Looking for the best books to read as an entrepreneur? As a business coach and outsourced COO for creatives, I’m constantly asked about the top entrepreneur books that actually deliver results. While there are countless business books out there, these are the best books for entrepreneurs that I find myself recommending again and again to my clients – whether they’re artists, designers, writers, musicians, educators, or makers. These aren’t necessarily new releases, but rather the tried-and-true entrepreneurship books that have profoundly impacted my journey and those of my creative clients.
I wasn’t prepared to cry while reading a book about productivity, but that’s exactly what happened with Atomic Habits. Clear opens with a powerful personal story that sets the tone for what becomes an absolutely transformative read. What makes this one of my favorite books is how it breaks down the power of habits into an incredibly approachable framework that you can immediately implement in your business and life. It’s far from your typical bland business book – Clear’s storytelling style makes complex concepts digestible and, more importantly, actionable.
When it comes to the best business books for entrepreneurs, this book is so valuable that I own it in both paperback and audio formats – and I’ve gone through both versions multiple times. While it’s more of a how-to manual than a narrative, Wickman’s introduction to the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) is pure gold for business owners. What I love most about Traction is how it takes big business concepts and makes them applicable for entrepreneurs at any stage. I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses transform when they implement these fundamentals, and I still reference it regularly with my clients.
Want to read one of the best books for entrepreneurs that helps you get out of your own way? Let’s talk about Forleo’s book. Here’s the thing about business – sometimes our biggest roadblocks are just in our heads. Marie Forleo gets this and shares engaging stories that actually teach you something useful. I keep coming back to this book whenever I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or stressed (which happens to all of us!). If you’re a creative entrepreneur who finds most business books boring or hard to get through, you’ll love this one. It’s an easy read that feels more like getting advice from a smart friend than reading a stuffy business book.
Even though Untamed technically isn’t a business book, it has profoundly influenced how I approach entrepreneurship, especially as a female business owner. Doyle’s candid observations about being a woman and human in today’s world translate beautifully into business lessons. Her mantra “The braver we are, the luckier we get” has become a guiding principle in my business decisions. It’s now my go-to thought when making tough choices in my business. She tells it like it is, makes you laugh, and shows you how to be brave in both work and life. Instead of giving you boring tips, she teaches through stories that stick with you.
If you’re searching for the best books to read for entrepreneurs and are interested in leadership, this one should be at the top of your list. As CEO of Disney for 15+ years, Bob Iger shows us exactly what it takes to run such a huge creative company. Iger’s memoir of his first 15 years leading The Walt Disney Company is more than just a fascinating behind-the-scenes look – it’s a masterclass in leadership. Through storytelling, he addresses the fundamental question: What makes a good leader? If you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow your leadership skills, you’ll love how he shares real experiences that you can actually use in your own business. This is one of those rare books that delivers practical wisdom you can use right away, whether you’re just starting out or have been running your business for years.
I’m particularly excited about two business books I’ll be diving into soon:
As someone who rediscovered my love of reading, I devoured 86 books in 2024 across various formats (a combo of Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and audiobooks).
Most of what I read is actually fiction (hey, we all need a break!), but these business books have really helped me grow as an entrepreneur. Want to see what else I’m reading or get more ideas for great entrepreneur books? You can find me here on Goodreads (goodreads.com/erincantwell).Want to grab these top entrepreneur books? I’ve created a curated list on Bookshop.org where you can find all these titles and more. As an affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, but I only ever share resources I truly believe in and use myself.