Last updated: 19 September 2021. The best business books tell stories, convey lessons and share secrets about a subject that has the potential to bring us personal prosperity. To succeed in business you generally need knowledge, competence, perseverance and strategy. But as you’ll find out below – these types of rules only exist to be broken.
On this page, you’ll find a mix of British and International titles to help you build a useful business library. I hope that the right combination of business books below will lead you to growth, success and wealth in business and your personal life.
After all, great business books also draw upon the personal life experiences of their credentialled authors. Business doesn’t take place in a vacuum.
All of us need to balance the £ signs with our relationships and other adventures, so don’t expect each of the top 100 business books below to read like an accounting textbook. They’re rich titles, packed with engaging stories from the desks of the UKs & US’s most innovative and ingenious business minds.
With prices ranging from £7 – £26, stocking up on a few of the best business books can deliver the same value as an expensive training course for only a fraction of the cost. They can even be read for free with Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited free trial. Click on any title below to see the latest price from Amazon, you’ll be shocked at how affordable the most popular titles are. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases which helps to support this site. This does not impact how I compile the list.
The 100 best business books (UK + International)
1: Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm that Became a Global Brand by Joe Foster
A UK tale of entrepreneurialism from an unlikely corner. Following a fractious dispute with his family over the direction of their footwear business, Joe Foster went his own way and formed Reebok. Starting from scratch, in an industry already dominated by giants such as Adidas and Puma; Reebok fought its way from obscurity into the clutches of success.
In this encouraging David versus Goliath tale, told by the man at the centre of it all, you’ll read about the spirit and determination it takes to get a footing at the big table.
Our favourite business book of all time. Rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
2: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
It’s quite possible that Elon Musk receives more column inches and publicity than any other business leader. Elon is a visionary leader who inspires a legion of fans, and to top things off, he’s now one of the richest people in the world.
Does he have the strongest work ethic? Does he have the brightest ideas? Or was he simply in the right place at the right time?
This carefully constructed biography benefits from over 40 hours of interviews with the man himself and shares insights from many who have worked closely with him, Ashlee Vance provides a comprehensive answer to these questions.
Far from being a ‘puff piece’, Elon Musk is a book that offers a balanced view of an incredibly demanding boss. Elon’s disagreements with the author resulted in him withdrawing his endorsement of the title.
The events of the book don’t run completely to the present day, but Ashlee covers all of the key developments. These include Tesla’s evolution from a small team with a prototype to a mass manufacturer pumping cars out of Gigafactories.
You’ll be shaking your head with disbelief as you read about how perilously close both Tesla and SpaceX came to bankruptcy, just before their turnaround. In contrast to the combined market cap of $500bn which both companies currently enjoy, you’ll be left with a very clear idea of why Elon Musk is a force to be reckoned with.
3: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
There’s no question in our minds about which personal development book has left the biggest impact on business people in the UK and abroad. It’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; a book so popular that even its book title structure is emulated in countless other works.
Stephen Covey writes in an engaging style and will bring any reader along this 7 step journey to personal growth.
So what’s 7 Habits about? Who is it for? It’s a book about motivation, about conflict resolution, about leadership, and ultimately about personal fulfilment. It’s a title with broad appeal, which is perhaps why it’s sold over 25 million copies in the 30 years since publication.
4: Business Adventures by John Brooks
You don’t have to take our word for it; two of the richest people in the worlds specifically name Business Adventures by John Brooks as their best business book. Those people? Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
As the cover proudly displays; Bill describes Business Adventures as ‘The best business book I’ve ever read‘, and Warren isn’t any less flattering – he recommended the title to Bill in the first place!
So what is the recipe of this critically acclaimed business book? It’s an easy-to-read collection of short stories about pivotal moments in the timeline of different companies. You may never be fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to live through the events of these tales, but the lessons drawn from each will add to your commercial acumen.
Told as 12 stories across 12 chapters, it’s the perfect format for short bursts while commuting or taking a lunch break. We consider Business Adventures to be an essential part of any person’s business education.
5: The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard
As a Brit, we wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard of Ken Blanchard. Ken is a prolific author and business consultant in the US, and The One Minute Manager is his most famous work.
He’s since written many spin-off titles such as Leadership and the One Minute Manager, Putting the One Minute Manager to Work, and ‘The One Minute Manager Balances Work and Life. However, we feel that it’s the original business book that has the greatest impact. We recommend this ‘New’ edition which revises and updates the original manuscript.
An excellent read whether you’re a manager, or you manage managers. We would hold up this book as being especially useful for small-business owners who are building their own team.
6: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
There are business books that inform, and then there are business books that inspire. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a rare title that sits in both camps.
Brené writes from a unique perspective. She’s a research professor who has spent years studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. She’s the go-to expert on how to foster a culture of daring leadership.
With the rise of automation and continually shifting trends, modern businesses need to be run by those who have the courage to take their teams through cycles of change. It’s an undervalued skill which will only become more useful as time passes.
7: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Dont by Jim Collins
Good to Great by Jim Collins is a business book which deserves to be in any ‘starter-list’ of books about business.
It’s a management book about performance improvement. Jim Collins has isolated the key variables that he believes are responsible for why some companies seem to chug along without momentum, and others double or triple in size over the course of a decade.
If you’re curious about whether you are or aren’t already doing some of these things then we recommend that you pick up this title to find out.
The book is rated 4.7 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk with over 3,450 total reviews submitted by customers.
8: Think and Grow Rich! by Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich! is an unusual title. First of all, you should know that it was written in 1937. Its subjects include business titans of that age, including Andrew Carnegie – a man who’s net worth approximates to $300bn in todays money.
Of course, unless you’re also trying to consolidate the US Steel industry, you might doubt the relevancy of a book-of-its-time like Think and Growth Rich!
The reason for its enduring appeal is that the core content of this book isn’t case studies, it’s a series of punchy steps which have the power to transform the mindset you apply to life and business.
It’s high-level, it’s motivational, and it feels novel. Think and Grow Rich! is an old school get rich quick book which has stood the test of time.
9: Anyone Can Do It: My Story by Duncan Bannatyne
If you a UK reader then Duncan Bannatyne needs no introduction. As the entertaining and often blunt business angel who appeared on the BBC series Dragons’ Den between 2005 and 2015, Duncan is a household name in the UK.
In his official autobiography Anyone Can Do It, Duncan surprised many by revealing that his personality in ‘The Den’ is actually not so different from reality. With his dry sense of humour and confidence, Duncan explains how he became ‘self made’.
10: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
How to Win Friends and Influence People is the second book on this list to be written in the first half of the 20th century. It certainly still deserves a place on the list of the best business books though.
Dale communicates a series of principles which he believes will vastly improve your ability to sell a product, win new business and deal with people in a more persuasive manner.
Each principle is taught through a small handful of anecdotes, which are now heavily dated but are still effective.
The overall approach advocated by the author is criticised by some modern reviewers as being superficial; manipulative even. This is because several of the chapters focus on style over substance. However, a deeper read of this title will probably help you reach a different conclusion, as Carnegie does implore the reader to apply these techniques with sincerity.
11: The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel
Which business book amassed over 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon within 6 months of release? With fewer than 2% of reviews being 1 or 2 star? The answer is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.
Morgan, a financial journalist, will help you navigate your way through the often boggling way that humans deal with money.
We all understand that financial matters can be objectively managed, but emotion and psychology often seems to get in the way. Have you noticed how novice investors and business people seem to always fall into the same pitfalls and traps?
The Psychology of Money is a rare book that allows us to chuckle at the silly tendencies of others, while not making us feel too shameful for our own lapses. A must-read for anyone who wants to become money smart.
12: The Pursuit Of Happyness by Chris Gardner
The subject of an endearing 2006 film starring Will Smith; The Pursuit of Happyness is the memoir of Chris Gardner.
Chris was homeless and in charge of a son as he attempted to desperately pursue a career as a stockbroker as a black man in the 1980s.
From troubled beginnings, Chris overcame barrier after barrier to ultimately succeed and establish his own brokerage; Gardner Rich & Co. This book and Chris’ story is a simple ode to the merits of hard work. It pays off in the end folks!
13: Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod
Ignore Everybody and 39 Other Keys to Creativity is a funny book that might just boost your creativity at work or in your own business. Hugh is an avid blogger and has been writing about creative topics for several years.
You’ll probably make light work of this title in under 3 hours, due to its size and readability. Ignore Everybody benefits immensely from its humorous cartoons which serve to underline that this is certainly not a textbook.
It’s not going to change your life, but with its humorous cartoons and cheeky style, it’ll give you food for thought and make you laugh at the same time.
14: Like A Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You At Business School by Richard Branson
![Like A Virgin: Secrets They Won't Teach You at Business School by [Richard Branson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gBAsxieGL.jpg)
It’s difficult to think about influential British business people without thinking of Richard Branson. The serial entrepreneur has had his hands in more businesses than you could count on two hands. These companies include Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Media & most recently Virgin Galactic.
Richard developed a clever approach of licensing the Virgin brand to third parties. This provided him with a stream of income from some new ventures without taking the equity risk.
In this book, Richard dispenses general business wisdom. Contrary to what the cover might suggest, this isn’t an MBA replacement due to its short form factor, but it’s an excellent source of business advice nevertheless.
15: The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
The oldest book on this list by a couple of centuries, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith is the 1776 economics book that changed the economic discipline forever.
If you want to read a definitive classic which shaped many of the great economic and political thinkers of the centuries which followed, you can pick up a copy of The Wealth of Nations for less than £15.
This book is written in a formal style, therefore it’s a book that will require patience and perseverance. Alternatively, you could consider buying a summary of The Wealth of Nations if you’d like to learn about Adam Smith’s key ideas without battling through the prose.
16: The Innovators Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen
The late Clayton Christensen lays out a fairly shocking idea in the opening chapter of this book; that even brilliant businesses in forward-looking industries can (and are) being left behind.
Clayton is the godfather of the concept of ‘Disruptive Innovation’, a concept which now drives so many of the worlds start-up entrepreneurs to continue breaking the mould.
In The Innovator’s Dilemma, the author shows us more of his unique insights into what businesses need to be doing to stay ahead in the innovation game.
The Innovator’s Dilemma is loved by critics and readers alike, with a 4.7 / 5.0 rating on Amazon.co.uk after more than 1,000 reviews.
17: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel is an entrepreneur-turned-venture capitalist. As a member of the so-called ‘PayPal Mafia’, Peter used the proceeds from the sale of that payment business to invest in Facebook in its early stages, and the rest is history.
Zero to One is Peter’s successful attempt to articulate the difference between a new business (of which there are many) and a new idea (of which there are few). He argues that only genuinely new ideas, which create something from nothing, will attract value.
With Plaudits from Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, this is a book that should be grabbed by any aspiring entrepreneur.
18: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Do you ever feel held back by an inability to spend enough time on the right things? To be able to think clearly about specific issues rather than being distracted by the noise and stresses of day-to-day life?
In many ways, our ability to tap into a focussed state could separate those who rise to the top, from those who merely ‘survive’ in business.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World from Cal Newport is a business book like no other. It’s a psychology book first, business book second.
By tapping into a deep knowledge of how the mind works, Cal will teach you the secrets of unlocking the hidden productivity of what he terms ‘Deep Work’ – the ability to focus.
It’s the Amazon.co.uk #1 bestseller in ‘Operational Productivity’. Discover whether you could achieve more by picking up a copy today.
19: The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike
It made us chuckle to note that of the five quotes and reviews featured inside the book cover of The Outsiders, four are connected to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway – which was one of the interview subjects of the book. Not exactly any outsider’s view then!
Jesting aside, The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike features highly on this list. Many other organisations such as Forbes, Motley Fool and others have written positively about this title.
At just 240 pages, this is one of the shorter business books we’ve featured. But this isn’t to its detriment. The author doesn’t set out to capture every thought of the CEOs. He’s trying to distil their frameworks and ideologies until they are easily digestible by the reader.
20: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits is one of those explosive books which sits at the top of the bestseller lists for week after week, month after month.
Perpetuated by word of mouth, it’s the personal development tome which speaks to all of us.
Do you have a bad habit you’d like to get rid of for good? Or a good habit you want (or need) to begin? Of course, you do. We can quickly identify bad business habits which are holding back the performance of our company. Doing something about them is the difficult part, and that’s where Atomic Habits by James Clear comes in.
If you want to look for evidence of the books effectiveness, look no further than the 80% of the whopping 28,000 reviews on Amazon.co.uk which give this title a 5 star rating.
Use the four laws outlined in this book to design smart ways to break a bad habit or reinforce a behaviour you know will bring rich rewards.
21: The Psychology of Selling: Increase Your Sales Faster and Easier Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy
If you’re in the market for marketing tips, look no further than The Psychology of Selling, a guide by Brian Tracy written to provide you with ideas and techniques to help you sell.
Timeless sales advice that won’t go out of fashion. The fact that this book was first printed in 2006 and still features highly on this list should speak volumes.
22: The End of Power by Moisés Naím
It’s a book title that will intrigue you until you finally buy it and begin reading. Mark Zuckerberg gave this book the nod when he setup his Global Book Club in 2015.
If you’re curious about how the distribution of power is rapidly changing due to the development of technology, you should read The End of Power by Moisés Naím.
23: Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution by Michael Hammer and James A. Champy
A niche choice for a UK business book list. Brits might have an aversion to the Americana term ‘corporation’, but we can guarantee that you won’t be able to avert your eyes from this bestseller by Michael Hammer and James Champy.
If you want to read about ‘thinking outside the box’ by those who were thinking outside the box by discussing this topic in the 1990s, give this title a try.
24: The Real Deal by James Caan
The second book from a Dragon on this list. The Real Deal by James Caan is his memoir which covers his entrepreneurial pursuits from a very young age in London’s Brick Lane.
In the present day, James has estimated net worth of around £100 million and has more than 1 million followers on LinkedIn.
If you’re a fan of the BBC show, and want to find out how James managed to become one of the most respected seed investors and business advisers in the UK, then The Real Deal was written for you.
25: Jack: Straight from the Cut by Jack Welch
Jack Welsh is famed for having increased the value of languishing conglomerate General Electric ten fold during his tenure as CEO in the 1980s and 1990s.
This self-titled book, written in 2003, sees Jack explain his leadership and management approach.
26: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth played both documentarian and autobiographer when writing Grit; perhaps her most widely recognised work.
Grit draws upon interviews with business leaders, as well as her own difficult experiences growing in the shadow of her father.
She bares all to reveal the power of never giving up in the face of setbacks – a lesson we all need to be reminded of.
27: The Motive by Patrick Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni is a management consultant by trade, being a founder of The Table Group. Yet it would be unfair to pigeonhole as a consulting book.
Firstly, the book is set out like an intricate fable. Patrick spins a tale which later chapters dissect. Being no strangers to dull or technical business literature, this felt like a refreshing way to convey a message. Regular readers of Patrick Lencioni will already be familiar with this format.
The Motive turns the tables on business leaders and asks them to scrutinise their reason for being. Why do they have the job they have? What keeps them in that position? Are their own incentives actually alligned with the organisation?
These are probing questions, with uncomfortable answers, but could hold the key to a breakthrough in your management style.
28: The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
A business book we’re quite sure you’ll have already heard of. If you haven’t actually picked it up, now is your opportunity to own a copy of The Black Swan.
This was a book so widely-read and respected when it was published in 2010, that it pushed ‘black swan event’ into the lexicon of investors and economists.
To the uninitiated, Nassim’s black swan events are those curious freak occurrences, calamities and disasters that should only come once every 100 years. That’s on paper, but we observe them happen all the time. What causes this paradox?
It’s time to question everything we think we know about risk.
29: Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
While Like a Virgin covers business basics, Losing My Virginity is Richard’s book which explains how he does business.
‘Unconventional’ would be a good word to describe that Richard has taken over his business career. He hasn’t followed in the footsteps of another. He has forged his own path and created a diversified group of disparate companies in the process.
Richard comes across as humble and self-deprecating in this honest look-back at his sensible and not-so-sensible business decisions. As a business memoir, this book hits the mark.
30: Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
It’s publishers describe Women and Leadership as a “powerful call to arms about the lack of women at the top”. That’s probably the best single sentence to encapsulate the audience and the message of this business book.
Julia Gillard was the first female Prime Minister of Australia, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala held various cabinet positions in the Nigerian government, and more recently was appointed as Director General to the World Trade Organisation.
Women and Leadership is rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk with 119 reviews at the date of writing.
31: That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix by Marc Randolph
A clever title which betrays much of the content of the book, That Will Never Work is the book from Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix.
It’s a story of what its like to be inside one of the most disruptive tech start-ups which has launched this side of the millennium. Netflix began as a postal competitor to the brick & mortar video rental stores which were ubiquitous at the time. After making inroads, Netflix made a digital pivot to streaming and hasn’t looked back since.
Marc Randolph was one of the minds directing that early action and boy does he have some stories to share.
32: Rogue Trader by Nick Leeson
If you think you’ve had a bad day at the office, spare a thought for Nick Leeson – the disgraced former banker known for single handily bringing down Bearings Bank, his employer at the time.
But Nick wasn’t a disgruntled whistle-blower, no, he was trader who made speculative bets using the banks capital. These trades were sometimes unauthorised, and total losses from the trades were reported to be over £827m. These were initially hidden, until they became too large to possibly cover up through misreporting. Eventually the bank collapsed in 1995.
33: Crush It! Why Now Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk
Crush It! Why Now Is The Time to Cash In On Your Passion is the book by Gary Vaynerchuk which wants to get you out of your monotonous job and into a profession or small business which truly aligns to your passion in life. A helpful book for those who are wavering on the edge of a career decision.
An interesting pairing with Crush It is The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris, which is also featured on this list. Both titles aim to provide the reader with more time to spend with friends and family, however each author takes a different view on the amount of effort and hard work which you should aim to spend on your passion.
34: Bezonomics by Brian Dumaine
Jeff Bezos is everywhere these days. Amazon Prime on the TV, deliveries helped many through the 2020 lockdowns, and cloud servers are changing the way that businesses structure their IT departments.
It would be no understatement to describe this book as a defensive mechanism. Amazon is an invasive creature, and businesses who ignore the threat of this growing tech conglomerate do so at their peril.
If you plan to skill up your team and understand how Amazon operates, then Bezonomics by Brian Dumaine is a sensible buy.
35: Bloomberg by Michael R. Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg. His name is carried across TV Channels at home and trading terminals in the offices of hedge funds, investment banks and fund managers. It also featured for a fleeting moment on the list of president candidates for the 2020 US Presidential Election.
Bloomberg by Bloomberg is a full account of his early years, including incredible stories like how on a single day, he was both fired and given $10,000,000.
By all accounts, Bloomberg didn’t come from humble beginnings – he describes his upbringing as middle class. But that’s not to say his family was wealthy – Michael can count himself as a self-made businessman.
This book opens the door to his particular brand of leadership.
36: The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons in Creative Leadership from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
Disney CEO Robert “Bob” Iger was named by Time Magazine as business person of the year in 2019.
We got an immediate impression that this was a rare business book written for the sake of expression and creativity, rather than royalties. It says a lot that Bob has disclosed that he will use the book advance from The Ride of a Lifetime to fund student scholarships.
As a man who has worked for the same company for 46 years, it’s clear that Bob found something in Disney he loved. Through his long tenure in the top job, it’s clear that this feeling was mutual.
37: Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini
If you’re looking for a book on influence which is written in modern times, consider Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini.
Robert, a professor of psychology, has a lot to say about negotiation, sales & persuasion. This title, building on Robert’s earlier bestseller Influence, shares insights into how to win people over to your side.
It has been described as “intellectually rigorous” and “fluent & original” by credible management & economics publications.
The title is currently rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
38: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Cant Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Introvert was a term coined in the 1920s, and it has since broadened and widened in popular culture. An introvert is energised by solitude, whereas an extrovert is energised by spending time in the company of others.
Many people associate closely with introversion and wonder how much it is holding them back in their careers. Afterall, many activities which would seem to be the opposite of what an introvert would enjoy are essential for business, such as:
- Public speaking
- Networking
- Leading teams
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking is a book by Susan Cain which tackles this dilemma head on.
Susan might just change the way you view introverts forever.
39: Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machineby Mike Michalowicz
Simon Sinek (the author of two other titles on this list) calls Mike Michalowicz “the top contender for the patron saint of entrepreneurs.”
Who is Mike Michalowicz? He’s a US business angel who turned to angel investing after successfully creating two million dollar companies by the age of 35.
Profit First is a book for the owners of struggling businesses or those that are not fulfilling their full potential. The title is named after the Profit First System; a strategy developed by Mike to help businesses better manage their cash, improve their margins and achieving sustainable profits.
40: Self Made: The Definitive Guide to Business Start-Up Success by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole
Self Made: The definitive guide to business startup success is a beginner’s guide to starting a business. That simple brief translates into a series of chapters covering all the business basics an entrepreneur needs to know, such as:
- Setting up a company
- Creating a business plan
- Forecasting & setting budgets
- Branding & marketing
41: The New Business Road Test: What Entrepreneurs and Investors Should Do Before Launching by John Mullins
The only book on this shortlist which focuses on the single most critical aspect of a business plan – the business model itself.
Over the span of John Mullin’s career, he has attained a PHD, he’s spoken around the world, and he’s founded two businesses. This places him in an excellent position to highlight the strict tests that a business model must pass if it’s to have any chance in succeeding in a competitive environment.
The New Business Road Test is an easy buy, and an easy read for any new entrepreneur to add to their bedside table.
42: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
The Golden Circle Theory is the name Simon gave to a concept he outlined in one of the most watched TED Talks of all time. In this book he expands upon the concept and delivers an award-winning product in the process.
At the time of writing, this title is the #1 bestselling book in Entrepreneurship on Amazon.co.uk.
The Golden Circle theory explains why organisations and leaders inspire others. People understand what they do, most understand know how they do it, but very few people appreciate why they do what they do. This final point is the opportunity for a leader to captivate a team, as Simon explains.
43: Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonalds by Ray Kroc
Who created the McDonalds business empire we know today? You might say “The McDonalds brothers”, who founded the business in 1940.
But a more accurate answer might be Ray Kroc. By way of quick introduction, Ray masterminded the companies expansion from a few outlets in California, to 7,500 worldwide by the time of his death.
Along the way, he even bought out the entire business from the McDonalds founders, after he grew frustrated with their lack of urgency and appetite for growth.
Grinding It Out: The Making Of McDonald’s is a memoir written by Ray Kroc himself, telling his side of the Golden Arches story, including how he made one of the most recognisable brands in the world.
We agree with the publisher when they say after reading this book: “You’ll never forget Ray Kroc”.
44: Strong Woman: The Truth About Getting to the Top by Karren Brady
This UK business book longlist wouldn’t be complete without a title from one of the most famous female business leaders in the UK; Karren Brady.
Brady holds the public eye for two reasons; she’s the aide to Alan Sugar on the UK version of the Apprentice, and she’s has held leadership positions in Birmingham City F.C and more recently West Ham United F.C. Karren, now the Baroness of Knightsbridge since 2014, also sits in the House of Lords.
Karren is an inspirational role model for women in business. She talks passionately on the subject, using Strong Woman: The Truth About Getting to the Top as an opportunity to share how she thinks she cracked the formulae. Her down-to-earth personality helps her share harsh truths about the sacrifices required. Not everyone will agree with Karren on what it takes, but there is no argument that her approach works.
45: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Getting Things Done is a classic productivity book. It’s author David Allen has recently ripped it up and completely updated it from scratch to produce this new 2019 edition.
Allen pours over the finer details of time management in a way that leaves no stone unturned.
When it comes to the subtle art of getting the important stuff done, turn to David’s latest edition of Getting Things Done for the ultimate guide.
46: Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener
Uncanny Valley is a revolutionary book from Anna Wiener which will have you nodding your head and occasionally pausing with alarm.
Her personal experiences in Silicon Valley tech companies touch upon many of the cultural shifts which have occurred since 2005 when the big firms began to change from a simple website offering to something deeper.
Uncanny Valley covers topics such as the lack of diversity in big tech, a sense of mis-placed trust, and the pervasive questions about power and accountability.
An enjoyably worrying business book for the 21st century.
47: Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo
It doesn’t take a Nobel prize in economics to pen a great book about the social science, but if Good Economics for Hard Times is anything to go by, it certainly helps.
Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo is one of those rare breeds of economics books, which acts as an interface between the maths & science and real life.
Applying economic theory in a highly readable way, the authors break with convention to highlight key issues facing the real world.
48: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
By now, emotional intelligence needs little introduction, it’s an established element of successful management and leadership. But knowing what emotional intelligence is, and successfully applying it are two vastly different things.
Earning ringing endorsements from cult figures such as Stephen Covey, Patrick Lencioni and even the Dalai Lama, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is the masterful work which covers this subject in the most practical way for business people.
49: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
The second Brené Brown title on this list. Daring Greatly focuses on the topic of vulnerability.
Are vulnerabilities actually a weakness? Or can we leverage vulnerability to build authentic relationships and achieve success with family or at work?
The success and impact of this book is easy to measure in numbers: Daring Greatly is rated 4.7 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk with an astonishing 15,022 ratings.
The publisher promises that Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth – and trust – in our organizations, families, schools, and communities. Judging from the reaction of readers worldwide, they weren’t wrong.
50: Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams is a US politician. As a black female, she’s already surmounted many disadvantages that would discourage many from running for public office.
In her hopeful new book Lead from the Outside (originally published under the title ‘Minority Leader’), she shares her secrets to leading confidently as an ‘outsider’.
Stacey’s intelligent and infuriatingly relatable piece is difficult to put down.
51: Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations by William Ury
The first of several of the best business book about negotiation in this ranking. Getting Past No is William Ury’s go at building upon his previous title Getting to Yes.
We valued the way that the book focuses on dealing with difficult people. It is easy to pen a guide to negotiating with rationale, balanced people. But doing so creates a false impression that negotiations are predictable.
It’s only when truly difficult individuals are involved that the sales game becomes much more challenging. You’ll find each of William’s 5 steps of negotiating set out clearly in this book. These include ‘go to the balcony’, ‘step to their side’ and ‘build them a golden bridge’.
Curious? Pick-up a copy of Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations today.
52: Fanocracy by David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott
Fanocracy is a relatively new release into the market (January 2020) which is still gaining traction, but we felt its novel approach warranted inclusion on this top business book list.
The book is written by father & daughter team David & Reiko. Its tagline is ‘turning fans into customers, and customers into fans’. What they mean by this is creating what they call a ‘fanocracy’ – an organisation that puts the needs and wishes of fans ahead of every other priority.
Once built, fanocracies are easily sustained and propel sales and marketing efforts beyond all rationale expectation.
53: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
What do you get when a Nobel Prize economist condenses a lifetime of research into conscious and unconscious thinking into a single book?
You get treated to 512 pages of Thinking, Fast & Slow.
If you’re interested in why even smart people regularly make terrible decisions that don’t appear to be in their best interest – you’ll gobble up this masterpiece by Daniel Kahneman.
It is one of the most popular books on this list based on Amazon.co.uk reviews, with a 4.5 / 5.0 rating based upon over 18,000 ratings. It’s also the bestselling ‘business decision-making skills’ title sold by the retailer.
54: The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business by Josh Kaufman
If you’d like to spend some quality time investing in your own business education without spending £60,000 on a Masters is Business Administration, what options do you have?
Josh Kaufman would have you think that by reading this book, in one week you can learn the business principles it takes most people a lifetime to master.
The Personal MBA is rated 4.6 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk. We get the impression that a substantial sum of tuition fees have been saved along the way!
55: The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits and World Dominators by Chris Brogan
The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth describes itself as a business book for the type of person who wouldn’t normally pick one up.
It’s an ode to individuality and the pursuit of entrepreneurialism with a ‘screw you’ attitude.
Let Chris Brogan explain how you can start your business from scratch, without the need to compromise your values or the unique mindset that makes you stand out from the crowd.
56: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Dont Know by Adam Grant
This New York Times bestseller from Wharton Business School professor Adam Grant uses this book to explain that being wrong isn’t wrong. In fact, admitting that our opinions sometimes need to change is the right thing to do.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know points to ignorance and stubbornness as one of the major obstacles in the path of workers and owners who want to succeed.
As humans, we are hardwired to defend our convictions – even when the evidence changes. This book will help you notice when the ground has shifted and jar your mind open to new ideas.
57: The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind
There probably is not a single accountant between the age of 30 and 60 who has not heard of Enron. The most impactful accounting fraud scandal of the 2000s is a cautionary tale of the losses which can follow a toxic blend of greed, intelligence, and incompetence.
The Smartest Guys in the Room is a gripping, engaging and twisty account of how a billion-dollar company came to practically evaporate overnight. We recommend this book to anyone who works in finance, as we rate it as one of the best fraud books available.
58: Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin
It’s 2008, and the financial world is beginning to collapse. What was happening inside the boardrooms of the power-brokers who were desperately trying to avert disaster?
Andrew Ross Sorkin details the exploits and dramatic events as they unfolded at the onset and peak of the 2008 – 2011 financial crisis. Nominated for the BBC Samuel Johnson Prize, this title combines first-person accounts and incredible journalism to weave together a ‘fly on the wall’ narrative of what went down.
59: Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I Porras
The second book by Jim Collins to feature in this list. Built to Last is the result of years of agonising research which pitted stand-out industry leaders against their competitors to understand what truly made they successful and long-lasting.
If you’re after hundreds of examples of ‘what great looks like’ in business, then look no further than Built to Last.
60: The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben takes the reader through his advice on how to start a business. With a humorous tone throughout, we recommend this title for anyone at the ‘genesis’ stage of business creation.
This book is rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk after 3,000 reviews.
61: The Little Book of Big Management Theories and How to Use Them by James McGrath
For the reader who wants to be exposed to lots of management theories and concepts, but doesn’t enjoy reading an entire business book to unlock the secret of each. The Little Book of Big Management Theories and How to Use Them is your cheat sheet to induct you to the concepts contained in the best business books.
James McGrath and Bob Bates present 101 theories in a concise format. Each theory receives a two page summary which sets out
- The big idea
- The context for how the theory arose and who created it
- The core elements of the theory
- How to apply the idea in practise
Perfect you would like to quickly acquaint yourself with concepts alternatively if you want to ‘try before you buy’ other detailed management books.
62: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
The original book on Emotional Intelligence. This title from Daniel Goleman kick-started the IQ trend back in 1996.
If you wonder whether your destiny is somewhat limited by, or dependent upon your IQ then this book will provide the answer.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman is rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
63: When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management by Roger Lowenstein
The original book on Emotional Intelligence. This title from Daniel Goleman kick-started the IQ trend back in 1996.
If you wonder whether your destiny is somewhat limited by, or dependent upon your IQ then this book will provide the answer.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman is rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
64: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Professor Carol Dweck is a leading researcher in the field of human psychology. There is perhaps no better qualified person to write an authoritative book on the psychology of success.
Other authors have described Mindset: The New Psychology of Success as ‘One of the most influential books ever about motivation.’
It impresses upon readers that IQ is not a fixed measure, and intelligence can be improved over time. It is more important that business people have a ‘growth mindset’, which results in new experiences which contributes to success, than a ‘fixed mindset’ which turns off the mind to new ideas and stalls personal growth.
65: Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim Ferriss
In the same way that The Little Book of Big Management Theories and How to Use Them condensed a lot of management theories into one book, 4-hour work Week author Tim Ferris has pulled the same trick, but this time with life advice.
Tim has compiled this huge 625 page compilation of life advice from over 100 successful businesspeople, performers, creatives and investors.
It also includes over 50 different morning routines which you can trial to get a better start to your day.
66: On Board: The Insider’s Guide to Surviving Life in the Boardroom by John Tusa
For many, being appointed as the board member on a company’s board of directors is an honour which marks a milestone in one’s career.
But the ascension to the throne can also be a confusing, uncertain, and stressful time.
On Board: The Insider’s Guide to Surviving Life in the Boardroom by John Tusa is written to hold your hand through that transition and get to grips with the unique rituals, politics and challenges of boards.
Covering both UK and international boards, this is the ideal guide for any first-time or existing company director.
67: When to Jump: If The Job You Have Isn’t The Life You Want by Mike Lewis
When it comes to starting a business, most people don’t do this in a total vacuum. While some students found a start-up immediately after leaving University (or like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg – during) this isn’t the norm.
Most businesses are found by people who decided to take the plunge from salaried employment. In some cases, this meant taking a pay cut and losing security of income.
It sounds desperate, and yet for most, this is the only way to give their full attention to a new business.
When to Jump: If The Job You Have Isn’t The Life You Want is Mike Lewis’ attempt to guide you through this turbulent decision and help you reach a decision about whether it’s the right time to jump.
68: Common Sense Rules: What you really need to know about business by Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden is not known for suffering fools gladly. As a straight-talking BBC Dragon, Deborah has exposed simple advice and expected clear concepts while listening to pitches from entrepreneurs.
It therefore does not surprise to see that Deborah’s business book is entitled Common Sense Rules. This mass market paperback does not claim to have a complex business model which will upend business practices. No, instead it’s a clear articulation of Deborah’s wisdom on what works and what doesn’t.
This book draws upon her business experiences but does not become a fully-fledged biography. It’s primary reader is someone in business looking for advice.
69: Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas
To add some cynical balance to your business book library, give Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas a try.
It critiques and exposes the hypocrisy of the stated ideals of some top entrepreneurs and borderless global elites. Their PR might be slick and their social media posts may press for reforms and equality, but this does not mean that they won’t fight tooth and nail to retain their privileges when economic equality lands on their doorstep.
The author blasts the ‘white saviour’ image adopted by many notably wealthy people as they cross borders and donate to charity, while their business practises simultaneously cause the very problems they are supposed to be tackling.
Anand frustration’s is expressed here in a beautifully written way that will persuade many that something needs to be done.
70: Factfulness: Ten Reasons Were Wrong About the World — and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling
The optimist in all of us will be drawn to any book which includes the phrase ‘Why Things Are Better Than You Think’ in the title.
This book by the Rosling family is rated 4.7 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk, demonstrating that the audience have also warmed receptively to this title. Could that be because Barack Obama and Bill Gates have also recommended to their audiences?
Factfulness: Ten Reasons Were Wrong About the World is a book which exposes our ignorance about many of the trends and circumstances that the world currently finds itself in.
When asked about indicators of economic development, quality or life, or human rights, most of us significantly underscore the world’s current state. The world has improved dramatically over the last few decades, since the advent of charity singles and concerts. But the continuous coverage of humanitarian disasters in the same fashion has not effectively communicated the extent to which things have actually improved.
This is a book that delivers good news and encourages you to focus where the actual, rather than imagined, problems are. You will not regret buying it.
71: The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
It’s a book which you have probably heard of, even if you haven’t picked it up.
The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss needs little introduction. Tim is now a household name in the productivity/personal development sphere off the back of this single title.
With the promise to help you ‘escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich’, it was always going to be accused of just being another get rich quick book. But it’s the substance of Tim’s title which gained it acclaim.
He really did find some smart, shocking, and sometimes sneaky methods to help you uncouple yourself from a salaried existence and start afresh.
72: The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort
The Wolf of Wall Street is a book written by a man convicted in 1999 to securities fraud and money laundering charges. After a brief stint in prison, Jordan Belfort wrote about his story and suddenly the worlds eyes were on his incredible tale.
This is not a ‘how-to’ guide in any sense of the imagination, Jordan’s rise and rise within Wall Street was testament to his grit, salesmanship, and loose relationship with the law.
It is a book which works well in revealing the madness and debauchery of the finance industry in the 1980s & 90s.
Recently adapted into a Hollywood film which ironically was itself the subject of a money laundering conspiracy, The Wolf of Wall Street is a story which you need to watch or read this year.
73: The Middle Finger Project: Trash Your Imposter Syndrome and Live the Unf*ckwithable Life You Deserve by Ash Ambirge
Sometimes the missing piece in your brain is not a fact, a statistic or a theoretical principle.
It’s nothing more or less than confidence itself.
The Middle Finger Project sells itself to those who have become disillusioned with life. Who are perpetually disheartened by the prospect of another Monday, and have lost their get-up-and-go.
If you find yourself in the same position, then consider this 4.6 / 5.0 rated self-help title from Ash Ambirge.
From very humble beginnings, Ash stuck her middle finger up to standard practice and created her own path. Eventually she found work which she loved. And now she wants to show you how she did it.
74: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
By many standard, Steve Jobs was one of the most successful entrepreneurs of the modern age.
Many are shocked to discover that Steve Jobs ascension to the top of the most valuable company in the world was anything-but smooth.
Jobs was forced out of Apple in 1985 following a battle with its board. His triumphant return to the CEO position is perhaps one of the most powerful comeback stories in Silicon Valley.
Jobs has a legacy in many fields of business, including design, marketing, and management. Many have written about the life of Steve Jobs, but Walter Isaacson is credited with painting the fullest picture in Steve Jobs.
75: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Never Split the Difference is your opportunity to be taught about negotiation by a man who negotiated with lives on the line.
Chris Voss was a hostage negotiator for the FBI for several years. In this book, he explains the key principles of what he learned on the job and converts it into tips for negotiations in slightly less dramatic circumstances, business.
Voss’ background and style will keep you hooked as you lap up his advice on negotiation.
76: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
To those who would tell you that you will only succeed in a field if you apply thousands of hours of focus to it, David Epstein is here to disagree in his new book Range.
He explains how developing a breadth to your experiences and knowledge can be far more useful than becoming a specialist or expert in a particular field.
This comes as a welcome relief to many, but the true value in this book comes from how David explains point-by-point how to leverage your generalist status for the betterment of your career.
77: Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson
revised and updated text is Richards definitive autobiography.
You will be taken through Richards’ life, from his first business attempt to his billion-dollar deals.
Finding My Virginity is rated 4.5 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
78: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Amazon number #1 best seller in ‘research & development’, Eric Ries has created a powerhouse of creativity in the shape of The Lean Startup.
Forbes, the Harvard Business Review are just two outlets who are raving about the impact of this book.
If you have founded a start-up, or you’re working for one, you’ll want this book in your hands to encourage and provoke you to innovate further, faster.
79: #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
As the cover suggests, #Girlboss is a guide to help women find their feet. Success is about trusting your instincts and following your gut, knowing which rules to follow and which to break.
For those who are new to business, #Girlboss could provide the injection of confidence needed to run with their ideas and become their own boss.
#Girlboss is now the subject of a Netflix Original series.
80: Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington
Ariana Huffington is known as the founder of the Huffington Post, an online-focused journalism outfit.
However, Ariana’s sights moved onto other ventures several years ago. One of these was mental health, which Ariana came to appreciate she had completely neglected during her rise to the dizzying heights of worldwide fame.
She references the latest in scientific research to pull together this compelling call-to-action for individuals and businesses to wake-up to the lack of balance between work and mental health which is apparent in many workplaces.
81: First, Break All The Rules: What the Worlds Greatest Managers Do Differently by Jim Harter
What better organisation to produce extensive and lengthy research than Gallup – a polling and survey company of renown based in the US.
The findings from this huge study have been brought together by Jim Harter in a format that will inform managers at junior or senior levels in an organisation.
82: Virtuous Leadership by Alexandre Havard
![Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence by [Alexandre Havard]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CJSZWne5L.jpg)
The word ‘Virtue’ is used with intention in the title of Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence. That’s because French author Alexandre Havard has infused this title with Christian principles. In doing so, he has created an uncommonly authoritative book for followers of the Christian faith. Ideal for the Headteachers of religious schools, religious organisations, and other leaders.
84% of reviewers on Amazon.co.uk have rated this title as 5 stars; a distribution of scores that is rarely seen for books with over 50 reviews.
83: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
The word ‘Virtue’ is used with intention in the title of Virtuous Leadership: An Agenda for Personal Excellence. That’s because French author Alexandre Havard has infused this title with Christian principles. In doing so, he has created an uncommonly authoritative book for followers of the Christian faith. Ideal for the Headteachers of religious schools, religious organisations, and other leaders.
84% of reviewers on Amazon.co.uk have rated this title as 5 stars, a distribution of scores which is rarely seen for books with over 50 reviews.
84: In search of Excellence: Lessons from Americas Best-Run Companies by Thomas Peters and Robert H. Waterman
The third business book on this list which follows the familiar format of feeding back lessons learned from the best of the best. Tom Peters and Robert Waterman Jr. have scoured the US for companies with excellent track records, strong management teams and vibrant culture.
In Search of Excellence is the result. A 400 page bible containing nuggets of knowledge from 43 different companies.
85: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
The third business book on this list which follows the familiar format of feeding back lessons learned from the best of the best. Tom Peters and Robert Waterman Jr. have scoured the US for companies with excellent track records, strong management teams and vibrant culture.
In Search of Excellence is the result. A 400 page bible containing nuggets of knowledge from 43 different companies.
86: Enter the Dragon by Theo Paphitis
The last book on our business book longlist by a BBC Dragon. Enter the Dragon by Theo Paphitis was released in 2009, shortly after the financial shock of the credit crunch.
In his memoir, he takes the reader through his investments and ventures while giving a masterclass in business strategy and operations. Did you know that Theo battled with dyslexia as a child? This clearly did not hold him back from succeeding in business.
Theo’s book is rated 4.6 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk.
87: How to Be an Overnight Success by Maria Hatzistefanis
Maria Hatzistefanis is the founder of Rodial, a US cosmetics company with an ‘A-list’ customer base and adoring fans.
The company blew up overnight following the launch of a breakthrough product, but this wasn’t just luck. Maria had been preparing for a runaway success in the many years which led up to the big moment.
In this entrepreneurship book, Maria explains how any entrepreneur can be taking practical steps to improve the profile and visibility of their company and increase their chances of catching a big break.
88: What on Earth Can Go Wrong: Tales from the Risk Business by Richard Fenning
Advising companies on the risk of terrorism and kidnap isn’t an ordinary job, but somebody has got to do it. That person is Richard Fenning, and what he can tell you about risk, fear and globalism makes his new humorous book What on Earth Can Go Wrong a worthy read for the habitual traveller or globalist.
89: Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
Another title to feature on our top 100 business books by the irrepressible Brené Brown.
Rising Strong is about getting back up after a fall.
Life will throw a share of grief in everyone’s direction. It is better to ask ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ this will occur. How quickly we can pick ourselves up and orientate ourselves when our dreams, loved ones or goals sit in tatters, will have an enormous impact upon our long term wellbeing.
Brené touches upon stories of successful and unsuccessful recoveries from relationship, business, and physical disasters, with a keen eye on the commonalities which seem to make the difference between a sustained failure and someone rising back stronger than when they fell.
90: Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
Shortlisted as one of our best banking books, Barbarians At the Gate is a business book which tells the real life story of the battle for equity ownership of Tobacco company RJR Nabisco during the 80’s.
It will entertain and cause your jaw to drop.
The shenanigans will leave you impressed.
Barbarians At the Gate is one of the few non-fiction ‘true life’ books that we have featured on this list. It is rated 4.7 / 5.0 with over 1,000 reviews.
91: Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart
![Den of Thieves by [James B. Stewart]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51seGMrs47L.jpg)
When author James B. Stewart won a Pulizter prize in 1988 for his journalism around the recent stock market plunge and insider trading at the time, he had almost begun writing this excellent title Den of Thieves. Published later in 1992, it became a blockbuster smash hit and rocketed to #1 on the bestseller business book lists.
The book is a comprehensive insight into the subject of his award-winning journalism – how inside information relating to mergers & acquisitions is making Wall Street insider rich in illicit ways. An exposé of corruption and white collar crime.
92: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
Featured as one of our best investing books of all time, The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is one of the most popular titles ordered through our website.
It’s a classic title which laid out the groundwork for value investing as we know it. Benjamin gives his rules for identifying a ‘value’ company, and how to build an investment strategy around long term holdings of shares in these companies.
Not just a book for value investing fans – this is a useful title for any investor, as it will help educate you on how to analyse a company using its financial statements.
93: Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
A typical start-up company masters their core product fairly early on. Through prototype designs or software beta tests, a new company usually focuses on nailing their value creation process before anything else.
If a start-up fails, it’s usually because they failed to build a customer base around that product quickly enough before their money ran out.
Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth is written as an antidote to this common issue.
94: Reset by Ellen Pao
From a “feminist hero” (Elle, The Guardian) comes a fearless firsthand account of the workplace discrimination suit that “has blown open a conversation about the status of women” (The New York Times) in the tech industry.
This is the story of a determined activist using her voice to empower everyone who struggles to be heard.
95: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
A book written by an American about a very British problem. Have you ever felt the consequences of not being direct when you speak? Us Brits have a cultural disposition to speak as passively and indirectly as possible when hovering on the fringes of conflict.
For some – their fear to oppose or criticise anything or anyone directly is holding them back in their careers.
Radical Candor is a nudge in the shape of a book, towards greater honesty, transparency and directness in our dealing with others, for the benefit of all.
96: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Dont by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek brings together his thoughts on effective leadership in his business book Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t.
From officers of the Marine Corps to CEOs and government ministers, Simon looks at how effective leaders find ways to put their teams interests ahead of their own to create a working environment in which everybody wins.
97: The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
A book about success beyond business, The One Thing is a book which claims to offer lessons on how to:
- Cut through the clutter
- Achieve better results in less time
- Build momentum toward your goal
- Dial down the stress
- Overcome that overwhelmed feeling
- Revive your energy
- Stay on track
- Master what matters to you
75% of 7,500 Amazon reviewers must agree that it helped them find that one thing to enable much of the above, as they scored it with 5 stars. Great!
98: What You See Is What You Get by Alan Sugar
Could we possibly produce a list of the 100 top business books for UK readers without Alan Sugar getting a feature?
As he has graced our screens as the host of the UK Apprentice TV programme, the British public has watched him evolve from Alan Sugar to Sir Alan to Lord Sugar before our eyes. These honours were given in Alan’s service to business, and in helping to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.
You’d be forgiven for tempering your expectations of a book written by a man who spoke mostly from a script during his time on the show. Indeed, the edited nature of The Apprentice has actually held back the public from learning much about the man and his actual business accomplishments.
What’s more, he has eschewed the services of ghost-writers, which were famously used by his US Apprentice host counterpart.
You might therefore be surprised to learn that Alan Sugar: What You See Is What You Get is rated 4.6 / 5.0 on Amazon.co.uk. It’s an absolute hit that certainly won’t see Alan Sugar being brought back into the boardroom.
99: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
A controversial book with a click-bait title; Hooked is the product design guide which exposes the secrets employed by the worlds most profitable tech firms to keep their customers.
It is time for small businesses to begin competing on a level playing field by ethically capturing some of these techniques to retain customers and keep them coming back for more (all without illegal substances!)
100: What If It Does Work Out?: Turn your passion into cash, make an impact in the world and live the life you were born to by Susie Moore
Just about everyone has a hobby or talent that they enjoy outside of their day job. But how can they transform that passion into a side hustle that will provide both fulfilment and a fortune? Written by a life coach and advisor to several high-growth startups, this book provides the tools and motivation to help prospective entrepreneurs overcome their fears and doubts to create a successful side hustle — and live the life of their dreams.
Thanks for reading this celebration of the best business books. We felt that the best business book lists available online were either too short or didn’t feature enough UK titles to be relevant for a UK entrepreneur. That’s why we embarked upon this epic mission to rank the best business books on such a scale. We didn’t initially aim for 100 titles, but that’s where this article naturally ended. We hope you enjoy reading these titles as much as we did.