The right book has the potential to significantly impact your career, providing timeless lessons that can change your life.
For example, Bill Gates credits the book How To Know A Person by New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks for helping him improve his communication skills and deepen his personal relationships. Similarly, Richard Branson, the self-made billionaire, has shared that six specific books—ranging from memoirs to self-help guides—were instrumental in shaping his journey.
But this isn’t just true for billionaires. Entrepreneurs like Jasmine McCall, who earns $143,000 a month in passive income from her career consulting company PayBump, also found inspiration through books.
“All I had was a passion for helping others find fulfilling careers and the wisdom from books,” McCall wrote.
It spoke with various successful CEOs, researchers, and career coaches to learn which books have had the biggest influence on their personal and professional lives. Here are three standout recommendations:
1. Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph by Sheila Johnson
Deryl McKissack, the founder and CEO of the Washington D.C.-based construction firm McKissack & McKissack, started her company in 1990 with just $1,000 in savings.
Being a Black woman in a male-dominated industry posed challenges in acquiring clients, but after years of perseverance, she was able to pay herself a $100,000 salary and grow her business to bring in between $25 million and $30 million annually.
McKissack found strength and inspiration in Walk Through Fire, the memoir of Sheila Johnson, the billionaire co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts.
Johnson’s story highlights her battle against sexism and racism while launching BET with her then-husband, and how she emerged as a successful CEO after her marriage and self-esteem crumbled.
“I’m so excited to read about Black women who’ve overcome barriers and thrived in business,” McKissack says. She keeps motivational books like Johnson’s memoir close by for inspiration.
Here are 10 important lessons from Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph by Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts:
1. Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Sheila Johnson’s journey demonstrates that overcoming both personal and professional hardships is essential to achieving long-term success, particularly for women and minorities in male-dominated industries.
2. The Importance of Self-Worth
Johnson emphasizes how discovering and maintaining your self-worth, even when circumstances or people around you try to diminish it, is crucial to personal growth and resilience.
3. Navigating Sexism and Racism
As a Black woman, Johnson faced both sexism and racism while building BET and later leading her hospitality business. Her story shows how persistence and strength can overcome these systemic barriers.
4. The Power of Reinvention
After her marriage ended and her role in BET changed, Johnson didn’t settle. She reinvented herself by diving into new industries, including hospitality and philanthropy, showing that it’s never too late to evolve.
5. Balancing Career and Personal Life
Johnson highlights the difficulties of managing a successful career while juggling family and personal responsibilities. Her memoir offers insights into how she navigated those challenges.
6. Turning Failure into Opportunity
Johnson experienced significant setbacks in both her personal and professional life, but she learned to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth and new ventures.
7. The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership
Throughout the book, Johnson discusses the vital role mentorship plays in shaping leaders. She also offers advice on how to become an effective leader through empathy, authenticity, and confidence.
8. Building a Legacy Beyond Business
Johnson’s philanthropic efforts—particularly in education, the arts, and women’s empowerment—are a reminder that success isn’t just about wealth; it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on society.
9. The Significance of Collaboration
Johnson underscores that no one achieves success alone. Her ability to build and leverage strong partnerships was a critical factor in the creation and growth of BET, as well as her subsequent business ventures.
10. Healing and Moving Forward After Personal Loss
The memoir shares intimate details of how Johnson found healing after the breakdown of her marriage and other personal losses, offering inspiration for readers facing similar struggles.
2. The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Workplace wellness coach and happiness researcher Kortni Alston Lemon recommends The How of Happiness to those struggling to define what happiness means for them.
Alston, who teaches leaders to apply positive psychology, finds this book particularly impactful for understanding and fostering personal fulfillment.
In addition to offering actionable tips on mindfulness, self-care, and relationship building, the book includes a quiz that helps readers gauge their baseline happiness and develop personalized strategies to boost it.
“It’s a fantastic resource for people who want to flourish in life,” says Lemon.
Here are 10 of the most important lessons from The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky:
1. Happiness is Largely Under Your Control
According to Lyubomirsky, about 40% of our happiness is within our control, meaning we can take active steps to boost it through intentional activities, while genetics and circumstances account for the other 60%.
2. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals
Pursuing and achieving meaningful goals is a key contributor to long-term happiness. Goals give a sense of purpose and direction, helping you maintain motivation and life satisfaction.
3. Practice Gratitude Regularly
Expressing gratitude, whether through journaling or sharing with others, can significantly increase happiness. Focusing on what you’re thankful for shifts your mindset toward positivity and appreciation.
4. Engage in Acts of Kindness
Helping others can create a sense of fulfillment and enhance your overall well-being. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, cultivate social connections and a sense of community.
5. Cultivate Optimism
Optimism is a powerful tool for happiness. Practicing positive thinking, even during difficult times, helps build resilience, reduce stress, and maintain a hopeful outlook on the future.
6. Nurture Relationships
Strong social relationships are crucial for happiness. Investing time in maintaining deep, meaningful connections with family and friends can lead to greater life satisfaction and emotional support.
7. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness techniques, like meditation, can increase happiness by reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Being present in the moment fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s experiences.
8. Exercise and Physical Well-being
Physical activity has a direct impact on mental well-being, releasing endorphins that improve mood and energy levels. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, while also enhancing happiness.
9. Find Flow in Activities
Experiencing flow—being fully immersed in an activity you enjoy—provides a sense of accomplishment and contentment. Pursuing hobbies or passions that absorb your attention is a key pathway to happiness.
10. Learn to Forgive
Holding onto grudges or resentment can weigh heavily on your mental health. Practicing forgiveness, both for yourself and others, can release emotional burdens and promote inner peace, leading to a happier and healthier life.
These lessons emphasize that happiness can be cultivated through daily habits, self-reflection, and mindful efforts, all backed by scientific research.
3. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Executive coach and career development consultant Joyce Guan West frequently turns to Never Split the Difference, co-written by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. West, who specializes in salary negotiation, appreciates how the book demystifies high-stakes negotiations and provides practical techniques for both professional and personal situations.
Here are 10 key lessons from Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz:
1. “No” is the Beginning, Not the End
When someone says “no,” it doesn’t mean the negotiation is over. Instead, it often indicates they need more information or are not ready to commit. “No” can be a tool to clarify needs and move the conversation forward.
2. The Power of Tactical Empathy
Empathy is key in negotiation. Tactical empathy means understanding the emotions and perspective of the other party, allowing you to connect on a deeper level and create trust. Acknowledge their feelings to diffuse tension and gain leverage.
3. Mirroring to Build Rapport
Mirroring involves repeating the last few words your counterpart says to build rapport and encourage them to elaborate. This simple technique helps you uncover more information and keep the conversation going.
4. Labeling Emotions
Labelling is a technique used to acknowledge and identify the emotions of the other party. Phrases like “It seems like you’re feeling…” or “It sounds like you’re saying…” help diffuse negative emotions and foster mutual understanding.
5. Accusation Audits
Before presenting your position, address potential objections or concerns the other party may have about you. By preempting these accusations, you neutralize them, making it easier to steer the conversation in your favor.
6. The Illusion of Control with Open-Ended Questions
Ask open-ended, calibrated questions that begin with “how” or “what.” This puts the other party in a position to explain or justify their perspective, giving you valuable information while making them feel in control.
7. Don’t Aim for a Compromise
Compromise often results in neither party getting what they truly want. Instead of “splitting the difference,” aim for a solution that fully satisfies both sides. Finding the optimal solution is more beneficial than simply meeting in the middle.
8. The Importance of Silence
Silence is a powerful tool in negotiation. After making a key point or asking a difficult question, use silence strategically. The other party will often feel uncomfortable and fill the silence by revealing important information.
9. The 7-38-55 Rule
Communication isn’t just about words. According to the 7-38-55 Rule, only 7% of communication is based on words, 38% on tone of voice, and 55% on body language. Pay attention to non-verbal cues to understand the true meaning behind what is said.
10. Always Be Ready to Walk Away
Effective negotiators are prepared to walk away from the deal if necessary. Having a strong alternative (or BATNA, Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) gives you confidence and prevents you from making concessions that aren’t in your best interest.
By mastering these lessons, you’ll be better equipped to handle high-stakes negotiations with clarity and confidence.
A core lesson from Voss’ approach is that hearing “no” doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a negotiation. It often signals a need to improve your pitch before trying again.
“This book is invaluable for anyone looking to sharpen their negotiation skills—not just for salary discussions but in all areas of life,” says West.