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There’s no shortage of business books, but let’s be honest: not all of them live as much as the hype. As an entrepreneur, your time is useful and you don’t need to waste it on fluffy advice that will not be useful.
Over the years I have read a whole lot of books on entrepreneurship, leadership and strategy. Some offered great ideas but faded from memory as soon as I put them down. Others have had a lasting impact and are books that I still think about and apply to my work.
This list is about the latter: 4 books that actually stand out. They’re packed with actionable insights to provide help to develop skills, overcome challenges, and build something meaningful. I hope you get as much from them as I did!
1. Difficult things about difficult things by Ben Horowitz
Let’s start with the classics. Difficult things about difficult things is not your typical feel-good business book. It’s raw, honest, and even uncomfortable at times – but that is what makes it so useful. Ben Horowitz is not afraid of the most difficult elements of leadership. It delves into the moments when you query every part: shedding employees, dealing with crises, and dealing with doubt when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
What I like about this book is its authenticity. Horowitz does not offer cookie-cutter solutions or pretend that there is an easy way out of inauspicious situations. Instead, it gives you the tools to navigate them with clarity and courage. One of my biggest takeaways was to focus on accepting discomfort. He reminds readers that leadership is not about all the time having the perfect answer – it’s about making the best decision you’ll be able to based on the information you have.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the burden of leadership, Difficult things about difficult things will remind you that you just are not alone and that even the most difficult decisions can result in development.
2. Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
For anyone who has ever felt disillusioned by the shiny, over-hyped “startup dream,” this book is for you. Rand Fishkin, founding father of Moz, pulls back the curtain and shows what building a business is really like. And spoiler alert: it isn’t all champagne toasts and exponential growth charts.
What makes Fishkin is honesty Lost and Founder so refreshing. He shares the struggles most entrepreneurs face but rarely talk about, from mental health challenges to the pressures of meeting enterprise capital expectations. What struck me most was his emphasis on building a company that prioritizes people (each employees and customers) over traditional vanity metrics comparable to rapid growth at all costs.
Reading this book felt like having an honest conversation with one other entrepreneur who gets it. It’s a great reminder that success doesn’t have to return at the expense of your values and well-being. If you are bored with the hustle culture narrative, Lost and Founder it’s a breath of fresh air and proof that there are many ways to win in business.
3. (*4*) it by Frank Slootman
If you are looking for a practical guide to scaling your business, (*4*) it this is the book for you. Frank Slootman, known for leading many firms through hypergrowth, shares his leadership philosophy focusing on discipline, speed and ambition. His approach is uncompromisingly intense, but that is a part of his appeal.
What stood out to me was Slootman’s relentless pursuit of excellence. It challenges leaders to boost the bar, demand more from their teams and avoid settling for mediocrity. His strategies are practical and based on real-world experience, which makes them easy to use, especially if you use in a high-growth environment.
Reading (*4*) it I feel a bit like a triple espresso. You will leave filled with energy, motivated and ready for motion. Just get able to get up, Slootman doesn’t hold back when it involves expressing self-satisfaction. However, if you are able to take your business to the next level, this is the perfect read.
4. Dare to steer by Brené Brown
Last but not least, leadership is not only about hitting metrics and executing strategy. At its core, it is also about contact with people. That’s where Brené Brown is Dare to steer appears. Brown’s focus on vulnerability, empathy and courage provides a much-needed counterbalance to the rigorous leadership styles often celebrated in business.
This book made me think about how I approach difficult conversations and how I build trust in my team. One of the strongest takeaways was the concept that vulnerability is not weakness; it is a force that may support innovation, collaboration and development. Brown’s insights on creating a psychologically secure workplace are especially relevant today as more firms realize how essential worker well-being is.
If you manage people (or aspire to do so!) Dare to steer will change the way you think about what it means to steer. This is a book that challenges traditional ideas about power and authority and replaces them with something much more meaningful: connection and authenticity.
With so many business books on the market, it is easy to get lost in the noise. These 4 books cut through the clutter, offering practical advice and timeless insights that may provide help to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Whether you make tough decisions, redefining your organization culture, or striving for growth, these reads will guide you along the way.
Entrepreneurship is hard, and having the right tools in your corner can make a huge difference. These books have helped me face some of the most difficult moments in my profession, and I hope they’ll do the same for you. Take some time to get to know them – you will not regret it.