Inspiration can be gotten from many places, but a common source is books. You can learn from experience, which is a sure but expensive way of learning, or you can be smarter and learn from those who have gone before you. Some great men and women have tried, failed, and failed again, and now have some insight to share. It’s expensive wisdom that has been handed to you for cheap.
This is why we’ve handpicked 10 must-read books available in print, Kindle, or Audible, each one offering powerful insights in entrepreneurship, habits, leadership, and innovation. These aren’t just good reads—they’re the kind of books that spark ideas and create momentum.
1. $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi
Launching a new product or struggling to make sales? Alex Hormozi breaks down the art of crafting irresistible offers that simply… sell themselves. Through tried-and-proven strategies and psychological principles, you’ll learn how to create offers that clients cannot say no to. “Yes” becomes something you’re used to hearing, instead of “no.”
This book will show you how to design offers that convert at an alarmingly high rate, without gimmicks. If you’re a marketer, get this book now.
2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Planning to build a startup but unsure where to begin? Eric Ries introduces the Lean Startup methodology. It’s a life-changing approach to building businesses that places emphasis on quick experimentation, validated learning, and feedback. It’s all about launching smarter, faster, and most importantly, leaner.
This book helps you avoid common pitfalls by teaching you how to test ideas before going all in. For startup founders, innovators, and product managers, this book is what you need to transform your thinking.
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Trying to become more consistent with your routine? This is your practical guide to getting 1% better every day. James Clear explains how tiny changes, repeated consistently, can lead to massive personal and professional transformation. Learn how to build good habits, eliminate bad ones, and make those changes stick.
This hack works whether you’re trying to build helpful habits or break bad ones.
4. The 5 Types of Wealth by Brandon Turner
Wealth goes beyond money, and this book explores five key types of wealth: financial, relational, physical, spiritual, and time. Brandon Turner shows how to design a life that’s rich in all areas, not just your bank account.
This masterpiece is perfect for people who are financially successful but still unfulfilled. It will help you rethink what wealth really means and how to pursue it in a meaningful way.
5. Serendipity: It Doesn’t Happen by Accident by Gail B. Goodman
Know someone who is always waiting for the “right opportunity”? Goodman discusses how what we call “luck” often comes from preparation, openness, and intentionality. This book teaches you how to create more serendipitous moments in life and work.
This book helps you become the kind of person who creates their own luck, as impossible as that may sound.
6. The Creative Entrepreneur by Isa Maria Seminega
Converting a passion or skill into income can seem straightforward, but it hardly ever is. The gap between creating and making money can be bridged if you understand some fundamental principles. This guide combines creative energy with practical business strategy. Featuring advice from top industry professionals, it walks you through building a business from your passion—without selling your soul.
Creatives need this book, as they often struggle the most with getting people to pay for art. This book is your roadmap to building a profitable and authentic business.
7. Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future by David Mattin
Many influential people have expressed skepticism—and sometimes fear—about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can be tempting to dwell on the potential dangers of AI, but why not focus on the positives instead?
Feeling overwhelmed by AI hype and uncertainty? Rather than focusing on fear, Mattin explores the positive, empowering side of AI—and what it could mean for human progress. It’s a hopeful look at how we can shape our AI future for the better.
8. Venture Meets Mission by Annie Klomhaus
Running a purpose-driven brand or nonprofit? This book dives into how companies can align purpose, people, and profit—building businesses that are both innovative and meaningful. It’s about creating ventures that serve the world while thriving in it.
This book helps you blend impact with sustainable, scalable business strategy.
9. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Struggling to lead a team or stand out in a crowded market? Clarifying your “why” can transform how people see your brand and leadership. Simon Sinek’s iconic book explores how great leaders inspire action by starting with “why”—the core belief that drives them and connects deeply with customers and teams.
10. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Why do some companies make the leap to greatness while others stall? Jim Collins studied top-performing businesses to find the answer, distilling it into actionable principles you can apply to any organization.
Running a business that’s doing “okay” but not thriving? This book shows you the strategies top-performing companies used to scale and succeed.
Conclusion
These books are more than just paperbacks—they’re playbooks, mindset shifters, and idea generators. Whether you’re building a business, reinventing your routine, navigating the future of work, or simply looking for inspiration, there’s a book on this list to guide you forward.
Prefer to listen on the go? Most of these are available on Audible too—perfect for workouts, commutes, or a focused walk in the park.
If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, don’t forget to share. Subscribe to Inside Success Nigeria here, and follow us on Instagram
Leave a Reply