Our 5 Favourite Business Books (and Why We Love Them)
There are thousands of business books out there—but only a few genuinely shift the way you think, lead, and grow. These are the ones we keep coming back to. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, here are five of our favourite reads—and why we think every founder should have them on their shelf.
1. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Why we love it:
This one challenges how we think about innovation and originality. Zero to One is a bold reminder that copying what's already out there won't move the world forward—and it certainly won’t help you build something truly disruptive. It's been a mindset shifter for us at Nudge.
Key takeaway:
Don’t go from 1 to n—go from 0 to 1. Originality matters more than iteration.
This one challenges how we think about innovation and originality. Zero to One is a bold reminder that copying what's already out there won't move the world forward—and it certainly won’t help you build something truly disruptive. It's been a mindset shifter for us at Nudge.
Key takeaway:
Don’t go from 1 to n—go from 0 to 1. Originality matters more than iteration.
2. Grit by Angela Duckworth
Why we love it:
Grit gets to the heart of what really drives success: passion and perseverance over time. It's not about being the most talented—it’s about showing up again and again. As founders, this one hit home. It's helped us reframe failure and fuel resilience when the going gets tough.
One story that stuck with us was about the National Spelling Bee finalists. Duckworth studied what made certain competitors outperform others—and it wasn’t IQ or raw talent. It was deliberate practice, commitment, and sustained effort over time. That same grit is what sets apart resilient founders.
Key takeaway:
Talent matters, but grit matters more. Stick with the work that gives you purpose.
Grit gets to the heart of what really drives success: passion and perseverance over time. It's not about being the most talented—it’s about showing up again and again. As founders, this one hit home. It's helped us reframe failure and fuel resilience when the going gets tough.
One story that stuck with us was about the National Spelling Bee finalists. Duckworth studied what made certain competitors outperform others—and it wasn’t IQ or raw talent. It was deliberate practice, commitment, and sustained effort over time. That same grit is what sets apart resilient founders.
Key takeaway:
Talent matters, but grit matters more. Stick with the work that gives you purpose.
3. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Why we love it:
This book changed the way we think about launching, testing, and growing a business. The Lean Startup taught us that guessing what people want is a gamble—but learning what they actually want? That’s powerful. It’s helped us stay nimble, move fast, and stay focused on building what matters.
Key takeaway:
Build, test, learn. Repeat. The faster you learn, the faster you grow.
This book changed the way we think about launching, testing, and growing a business. The Lean Startup taught us that guessing what people want is a gamble—but learning what they actually want? That’s powerful. It’s helped us stay nimble, move fast, and stay focused on building what matters.
Key takeaway:
Build, test, learn. Repeat. The faster you learn, the faster you grow.
4. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Why we love it:
This one flipped how we approach conversations. Voss's background as an FBI negotiator brings high-stakes lessons into everyday life and business. Whether you’re closing a deal, managing a tricky conversation, or navigating conflict, this book is packed with practical tactics you’ll actually use.
Key takeaway:
Negotiation is less about winning and more about listening. Empathy creates leverage.
This one flipped how we approach conversations. Voss's background as an FBI negotiator brings high-stakes lessons into everyday life and business. Whether you’re closing a deal, managing a tricky conversation, or navigating conflict, this book is packed with practical tactics you’ll actually use.
Key takeaway:
Negotiation is less about winning and more about listening. Empathy creates leverage.
5. The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman
Why we love it:
This one’s a complete mindset reset. The Personal MBA covers everything from marketing and systems thinking to leadership and psychology—without the price tag or fluff of a formal MBA. It’s practical, straightforward, and genuinely useful whether you're just starting out or looking to level up.
Key takeaway:
You don’t need a degree to run a successful business. You need the right mental models, applied consistently.
This one’s a complete mindset reset. The Personal MBA covers everything from marketing and systems thinking to leadership and psychology—without the price tag or fluff of a formal MBA. It’s practical, straightforward, and genuinely useful whether you're just starting out or looking to level up.
Key takeaway:
You don’t need a degree to run a successful business. You need the right mental models, applied consistently.
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