“Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new at all.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Books capture entire generations and their stories. They help us connect with people across borders and from centuries past. Books empower us with the ability to live a thousand lives in a single lifetime. Naturally, they have an undeniable impact on our lives and work. It is no wonder that well-read people go on to do great things in life.
There are millions of books in the world. More are still in the process of being made. Some books bring a smile to our faces while others touch our hearts in the most unexpected of ways. Some make us fall in love while others instill a sense of thrill in our lives. Be it a fiction or a memoir, some books leave an undeniable mark in our lives.
Out of the plethora of books that we read, there is always a special one that impacts our lives and shapes our perspectives. This is the same with renowned individuals who have carved a path to success in their respective fields.
Let us see what books have most influenced the life and work of some extraordinary visionaries and why.
Table of Contents
Change Your Attitude and Behaviors
Without a doubt, it would have to be the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” It was given to me at a pivotal time in my career and gave me so many practical insights on my need to change my attitude and behaviors. Even 25 years later, I use the principles when faced with a professional or personal change. I ask myself questions like, “What’s the handwriting on the wall?” or “What ‘old cheese’ do I need to let go of to go after ‘new cheese?'” It’s a quick and effective way to determine my next steps forward in times of uncertainty.
Jones Loflin, Keynote Speaker and Author, Helping Others Prepare for Excellence
Focus on Mindset and Continuous Improvement
One book that has profoundly influenced my perspective on life and work is Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It reinforced something I’ve always believed: success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about mindset, habits, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Covey’s emphasis on being proactive and focusing on what you can control has been a guiding principle in how I approach challenges.
In the world of learning and development, things are constantly evolving. New technologies, shifting workplace dynamics, and changing expectations require adaptability. Instead of reacting to trends, I focus on long-term impact—how we can create training solutions that meet immediate needs and help organizations and individuals grow over time. Covey’s concept of “beginning with the end in mind” has shaped how we develop our programs, ensuring they provide real, lasting value rather than just quick fixes.
On a personal level, his ideas about prioritization and focusing on what truly matters have helped me balance the demands of leadership with the bigger picture. Success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things well. That mindset has made all the difference.
Bradford Glaser, President & CEO, HRDQ
Make Smart Choices and Stay Patient
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. From my experience, this book helped me see that building wealth isn’t just about knowing the right strategies—it’s about making smart choices and staying patient.
Many people think success comes from taking big risks or always looking for the next big thing, but real wealth comes from consistency and good habits. It made me realize that emotions play a big role in financial decisions, and learning to stay calm and think long-term is what really leads to success.
I believe this book has helped me handle challenges in a better way. Instead of stressing over short-term problems, I focus on making steady progress. It showed me that wealth isn’t just about how much money you make but how well you manage what you have. The biggest mistakes often come from reacting too quickly or trying to chase fast success.
Staying patient and making thoughtful decisions has helped me build a strong foundation in both business and life. This book reminded me that success isn’t about luck—it’s about making good choices again and again over time.
Leaders Take Care of Their People
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. From my experience, this book taught me that good leaders take care of their people first. It helped me see that success isn’t just about profits or growth; it’s about building a team that feels safe, valued, and most importantly, is motivated. When employees know their leader cares about them, they work harder and stay committed. I believe a strong team is the heart of any business, and this book showed me that trust and respect are the keys to making that happen.
I’ve learned that happy employees lead to happy customers in our field. When people feel appreciated, they put more effort into their work, which improves the company as a whole. I focus on simple ways to show employees they matter, like recognizing their efforts and giving meaningful rewards. It’s not just about bonuses or gifts; it’s about making sure people feel seen and heard. This book reminded me that leadership is about putting people first, and when you do that, success naturally follows.
Ben Wieder, CEO, Level 6 Incentives
Focus on the Present
One book that has influenced my view on life and work is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. From my experience, learning to focus on the present has helped me handle challenges without feeling too stressed. It has also taught me to enjoy success without always worrying about the next goal. I believe balance is important, and this book reminded me that being mindful helps with both work and life. Instead of rushing through tasks or feeling overwhelmed, I now take things one step at a time. This has made a big difference in how I lead and support others in finding a healthy way to manage their time and energy.
I believe real success comes from staying calm and focused, not just working harder. This book helped me see that stress often comes from worrying too much about the past or future. When problems arise, I remind myself to focus on what I can do right now. This way, I stay strong and help others do the same. Work-life balance is not just about time; it’s about being fully present in each moment. Whether I am leading a team or helping someone improve their health, my goal is to create a life that feels meaningful and not just busy.
Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics
Identify Constraints and Focus Efforts
One book that has greatly impacted my perspective is “The Goal” by Eliyahu Goldratt. While it’s technically about manufacturing, its lessons on bottlenecks, continuous improvement, and systems thinking apply to everything—especially construction and consulting. My biggest takeaway was the importance of identifying constraints and focusing efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact. Too often, businesses get caught up in optimizing everything at once, but if you don’t address the real bottleneck, you’re just moving inefficiencies around.
This mindset has shaped the way I approach challenges. Whether it’s improving workflows on a construction site or refining a business strategy, I always look for the root cause of inefficiencies. Instead of throwing more resources at a problem, I break it down systematically, challenge assumptions, and work on targeted solutions that create real, measurable improvements.
Success, to me, isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. “The Goal” reinforced that no matter how complex a project seems, there’s always a way to simplify, streamline, and improve. That’s the approach I bring every day, and it’s why Lean thinking is at the core of everything we do.
Andrew Moore, Director, Rubicon Wigzell Limited
Remember the Importance of Empathy
“The Empathy Exams” by Leslie Jamison has had a tremendous impact on how I view life personally and professionally. The book is composed of a series of essays covering a multitude of topics. Each essay is visceral and puts you in another person’s shoes so perfectly, allowing you to consider situations and perspectives you might never have otherwise.
It’s easy to lose sight of empathy, but it’s essential to remember in all aspects of life—in work and in your personal life—that every person has stories to tell, problems they face, and things they love.
When I face a challenge, it’s been helpful for me to take a step back and consider where the other person is coming from. Instead of getting defensive or annoyed, I try to figure out what that person actually wants. Where is their frustration coming from? Why might they feel this way? Often, people just want to be heard. Listening can solve so many issues.
In some ways, it’s almost harder to focus on empathy when you’re successful; it’s easy to think only of yourself. You should celebrate your successes, of course, and you don’t want to minimize the work you’ve done. As I celebrate success, though, it feels sweeter when I do it with those who have helped me get there.
“The Empathy Exams” reminds me of the importance of human connection, and I try to bring that with me no matter what I do. I know I don’t always succeed, but by doing my best, I hope to make the world a bit better.
Emily Deaton, Editor and Book Coach, KWE Publishing
Small, Consistent Improvements Lead to Success
While many books have influenced my approach to leadership and professional growth, one of the most transformative has been “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The book’s core message—that small, consistent improvements lead to major successes—resonated deeply with me. It reinforced the idea that building strategic habits enhances effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, driving both personal and organizational growth.
I have always believed in the power of continuous improvement and have worked to instill this mindset in my business. However, “Atomic Habits” helped me refine this approach by shifting the focus from simply setting goals to establishing systems and habits that naturally lead to success. Rather than viewing a goal as a one-time achievement, I now prioritize sustainable habits that become ingrained in our company culture.
This principle has also shaped how we tackle challenges. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, we proactively assess what small, high-impact habits we can introduce to create long-term solutions. For example, after reading “Atomic Habits,” I re-evaluated our internal workflows and introduced automation tools to simplify repetitive tasks, making it easier for our team to focus on high-value work.
Another key takeaway from the book is the concept of making good habits easy and bad habits hard. This idea has directly influenced how I structure our operations. By implementing the right technology and streamlining processes, we’ve eliminated inefficiencies and built intuitive systems that encourage productive behaviors while reducing friction in our daily work.
Ultimately, “Atomic Habits” reinforced my belief that success is not just about setting ambitious goals but about building the right habits to sustain long-term growth and improvement–both for individuals and the organization as a whole.
Steve Faulkner, Founder & Chief Recruiter, Spencer James Group
Accept Risk and Be Vulnerable
Title: “Daring Greatly”
Author: Brené Brown
This book has profoundly altered my perspective on bravery, self-worth, and vulnerability. As a young widow, a teen mother, and an immigrant growing up, I frequently felt under pressure to succeed. I believed that being strong meant never displaying vulnerability, never making mistakes, and constantly moving forward mindlessly. “Daring Greatly” disproved that idea, demonstrating that real strength comes from accepting risk, being vulnerable, and letting your flaws be known.
Most individuals are troubled by self-doubt and fear of failing, which compels them to devalue what they do, doubt their status, and regularly miss opportunities. A key belief is reaffirmed in this work: success ensues when hard work is challenged directly instead of being evaded. Vulnerability is not something to be condemned; it is necessary if one is going to build sincere relationships, generate good leadership, and achieve long-term success.
Brown’s research on shame also resonated deeply. Most individuals, particularly high achievers, equate their value to external approval. “Daring Greatly” changed my perspective on self-worth, affirming that value is not derived from achievements but from the courage to be fully present.
This book has influenced the way I live and work. It has enabled me to release restrictive thoughts and assist others in doing so. For people struggling with fear, perfectionism, or doubt, “Daring Greatly” brings the shift of perspective necessary for progress with faith and honesty.
Navi Hughes, Therapist & Founder, Navi Hughes
Follow Your Dreams and Embrace the Journey
A book that has had a lasting impact on my perspective is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. From my experience, its message about following one’s dreams and embracing the journey has shaped how I approach both life and work. In the travel industry, unpredictability is part of the job, and this book reinforced the idea that challenges are just part of the path. Instead of resisting change, I’ve learned to see obstacles as opportunities to grow. Success isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about adapting, learning, and appreciating the process along the way.
I believe this mindset has helped me approach challenges with resilience and optimism. Travel is all about discovery, and that applies to business as well. Whether facing market shifts or unexpected setbacks, I remind myself that every experience adds value. Staying open to new possibilities has allowed me to create meaningful experiences for others while continuing to evolve as a leader. The book’s emphasis on personal legends and trusting the journey resonates deeply, making me more confident in taking risks and embracing the unknown.
James Thai, CEO & Founder, James Travel
Choose Your Attitude in Any Circumstances
Few books have left as lasting an imprint on my life and work as Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Written by the renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, the book is both a harrowing memoir and a profound exploration of human resilience. Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps led him to a transformative realization: even in the face of unimaginable suffering, we maintain one fundamental freedom—the ability to choose our response.
His words, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way,” have become a guiding principle in my work as a therapist. In my practice, I help individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, and life’s hardships. Frankl’s philosophy reinforces the belief that meaning can be found even in struggle, and that our capacity for resilience is greater than we often realize.
This perspective has deeply shaped my therapeutic approach, encouraging clients to reclaim agency over their lives. By fostering a sense of purpose and resilience, I strive to help others embrace Frankl’s ultimate message: that suffering, when met with courage and meaning, can become a catalyst for transformation.
Dana Hall, LCPC, Clinical Psychotherapist, Lifeline BH
Build Genuine Relationships and Lead with Empathy
The book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has significantly impacted my perspective in all areas of my life. It provides practical advice on how to build genuine relationships, understand others, and lead with empathy. This book has taught me that life isn’t just about success and numbers but also about connecting with people, understanding their motivations and needs, and building trust. It has helped me focus on effective communication, active listening, and creating win-win situations, all of which are vital when navigating challenges or growing a business.
By embracing these principles, I’ve learned that building strong, positive relationships is often the key to overcoming obstacles and creating lasting success. In times of challenge, I now prioritize collaboration and empathy, knowing that a positive, people-first mindset can unlock creative solutions and long-term growth.
Jenna Brennan, VP of Growth, Dutch
Understand Trauma’s Impact on Health
As a bariatric surgeon regularly helping unhealthy people become healthier, “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk has had a major impact on my professional life. It has helped me truly understand why many of my patients are the way they are, and why they struggle to lose weight pre- or post-surgery. I also know this book has changed the lives of people with poor health who have had disturbing pasts. It explores the connection between trauma and physical health and emphasizes how unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways, including obesity and other weight-related issues.
I’ve always understood that obesity is not just a matter of diet and exercise but is often rooted in complex psychological factors. Van der Kolk’s insights have reinforced this understanding, prompting me to approach patient care more holistically. I’ve learned to consider the histories of my patients, such as how trauma may have shaped their relationship with food and their bodies. This perspective has encouraged me to create a more empathetic environment where patients feel safe sharing their struggles.
Inspired by this book, I’ve also started to discuss mental health and trauma during my pre-operative evaluations, collaborating with mental health professionals if someone has a notable psychological history that might be connected to their obesity. I was shocked to see at first how the majority of people who came in had deep emotional issues: at one point, 11 out of 15 of my patients were undergoing counseling to help them overcome psychological issues that were keeping them from losing weight pre- or post-surgery. Our bariatric clinic’s long-term success rates have also skyrocketed after this added focus on mental health.
On a personal level, this book has made me reflect on my own experiences and how they may influence my interactions with patients, serving as a reminder that empathy is important in medicine. In a field like bariatrics, where emotional resilience is crucial for success, I feel that this awareness has made me a better surgeon and advocate for my patients.
Dr. Hector Perez, Bariatric Surgeon, Renew Bariatrics
Create Minimal Viable Product and Test
The book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries has profoundly shaped how I approach business challenges and success. It emphasizes the importance of creating a minimal viable product (MVP) and testing it before committing significant resources. Applying this concept allowed me to launch new products on a smaller scale, measure feedback, and adjust quickly without incurring massive costs. For example, before introducing a new pet accessory line, we conducted a small market test, which helped us gauge interest and make informed decisions. This strategy has improved our decision-making process, reduced financial risk, and accelerated growth.
Eunice Arauz, Founder, Pets Avenue
Answer Customer Questions Openly
One book that has shaped how I approach work is “They Ask, You Answer” by Marcus Sheridan. The book discusses how businesses should openly answer customer questions and provide helpful information. In the pool and backyard industry, people often have concerns about maintenance, repairs, and installation costs. Instead of avoiding these questions, I believe in being honest and ensuring customers understand their options. We focus on educating people about pool care, from choosing the right equipment to keeping their water clean. When customers have the right information, they feel more confident in their decisions, which builds trust and long-term relationships.
One key idea from the book is that businesses should be the most trusted source of information in their industry. This is something I apply every day. Whether it’s explaining the benefits of different pool liners, helping customers understand the best cleaning methods, or discussing energy-saving options, I want to provide clear and honest advice. The book also demonstrates that when companies focus on helping people first, business success follows. This mindset has helped us create strong connections with our customers and build a reputation for being reliable. When people know they can trust us with their pools and backyards, they keep coming back, and that’s what really matters.
Jonas McCullar, Co-Owner, American Pool Techs
Own Everything Within Your Influence
One book that shifted how I work and live is “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. It’s all about one key lesson—own everything within your sphere of influence. No excuses. No blaming others. Every failure and every success begins with you.
This attitude shifted the way I work with failure. When a deal collapses, I don’t point fingers at the economy—I critique myself. When a client complains, I don’t excuse the problem—I solve it. Taking responsibility drives continuous improvement. It eliminates the luxury of excuses and substitutes them with action.
The book also reinforced an important leadership maxim: “There are no bad teams, only bad leaders.” If a team is failing, the leader has to take it in hand. If a business plateaus, it’s on leadership to adapt. This applies everywhere—whether guiding employees, managing clients, or improving personal discipline.
Success follows the same rule. If business slows, waiting won’t fix it—action will. If a goal seems out of reach, excuses won’t bridge the gap—accountability will. By taking full ownership, challenges become opportunities. Problems become lessons. You stop waiting for things to change and start making them change.
Brent Thurman, Owner, Keystone Insurance
Education Empowers Critical Thinking and Engagement
“Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire.
From my experience, education is most powerful when it empowers individuals to think critically and take control of their own learning. Freire’s ideas challenged the traditional view of education as a one-way transfer of knowledge and instead highlighted the importance of dialogue, curiosity, and active engagement. This shifted my approach from simply delivering information to creating an environment where students and professionals take ownership of their learning. I believe true education isn’t about memorization—it’s about transformation.
This perspective has influenced how I mentor and coach others. Rather than focusing solely on achievement, I encourage students and leaders to question, reflect, and challenge ideas. Growth happens when people feel heard and valued in their learning process. When education becomes a tool for self-discovery and empowerment, people develop confidence in their ability to navigate challenges and shape their own success. I see education as a way to unlock potential, not just a means to an end. When individuals learn how to think rather than what to think, they become leaders in their own right, capable of making meaningful contributions to the world.
Tony Nutley, Founder & CEO, UK College of Personal Development
See Challenges as Opportunities to Improve
One book that has influenced my perspective on life and work is “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. From my experience in construction and heavy machinery, I know that challenges are always present, whether it’s project delays, equipment concerns, or changes in the industry. This book reinforced the idea that difficulties are not just problems but chances to improve and find solutions. I have learned that success often comes from staying focused, adapting to circumstances, and working through challenges rather than avoiding them. When setbacks happen, I concentrate on what can be controlled and take steady steps forward.
I believe this mindset has helped me lead teams and manage projects more effectively. The construction industry requires resilience, and I encourage my team to see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Whether it involves making operations more efficient or adjusting plans to meet unexpected situations, staying adaptable is important. I have found that approaching obstacles with a positive and solution-oriented mindset leads to better outcomes. Every challenge presents a chance to grow, and I have seen firsthand that steady persistence and the right attitude can make a real difference. This perspective has shaped the way I approach leadership, ensuring that every difficulty is met with patience and a focus on long-term success.
Rebecca Bryson, Managing Director, BTE Plant Sales
About ‘What Experts Read’
In our unique series, ‘What Experts Read,’ discover the literary inspirations and must-reads of thought leaders and industry experts. Each article highlights the books that have impacted the viewpoints, tactics, and success of successful entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in their respective areas.
Discover a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, as professionals share their best book suggestions and talk about the significant influence these reads have had on their careers. Discover priceless information, expand your horizons, and gain insightful knowledge from experts at the forefront of their fields.
‘What Experts Read’ is an insightful look at the relationship between knowledge, experience, and the written word, and it may be of interest to anybody looking for motivation, strategic advice, or just to learn more about the reading preferences of prominent industry figures. Join us for this insightful tour of the most important leaders’ bookshelves of today.
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