8 Must Read Books If You're Starting a Business This Year

By Grace Coleman

8 Inspiring Books To Help Prospective Business Owners Get Started

It’s finally time to start your business. Many prospective business owners hold themselves back from their dream careers due to financial struggles, job security, or even imposter syndrome. But if you’re ready to take a leap of faith, building a company from the ground-up can be a deeply empowering experience. Business guidebooks hold an endless wealth of information, and we’ve narrowed down 8 of our favorites to add to your reading list. These books will teach you how to harness your ambition, foster a healthy company culture, and remain calm in the face of challenges. In the midst of navigating finances, scouring for real estate, and hiring new employees, it can be difficult to see the forest through the trees. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. From the formation of good habits to investment tips, these books are sure to reignite your passion for business and step into your career with newfound confidence.

Atomic habits

by james clear

At the start of the new year, many of us set overly ambitious goals only to quickly fall back into our old ways. If that’s you, you aren’t alone—and you’re not the problem. In Atomic Habits, author James Clear uses proven concepts from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to explain new ways to rewire our brains. Clear advocates for the formation of small, good habits which lead to life-changing results over time. If you’re starting a business, there’s no better time to learn simple ways to increase your productivity and leadership skills, and Atomic Habits is a perfect place to start. 

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Right Kind of Wrong

By Amy Edmondson

Professor Amy Edmondson’s The Right Kind of Wrong is the ultimate guide to failing upwards. When starting a new business venture, you will inevitably make some mistakes. Edmonson is here to assure you that those mistakes aren’t the end of the world, and more often than not, they’ll benefit you in the long run. The Right Kind of Wrong will teach you how to honor your shortcomings, embrace life’s learning curves, and prevent avoidable harm. 

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The Power code by Katty Kay & Claire shipman

Through extensive interviews and journalistic research, Katty Kay and Claire Shipman examine the role of women in the workplace. Their findings reveal truths about the nature of power and act as a guide for women trying to achieve a stronger foothold in their professional lives. For anyone starting a business, The Power Code offers invaluable insights into hierarchy, inclusion, and workplace structure. 

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Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur

Are you stepping into your finance girl era in 2024? If so, Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur is a can’t-miss read. Kaur’s expertise will help you navigate the stock market, make smart investments, beat inflation, and see through finance jargon. Well-informed spending goes hand in hand with building the business of your dreams, and Girls That Invest offers invaluable tips for anyone starting a new venture. 

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The Demotivated Employee by Cathy Bush and Tara Peters

 As a business owner, it’s important to cultivate an understanding, respectful, and healthy workplace environment. In The Demotivated Employee, Cathy Bush and Tara Peters offer helpful insight into the minds of workers. They explain new ways to create a business environment that is mutually beneficial for the owner and the employee while enhancing work ethic, productivity, and communication.

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Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau

Is there anyone more qualified to teach you about ambition than former Silicon Valley CEO Shellye Archambeau? An absolute must-read for any woman starting a business, Archambeau tackles imposter syndrome, encourages risk-taking, and imparts skills for increasing financial literacy and developing a network. Unapologetically Ambitious will inspire you to build your dream career with newfound confidence. 

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Move Fast and Fix Things by Francis Frei and Anne Morriss

Leadership experts Francis Frei and Anne Morriss don’t believe that wellness and productivity are mutually exclusive. Fighting against a modern narrative that speed equates to shoddy workmanship, Move Fast and Fix Things offers a one-week plan to get your business back on track. From improved company culture to personal empowerment, this guidebook reveals new ways for business owners to improve their work life. 

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Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Kim Scott knows that the secret to cultivating a positive work environment is empathy. With chapters on accepting criticism, team building, and compassion, Radical Candor helps business owners find a middle ground between supporting their employees and facilitating a productive workplace. With wonderful insight into the importance of interpersonal relations, lessons from Radical Candor have the power to transform the environment of a company. 

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