We asked successful entrepreneurs what helped them grow their businesses. Here’s what they learned about building systems and connecting with customers.
- Create Space for Others to Shine
- Learn from Canadian Entrepreneurs
- Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity
- Power of Small, Consistent Actions
- Persistence and Adaptability
- Think Big, Push Boundaries
- Create Effective Systems
- Build Businesses Efficiently
- Master the Art of Persuasion
- Create a Monopoly by Being Unique
- Understand the Psychology Behind Interaction
- Make Tough Decisions
- Psychological Principles Drive Behavior
- Master Public Relations and Marketing
- Embrace a Growth Mindset
- Top Podcasts for Entrepreneurs
- Build a Business, Not Just a Salary
- Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
- Focus on What Truly Matters
19 Must-Read Books and Podcasts for Entrepreneurs
Create Space for Others to Shine
“Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman is a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs. It highlights how leaders can either amplify the intelligence and capabilities of those around them or unintentionally diminish their potential. The key insight that stuck with me is the power of creating space for others to shine—it’s not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and empowering your team to rise.
As an entrepreneur, this mindset shift allows you to scale faster, foster innovation, and build a culture of trust and ownership. It’s a reminder that the best leaders aren’t those who try to be the smartest in the room, but those who make everyone else smarter. Pick up the book, start applying the principles, and watch your influence multiply.
Allison Dunn
CEO, Head Business & Executive Coach, Deliberate Directions
Learn from Canadian Entrepreneurs
My favorite podcast for entrepreneurs is “The Start Up Canada Podcast” because it dives into actionable insights and inspiring stories from Canadian entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the challenges of building a business. It’s a great resource for learning practical tips on scaling, marketing, and leadership, all tailored to the unique landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada.
The book I would always recommend is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This book emphasizes the profound impact of small, consistent changes in behavior, helping entrepreneurs build systems that support long-term success. One key insight I gained from “Atomic Habits” is the importance of focusing on systems rather than goals—by optimizing daily habits, you create a foundation for sustainable growth and improvement. Together, the podcast and the book offer an ideal blend of inspiration and actionable strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Katrina Olson-Mottahed
Entrepreneur, Kollectif Creative Inc
Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity
One podcast I highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO.” It’s a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the world of business and personal growth. What sets it apart is its ability to think outside of the box, diving deep into topics that are not just theoretical but deeply relevant to our time.
One key insight I gained from the podcast is the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in business. Bartlett emphasizes that building trust and meaningful connections—whether with your team, customers, or investors—comes from showing up as your true self. Another valuable takeaway is the need for adaptability; the most successful entrepreneurs are those who embrace change and see challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s not just a podcast, but a guide for building a purpose-driven and impactful career.
Sabine Schopke
Serial Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author, Podcaster, Business Growth & Midlife Guidance Coach, Sabine Schopke
Power of Small, Consistent Actions
“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy taught me the power of small, consistent actions. While these actions may seem insignificant at the moment, when compounded over time, they can lead to profound results. As an entrepreneur, I often fall into the trap of focusing too much on learning without taking action. It can feel like I’m not making progress unless I’m making huge leaps forward. However, this book helped shift my perspective. For example, sending just two prospecting emails a day might not feel impactful in the short term. But over time, the difference between doing this consistently and not doing it at all can be monumental. It’s a powerful reminder that steady effort wins in the long run.
Diego Corona
Founder, DiegosCorner
Persistence and Adaptability
I recommend “How I Built This” by Guy Raz. Each episode dives into the journeys of the world’s most iconic entrepreneurs, where they share their successes, strategies, failures, and struggles. The recurring theme of persistence and adaptability is a powerful lesson for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey. For example, in the most recent episode, Raz interviews Kip and Sharon Tindell, who took The Container Store from an idea that everyone laughed at to a skyrocketing business and then overcame the challenges of e-commerce.
Douglas Scherer
Business Advisor and Author, F.O.R.G.E.D.
Think Big, Push Boundaries
One book I highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “Make No Small Plans.” This book is a must-read because it challenges readers to think big, push boundaries, and approach entrepreneurship with a bold vision. It helped me find another gear for innovative thinking, encouraging me to move beyond traditional limitations and aim for transformative impact. The stories of ambitious individuals and their groundbreaking achievements resonated deeply with me, showing that success often comes from daring to dream bigger than seems possible.
The book’s emphasis on aligning purpose with actionable steps inspired me to develop my Action Mastery Retreat series. By combining strategic planning with vision-setting techniques I learned from the book, I created retreats that help participants harness their potential and turn their goals into reality. Its insights into fostering collaboration and creating meaningful experiences also shaped the way I structure my programs to maximize impact. Ultimately, “Make No Small Plans” is not just a book—it’s a call to action for entrepreneurs to think expansively, execute strategically, and leave a legacy that matters.
Brett Baughman
Business & Life Coach, The Brett Baughman Companies
Create Effective Systems
One of my favorite books is “The Checklist Manifesto.” I’ve noticed that as entrepreneurs we tend to resist the creation of systems and processes. Yet “The Checklist Manifesto” is a fantastic guide on how to create some internal processes and be structured without it feeling unnatural or suffocating. This book is also very well written—it’s an easy read yet intellectually stimulating at the same time. Highly recommend!
Marina Byezhanova
Co-Founder, Brand of a Leader
Build Businesses Efficiently
To be honest, one book I highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It’s not just a book—it’s a philosophy that teaches you how to build businesses efficiently through experimentation and real-world feedback. The idea of starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) blew my mind. Instead of perfecting a product in isolation, you launch something basic and refine it based on what customers actually want.
I remember reading a case study about Dropbox’s early days—they created a simple explainer video before coding anything. That video garnered massive interest, proving their concept before they spent money on development. This kind of lean thinking is a game-changer—it saves time, cuts costs, and keeps you laser-focused on what truly matters: delivering value to customers.
Vaibhav Kishnani
Founder & CEO, Content-Whale
Master the Art of Persuasion
One book I highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “Pitch Anything” by Oren Klaff. It’s a game-changer for understanding how to communicate effectively, especially when it comes to pitching ideas, products, or services. Klaff introduces the concept of “frame control,” teaching readers how to position themselves as the authority in a conversation and craft compelling narratives that hold attention.
A key insight I gained is the importance of structuring your pitch to trigger emotional and logical responses. Rather than overwhelming someone with information, you focus on creating tension, highlighting value, and making your offer irresistible. This approach has helped me close deals more confidently and effectively, making “Pitch Anything” an essential read for anyone looking to master the art of persuasion.
Rizala Carrington
CEO, MyGrowthAgent.com
Create a Monopoly by Being Unique
I highly recommend the book “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel to aspiring entrepreneurs. One of the most impactful insights from this book is the emphasis on creating a monopoly by building something truly unique. Thiel argues that instead of competing in crowded markets, entrepreneurs should focus on solving problems in ways no one else has, which leads to significant differentiation and long-term success.
This principle guided Metana’s strategy when we chose to focus not only on full-stack development but also on the emerging Web3 space. By combining cutting-edge technologies with practical job readiness, we offered a value proposition few others in the bootcamp space could replicate. Another takeaway from the book was the importance of starting small but thinking big. Thiel’s idea of dominating a niche before scaling further aligned perfectly with our Reddit growth strategy and how we expanded steadily after validating our product-market fit.
Harsha Abegunasekara
CEO, Metana | Tech Bootcamps
Understand the Psychology Behind Interaction
One book I’d recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “Way of the Wolf: Straight Line Selling” by Jordan Belfort.
For me, this book is less about learning how to sell and more about understanding the psychology behind human interaction and decision-making. It’s taught me the importance of clarity and confidence in communication—not just in business, but in everyday life.
One key takeaway for me was the idea of creating certainty. Whether you’re pitching an idea or sharing your vision with a team, people respond to confidence and clarity. This principle has shaped how I approach conversations, ensuring that I’m always transparent and focused on making others feel secure in my direction.
Another powerful insight is the emphasis on tonality and body language. I’ve come to realize that how you say something can sometimes matter more than the words themselves. The book helped me become more mindful of how I present myself, making sure my tone matches my message and my body language conveys trust.
Ultimately, “Way of the Wolf” reminds me that success, whether in sales or in leadership, is about genuinely connecting with others. For me, it’s been a guide not just in building REACH, but in learning how to communicate my values and ideas effectively. It’s a book I often revisit to refocus on how I approach conversations with authenticity and intention.
Dylan Huey
CEO, REACH
Make Tough Decisions
I would recommend reading “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz, which made a big impression on me at the time. This book describes the honest but cruel truth about entrepreneurship and is a must-read before starting your own business.
Horowitz describes very difficult and challenging times for a company that sometimes seem impossible to survive. What I remember most is his advice to make tough decisions, even when all the options are terrible. A feeling of discomfort often haunts an entrepreneur, especially in the beginning, because there are no textbooks on how to solve problems and everything is learned through experience. It was incredibly valuable for me to read about mental resilience during crises, where a leader is a true stoic who leads people.
Another important conclusion for me was the thesis on leadership in turbulent times. A leader must remain honest and open with his people, but at the same time be optimistic.
The book is inspiring and makes you believe in your own strength. I read it every time when everything around me seems overwhelming. It won’t show you how to succeed, but it will help you stay afloat and learn to fight for your own business.
Anton Malyutin
CEO, Tips.GG
Psychological Principles Drive Behavior
I would recommend the book “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini. It explores psychological principles that drive human behavior and decision-making, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are the key insights from the book:
1. Reciprocation: People feel obligated to repay favors. Entrepreneurs should offer something of value upfront—like free consultations or trials—to build goodwill.
2. Liking: Individuals are more likely to agree with those they like. Building rapport through genuine interest and shared values enhances likability.
3. Social Proof: People tend to follow the actions of others. Entrepreneurs can showcase testimonials and positive reviews to demonstrate their product’s popularity.
4. Authority: People pay attention to perceived experts. Establishing credibility through credentials and endorsements can increase trust.
5. Scarcity: Items that are scarce are more valuable. Highlighting limited-time offers can create urgency and drive sales.
6. Commitment and Consistency: People want to act consistently with their commitments. Encouraging small initial commitments can lead to larger future purchases.
7. Unity: People respond to those they see as similar. Sharing values and experiences fosters a sense of community around a brand.
Prabin Yonzon
SEO Consultant & Founder, T-Shaped Marketing
Master Public Relations and Marketing
For entrepreneurs aiming to excel in communications and public relations, I suggest exploring a blend of classic and contemporary books that comprehensively guide us through strategy and execution.
Here are my top recommendations:
“The Art of Public Relations” by Edward Bernays
Written by the father of public relations, this timeless book delves into PR’s history and core principles, illustrating how strategic communication influences public opinion. Bernays’ insights remain highly relevant, especially for entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their brand presence through earned media.
“The New Rules of Marketing and PR” by David Meerman Scott
This book provides practical guidance on leveraging digital media and social platforms in PR. It’s a must-read for modern entrepreneurs who want to harness content marketing, social media, and real-time engagement to craft compelling brand stories and connect with their audiences effectively.
“Crushing It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk
Ideal for entrepreneurs focused on personal branding, this book is packed with actionable tips on using social media and content to fuel business growth. Vaynerchuk’s emphasis on authenticity and consistent engagement offers invaluable strategies for mastering modern communication.
These books collectively offer essential lessons on effective communication, brand building, and shaping public perception.
Sahil Sachdeva
CEO & Founder, Level Up PR
Embrace a Growth Mindset
One book I’d highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. This book fundamentally changed how I view challenges and setbacks. It dives into the idea of a growth mindset—the belief that skills and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence—versus a fixed mindset, where people see their talents as static and unchangeable.
For me, embracing a growth mindset has been invaluable as an entrepreneur. It has helped me reframe failures as opportunities to learn and evolve rather than reasons to quit. This shift goes beyond building a business, but is also about building resilience, staying adaptable, and believing in your capacity to improve every day.
Other key insights in the book are the power of persistence, leadership, and team growth, which all are very insightful for fellow entrepreneurs.
Marissa Sabrina
Creative Director, LeadLearnLeap
Top Podcasts for Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, podcasts offer invaluable wisdom and inspiration. There’s so much to learn—mindset, strategy, leadership, skills—and it’s tough to find it all in one place. That’s why I recommend these three:
“Time To Shine Today” with Scott Ferguson
This podcast sparks your inner fire. Scott and his guests bring unmatched energy and actionable insights to help you tackle challenges, dream big, and take bold steps toward greatness. A globally top-ranking podcast, it’s a must for anyone seeking inspiration.
“Chasing The Insights” with Vince Warnock
Entrepreneurship requires mastering multiple skills, and Vince—a marketing expert and globally top-ranked podcast host—offers practical advice for wherever you are in your growth. From mindset to marketing and sales, he and his guests break it all down into actionable steps.
“RISE TO LEAD” with Regina Huber
Leadership is the foundation of entrepreneurial success, and this podcast dives deep into leading yourself, your team, and your clients authentically and boldly. It also features fresh, thought-provoking takes on leadership. Perfect for heart-centered leaders who aim to create meaningful impact through their leadership and business and thrive through it.
These podcasts teach strategies, make you aware of new tools and methodologies, and help you build the mindset and leadership skills needed to thrive. Explore them, and let them elevate your entrepreneurial growth.
Regina Huber
Transformational Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author, CEO, Transform Your Performance
Build a Business, Not Just a Salary
The book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki is highly recommended. It has helped many entrepreneurs in the United States. It has also made an impact worldwide. The book taught me that building a business is better than just working for a salary your whole life.
You must learn to make your money work for you. This is a big lesson from the book. Avoid always working for money. The book also emphasizes the importance of taking clever risks. It teaches you to learn from your mistakes when you’re starting a business.
Another helpful thing I learned is that successful entrepreneurs spend time learning about money. They also learn about business. They don’t just work hard every day. The book uses simple stories to explain these big ideas. This approach makes it easy to understand, even if you’re just starting out in business.
Lindani Thango
Creative Designer, Warten Weg
Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
One book I highly recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs is “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. I read this book in 2020 during the pandemic, a period that completely reshaped my life. As a registered nurse and a new mom to twin girls, I was overwhelmed by the physical and emotional demands of the time. I realized I needed greater control over my time and finances to provide the life I wanted for my family.
This book profoundly shifted my perspective. It taught me that challenges and setbacks are not just barriers but opportunities for growth and success. As I began my entrepreneurial journey, the principles in “The Obstacle Is the Way” became a guiding light, especially during tough moments when I felt like giving up.
One of the most impactful lessons was the principle of perception-how we view challenges determines how we respond to them. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I learned to reframe them as opportunities to innovate. For example, when I started my business, I struggled with staff who didn’t align with my vision. Initially, I felt stuck due to my limited view of recruitment in healthcare. But this challenge pushed me to implement a revamped online recruitment strategy that not only expanded the candidate pool but also improved the quality of hires.
Another key insight was learning to focus on what I could control. As entrepreneurs, we face many factors beyond our control-economic shifts, customer behavior changes, and delays. By recognizing this, I was able to channel my energy into areas where I could make an impact, rather than becoming overwhelmed.
The book also emphasized the importance of perseverance. Entrepreneurship involves numerous uncertainties and rejections, but having the “will” to push through is essential. “The Obstacle Is the Way” helped me build resilience and discipline, qualities that have allowed me to thrive despite challenges.
I recommend this book to any entrepreneur. It provides a practical guide to turning difficulties into opportunities and offers the mindset needed to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship with courage.
Nichola Brooks-Hay
Clinical Director, Procare Home Health
Focus on What Truly Matters
Without a doubt, I’d recommend the book “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown to any aspiring entrepreneur.
When you first embark on your entrepreneurial journey, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing you can do it all. You feel invincible, ready to conquer every challenge. But the reality is often different.
“Essentialism” offers a powerful framework for prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters. It teaches you to eliminate the non-essential, allowing you to achieve more and accelerate your path to success.
In fact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Greg McKeown himself on my podcast, where he shared even more valuable insights on living an essential life.
Fabienne Raphaël
CEO & Founder, Speaking Business Coach & International Speaker
