If you’ve got some “me” time or when you’re stuck indoors for some reason, why not spend it by poring yourself on reading materials that will inspire and energise you to keep going in your entrepreneurial journey? A good start is to look into the life stories of business leaders who withstood adversities and exhibited determination and persistence in achieving their dreams.
These individuals have become powerful forces in their respective companies and industries. One may wonder, “how did they do it?” The answer may lie between the pages of those books that journal their lives and business experiences. We have listed 10 biographies that you can start reading and then you can work your way towards finding books that are related to your business or industry.
Shoe Dog by Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight
The book chronicles the early days of Nike in the eyes of its co-founder, Phil Knight. He also narrates his youth and how he faced the risks and challenges in getting close to his dreams. Did you know that this global footwear giant started being sold from the trunk of Knight’s car? But look where it is now. Get behind the story of the iconic swoosh and pick up the lessons you can apply in your enterprise.
Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Cosmetics Founder Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash started her company at the age of 45. Yet, it was not without some heartbreaks in her personal and professional life. However, she held on to her principles that were her beacon of light in her journey. She established her company not only to make her dreams become a reality but also to help women attain their dreams, too, by believing that miracles happen.
I Love Capitalism by Home Depot Co-founder Ken Langone
Regarding himself as the epitome of the American Dream, Ken Langone shares through his memoir that poverty did not impede his ambition of making it big. He worked his way to get an education, build a career and establish businesses. The book is a peek to his life and a testament on how capitalism has helped him achieve the success he now enjoys.
By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop by Gilt Co-founders Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
Changing the way millions of people shop was something that Alexis Maybank, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and their co-founders in Gilt never imagined they would achieve by putting up their online store. But the recession, the shopping culture of the market and conflicting needs of their suppliers were hurdles they had to surpass to save the company from impending death.
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and The Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
American journalist Brad Stone interviewed several Amazon executives, including former employees, to tell the story of Amazon to his readers. Although the Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, declined an interview, he allowed Stone access to people around him to document how this modest online bookseller grew to become what it is now, offering many items beyond books and topping the online selling space.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg
In this book, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, who is also one of the Most Powerful Women in Business by Fortune magazine, puts the spotlight on women. Backed by research and based on her personal experience, Sandberg touches on the challenges on women with the realities they face at work, in the community and at home. She also provided some practical tips and useful advice for women on how to build their careers and empower themselves.
Bloomberg by Bloomberg by Michael Bloomberg
Bloomberg Co-founder Michael Bloomberg fuses his personal stories, business insights and management lessons in this book that he penned himself. Readers get an overview of his struggles during his youth and onto his career and how he bested industry giants. He also shared his foray into public service and philanthropy.
Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark
Being an early advisor to Alibaba, investor Duncan Clark has a first-hand view of how Alibaba has grown and how its founder, Jack Ma, has accomplished massive success. From being a teacher to becoming a worldwide business phenomenon, Ma has shown that nothing is impossible. Regardless of background and location, he has managed to grow his business and pit it out against industry titans.
Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson
Writer-historian Walter Isaacson has written the biographies of Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin. He added another feather on his cap by writing the biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Jobs had granted Isaacson various exclusive interviews, sharing his thoughts and experiences to the author. Isaacson also spoke to the countless people surrounding Jobs to present his story coming from all angles. From Jobs’ childhood to his youth and career life, Isaacson presented the inspiring story of Steve Jobs, including his character, values and lessons.
Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc of McDonald’s
As the first partner of the McDonald brothers, Ray Kroc revolutionised the fast-food industry through franchising, automation, training and advertising that helped shape McDonald’s as a global leader in its business space. In his autobiography, Kroc shares his journey from being a salesman and how he became a huge success. It was a steep climb and full of twists and turns, producing many valuable lessons and insights that will inspire his readers.