Running a business can sometimes feel like trying to fix a plane while flying it. With each new day comes a new challenge, and it rarely feels like there’s an instruction manual for such things. That’s where books focused on business come in handy. By learning from individuals who have already faced and overcome common problems that business owners often encounter, entrepreneurs can avoid costly mistakes, make more informed decisions, and accelerate their path to success.
Drawing from the responses gathered at 145 corporate events, Jack Hayes has curated his expert list of the Top 10 Business Books to Read in 2026.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
- Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett
- Screw It, Let’s Do It by Sir Richard Branson
- Invention: A Life by Sir James Dyson
- Common Sense Rules by Deborah Meaden
- Taming Tigers by Jim Lawless
- The Girl Who Climbed Everest by Bonita Norris
- You Can Get It If You Really Want: Start Your Business, Transform Your Life by Levi Roots
- Jeopardy: The Danger of Playing It Safe on the Path to Success by Wilfred Emmanuel Jones
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
A practical guide to transforming your life through small, consistent changes. Instead of relying on massive overhauls, James shows how tiny habits like doing two push-ups or waking up five minutes earlier can compound into remarkable long-term results. Through introducing strategies such as Habit Stacking, the Two Minute Rule, and finding the Goldilocks Zone, James shows how change is easy and sustainable. Backed by psychology, neuroscience, and real-world success stories, it proves that lasting improvement doesn’t come from motivation alone but from building better systems, one small habit at a time. Start small. Change everything.
James Clear is a leading expert in habit formation and personal development, widely sought after by top businesses and global organisations. With engaging, research-backed keynote speeches, he empowers professionals to improve decision-making, boost performance, and build better systems. His insights have transformed teams at companies like GE, Honda, and the NFL.
2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
An exploration of why some people and organisations achieve remarkable success while others struggle to stand out. The key, Simon explains, is starting with a clear sense of purpose, your “why.” Great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers all inspired action by focusing on why they did what they did, not just how or what. When people understand and believe in your purpose, they are more likely to follow, support, and trust you. This book challenges leaders to define their core beliefs and build everything from culture to communication around that deeper sense of meaning.
Simon Sinek is a globally respected business thinker and leadership expert known for his concept of “Why.” His TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action", has transformed corporate strategy worldwide. Simon helps businesses build purpose-driven cultures, improve performance, and inspire teams, making him one of the most sought-after speakers in business.
3. Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett
In this book, Steven explores how society has misled us about success, happiness, and fulfilment. Sharing his journey from a broke, insecure 18-year-old to a multi-millionaire by 25, he reveals that achieving everything he once wanted didn’t bring him true happiness. Through personal reflection and deep analysis, Bartlett dismantles the popular myths we’re taught about love, success, and self-worth. He uncovers the sources of these false beliefs and offers practical, science-backed strategies to replace them. This book challenges readers to rethink what truly matters and provides a blueprint for living a more meaningful, fulfilled, and authentic life.
Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author, best known as the host of Europe’s No.1 podcast, The Diary of a CEO. He co-founded Flight Group and Thirdweb and invests in leading businesses like Huel and ZOE. Steven is reshaping modern business through media, technology, and wellness innovation.
4. Screw It, Let’s Do It by Sir Richard Branson
Blending personal stories with business insight, Richard encourages bold decision-making, risk-taking, and purpose-driven leadership, as well as highlighting the responsibility of big businesses to tackle global challenges like climate change and economic inequality. He outlines Virgin’s ventures into innovative sectors such as biofuels and space travel, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable enterprise. With practical advice and motivational insights, this book serves as an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs looking to succeed and make a difference.
Sir Richard Branson is one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, best known as the founder of the Virgin Group, which spans over 400 ventures across sectors like travel, telecoms, and even space. A high school dropout turned billionaire, his fearless, creative approach has reshaped global business and inspired generations of entrepreneurs.
5. Invention: A Life by Sir James Dyson
From curious inventor to global entrepreneur, James blends autobiography with a powerful message about the value of innovation. Through personal anecdotes, he explores the trials, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his career, while highlighting the vital role innovation plays in driving progress. James argues that creativity, design, and engineering not only fuel economic growth but also benefit our lives. This book is both a reflection on James’s relentless pursuit of better solutions and a call to empower business owners to pursue greatness, continue creating, and embrace lifelong learning through failure.
Sir James Dyson is a pioneering British entrepreneur and inventor, best known for revolutionising household technology with his bagless vacuum cleaner. Founder of Dyson Ltd, he turned failure into innovation, creating over 5,000 prototypes before reaching success. Through the James Dyson Foundation, he champions education, engineering, and entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of inventors.
6. Common Sense Rules by Deborah Meaden
Sharing practical lessons from a lifetime in business, Deborah combines insights from her own ventures with observations of others’ successes and failures. Known for her direct style on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, she offers honest reflections on customer service, decision-making, and learning from setbacks. From her early days working in holiday parks to turning down a multimillion-pound offer for her own chain, Deborah’s experiences reveal the value of trusting your instincts and staying true to your principles. This no-nonsense guide is both informative and motivating, making it essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike.
Deborah Meaden is one of Britain’s most respected entrepreneurs, best known for her role on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. With a career spanning fashion, leisure, and retail, she remarkably turned Weststar Holidays into a multimillion-pound success. Now a sought-after speaker, she shares powerful business insights drawn from decades of hands-on experience.
7. Taming Tigers by Jim Lawless
In this motivational guide, Jim encourages readers to overcome fear in pursuit of achieving personal and professional goals. Based on the idea that everyone has an inner "Tiger", the voice of doubt that holds us back, Jim shares ten powerful rules to help tame it. From acting boldly to doing something scary every day, these rules are practical, proven, and transformative. Featuring real-life case studies and Jim’s own journey from unfit consultant to jockey and freediving record-holder, the book empowers readers to rewrite their limitations, stop waiting and start living boldly.
Jim Lawless is a world-renowned motivational speaker and expert in business change and performance. Ranked among the top global speakers, he inspires audiences with practical strategies for personal and professional transformation. As CEO of SYMMETRY, he helps businesses embrace change and thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving workplace.
8. The Girl Who Climbed Everest by Bonita Norris
A powerful account of Bonita’s transformation from an anxious teenager into the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest. Through extreme physical and mental challenges, she uncovers vital lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and pushing beyond perceived limits. The book offers actionable insights for professionals seeking to overcome self-doubt, embrace failure, and lead with courage. Bonita’s journey encourages readers to reframe fear as fuel for growth and to develop the mindset needed for personal and professional breakthroughs. A compelling read for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone aiming to achieve ambitious goals against all odds.
Bonita Norris is one of the UK’s leading adventurers and most inspiring keynote speakers. As the former youngest British woman to summit Everest, she brings powerful stories of resilience, risk, and self-belief to every event. Bonita’s thrilling journey and captivating delivery leave audiences compelled to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
9. You Can Get It If You Really Want: Start Your Business, Transform Your Life by Levi Roots
As the creator of the Reggae Reggae Sauce brand and Dragons’ Den success story, Levi combines actionable business advice with personal stories of triumph and failure. Levi shares his Top 10 Rules for Business Success, offering insights on branding, resilience, and turning passion into profit. Featuring contributions from Peter Jones and other industry leaders, this book equips readers with the mindset and tools needed to navigate the startup world and build a business from the ground up.
Levi Roots is a dynamic entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings in Jamaica to build a multimillion-pound brand. With a career spanning food, media, and publishing, he has turned passion into profit. A sought-after speaker, Levi shares his inspiring journey, business insights, and infectious energy with global audiences.
10. Jeopardy: The Danger of Playing It Safe on the Path to Success by Wilfred Emmanuel Jones
Sharing lessons from his journey from inner-city Birmingham to building the multimillion-pound brand The Black Farmer, Wilfred reveals why embracing uncertainty is essential for true success. He argues that calculated risk-taking, not caution, drives innovation, growth and leadership. Through personal stories and advice, the book encourages entrepreneurs and professionals to overcome fear, trust their instincts and act boldly. Jeopardy is a guide to unlocking potential by stepping outside your comfort zone.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, known as The Black Farmer, is a pioneering entrepreneur who combines business success with social impact. From founding a multimillion-pound food brand to promoting diversity in farming, his work champions ethical, locally sourced produce. An inspiring speaker, Wilfred offers powerful insights on risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and rural industry innovation.
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