Read to Lead - My Top 8 Books for Business Success

Originally sent exclusively to The Letter subscribers on June 10. Want to be the first to get my personal newsletter in your inbox every Monday at 7am? Subscribe for free here.

Hey gang,

I have toyed with the idea of making a video on the best books that have had a profound effect on me for some time now.

But I thought The Letter should get the debut - so you little lot got to beat Youtube to it by two weeks!

When it comes to reading, I’d say I have read more books than the average entrepreneur - or human being, for that matter.

I've also written four. I recommend my own - obviously. Shameless plug.

Great readers make great leaders

So, what makes a good/great read for me?

Without a doubt, it's the anecdotes of real-life experience over theory. Ideas are plenty - action takers are a rare commodity.

Getting your hands on every autobiography written by those who have succeeded, or seem to navigate being in the trenches extremely well, are a must-read and are always my favourites. They should be yours, too.

I have added three autobiographies below, althouhgh I really didn't want to.

Instead, I wanted to populate my list with how-to guides, but they're so damn good I just couldn't leave them out.

All the autobiographies I’ve read have totally captivated me. I was desperate to learn these qualities for success:

Relentless struggle
Relentless resilience
A passion for success
Brilliant stories that offer entrepreneurs a cuddle in the darkest times (they did for me)

When I pen my own books, I am desperate to offer the reader practical points to take away and action.

These puppies offer so many clues to success. These are the books that changed my life:

1. Stephen R. Covey - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This author has studied the habits of the successful. I won't be a total spoiler, but the last habit - ***"Sharpen your saw"*** - is the best of all.
I can attest that all the most successful people I come across are continuously learning.
Best to read over listening.

2. Robert Iger - Ride of a Lifetime

This chap took Disney from a large company to a gigantic powerhouse. **He absolutely proves that managers and the right CEO can explode a company.**
The man that made the Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar deal happen! My god, what a list.
A fantastic epilogue of doing deals. You'll learn some top tips on how to manage people, along with the rules of innovation and acquisitions.
Beautifully written.

3. Phil Knight - Shoe Dog

This made me cry.
Phil Knight is, quite frankly, something special. This is a story of struggle… and some.
*It's a great read because you know the outcome.*
Cash flow struggles, facing adversity, marketing, partnerships, getting it over the line.
**It blows my mind how close Nike came to death.**

4. Sir Richard Branson - Losing My Virginity

This was my first read as a 16-year-old *whipper-snapper.*
Richard gave me permission to employ people and “buy-in” my weaknesses.
**He’s the master of delegation.** It taught me well. A man that shouldn't be alive.
If you're a risk-averse person, this book might well teach you that RB is on another level.
Brilliant to read as a book but Sir Richard actually reads the audio version - so *you have to listen, too!*

5. Dan Kennedy - GrassRoots Marketing

I've often said that the top entrepreneurs are **marketers of their business,** rather than **operators of their business**.
If you don't realise marketing can be taught - and you can get good at it - you're missing out on business.
**This book will give you 80% of the knowledge on the foundations of marketing.**
Read it, then implement. Thank me later.

6. Felix Dennis - How to Get Rich

I wish I could have gone to dinner with this man. If he were alive today, **he'd be a billionaire.**
**He died some 15 years ago worth half a billion.**
Felix Dennis is a proper entrepreneur, documenting the A to Z. He even gives a cautionary tale of just what you're getting into if *mega success* is your choice.
I’ve both read and listened. Recommend both. **I re-read this book every year.**

7. Brad Sugars - Billionaire In Training

Brad Sugars is a *fabulous speaker* on business and entrepreneurship. I've seen him in action.
He's penned many books and is successful in his own right.
His book, *Billionaire in Training*, made me realise there's more than one way to do a deal. It made me think about **buying companies.**
22-year-old me put the methods straight to work. Buying and selling companies is what few do. *Most just build.*
This book lays the foundations of doing all 3:
**Build**
**Then buy**
**Then sell**
Good book, Brad.

8. Jim Rohn - The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library

Personal development began with this wonderful man.
**He has such a unique voice. I recommend listening *and* reading.**
This book just describes the best version of you, with little sayings like:
“Never wish your life was easier, wish you were better.”
“If things aren't working for you, move. You're not a tree!”
“You become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.”
Jim is a master teacher who will leave you gagging for more.
He’s the man who, in my mind, **created personal development.**
If you're a Jim Rohn fan, *comment below* with your favourite line of his. I relish in being in the same fan club.
Go and check out some of his talks on YouTube. What a speaker!

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON THE 8 BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE HERE

Conclusion

Reading is food for the brain. Good food.

I’m amazed that for the cost of a couple over priced cappuccinos at a ponsy cafe you can look into the minds of the super successful.

It’s so cheap it’s almost criminal. Seriously, you can spend 11 hours with Phil Night to find out all the tricks on how he built Nike, for £20.

That’s a bargain and some. Why don’t we make more time for personal development?

Ready to go for the gold on personal development?

Live seminars and events are like adding rocket fuel to opening your mind to what you can really achieve.

So start with books, but remember the advice of our forefathers …. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

Put the time in your diary for a seminar or two - they worked for me.

To your continued success,

P.S. My big two-day seminar is in London in September. I think you’ll love it. Get your ticket here.