9 business books that changed the way I think

6 business books against a book themed background
(Image credit: Amazon/Edited with Gemini)

I picked up my first business book about 14 years ago. Back then, if you wanted to learn about business, expensive courses, university, or books were your only real options.

Today, from marketing tips on TikTok to business-focused podcasts, we are flooded with information everywhere we go.

So, are business books a relic of the past? Not in my opinion.

While I do enjoy quick, digestible content, very few business concepts can be fully explained in a 10-second video. After all, there is little point in knowing what is ‘hot right now’ if you don't have the tools you need to act on it.

A great business book offers curated information, giving you a foundational understanding of a business concept that other content can't achieve. This insight can both inspire ideas and give you the tools you need to execute on them.

This is why I still buy and read business books all the time.

But this isn’t just a list of all the books I’ve read; it's a curated list of the nine books that have had the biggest impact on how I approach business and life.

Books like Essentialism shifted what I focus on and removed my need to be ‘always busy’. Others, like Let My People Go Surfing and Company of One, challenged my thinking on what successful businesses look like.

Speed reading hack: Finish more books with Audible first three months for just $0.99$20 Audible credit

Speed reading hack: Finish more books with Audible

I've been an Audible member for five years now and often listen to two or three books in the same time it takes me to read just one.

All of the books on this list are available in audio format with Audible.

Plus, right now, you can get your first three months for just $0.99 + $20 Audible credit when you sign up.

Selected by
Owain Williams
Selected by
Owain Williams

I was handed my first business book when I started my business and marketing apprenticeship back in 2011. Since then, I've always had a one on the go. For several years, I ran a website where I reviewed my favorite business books. My current bookshelf has around 100 business books on it, although I've read and listened to plenty more than that.

The 9 best business books I've read

Owain Williams
B2B Editor, Website Builders & CRM

Owain has been building websites and online stores for his own and his client's businesses for over 8 years. Having taken on a role at TechRadar Pro in 2023, he now leads on all website builder and CRM content, spending his days researching, testing, and reviewing some of the best website building and CRM platforms on the market. He also has a passion for helping people get a great deal on website builders, delivering the best coupon and promo codes on the market. With an extensive background in business, Owain holds a BA(Hons) in Business and Marketing and has written for several leading publications including MarketingProfs, Website Builder Expert, Digital Doughnut, and NealSchaffer.com.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.