EPISODE 017 | APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

best Business, Mindset & Life Books

I was recently asked inside the community group within our annual signature Masterclass, for a list of recommended books, and I thought it would make a great podcast episode where I share the most inspiring books that have helped me within my business and those that have helped in some way to have a positive outlook on life in general, and in turn, I hope they will have a hugely positive impact on you too. Some you may have heard of and read, and may feel inspired to read again, and some may be brand new to you.

I very much believe it is hugely important for us to continue learning, in fact I have mentioned this across a series of different podcast episodes, including episode 007, Essential Skills for Every Entrepreneur, which you can link to HERE and read/listen to this episode afterwards.

The business world moves at a pretty fast pace, so it’s essential that we keep up to date with new and current strategies, and there are always classic approaches that we can learn, that stand the test of time. Learning helps us to keep our ideas fresh and strategies sharp, and for me, they also help to keep me excited and motivated about evolving my business. And I love to share everything I learn and then put into practice, the strategies and methods that genuinely work for me, and within the following books, I have gained something hugely worthwhile from each. Together, they cover all areas of business, from a fresh perspective on old problems to timeless principles applied in a new novel way, one or more of these books could be a significant catalyst for your business and personal transformation. I hope so, I would love that for you.

In the spirit of lifelong learning, I've handpicked a collection of reads that are not just informative but are transformative. These are some of the books that have shaped my thinking, and I believe they will ignite that spark of brilliance in you too.

And once you reach the end, definitely listen to episode 009 where I share a series of top tips to help you gain the most from helpful resources, where I explore a series of methods that will help you put all the brilliant ideas you gather, into actionable steps, so you genuinely move forward and can genuinely benefit from them.

Foundations of Purpose & Innovation

I would love to first share two books that will support you with purpose and innovation. I found these two books eye opening and some of the discussion points within them have gone onto form some of the foundations to many of the strategies and methods that I have adopted within my own business. Simon Sinek's 'Start with Why' and Eric Ries's 'The Lean Startup.'

'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek dives deep into the core reason behind every successful venture. Simon implores us to go beyond the 'what' and 'how' and discover the 'why' at the heart of our business. This 'why' isn't just a mission statement; it's the compelling reason that inspires action and attracts those who believe what you believe.

I first came across Simon and his model of ‘Why’ via a Ted Talk, it’s one of the most watched Ted Talks, and you can easily find it on YouTube, or the link is HERE for you to watch it. Even if you don’t read his book, it’s definitely worth taking a moment to watch the video, as its genius and less than 20 minutes and will most likely shift the way you talk about your offerings forever.

Then, with 'The Lean Startup,' by Eric Ries, he revolutionises our approach to business growth. He introduces a scientific method to creating and managing a startup—or any business initiative. This book teaches us to innovate in smart, measured steps, alongside real-life examples.

These books together help you to understand that the essence of a business's longevity and its ability to disrupt the status quo lies in knowing its purpose and relentlessly pursuing innovation. They've been instrumental for me and for thousands of readers in shaping strategies that resonate with customers and stand the test of time.

The key learnings from these books are the importance of embracing the principles of 'why' and the agility of the 'lean' approach. I often say that it's not just about the businesses we build, but the reasons we build them and the ways we adapt to change that truly define our success, and these books bring this concept to life fully.

Embracing Vulnerability & being Distinctive

Now, let's turn the page to a pair of books that challenge us to be bold and unique. You may well already have come across Brené Brown's 'Daring Greatly' and Seth Godin's 'Purple Cow'. They are masterpieces that teach us about the power of vulnerability and the importance of standing out.

In 'Daring Greatly', Brené Brown invites us into the world of vulnerability, a place that, as leaders, we're often taught to shy away from. But Brené argues it's in the moments of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure that we find our greatest strength and ability to connect with others. She encourages us to dare greatly: to show up and let ourselves be seen, even in our professional lives.

And speaking of being seen, 'Purple Cow' pushes us to be remarkable—to be that purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins. Seth Godin challenges us to build brands and businesses that are worth noticing, right from the start. He teaches us that in a world cluttered with too much noise, it's not just about being better, it's about being different—memorably so.

Reflecting on 'Daring Greatly', an example that beautifully illustrates the courage to be vulnerable in business. Anya Hindmarch, a huge idol of mine and a visionary in the fashion industry, once shared an anecdote that resonates deeply with Brené Brown's teachings. Just before she re-took the CEO reins to focus more on her brand's creative direction, and one of the main reasons why she took back full control and direction of her business, she had faced criticism from someone key within her own board of directors, for being too emotional in her business decisions. In a defining moment, when advised to detach emotion from her leadership decisions, she stood firm, insisting that it's precisely that emotion, that heartfelt connection to her work, which fuels her brand's remarkable success.

This stance also aligns perfectly with Seth Godin's 'Purple Cow'. Just like Anya, Seth encourages us to infuse our businesses with what makes us genuinely unique. It's about embracing the distinctive, emotional qualities that make our brands not just successful but extraordinary—our own version of the Purple Cow.

Together, these narratives tell us that being vulnerable and distinctive isn't a liability; it's a strength. It's about leading with authenticity and creating a brand that's as emotionally resonant as it is unforgettable.

Combining the insights from both, you realise that building a standout brand often requires the courage to be vulnerable—to present and market your true, distinctive self and vision to the world. And that, my friend, is how you not only capture attention but also inspire loyalty.

Embracing the lessons from these thought leaders, let's commit to the vulnerability that fosters genuine connections and the distinction that creates unforgettable brands. Because in the end, it's the businesses that dare to be different, and leaders who dare to be real, that create lasting impact.

Principles for Personal & Professional Growth

Next up, personal and professional growth, and specifically looking at principles that stand the test of time. Stephen R. Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' lays out a blueprint for living with integrity, fairness, and dignity—principles that are just as relevant to our businesses as they are to our personal lives.

Stephen’s habits, including 'Begin with the End in Mind' and 'Put First Things First', aren't just mantras; they're practices embraced by some of the most successful business figures today. Take Howard Schultz of Starbucks, for example. His vision for Starbucks wasn't just to sell coffee, but to create a third place between work and home where people could relax and enjoy a sense of community. Howard's clear end goal and prioritisation allowed Starbucks to become more than a coffee shop—it became an experience.

Or consider 'Think Win-Win', a habit that underscores the importance of mutually beneficial solutions. Look at the collaboration between Apple and various luxury brands to create premium versions of the Apple Watch. It's a partnership where tech meets luxury, and both parties, along with their customers, come out ahead.

Stephen’s principles guide us to lead and live in ways that bring about growth and effectiveness in every aspect of our lives. It's not just about the pursuit of success but fostering a culture and mindset that uplifts everyone involved—from team members to customers, to the broader community.

Applying these time-honoured habits to our daily routines and long-term strategies, we build businesses that are not only profitable but also principled, sustainable, and aligned with our deepest values, which I know is of huge importance to you. And these ideas form much of what I share and teach within our Masterclasses, which you can read more about HERE.

Beyond Success - Living Intentionally & Creatively

I’m now taking you beyond the metrics of success, and into intentional living and the essence of creativity in business with Shauna Niequist's 'Present Over Perfect' and Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Big Magic.'

In 'Present Over Perfect' Shauna calls us to a life of presence over hustle, meaning over frenzy. It's about creating a life, and by extension a business, that values “being over doing”, and “connections over accolades”. It's the kind of approach that has led many business founders to adopt a 4-day workweek, valuing employee well-being over perpetual growth—a true embodiment of presence and intentionality in the business landscape.

One of our directors within our business now successfully works a four-day week, and it’s something that I would love to do in a few years, but for the time being I’m still really enjoying the full working week. One day I know I will feel differently, and there is much from these two books that will help me move towards that.

On the flip side, 'Big Magic' sparks a journey into the heart of creative living without fear. Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we love, and face down what we fear most. It's this fearless creativity that has propelled incredible companies to redefine storytelling in new and unique ways, always pushing the boundaries of 'what if' and 'why not.'

On storytelling, I have a great podcast episode for you … episode 006 and it is also accompanied by a free PDF guide which is available for you to download.

These books together beckon us to a life and business practice where success is measured not just by profit but by the joy and fulfilment in the work we do and the lives we lead. They teach us to weave creativity and intentionality into the fabric of our businesses, creating brands that resonate with our deepest values and aspirations.

In our very first episode of 'PASSION to PROFIT,' we discussed the delicate balance between nurturing our creativity and building a profitable venture. And these two transformative books also urge us to embrace a life that cherishes being present over being busy, echoing a sentiment we explored in that first episode—finding fulfilment in what we do is as crucial as how we do it. Similarly, in 'Big Magic' Elizabeth propels us to live creatively beyond fear, a call to action for all entrepreneurs who, like many of us, look to bring their passion into every facet of their business. These books, much like our ongoing conversations within each podcast episode, remind us that success is more than financial gain; it's the satisfaction and purpose we find in our creative pursuits.

Living intentionally and nurturing creativity are not just paths to success; they are success. They bring a richness to our work that money can't buy and a connection to our work that competition can't rival.

As we come to the end of this episode, I would love to know which books you have already read, that have made a profound impact on you, and which of the books you would love to now read? And, if it’s not included within this list, is there a book you have read and would love to recommend. I would love you to share on Instagram, either commenting under one of my posts or send me a direct message, you can also contact me via email at news@philippacraddock.com

QUICK SUMMARY

Let's take a moment to reflect on the narratives we've explored. From Simon Sinek's 'Start with Why', which compels us to discover our driving purpose, to Eric Ries's 'The Lean Startup', encouraging methodical innovation. Brené Brown's 'Daring Greatly' has shown us the strength in vulnerability, while Seth Godin's 'Purple Cow' has urged us to stand out. Stephen Covey's timeless principles in 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' guide us toward personal and professional excellence. Shauna Niequist’s 'Present Over Perfect' and Elizabeth Gilbert’s 'Big Magic' have taught us the importance of living a life full of intention and creativity.

I have found these transformative books have been hugely helpful in different ways and I genuinely hope they help you both within your business or further with your business idea. Don’t forget to let me know what you have found the most intriguing and helpful, and your own book recommendations.

Until next time, keep nurturing your passion, keep chasing your greatness, and remember, the next page turn could be the one that changes everything.

With huge love,
Philippa x