When it comes to figuring out how to start a business one of the best ways to learn is by reading about the lives of founders and people in top positions at companies.
Hearing about their experiences — both good and bad — in their own words can be really beneficial for people looking for inspiration or tips on how to advance in their entrepreneurial and career journeys.
Here’s some books written by founders and business executives that might give you the inspiration you’re looking for.
The Man From Essence By Edward Lewis
In this book, Essence founder Edward Lewis gives readers an inside look into how he built the company from the ground up and how it became a staple in the lives of African Americans.
Smart People Should Build Things By Andrew Yang
Written by the founder of Venture for America, this book argues that “smart people” should build things as a solution to our nation’s economic distress. In this book, Yang shares his personal success story along with others’ to demonstrate how entrepreneurship is a successful path and one that could save our economy. He believes “9 to 5 culture” needs to shift to encourage “smart people” to launch their own businesses.
The Power of Broke By Daymond John
Written by the founder of FUBU and star of ABC’s Shark Tank, this instant New York Times Best seller draws from John’s own story to highlight the advantages of starting a business with limited funds and how it forces you to think outside of the box, be resourceful, and stay focused.
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose
In this New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Tony Hsieh writes about how establishing a great company culture sets a business up for success. As the long-time CEO of Zappos, Tony uses the company’s success to demonstrate the ways the company’s culture helped them gain the reputation for having some of the best customer service in the world. Hsieh talks about how the happiness of those around you can not only increase your own, but can help a business.
Strategize to Win: The New Way to Start Out, Step Up, or Start Over in Your Career
Written by Harvard University graduate and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley, Carla A. Harris, this book provides career strategies that can help set entrepreneurs up for success. The tools she offers are helpful for people just starting out and those looking to switch careers. Harris draws on her own professional experiences in this step-by-step guide to get you on track towards your own success.
In this New York Times Bestseller, Sophia Amoruso shares insight on everything from selling clothes on eBay to launching her own vintage clothing company. Founder of Nasty Gal, Amoruso wrote this non-traditional founders book to help women discover their own unique path to success-despite what others may think.
In this book, Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull walks readers through the early stages of the company, how he and his team built a culture for creativity, and the management principles he used when building the animation giant.
