As National Read a Book Day approaches this Friday, I find myself reflecting on the books that have not just filled my shelves but profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial journey. These books have been more than just mentors. They have been my guiding stars through the ups and downs of business and personal growth. Today, I’m excited to share with you a few of these literary companions that have inspired me to rethink, refocus, and reignite my passion for learning and success.
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink
“The key to success is not just in knowing what to do, but in knowing when to do it.” — Daniel H. Pink.
“When” explores the science of timing, revealing that when we do things, it is just as important as what we do. Drawing from psychology, biology, and economics, Pink explains how understanding our natural rhythms can help us make better decisions and optimize our performance. Pink’s concept of the “peak-trough-rebound” pattern transformed my work habits. By aligning my tasks with my natural energy levels, I’ve become more productive, less burned out, and better balanced in my personal and professional life.
Initially, I thought working late into the night meant being productive. But “When” taught me that pushing against my natural energy cycles was counterproductive. Now, I structure my day around my peak energy times, leading to more efficient work and better balance. During my MBA, I had to juggle coursework, a full-time job, and my business. Applying Pink’s insights, I scheduled my study sessions during my peak energy hours and reserved lower-energy times for less demanding tasks. This approach not only improved my academic performance but also helped me manage stress more effectively.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
“Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.” — Jim Collins.
“Good to Great” examines why some companies transition from being just good to truly great. Jim Collins identifies key factors, such as disciplined people, thought, and action, that contribute to sustained success. The “Hedgehog Concept” helped me focus on what I excel at, what I’m passionate about, and what drives my economic engine. This clarity has streamlined my business and led to more effective growth.
In the early days of my business, I juggled too many ideas, leading to scattered efforts. “Good to Great” taught me the power of focus and discipline. Applying the “Hedgehog Concept,” I’ve refined my services and now operate more effectively, ensuring my customers get the best experience. The “Hedgehog Concept” became a guiding principle during my MBA, especially in project-based courses where the scope could easily become overwhelming. By focusing on my core strengths and interests, I delivered higher-quality work and gained deeper insights, ultimately shaping my capstone project and business strategy.
Creating Magic: 10 Common Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney by Lee Cockerell
“To be successful in the long term, you have to create a culture where people want to work and where they can be successful.” — Lee Cockerell.
Lee Cockerell’s “Creating Magic” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership strategies that made Disney a globally respected brand. It’s packed with practical advice on leading with excellence, creativity, and a people-first approach. One strategy that resonated deeply with me is ‘Making your people your brand.’ Even as a solopreneur, this principle has guided me to treat myself with the same care, respect, and encouragement I would give future team members.
My time as a Disney Cast Member has profoundly influenced my business values. “Creating Magic” reinforced the importance of nurturing and empowering myself now, laying the groundwork for how I’ll lead others in the future. The leadership strategies from “Creating Magic” were valuable during group projects in my MBA program. By applying Cockerell’s principles, I managed my responsibilities effectively and promoted a collaborative and supportive environment within my teams, leading to successful outcomes and a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics.
More Must-Reads for Lifelong Learners
In addition to the books that have shaped my entrepreneurial and MBA journey, here are a few more that offer valuable lessons for continuous learning:
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek: Discover the core purpose behind your goals and how to inspire others.
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries: Learn how to innovate and iterate in your methods, just as you would in business.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Build habits that support your personal and professional growth.
Key Lessons from These Books
- Timing is Everything: Align your tasks with your natural energy levels to boost productivity and well-being.
- Focus on What Matters: To achieve meaningful growth, concentrate on what you’re best at, passionate about, and what drives your success.
- Lead with People in Mind: Whether leading yourself or others, prioritize care, respect, and empowerment for sustainable success.
These books have shaped not only my entrepreneurial mindset but also my approach to lifelong learning. They’ve taught me to value timing, focus on core strengths, and lead with compassion—principles applicable to education and business.
Join the Conversation
Let’s inspire each other to continue growing and learning. Share a book that has influenced your career or recommend one that has impacted you in the comments below. Tag me in your post using #BooksThatInspire on social media @mgtouchofmagic. I’d love to hear your recommendations and how they’ve shaped your journey!
