Being an entrepreneur is a complicated and ever-changing landscape. What is it that makes some businesses succeed and some fail? How can you do it right, and how can you do it wrong?
To answer these questions, we asked some of Ottawa’s most successful entrepreneurs for their must-read books of 2023, and they did
not disappoint.
Leaders Eat Last
by Simon Sinek
Leaders Eat Last explores the influence that neurochemicals have on the way people feel and consequently act, and examines the discrepancies between how our bodies were designed to function and how they function today. Ultimately, we need true leaders to direct us back on the right path.
Recommended by Alex Finey
Famers Sports
The One Thing
by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
The One Thing is a life-improvement masterpiece. The aim of the book is to show you how to cut through the clutter of work, life, well-being, love, family, hobbies, free time, etc., and focus on the things that matter.
The 10 X Rule
By Grant Cardone
To sum it up: “I suggest that you become obsessed about the things you want; otherwise, you are going to spend a lifetime being obsessed with making up excuses as to why you didn’t get the life you wanted.”
Cardone makes his case against the average in this instant best-seller. The 10 X rule encourages you to think outside the traditional action routes (no action, retreat, or normal action) and start living your life through a fourth principle that Cardone calls “Massive Action”. Defy mediocrity and learn the key difference between those who succeed and those who fail.
Recommended by Justin Salazar
Anzar Group
Big Money Energy
By Ryan Serhant
To sum it up: “Initiative is like a magical cure-all elixir. Pick up the phone and make a call, send an email, follow up with leads. Do something. […] Take initiative with everything that is put in front of you, and you will experience success every single day.”
This book by best-selling author and billion-dollar broker Ryan Serhant explores how changing your energy can change your life. A fake it until you make it approach allows you to tap into the spirit of “Big Money Energy” and create the life you want.
Recommended by Justin Salazar
Anzar Group
The Power of One More
By Ed Mylett
To sum it up: “Let me leave you with this one thought about time from Charles Darwin. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
A balance between advice, real world examples, psychology, and science–The Power of One More by Ed Mylett explores methods to overcome roadblocks and achieve the goals that are much closer than you think.
Recommended by Justin Salazar
Anzar Group
Influence; The Psychology of Persuasion
To sum it up: “A well-known principle of human behavior says that when we ask someone to do us a favor we will be more successful if we provide a reason. People simply like to have reasons for what they do.”
This classic book on persuasion explores what it is that makes people say “yes” and how to apply this knowledge to your life and business. It breaks down human psychology, while also weaving in practical, everyday scenarios where the mastery of persuasion can help you get ahead.
Start with WHY
by Simon Sinek
Start with Why shows that the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate the same way—and it’s the opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.
Recommended by Garry Thom
Canada Fine Art
Rework
by Jason Fried & David Hansson
Compared to Alexander Osterwalder, David Hanson and Jason Fried want to approach the other type of entrepreneurs – the ones who want fast results and don’t really care or have the time to go through all the basic steps.
The two authors team up together to crunch down the basics and create a whole new system that will make you act upon your dreams and goals faster in Rework.
The book will motivate you to get up on your feet and move forward without planning the steps on a piece of paper before. This is for the go-getters who prefer to learn by doing!
Recommended by Wayne McKinnon
DPA Gold
Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman goes over the two systems found in our mind, that can make or break our ability to move forward and succeed in life, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow.
He talks about the fast and emotional system, and the slow, more logical system that makes up our whole mind. He breaks down the various effects of each system on our success, mentality, confidence, and teachability index.
This book is a must-read for everyone who wants to get to the top of the tower without actually killing the dragon.
Recommended by Linda Z.
Gateway Omega 3
