Napoleon Hill’s classic reminds us that success begins in the mind. Through stories of great leaders and entrepreneurs, he shows that desire, faith, and persistence are the driving forces behind achievement. Hill emphasizes the power of clear goals, disciplined thinking, and surrounding yourself with the right people. The central message is simple but profound: wealth—whether financial, personal, or spiritual—comes to those who think with purpose, act with conviction, and never quit on their vision.​​​​​​

​

This classic is one I believe every leader and contributor should read. Hill’s principles may have been written nearly a century ago, but they’re timeless. In my career, I’ve watched how desire, persistence, and faith consistently separate those who achieve extraordinary results from those who stop short. Think and Grow Rich reinforced for me that success always begins in the mind—clear vision, disciplined thought, and the right circle of influence are non-negotiables for growth in business and in life.

Inspired by a story in Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, Three Feet from Gold reminds us that perseverance is often the difference between failure and breakthrough. This book resonates with me because I’ve lived the lesson: sometimes the breakthrough is just on the other side of frustration. Three Feet from Gold expands on Hill’s ideas, reminding us not to quit too soon.

I love this book because it expands on Hill’s message with a powerful modern parable. Three Feet from Gold reminds us that perseverance often matters more than talent or timing. As someone who’s pushed through setbacks, market swings, and leadership challenges, the lesson hits home: too many people quit just before the breakthrough. This book is about finding clarity in your purpose, leaning on mentorship, and having the grit to keep digging—because success may be closer than you think.

Gary Keller’s The One Thing is a masterclass in focus and productivity. The book’s central question—“What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”—teaches us that extraordinary results come from narrowing our efforts, not expanding them. Keller dismantles the myth of multitasking, challenges the idea of “work-life balance,” and shows how building success is about aligning daily actions with your biggest goals.

Focus has been one of the greatest tools in my leadership journey. The One Thing helped me sharpen that focus. Keller’s question—What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?—has changed the way I set priorities, both professionally and personally. I’ve used this principle to drive clarity with my teams and to simplify decision-making in my own life. If you’re overwhelmed, this book is the reset you need.

Ed Mylett’s The Power of One More is a blueprint for unlocking your potential through small, consistent actions. The book centers on the idea that doing “one more”—one more rep, one more call, one more act of kindness—creates compounding growth that transforms both mindset and results. Mylett blends personal stories with practical strategies to show how embracing “one more” builds resilience, strengthens relationships, and drives peak performance. The key lesson: extraordinary change doesn’t come from giant leaps, but from the discipline to push just a little further than you think you can, every single time. 

Ed’s message resonates deeply with me because it’s about discipline, resilience, and pushing just a little beyond what you think is possible. In my own career, I’ve seen that the difference between good and great often comes down to the willingness to go “one more”—make one more call, have one more conversation, take one more step when you feel like stopping. The Power of One More is a reminder that extraordinary outcomes are built one small, intentional action at a time. This book    has been a game changer for myself, my family, and close friends.  Let it change the game for you too.

​

One of my all-time favorites, Tim Ferriss’ Tools of Titans has had a lasting impact on how I approach growth and performance. The book is packed with lessons from world-class leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and thinkers, organized around health, wealth, and wisdom. What I love most is how practical it is—real tools, routines, and mindsets you can apply immediately. For me, it’s a reminder that success often comes from modeling what already works, then tailoring it to your own life. This is a book I revisit often, because every time I pick it up, I walk away with something new to put into practice.

Rebirth is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. Ravikant tells the story of a man walking the Camino de Santiago who is forced to confront loss, meaning, and the direction of his life. Along the journey, he meets people who challenge him, teach him, and ultimately help him rediscover himself.

​

What strikes me about this book is how it mirrors the seasons of leadership and life I’ve experienced times when setbacks, disappointments, or crossroads became the very catalysts for growth. Rebirth is a reminder that even in our hardest chapters, renewal is possible. It’s a story about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to move forward lighter, wiser, and more purposeful than before

Talk Like TED may be packaged as a book about public speaking, but for me, it’s really about how to communicate with impact in any setting. Whether you’re leading a team, selling an idea, or mentoring someone, the ability to connect and inspire is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Gallo breaks down the techniques used by the world’s best TED speakers—storytelling, clarity, passion, and authenticity—and shows how anyone can apply them.

​

In my own leadership journey, I’ve found that communication is the multiplier. The best strategies, systems, and ideas mean little if you can’t convey them in a way that moves people to action. This book is a guide not just for the stage, but for every conversation where influence and clarity matter.

These two books, though written over a century ago, still carry principles I find incredibly relevant today. In The Science of Getting Rich, Wattles argues that wealth isn’t about luck or circumstance—it’s about thinking and acting in a “certain way.” He emphasizes clarity of vision, gratitude, and disciplined action as the keys to creating abundance. What struck me is how much of this aligns with modern success principles I’ve lived out in business: mindset, focus, and consistent execution.

​

The Science of Being Great complements that message by shifting the focus inward. Wattles teaches that true greatness is built through character, purpose, and service to others. Reading both together reinforced something I’ve experienced firsthand: success and significance go hand in hand. It’s not just about building wealth, it’s about becoming the kind of person worthy of it.

For me, these books are a reminder that prosperity and greatness are choices—rooted in how we think, lead, and live each day.

As a leader and coach, I’ve learned that the toughest but most rewarding path is leading with authenticity. Daring Greatly is a book that drove this home for me. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability challenged me to rethink what strength really looks like. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the courage to show up, speak truth, and lead in a way that inspires trust and connection. For me, this book is a reminder that people don’t follow titles, they follow leaders who are real. It’s one I recommend to anyone who wants to build stronger teams, deeper relationships, and a more meaningful life.

The Last Lecture is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. Randy Pausch, a professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, used what could have been his final moments to leave behind lessons on life, dreams, and purpose. What resonates with me is that it isn’t really a book about dying—it’s a book about living fully.

​

Pausch’s stories are simple but powerful: dream big, work hard, embrace wonder, and never lose your sense of humor. As a leader and coach, I see these lessons as reminders of what really matters—relationships, impact, and the legacy you leave in the lives of others. This book strips away the noise and gets right to the heart of it: life is short, make it count.

This is a book I often point to because it reinforces something I’ve believed throughout my career—success without integrity isn’t success at all. In Winners Never Cheat, Jon Huntsman, a billionaire entrepreneur, lays out how he built one of the world’s largest chemical companies while keeping his word, treating people with respect, and doing the right thing—even when it cost him in the short term.

​

What I value most is Huntsman’s honesty about the pressures leaders face. He doesn’t sugarcoat the temptation to cut corners or compromise, but he makes it clear that real leadership is about character, not convenience. In my own journey, I’ve seen how integrity compounds just like profit: it builds trust, attracts great people, and creates results that last. This book is a reminder that in business and in life, your reputation is your greatest asset.

Lincoln on Leadership is a book I’ve come back to often because it captures timeless lessons from one of the greatest leaders in history. What stands out to me is how Abraham Lincoln led during the most divided, uncertain period in America—through humility, resilience, and a deep connection with people.

​

Phillips highlights Lincoln’s style of “management by walking around,” his ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, and his commitment to listening before deciding. For me, these lessons echo what I’ve experienced in leading teams: leadership isn’t about staying in an office, it’s about being visible, accessible, and human.

This book reminds us that great leadership is built on empathy, moral courage, and persistence. Whether you’re guiding a nation or a team, Lincoln’s principles still hold true today.