10 books like Start With Why

By Simon Sinek,

Here are 10 books that authors have personally recommended if you like Start With Why. Shepherd is a community of 8,000+ authors sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Range

By David Epstein,

Book cover of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Angela Champ Author Of The Squiggly Line Career: How Changing Professions Can Advance a Career in Unexpected Ways

From the list on accelerating your career.

Who am I?

Although I’ve worked in many professions and industries, a common theme in all my jobs is that I love helping people succeed in their careers. I’ve started or sponsored employee networks that focused on professional development, I’m a certified coach that focuses on propelling a client’s career, and I am a conference keynote speaker on the topics of careers and leadership. Everyone deserves to have a great career that makes them want to jump out of bed on Monday morning and that provides a good living and lifestyle. I love to make that happen!

Angela's book list on accelerating your career

Discover why each book is one of Angela's favorite books.

Why did Angela love this book?

I love this book for its idea and evidence that generalists, and not specialists, are often the most successful.

With examples of how those who cross domains are the most impactful inventors, it gives great hope for those broad thinkers who explore diverse experiences and careers to develop skills. It’s validation for those who haven’t quite figured out what they want to be when they grow up, with the idea that “frequent quitters end up with the most fulfilling careers.” 

A must-read for job seekers and for human resources professionals.

Range

By David Epstein,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Range as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Fascinating . . . If you're a generalist who has ever felt overshadowed by your specialist colleagues, this book is for you' - Bill Gates

The instant Sunday Times Top Ten and New York Times bestseller
Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
A Financial Times Essential Reads

A powerful argument for how to succeed in any field: develop broad interests and skills while everyone around you is rushing to specialize.

From the '10,000 hours rule' to the power of Tiger parenting, we have been taught that success in any field requires early specialization and many…


The Richest Man In Babylon

By George S. Clason,

Book cover of The Richest Man In Babylon

Ryan Scribner Author Of From Side Hustle to Main Hustle to Millionaire: 13 Lessons to Turn Your Passion Into a Passive Paycheck

From the list on how to get a side hustle started.

Who am I?

I’ve been trying to make money on the internet since I was 12. While it took me many failed attempts to eventually figure out how, I succeeded with this goal in 2016. I launched a YouTube channel related to one of my lifelong passions; personal finance. From there, I broadened my horizons by creating multiple standalone affiliate blogs unrelated to my YouTube channel. Every one of my successes and failures has taught me valuable lessons about the side hustle journey.

Ryan's book list on how to get a side hustle started

Discover why each book is one of Ryan's favorite books.

Why did Ryan love this book?

If you’re like me and looking to use a side hustle as a means of escape from your job, you’ll need to adopt some extreme frugality habits. The Richest Man in Babylon is a series of parables that each teach an important lesson about money. One of the biggest lessons is that a portion of what you earn needs to be “yours to keep.” Learning how to set money aside will allow you to save up enough to transition from side hustle to main hustle. 

The Richest Man In Babylon

By George S. Clason,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Richest Man In Babylon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Richest Man in Babylon, based on “Babylonian parables”, has been hailed as the greatest of all inspirational works on the subject of thrift, financial planning, and personal wealth.  In simple language, these fascinating and informative stories set you on a sure path to prosperity and its accompanying joys.  A celebrated bestseller, it offers an understanding and a solution to your personal financial problem.  Revealed inside are the secrets to acquiring money, keeping money, and making money earn more money.

This original edition has the original language, content, and message from George S. Clason as intended in 1926.  It's all…


Sapiens

By Yuval Noah Harari,

Book cover of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Ethan Turer Author Of The Next Gold Rush: The Future of Investing in People

From the list on how past events will impact our future.

Who am I?

Ever since I can remember I’ve been curious about history and how past events connect to our present; And how challenging it is to predict the future, even with all our advanced technologies. In the internet era, everything seems to be changing faster than ever before. I’m no expert, but I do know that if we don’t try to understand all the pieces of this complex puzzle, we’ll never be able to build the future we want. I don’t want to be left behind, so my book is an attempt at understanding the past and outlining a future of investing in people, the most undervalued asset class.

Ethan's book list on how past events will impact our future

Discover why each book is one of Ethan's favorite books.

Why did Ethan love this book?

History repeats itself. That was never more clear to me until I finished reading Sapiens. 

A Brief History of Humankind is a must read for everyone to understand the historical context of where we collectively came from and where we’re going. 

The reality of human history includes long periods of brutality, war, and uncertainty. Only within the last few hundred years have we become civilized enough to develop complex systems of organization. 

When you can see the long road of progress and how none it was a sure thing, then you will appreciate that the road ahead isn’t written in stone either.

Sapiens

By Yuval Noah Harari,

Why should I read it?

17 authors picked Sapiens as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

100,000 years ago, at least six human species inhabited the earth. Today there is just one. Us. Homo sapiens. How did our species succeed in the battle for dominance? Why did our foraging ancestors come together to create cities and kingdoms? How did we come to believe in gods, nations and human rights; to trust money, books and laws; and to be enslaved by bureaucracy, timetables and consumerism? And what will our world be like in the millennia to come?

In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the…


Mindset

By Carol S. Dweck,

Book cover of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Diane Hamilton Author Of Cracking the Curiosity Code: The Key to Unlocking Human Potential

From the list on building curiosity and get out of status-quo at work.

Who am I?

Having taught thousands of business courses and seeing some of my students flounder made me passionate about developing curiosity in others. I had written my doctoral dissertation on the relationship between emotional intelligence and performance, which led to my interest in studying human behaviors that could make us more successful. After interviewing thousands of top leaders on my nationally syndicated radio show, I saw a pattern of curiosity in highly successful people. I wanted to share that ability to develop curiosity in others. So, I read the books I listed here to build my research foundation. I hope you are curious to read these books and find them as fascinating as I did.

Diane's book list on building curiosity and get out of status-quo at work

Discover why each book is one of Diane's favorite books.

Why did Diane love this book?

Carol Dweck's research helps explain why some people are more willing to explore curiosity based on the impact interaction with others has had on them.

I loved this book because she reveals what parents, teachers, and others inadvertently say or do, that impacts whether we have an open/growth or closed/fixed mindset. When writing my Curiosity Code Index assessment, Dweck's book helped to determine some of the factors associated with the things that inhibit curiosity.

This book will change the way you interact with those around you because it will make you cognizant of the power of how we word things and how that leads to performance.

Mindset

By Carol S. Dweck,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked Mindset as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the renowned psychologist who introduced the world to “growth mindset” comes this updated edition of the million-copy bestseller—featuring transformative insights into redefining success, building lifelong resilience, and supercharging self-improvement.

“Through clever research studies and engaging writing, Dweck illuminates how our beliefs about our capabilities exert tremendous influence on how we learn and which paths we take in life.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes

“It’s not always the people who start out the smartest who end up the smartest.”

After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this…


Atomic Habits

By James Clear,

Book cover of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Heather Smith Author Of Xero For Dummies

From the list on small business owners.

Who am I?

I’m Heather Smith and I love writing. I love Accounting and AccounTech. I gratefully sit at the Ikigai inflection point, where my profession, passion, vocation, and mission intersect, and I can use my explanation skills to empower others in the accounting industry. Ikigai is a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living. Believing Accountants don't save lives, Accountants save livelihoods; I use my superpower of explanation to educate the accounting profession about accounting technology and modern accounting practices. I do this through many channels including my latest book Xero for Dummies, 5th edition. 

Heather's book list on small business owners

Discover why each book is one of Heather's favorite books.

Why did Heather love this book?

“You do not rise to the level of your goals you fall to the level of your systems” James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, explains the power of habits and how to build good habits and break bad habits. Everyone probably understands the concept of a habit. What James does in his book, is explain the compound impact of habits. Micro habits help you achieve your goals. An example of a good hydration habit I’ve adopted is I keep an insulated bottle of chilled water, and a stylish glass on my table desk. I’ve established an environment where it is easy for me to frequently drink chilled water.

Atomic Habits

By James Clear,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Atomic Habits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 4 million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the…


The Lean Startup

By Eric Ries,

Book cover of The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

Muhammad Mashhood Alam Author Of Transforming an Idea Into a Business with Design Thinking: The Structured Approach from Silicon Valley for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

From the list on design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Who am I?

I've been driving innovation in various capacities with world’s leading companies and start-ups for the last 23 years in Silicon Valley. I've been granted six US patents, won two prestigious design awards including the Red Dot award, and published a book on transforming an idea into a business using Design Thinking. What I've learnt is that at the core of any successful business lies the value to the end user who uses the solutions. As I got exposed to Design Thinking earlier on in my career, I realized its immense power in delivering human-centered innovations. I regularly speak at several industry & entrepreneurial events and various business schools around the world. 

Muhammad's book list on design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship

Discover why each book is one of Muhammad's favorite books.

Why did Muhammad love this book?

The Lean Startup is a book that presents a new approach to entrepreneurship and innovation that focuses on creating products that meet the needs of customers while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

Ries argues that many startups fail because they spend too much time and resources building products that customers don't want, and that a better approach is to quickly develop and test ideas using a process of continuous improvement.

Ries outlines a framework for implementing a lean startup approach, which includes identifying the target customer, creating a minimum viable product, and using rapid experimentation and feedback to improve the product.

He also emphasizes the importance of metrics and data analysis in guiding decision-making and measuring progress.

I have found it a practical and informative book that offers valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to create successful and sustainable businesses.

The Lean Startup

By Eric Ries,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Lean Startup as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING SENSATION

'The Lean Startup changes everything.' - Harvard Business Review

----------

Most new businesses fail. But most of those failures are preventable.

The Lean Startup is a new approach to business that's being adopted around the world. It is changing the way companies are built and new products are launched.

Essential reading for any ambitious entrepreneur, The Lean Startup will teach you to identify what your customers really want. You'll learn how to test your vision continuously, adapting and adjusting before it's too late.

With over a million copies sold across the globe, now is your time…


Give and Take

By Adam Grant,

Book cover of Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success

Peter A. Bamberger Author Of Exposing Pay: Pay Transparency and What It Means for Employees, Employers, and Public Policy

From the list on (mis)managing people at work.

Who am I?

I've been studying people at work for over 40 years, starting as an undergraduate at Cornell’s School of Labor Relations. As a student, I got involved with the trade union movement in the US, and worked as an assembly-line worker and fruit picker on kibbutzim in Israel. These hands-on experiences made me want to understand and have an impact on the way people spend most of their working hours. I’ve collected survey data from literally thousands of workers in dozens of studies conducted around the world. I’ve published more articles in scholarly journals than I ever imagined possible. And while I’m still passionate about the study of work, I’ve yet to really understand it.

Peter's book list on (mis)managing people at work

Discover why each book is one of Peter's favorite books.

Why did Peter love this book?

Give and Take presents the literature on pro-social behavior in organizations in a reader-friendly format.

Grant combines storytelling with evidence-based insights in a way that few other social scientists can. The analysis largely focuses on the individual – that is what you can expect as a “giver”, “taker” or “matcher”. However, the insights also say a lot about what organizations can do to create cultures that promote helping and, no less importantly, help-seeking. 

As one who studies interpersonal relations at work, this book was a wake up call about the need to present evidence-based research on critical workplace issues in a manner that is accessible and interesting to all.

Give and Take

By Adam Grant,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Give and Take as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A groundbreaking look at why our interactions with others hold the key to success, from the bestselling author of Think Again and Originals

For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But in today's dramatically reconfigured world, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others. In Give and Take, Adam Grant, an award-winning researcher and Wharton's highest-rated professor, examines the surprising forces that shape why some people rise to the top of the success ladder while others sink to the bottom. Praised by social scientists, business theorists, and corporate…


Rich Dad Poor Dad

By Robert T. Kiyosaki,

Book cover of Rich Dad Poor Dad

Ryan Scribner Author Of From Side Hustle to Main Hustle to Millionaire: 13 Lessons to Turn Your Passion Into a Passive Paycheck

From the list on how to get a side hustle started.

Who am I?

I’ve been trying to make money on the internet since I was 12. While it took me many failed attempts to eventually figure out how, I succeeded with this goal in 2016. I launched a YouTube channel related to one of my lifelong passions; personal finance. From there, I broadened my horizons by creating multiple standalone affiliate blogs unrelated to my YouTube channel. Every one of my successes and failures has taught me valuable lessons about the side hustle journey.

Ryan's book list on how to get a side hustle started

Discover why each book is one of Ryan's favorite books.

Why did Ryan love this book?

When I was starting out on my side hustle journey, this was the first book I read. It’s absolutely crucial for understanding the importance of having multiple income streams. For most people, that’s the very reason why they are starting a side hustle in the first place. Rather than only making money during the hours spent at work, Rich Dad Poor Dad shows you how to make money 24/7. This book is essential for shaping your money mindset. 

Rich Dad Poor Dad

By Robert T. Kiyosaki,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Rich Dad Poor Dad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's been nearly 25 years since Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad first made waves in the Personal Finance arena.
It has since become the #1 Personal Finance book of all time... translated into dozens of languages and sold around the world.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains…


The E-Myth Revisited

By Michael E. Gerber,

Book cover of The E-Myth Revisited

Ryan Scribner Author Of From Side Hustle to Main Hustle to Millionaire: 13 Lessons to Turn Your Passion Into a Passive Paycheck

From the list on how to get a side hustle started.

Who am I?

I’ve been trying to make money on the internet since I was 12. While it took me many failed attempts to eventually figure out how, I succeeded with this goal in 2016. I launched a YouTube channel related to one of my lifelong passions; personal finance. From there, I broadened my horizons by creating multiple standalone affiliate blogs unrelated to my YouTube channel. Every one of my successes and failures has taught me valuable lessons about the side hustle journey.

Ryan's book list on how to get a side hustle started

Discover why each book is one of Ryan's favorite books.

Why did Ryan love this book?

When you start a side hustle, you will more than likely be the one doing most, if not all, of the work. However, at a certain point, you will need to bring in the help of others in order to scale your business. The E-Myth clearly defines the three roles within a business; the technician, the manager, and the entrepreneur. At first, you will fill all of these roles. This book is crucial for the turning point in your side hustle in which you want to get out from “behind the wheel.” 

The E-Myth Revisited

By Michael E. Gerber,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The E-Myth Revisited as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

E-Myth \ 'e-,'mith\ n 1: the entrepreneurial myth: the myth that most people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs 2: the fatal assumption that an individual who understands the technical work of a business can successfully run a business that does that technical work Voted #1 business book by Inc. 500 CEOs. An instant classic, this revised and updated edition of the phenomenal bestseller dispels the myths about starting your own business. Small business consultant and author Michael E. Gerber, with sharp insight gained from years of experience, points out how common assumptions, expectations, and even technical expertise can get…


Daring Greatly

By Brené Brown,

Book cover of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Emily A. Francis Author Of The Taste of Joy: Mediterranean Wisdom for a Life Worth Savoring

From the list on encouragement for creative and spiritual souls.

Who am I?

I have expertise on this theme because I've devoted the last almost thirty years of my life to body healing and a soulful path. I've studied the physical body and have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree to reflect those studies. But I needed a deeper understanding and I wanted to find healing laws that didn't apply to the average set of eyes. I spent a lot of years in pain, suffering from severe anxiety and panic, and I needed any help I could get to help me rebuild myself and reclaim my life into something powerful and independent. These books served as my guides in the creation of a brave and soulful path. 

Emily's book list on encouragement for creative and spiritual souls

Discover why each book is one of Emily's favorite books.

Why did Emily love this book?

This book challenges us to be brave and backs it up with ample research to show us how our lives can be so much bigger than we ever thought possible when we dare to step into the arena and get dirty with our lives. Not only does this book resonate deeply in my soul and wake me up to the possibility that my life is just as valuable and worthy as anyone else’s but she has a Netflix talk about this work and it is guaranteed to fire you up and light a spark under you to get moving! There is no one in the world like Brené Brown. She is the real deal. I could and do listen to her all the time. A doctor of social work, she has thousands upon thousands of research, data, and life experiences to offer her information and insights. You want to play…

Daring Greatly

By Brené Brown,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Daring Greatly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**Now on Netflix as The Call to Courage**

'She's so good, Brene Brown, at finding the language to articulate collective feeling' Dolly Alderton

Every time we are faced with change, no matter how great or small, we also face risk. We feel uncertain and exposed. We feel vulnerable. Most of us try to fight those feelings - or feel guilt for feeling them in the first place.

In a powerful new vision Dr Brene Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability, and dispels the widely accepted myth that it's a weakness. She argues that, in truth, vulnerability is…


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