising star on the fast track at a Fortune 100 company, PepsiCo. But blissfully unaware of how negative perceptions were shaped, he was stunned when called into his boss's office, and told he was "unpromotable" because he was "obstinate," "resistant," and "insubordinate."

Baffled, scared, and embarrassed, that defining moment led to Cast's years-long effort to try to understand why he came so close to going off track, discovering that what he…


Book cover of The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career

Asad Husain Author Of Careers Unleashed: Unlock your potential for extraordinary career success

From my list on unlock your career potential.

Why am I passionate about this?

My career journey started as an HR trainee in Karachi, Pakistan, and ended as the head of HR at two major companies. Across 31 years, I have worked for blue-chip companies like The Gillette Company, P&G, and Del Monte, building my own and observing firsthand many extraordinary careers. Unfortunately, for every person I observed who built a fantastic career, I have seen many more feel unsuccessful and unfulfilled in their careers. This is why I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to help people navigate the challenges of the modern workplace and to provide them with the tools and strategies necessary to create their own extraordinary careers. 

Asad's book list on unlock your career potential

Asad Husain Why did Asad love this book?

I love this book because it is a game-changer in the world of career guidance. I wish they had written this book when I was starting my career.

Personally, I love it because it is written for the modern career, where there is so much change and traditional concepts of careers are dead. I love how they encourage embracing uncertainty and squiggles, offering practical advice and inspiration along the way.

I got a lot of value from the book because it's about finding fulfillment and purpose in your career journey.

By Helen Tupper, Sarah Ellis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Squiggly Career as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BUSINESS BESTSELLER 2020

'The Squiggly Career is about navigating work in a way that suits you, it's a timely and brilliant handbook for now' Stylist

'A brilliant guide. Read it and get the tools you need to thrive in your career now and in the future' Marie Forleo, author of Everything is Figureoutable

'Logical, practical and based on tried and tested models' Financial Times's Book of the Month


Career ladders and jobs for life are a thing of the past

Today, we're living in a world of squiggly careers, where moving frequently and fluidly between roles,…


Book cover of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

Cecilia Muñoz Author Of More than Ready: Be Strong and Be You . . . and Other Lessons for Women of Colour on the Rise

From my list on inspirational books for women color.

Why am I passionate about this?

Things may have gotten better for women compared to our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generations, but that is not to say that it’s easy to navigate work and life, the weight of others’ expectations, and the expectations we place on ourselves. Women of color have a particular set of challenges that others often can’t even see. I have been lucky: I have found wonderful guides and sources of inspiration, and I have been able to pass along what I have learned. Nobody should have to navigate these challenging waters on their own. We need buddies, confidantes, truth-tellers, and sources of inspiration.

Cecilia's book list on inspirational books for women color

Cecilia Muñoz Why did Cecilia love this book?

When I first saw this book, I couldn’t believe that it hadn’t been written already, decades before it actually came out. Minda Harts understands from her own experience that even the best advice for women often misses what women of color need the most to succeed.

I loved the straight talk and the practical advice; there are truths in this book that we all need to hear and guidance that we can all benefit from. 

By Minda Harts,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Memo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Memo is the much-needed career advice guide for women of colour specifically, finally ending the one-size-fits-all approach of business books that lump together women across races and overlook the unique barriers to success for women of colour.

In a charismatic and relatable voice, Minda Harts brings her entrepreneurial experience as CEO of The Memo to the page, as well as her past career life as a fundraising consultant to top colleges across the country. With wit and candour, Harts begins by acknowledging the "ugly truths" that keep women of colour from getting the proverbial seat at the table in…


Book cover of What's Next: Dispatches on the Future of Science

Sergio Almécija Author Of Humans: Perspectives on Our Evolution from World Experts

From my list on the big picture of human nature and evolution.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have researched human origins professionally for almost decades by studying the trail of fossils that have survived millions of years. But, before then, and since I can remember, I’ve been a lover of adventure and science fiction stories in all formats: action movies (Indiana Jones, Back to the Future), TV shows (The X Files), novels (Jack London!), or anime and manga (Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Alita). So, I guess my mind constantly travels from the past to the future. I think this list will also work as a time machine for others.

Sergio's book list on the big picture of human nature and evolution

Sergio Almécija Why did Sergio love this book?

The editor (Max Brookman), who is also a prestigious book agent, compiles a collection of essays addressing sensitive questions about the future: climate change, human technological enhancement, or human extinction. The authors of the essays are all “rock stars” in different scientific fields, from theoretical physicist and philosopher Sean Carroll to paleoanthropologist Katerina Harvati.

Continuing with my love for hard science fiction and the future of human evolution, I found the ideas presented in this book entertaining and thought-provoking while being educating.

By Max Brockman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's Next as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Will climate change force a massive human migration to the Northern Rim?

How does our sense of morality arise from the structure of the brain?

What does the latest research in language acquisition tells us about the role of culture in the way we think?

What does current neurological research tell us about the nature of time?

This wide-ranging collection of never-before-published essays offers the very latest insights into the daunting scientific questions of our time. Its contributors—some of the most brilliant young scientists working today—provide not only an introduction to their cutting-edge research, but discuss the social, ethical, and…


Book cover of The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform

A. Yvette Myrick Author Of Thriving in Higher Education Careers

From my list on being authentic while thriving in your career.

Why are we passionate about this?

Estelle and I created the list of books based on our over 50 years of combined expertise in helping others to thrive in their careers. Our passion is facilitating the instruction, training, coaching, and professional development to help individuals reach their career goals. We wrote the book about thriving in careers and created a podcast about thriving in careers with over 30 episodes to help others reach their personal and career goals. At the same time, we want others to be their authentic self while thriving in their careers.

Yvette's book list on being authentic while thriving in your career

A. Yvette Myrick Why did Yvette love this book?

I love the book because it helps me step out of my comfort zone to be a successful speaker.

Although I am in education and speak in front of students, I usually do not like to speak in front of large audiences. The book helps me not only prepare to be a successful speaker but also how to get paid and build my brand as a successful speaker. I can still be my authentic self and thrive in my career. 

By Grant Baldwin, Jeff Goins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Successful Speaker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you have a message you want to get out into the world? Have you ever dreamed of speaking for a living? Is there something you have to say but just aren't sure what to do next? The Successful Speaker is a proven, easy-to-follow guide to helping you do just that.

Whether you want to speak at your next board meeting or community gathering, start making some extra money on the side, or become a full-time professional speaker, Grant Baldwin knows how to get you from here to there. Why? Because he's done it himself and has coached over 2,000…


Book cover of Advice To A Young Scientist

John Tregoning Author Of Infectious: Pathogens and How We Fight Them

From my list on novels and nonfiction books about infections and pandemics.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was at school in 1991, the terrible news came out that Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, had died of HIV/AIDS. At the time, this virus was fatal in nearly everyone it infected. And yet, only 30 years later, we now have drugs that completely prevent the disease. This amazing breakthrough is just one of the many success stories that inspired my passion for infectious diseases, the way our immune system can fight them off, and how science can help us fight infections. The list of books goes from fiction about when infections go wrong and to popular science about how scientists ensure the nightmare scenario never happens.

John's book list on novels and nonfiction books about infections and pandemics

John Tregoning Why did John love this book?

Peter Medawar was one of the most influential figures in immunology; I was (and continue to be) inspired by his thinking about how to do research.

His book speaks to me about how I can do my best science and better understand the immune system in order to protect people against infectious diseases in the future.

By P. B. Medawar,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Advice To A Young Scientist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

To those interested in a life in science, Sir Peter Medawar, Nobel laureate, deflates the myths of invincibility, superiority, and genius instead, he demonstrates it is common sense and an inquiring mind that are essential to the scientist's calling. He deflates the myths surrounding scientists,invincibility, superiority, and genius instead, he argues that it is common sense and an inquiring mind that are essential to the makeup of a scientist. He delivers many wry observations on how to choose a research topic, how to get along wih collabourators and older scientists and administrators, how (and how not) to present a scientific…


Book cover of How to D.J: The Art and Science of Playing Records

Phil Morse Author Of Rock The Dancefloor: The proven five-step formula for DJing like a pro

From my list on help you become an expert DJ.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having started DJing at the age of 15 (my mum had to drive me to gigs!) and DJed professionally since 1991, I've seen and done most things in this game, from DJing at Privilege in Ibiza (at the time, the biggest nightclub in the world), to co-promoting an award-winning club night of my own in my home town of Manchester, England, for many years, to other types of DJing like playing on the radio, a stint as a mobile DJ, live streaming (in Covid), podcasting and—since 2010—running Digital DJ Tips, the world's largest online DJ school. 

Phil's book list on help you become an expert DJ

Phil Morse Why did Phil love this book?

Definitely dated, UK-centric, and undeniably highly opinionated, this is nonetheless essential. It is a fascinating read, a historical document of the height of the 90s dance scene, and it's both honest and humorous to boot. If you want a pile of hints and tips about how to DJ well while at the same time finding yourself falling in love with how special dance music can be and what it can mean to those who dedicate their lives to it, add this one to your list.

Not one to leave lying around, though, as it is pretty honest about the underbelly of the dance scene in places—as is another book we're getting to later in this list.

By Frank Broughton, Bill Brewster,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to D.J as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

DJs have gone from being underpaid live jukeboxes to becoming premier entertainers, producers, businessmen, and musicians capable of commanding admiration from thousands and earning serious money. Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton's Last Night a DJ Saved My Life was the definitive history of the DJ. Now they gather their mastery of the artistic and technical aspects of being a DJ into a clear, accessible, and entertaining guide. How to DJ is the perfect guide -- from the most basic keys to establishing a music collection and a distinctive sound, to elementary record-spinning, to the complex skills of scratching, hot-mixing, and…


Book cover of DJing For Dummies

Phil Morse Author Of Rock The Dancefloor: The proven five-step formula for DJing like a pro

From my list on help you become an expert DJ.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having started DJing at the age of 15 (my mum had to drive me to gigs!) and DJed professionally since 1991, I've seen and done most things in this game, from DJing at Privilege in Ibiza (at the time, the biggest nightclub in the world), to co-promoting an award-winning club night of my own in my home town of Manchester, England, for many years, to other types of DJing like playing on the radio, a stint as a mobile DJ, live streaming (in Covid), podcasting and—since 2010—running Digital DJ Tips, the world's largest online DJ school. 

Phil's book list on help you become an expert DJ

Phil Morse Why did Phil love this book?

I have to declare an interest here as I was John's technical editor for the most recent edition of this book (which isn't that recent, to be honest—but trust me, a lot of this advice is timeless). Therefore, this book remains a great guide to DJing if you're more interested in learning how it was done before laptops, subscription music services, sharing your mixes online, and all the other bells and whistles that digital has brought to the table.

One of the central skills of DJing is being able to "beatmix" tunes effectively, and John is particularly good at teaching systematically how to do this without using any of the aids modern DJing affords the beginner. Dated, then, but still undeniably useful.

By John Steventon, Phil Morse (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked DJing For Dummies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

DJ like a pro-without skipping a beat

The bestselling guide to spinning and scratching is back! If you've ever spent hours in your bedroom with two turntables and an earful of tracks that sound off-beat or out of key, DJing For Dummies is the go-to guide for taking your skills to the next level. Inside, John Steventon, a successful club DJ, walks you through the basics of mixing, the techniques and tricks you need to create your own DJ style and how to make DJing work for you.

Covering both digital and old-school vinyl-based instruction, this guide covers all the…


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