Brad's Book List
Some books stand the test of time.
Having been a reader of business and non-fiction books for my entire business life, these are my top “must read” business or other non-fiction books for students, managers, and entrepreneurs.
They are in no particular order and while this started as a “Top 10” it’s now more…
If I am not promoting my own book above all others, there’s something wrong with me!!
This book is a basic theory book for the operator of a “Fully Operational Performing Small Business”. It’s full of stories that illustrate the kinds of decisions that the small business owner makes every day!
This my other “book” although it’s a mere short story. A semi-fictional account of my grandfather’s coming of age as he moved from Greece, through New York to Toronto.
If I could afford it, I would buy a copy of this book for every single parent, educator and student on earth. A must read if you want to understand why young people think and act as they do.
Written by a pair of Canadians, this book explains how the global population will soon begin to decline, dramatically reshaping the social, political, and economic landscape.
The one book I wish I had read before becoming a parent. This book outlines the difference between those with a “Fixed” vs a “Growth” mindset, and why you’re better off having the latter outlook on life.
Although Ben Horowitz is known for his startup track record, and as a V.C., this is just one of the best general management books I’ve ever read. Very practical advice for the manager at almost any level.
Now almost 80 years old, Dale Carnegie’s book is still relevant to anyone who seeks to get ahead in business, or life in general. The kind of book you should read every 10 years or so…
Many of the Western World’s media, politicians and others are obsessed with climate change. This book offers a more balanced view about climate change, our role in its creation, and what should be done about it.
Covey’s timeless tome looks at how you can be effective not just in business but in all aspects of your life.
Jim Collins has isolated what it takes to build a really great company. Broken down into three themes – discipled people, disciplined thought and disciplined action – this is a must read business book for any serious business student.
You will be surprised to find out that the folks you think are millionaires probably aren’t, where they really are, and the tricks to becoming one.
This story of how Thomas Watson Sr. and Jr. built IBM into the behemoth it became is incredibly interesting.
One of the few business-oriented books that I truly had a hard time putting down.
One of the absolute “Must Read” Business Books for any budding entrepreneur, this book highlights the big mistakes most small business owners make, and how to avoid them.
This is the bible when it comes to Lean Startup methodology. Eric Reis tells the story of how he approached starting a company in a completely new way, with an unyielding focus on the customer and business model.
A very easy read, this 112-page book provides a simple leadership formula: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands. A vital resource for new managers or aspiring entrepreneurs.
Get The One Minute Manager at Chapters.ca >
While it seems obvious after reading the book, Blue Ocean Strategy looks at 150 strategic moves over 100+ years and explains how the path to success isn’t so much competing with rivals as carving out new, uncontested space.
Get Blue Ocean Strategy at Chapters.ca >