Recommended Books
Life and business are intertwined, influencing each other every day. The books on this list have had a profound impact on how I approach both.
The knowledge in these books is like high-end consulting – I truly feel these lessons are worth millions of dollars. Some lessons can be measured in increased efficiency and revenue, while others are priceless insights that go beyond the bottom line.
I hope these books empower you to create your best life.
Matt Frentheway
Founder of Learn2Franchise
Personal Development & Mindset
Shawn Achor explores the science of positive psychology, showing how happiness fuels success, not the other way around. This is why cultivating a positive mindset can boost your productivity, resilience, and creativity. In this book, you’ll learn actionable strategies to reframe challenges, build a more positive work culture, and harness happiness to fuel business growth.
Vex King guides you to live your best life through self-care, positive thinking, and manifesting your desires.This book will teach you how to maintain a balanced mindset, prioritize what truly matters, and cultivate habits that enhance your personal and professional life.
Change is inevitable, and this book provides a simple yet powerful metaphor to help you navigate it. This quick read offers valuable insights into adaptability, resilience, and the importance of embracing change rather than fearing it. If you're facing shifts in your career or business, this book will give you the mindset to see new opportunities instead of obstacles.
Charles Duhigg dives deep into the science behind why habits exist and how you can change them. The Power of Habit teaches you how to harness the power of habits to improve everything from personal productivity to organizational efficiency. Understanding the habit loop will help you implement effective systems in your business. Every small change you make can lead to massive improvements over time.
Business Strategy & Operations
Traction is a guide to getting a grip on your business. It introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a practical method for building a stronger, more focused organization. You’ll learn how to clarify your vision, improve team alignment, and create accountability – all essential for driving sustainable growth.
This book is essential for anyone running a business or thinking of starting one. Michael Gerber dismantles common myths about entrepreneurship, revealing why so many small businesses fail and how to avoid those pitfalls. You’ll learn the importance of working on your business, not just in it, by creating systems that allow your venture to grow efficiently without depending solely on your presence. (This book will also sell you on the value of a franchise, so watch out for that!)
Written by the founders of Basecamp, Rework challenges conventional business wisdom and offers a refreshing take on what it means to build and run a business. You’ll learn how to simplify processes, focus on what truly matters, and avoid unnecessary complexity. It’s an excellent read for entrepreneurs who want to build a business that is efficient, agile, and designed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Leadership & Management
This book will show you exactly how to do three simple things to improve team performance: set goals, offer praise, and address mistakes swiftly. Most managers know these basics, but many don’t do them or don’t do them well. That’s why this book is so important. If you’re managing a team or building one, these easy-to-apply principles will help you lead more effectively and create a productive work environment.
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, brings negotiation tactics from high-stakes situations to the business world. Never Split the Difference teaches you how to master negotiation by understanding psychology and maintaining control. Whether you're negotiating deals, handling conflicts, or aiming to get the best terms for your business, this book will give you the skills to close more deals on your terms.