My Top 20 Favorite Business Books (Part 2)

As promised, here’s the second half of my Top 20 list—totally suitable for by the pool, in a lawn chair, or on a long drive. And if you’re trying to travel light, download the audio version instead. 

As a reminder: some of these recommendations are specifically business-focused, some support our creativity, and others are about understanding ourselves better which I believe makes us better people and better business owners. If you run a heart-centered small business, I consider all of these “must reads.”

All book links take you to Amazon Canada, though they can also be found on the US site or your preferred bookstore. Or borrow them from your local library and take notes for future reference. It keeps the clutter out of your house and supports your local community. Win-win.

If you missed Part 1 of my Top 20, you can find it here.

11 | Now, Discover Your Strengths

How to Build Your Strengths and the Strengths of Every Person in Your Organization by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton (2001) 

Before I loved the Enneagram, I loved StrengthsFinder. This is the best companion book to the CliftonStrengths personality assessment.

12 | Quiet

The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (2013) 

“Love is essential; gregariousness is optional.”

13 | Real Artists don’t starve

Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins (2018) 

“We cannot create great art without continuing to create ourselves.”

14 | So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport (2021) 

“Passion is a side effect of mastery. Telling someone to ‘follow their passion’ is not just an act of innocent optimism but potentially the foundation for a career riddled with confusion and angst. The happiest, most passionate employees are not those who follow their passion into a position, but instead those who have been around long enough to become good at what they do.”

15 | The Art of Gathering

How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker (2020) 

“Make purpose your bouncer. Let it decide what goes into your gathering and what stays out.”

If you curate gatherings of any type, in any format, do yourself a favor and read this book; your attendees will thank you.

16 | The Creative Habit

Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp (2003) 

As one of America’s greatest choreographers, Tharp shares practical exercises to help you think outside the box and find creative solutions.

17 | The Sacred Enneagram

Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz (2017) 

While not specifically a business book, this is my best recommendation if you want to understand the complexity of the enneagram and how you can be your true self, personally and professionally.

18 | The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield (2012) 

“Just as resistance has its seat in hell, so creation has its home in heaven.”

19 | What’s Best Next

How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done by Matt Perman (2016) 

Think of this as the productivity of David Allen’s Getting Things Done from a purpose-driven, faith-based perspective. I recommended this book way back in 2018 and it's still one of my most-loved resources.

20 | Worth Every Penny

Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth by Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck (2012) 

While I fundamentally don’t believe that your “worth” is measured by what you charge for your services, this is an excellent book about creating a thriving, boutique business and having impeccable customer service.

Which of your favorites did I miss here? I’d love to know and add them to my list. Happy reading!