Five Great Reads (and Listens) to Inspire Your Business This Summer
Summer offers a welcome opportunity to slow down, if only for a few hours. Whether you’re relaxing at the cabin, waiting for a flight, or enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself as a leader.
If you’re looking for something worthwhile to read (or listen to), here are five recommendations that offer practical insights for business owners and leaders.
Leadership
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Strong businesses are built on strong teams. In this engaging leadership fable, Patrick Lencioni explores the common pitfalls that prevent teams from reaching their full potential, and provides practical strategies for building trust, accountability, and healthy conflict.
Why it’s worth your time: Better teams make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and achieve stronger results.
Productivity
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Business owners wear a lot of hats, making it easy to feel stretched in every direction. Essentialism challenges the idea that success comes from doing more and instead argues that focusing on the few things that matter most leads to greater impact.
Why it’s worth your time: Learn how saying “no” to the nonessential creates space for what truly moves your business forward.
Finance
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Many business owners wait until the end of the month to see what’s left in the bank. Profit First flips traditional accounting on its head by encouraging businesses to prioritize profit from the start.
Whether you fully embrace the system or simply adopt a few concepts, the book offers valuable insights into managing cash flow and creating healthier financial habits.
Why it’s worth your time: A simple framework that can change how you think about profitability and cash management.
Customer Service
The Modern Customer Podcast
Hosted by Blake Morgan, this podcast features conversations with executives, entrepreneurs, and customer experience experts who share practical ideas for creating loyal customers and delivering exceptional service.
Why it’s worth your time: In today’s competitive marketplace, customer experience is often the biggest differentiator.
Innovation
Think Again by Adam Grant
Successful leaders aren’t the ones who always have the right answers, they’re the ones willing to question assumptions and adapt when circumstances change.
Adam Grant explores the power of rethinking long-held beliefs, embracing curiosity, and encouraging innovation throughout an organization.
Why it’s worth your time: The best ideas often begin by asking, “What if we’ve been doing this the hard way?”
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
One great idea can spark meaningful change. Whether it’s improving your leadership, strengthening your finances, creating a better customer experience, or finding a more efficient way to operate, investing in your own growth is one of the best investments you can make in your business.