Can’t Hurt Me

By David Goggins Buy Now

4.8 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

If you’ve ever wondered how far a person can push themselves, wonder no longer; just read this book and I guarantee it’ll blow your mind. It’s the life story of David Goggins, who suffered a horrific upbringing, somehow managed to turn himself into an inspiration and accomplished the impossible time and again. The challenges he takes on are so insane and extreme it’s difficult to totally grasp for [Read More]

First, Break All the Rules

By Gallup Buy Now 4.5 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

This is a recommended read for any manager, no matter your department or level. It’s relatively conceptual, rather than having step-by-step instructions. But it will certainly stimulate ideas, help you understand some of the challenges you’ve been battling with, and in general, push you to be a better manager.

My takeaways were:

• That leadership and management are two different things. A good leader is not necessarily [Read More]
  

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By Stephen R. Covey Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon David Olofinsky writes:

A classic self-help book that will stand the test of time, full of wisdom and truth. It does not matter your age, experience or occupation, this book should be read by everyone.

Dr Covey is able to share information in a way that is accessible and engaging, so you can apply it to your personal life, business, family and other relationships.

This book is a favourite of [Read More]

Scaling Up

By Verne Harnish Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

This is a must read for anyone looking to grow and scale up a genuine business; it could be one of the most important books you’ll read. It’s the type of book you’ll find yourself reading time and again, as it’s packed with pure gold, cover to cover.

You’ll read sections that feel it’s discussing the exact issue you’re facing in your business and it’s like the author has been in that exact [Read More]

Rocket Fuel

By Gino Wickman Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Gino Wickman paints a very clear picture about why it’s typical that many of the major business success stories (eg: Apple, Disney) had a combination of leaders with different skillsets.

Generally speaking, the person that starts a business with growth in mind, is entrepreneurial. (Lots of people start businesses without pursuing growth. For example, those that simply traded their employment for a contracting-type role).

These entrepreneurs are passionate idea generators. They are always looking [Read More]

Turn the Ship Around

By David Marquet Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

This is an interesting book that looks at Marquet’s experiences in the US Navy and how his approach to leadership could completely turn the worst performing team to one of the best in the history of the US Navy. He is able to create a workplace where everyone takes responsibility for their actions, people are healthier and happier – and everyone is a leader. It is very much in alignment [Read More]

Getting Naked

By Getting Naked Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Reading this book felt like a validation of the way we handle meetings with prospective clients.

The trend within the accounting industry is to hold your cards close to your chest – disclosing nothing of value until you convince a business owner to become a client. The belief is that this is the only way to ensure you engage with high-quality clients.

We have always bucked this trend. Instead, we have a principle [Read More]

Blue Ocean Strategy

By W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Strategy is a quirky topic; it seems there are dozens of different ways that leaders will explain what the concept even is. This, in turn, means there are thousands of books on the topic.

Textbook authors will write about the variables of differentiation and cost. Others will present an argument that strategy revolves around what is most important right now.

However, I’m yet to read a book with a [Read More]

Looptail

By Bruce Poon-Tip Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

A great example of how the passion to make a meaningful differences to others can lead to a really successful business.

This is the story of Bruce Poon Tip and the creation of G Adventures, a world leader in adventure travel. (Warning: If you read the book all you will want to do is book an adventure holiday).

A driving passion of his was the prosperity of the communities in which his tours were run. He [Read More]

They Ask You Answer

By Marcus Sheridan Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

This amazing book didn’t so much open my eyes to a fancy new marketing strategy, but rather seemed to describe what we already believed.

Essentially, the philosophy of the book is all about listening to your customers, being obsessed with what they say and think and answering those questions really well for the benefit of those customers as well as future prospects.

It means educating and teaching, resulting in trust in the [Read More]

Life is So Good

By George Dawson

Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Wow! Never give up? It’s never too late? What more sayings could this story exemplify in such a truly awe-inspiring manner?

The journey of running a business (which, for many people coincides with other monumental journeys such as raising a family), is full of ups and downs.

Sometimes it can feel like the road is too long, or there’s just too much adversity.

But there’s real power in picking yourself up, persevering and [Read More]

Crossing the Chasm

By Geoffrey Moore Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

This book is heralded as a classic in the computer engineering and innovation sector – and it is certainly most relevant to anyone trying to build something that doesn’t already exist.

It would also be a good read for anyone entering a marketplace that isn’t (yet) mainstream as there are certainly challenges when your audience is limited to “early adopters”. In recent years these industries would have included things like certain health [Read More]

Never Lose a Customer

By Joey Coleman

Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Refreshingly, Coleman’s theory of building customer loyalty isn’t about focusing on marketing or closing the sale; it’s about the First 100 Days after the sale and the interactions the customer experiences.

It’s a page turner and will consistently stimulate new ideas and face-palming moments when you actually think though the difference between what you’re experiencing as the provider versus what your customer is actually seeing.

A truly loyal customer base is one [Read More]

Power of Moments

By Dan & Chip Heath

Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

A fantastic reminder that there are numerous moments in the lives of your customers, staff and family that could be more carefully crafted or celebrated.

Two comments in the book stood out to me in particular:

1. People remember not only the best moments of an experience, but also the worst. For example, during a day-long trip to Disneyland an attendee might enjoy dozens of rides and shows. They’ll likely only remember [Read More]
   

Switch

By Dan & Chip Heath Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

We all know that change is hard. It’s unsettling, it’s time-consuming, and all too often we give up at the first sign of a setback.

But why do we insist on seeing the obstacles rather than the goal? This is the question that bestselling authors Chip and Dan Heath tackle in their compelling and insightful book. They argue that we need only understand how our minds function in order to unlock shortcuts to [Read More]

Checklist Manifesto

By Atul Gawende Buy Now

4.5 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

I love books that hone in on a very specific topic, using the length of the book (itself being no longer than necessary) to clarify their thoughts, entertain and provide clear guidance. This one is a perfect example.

Checklists aren’t something that will excite many people. But Gawende provides incredible stories about the power of a checklist, when used correctly.

It was illuminating to learn the difference between a DO-CHECK checklist versus a CHECK-DO checklist. [Read More]

Setting the Table

By Danny Meyer Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

After reading the book Small Giants by Bo Burlingham, I knew I wanted to learn more about one of its subjects, Danny Meyer. I found his views on customer service/hospitality to be really in line with mine – but far more matured. I sought out Danny’s own book, Setting the Table, and I was certainly not let down.

This one will not only encourage you to improve your own [Read More]

When Breath Becomes Air

By Paul Kalanithi Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

An incredible reminder of the gift that we all have to simply be alive.

Kalanithi had been working and studying unbelievably hard for over a decade to become a neurosurgeon. It was years and years of enormous sacrifices. And just as the hard work was about to start paying off he was diagnosed with cancer.

There is not enough praise that I can heap on this book. It’s full of brutal honesty, beautifully [Read More]

Time to Think

By Nancy Kline Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

This is the type of book that can cause facepalming as you read. In this case you might be realising that you’ve spent way too much time interrupting people or offering your own opinion.

But it’s more important than a guilt trip. Kline makes a compelling case that we all think best when someone else listens attentively whilst we talk through our thoughts. It makes sense to me.

I’ve used principles discussed in [Read More]

The Ideal Team Player

By Patrick Lencioni Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

Of all the popular business book authors, Patrick Lencioni would possibly be the one that has had the greatest influence on our own business.

This particular book has had a huge impact on the way we interview and hire new team members. Most businesses just choose a candidate based on “gut-feel”. We did that for a long time too, until we learned better. Such an important decision needs far better clarity [Read More]

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

By Dr. Jordan Peterson Buy Now 4.5 stars on Amazon

Brett Dwyer writes:

I had not heard of Jordan Peterson when I read this book in mid-2020. Whilst I couldn’t follow all of his writing, I was astonished at the intelligence of what I did understand. I guess much of the material, at a surface level, could be considered “common sense” (although we all know that such a thing doesn’t really exist), but it’s Peterson’s deep analysis that [Read More]

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose

By Tony Hsieh Buy Now 4.7 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

Wow, what a book, an absolute must read for anyone interested in customer service, work culture or having a purpose in life. This is one of the earlier books I read and can largely be credited for opening my eyes to the value in books. Its beautifully written, engaging and deeply meaningful. Tony shares the story of his life, from childhood through to incredibly successful [Read More]

Extreme Ownership

By Jocko Willink & Leif Babin Buy Now 4.8 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

This book is a surprisingly enthralling and thought provoking read. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin share some incredible stories from their time as Navy Seals, and translate them into lessons for life and business. I got a lot more out of this book than I expected from a couple of Navy Seals, their leadership principles are practical and powerful. I found this book genuinely enjoyable to read, the peek [Read More]

The E-Myth Revisited

By Michael Gerber Buy Now 4.6 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

If you’ve ever felt frustrated that being in business is a never-ending struggle, if you’re tired and exhausted and can’t figure out what went wrong, this is your book. You’ll sit there nodding your head and smiling to yourself as the author perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster we all go through in small business land. But even better, you will learn some very practical strategies to take back control of your [Read More]

Motivated Money

By Peter Thornhill Buy Now 4.8 stars on Amazon

David Olofinsky writes:

I read this book when I was 21 and it had a massive impact on the way I view investing. Peter is very gifted at presenting the facts in a logical and understandable way to make his point and provide practical lessons.

The author breaks down investing concepts in a way that makes it really easy to understand, it doesn’t matter your level of financial experience, you’ll be able to follow exactly what he’s [Read More]