9 Books To Inspire Life-Long Learners

Own Up! book published by Forbes Books

Leadership comes in many forms, but one thing in common with all leaders is their insatiable ability and desire to learn. I’ve come up with 9 books for lifelong learners that will help inspire learning. 

As the great Albert Einstein once stated, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” As harsh as Mr. Einstein appears to be here, he’s making the point that if you stop learning new things, you’ll be left behind… like the dead. 

As a former high school and college educator, I’ve read hundreds of books in my lifetime. The impact of reading on my life has led me from soldier, high school teacher, to SEO analyst at ForbesBooks. 

One of my favorite characteristics of reading is the fact that everyone perceives the same words differently. We all have valuable perspectives to share with one another, and reading helps us articulate our opinions and facts.

1. Bootstrap Millionaire

Why Read It: When I decided in 2019 to step away from teaching, I knew I needed to learn a new skill. After trying to find jobs that would give me the independence and pay that I wanted, I focused on entrepreneurship. 

I liked the idea that Tim Mercer went from extreme poverty to multi-millionaire. Tim focuses this book on his 3 principles of entrepreneurship; Independent Consulting, Small Business Ownership, and Public Corporation

The reason I enjoyed Bootstrap Millionaire is that Tim is not only very practical, but honest. Many successful businessmen share their overnight millionaire tips and tricks, but not Tim Mercer. He’s very deliberate while explaining true wealth generation takes personal sacrifice. 

The most inspiring part of this book is his brutal honesty about success and how it takes a long time to do everything right to make it.

how to become a millionaire book

Takeaway: I used to tell my students that you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room to be the most successful. Tim explains how he found his passion and uses it to fuel his ambition. This book will show you how one man in a poverty-stricken region perseveres through inequality, hate, and doubt. 

The 3 phases of entrepreneurship really helped me discover how, when, and where to start a business. My biggest take away, however, is perseverance, grit, and determination can catapult anyone willing to put in the work.

2. Creating the Urban Dream

Why Read It: I first read Creating the urban Dream in May 2020 because I wanted to understand the housing crisis. 

As a historian, I already knew about redlining and gentrification, but Clay explains how even though we don’t use those archaic practices anymore (without regulation), there are still a lot of inequalities that affect our nation’s urban population. 

I read this book because I wanted to understand the complexities of affordable housing and why it’s failing so many Americans. Understanding the housing crisis in urban neighborhoods will help you empathize with our fellow citizens. 

With his empathy and understanding of affordable housing projects, Clay Grubb is the perfect expert to open your eyes to a world you might not be familiar with.

Affordable housing crisis book

Takeaway: Clay has over 20 years of experience in housing development and uses his knowledge to offer remedies to the housing crisis we find ourselves in. For example, you’ll find government statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development that prove his claims and validate his mission. 

As the Urban Sprawl pushed affluent Americans away from the cities, access to public transportation, healthy food, and security left too. Clay explains how it will take every facet of government (local, state, and federal) to fix the problem, but we must come together as Americans to help each other out to provide equitable housing for everyone.

3. Financially Free

Why Read It: As a life-long learner, there is nothing more important than learning something every day that will benefit my life tomorrow. Financially Free encourages women without a lot of knowledge in finance to invest safely.

Financial literacy is one of the most important skills you can learn as early as possible. However, as Ande Frazier explains, it’s just as important to create a structure around your finances to establish sustainable wealth. 

I read this book because Ande clearly explains how to create a financial structure around your personal goals and ambitions. For example, I use Ande’s strategies to help me reach my life goal of retiring by 55 years old.

Financial Freedom book

Takeaway: There are many financial literacy books online, but Financially Free explains how to budget your money and spend it without letting emotion or relationships hinder your future. I really appreciate the lack of hubris and judgment that Ande shows in this book. 

It’s no secret that we spend money based on our emotions, otherwise, holiday seasons wouldn’t see a jump in sales every year. If you’re looking for new skills to handle your finances more responsibly, I strongly urge you to read Financially Free by Ande Frazier

4. Infinity Investing

Why Read It: Toby Mathis is a tax lawyer for the richest Americans in the country and shares his insights on how rich people get rich and stay rich. 

One of the biggest reasons I left teaching was the realization that I was eligible for food stamps with a Master’s Degree and state job. I was working 60-80 hours per week and making less than $45,000 per year. I knew I needed to learn how to make my money work for me passively

Infinity Investing by Toby Mathis focuses on his step-by-step guide to investing like the wealthiest Americans. Toby uses great visuals and relative statistics to emphasize his points. This book will give you the tools you need to build your investment portfolio like a boss.

how to invest like rich people

Takeaway: If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, Toby makes it clear from the first chapter that this isn’t it. I was worried about reading a book by a lawyer because often, lawyers speak in confusing terms to never fully commit. Toby stands above the rest with his practical guides and relative examples of past and current clients. 

I learned a lot about the importance of diversification and how even small investments can turn into enormous gains if I can patiently wait.

5. Hear Us Speak

Why Read It: Hear Us Speak is about the trials and tribulations of one of the most successful businesswomen to make it out of the Middle East. I read this book because I’ve spent years in the Middle East, including the home country of Ms. Kanoo, Bahrain. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life so far is the importance of empathy. Hear Us Speak ties the intimate stories of fellow Arab women who’ve navigated the complexities of business in a region where women are often subjugated.

With my years as a soldier in Iraq and traveling across the Middle East, I’ve witnessed many atrocities towards women. Even though this book is built around women’s empowerment, some stories of hardships that many women in the Arab world experience inspired me.

letters from Arab Women for inspiration book 

Takeaway: It’s almost impossible to be uninspired by this collection of stories from successful Arab women across the planet. From refugees to successful entrepreneurs, these women embody resilience and determination. 

Hear Us Now is one of those books that put things into perspective enough for me to never complain about my troubles. If these women can do what they did in a region with no rights, respect, or financial help, anyone can be successful with the right amount of ambition and drive.

6. Own Up!

Why Read It: How many managers do you know that struggle with accountability? Own Up! is the most influential book on this list for me because it provides answers to the questions of establishing and maintaining accountability. 

Coming from a military family with a regimented Chief Warrant Officer as a father, I thought I had a lot of personal accountability. It wasn’t until I read Own Up! By Jennifer Long, I realized I was still missing the mark in certain areas. 

If you’re a manager in any role, this book will help establish a protocol for holding your employees accountable, without destroying their motivation and drive to work for you.

Own Up! by Jennifer Long

Takeaway: For those of us that struggle with holding our team members accountable for their work, this is the best resource for you. Someone has always criticized me for my lack of tact and empathy with accountability. Jennifer Long’s Own Up! has changed the way I interact with my colleagues for the better. 

There are many great ideas that I felt were addressed to me about dealing with hostility and excuses for lack of progress. It hit me about halfway through this book that I needed to change the way I communicate with my team in order to get the most out of everyone. 

Own Up! will help you establish your own plan and I’m betting you’ll improve your workflow, camaraderie, and accountability. 

7. Leadership Is Overcoming the Natural: 52 Maxims to Move Beyond Instinct

Why Read it: There are hundreds of leadership books online, but not many that offer actionable tools to use. Joe Judge and Dr. Michael D. Merrill outline the steps needed to become an outstanding leader. 

A Maxim is a phrase or sentence that offers truth and perspective of an expert(s). The 52 Maxims Joe and Michael lay out in this book offer strategies and new perspectives on how to become the best leader possible. 

A lot of the book resonated with me, but Maxim 8 really helped me gain confidence in what I was doing was right. For example, Joe and Michael explain how successful people often experience separation in their social circles. 

My father taught me that “you can’t please everyone” and sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone to achieve something. Joe and Michael discuss the reasons and offer real-life examples of how to overcome the fear of success. They also discuss ways for you to move past your fears and comfort and become the person and leader you want to be. 

Takeaway: Leadership is one of those words that we all know what it means, but everyone’s definition is different. What I appreciate most about Joe Judge and Dr. Michael D. Merrill, is their understanding of the complexities of leadership. For example, many people believe some are “born” leaders, while some have to develop their leadership skills. 

Regardless of where you come from or your experience in the workforce, leadership isn’t natural. In fact, Joe and Michael believe that leadership is about effective communication, self-reflection, and accountability. 

Each chapter in Leadership Is Overcoming the Natural offers a step-by-step guide to overcoming your weaknesses and improving your leadership. I loved the interaction with the notes sections throughout the book. It gives you a moment to think critically about your own leadership and modify it to become a better leader.

Leadership is Overcoming the Natural book cover

8. Outfocus

Why Read It: Bill Adams Jr. has a unique perspective on how to instill teamwork and collaboration in companies all over the country. Outfocus is about teaching executive leadership teams how to get the most out of their employees, while fostering a safe work environment. 

I appreciate his perspective on collaboration tools and how they can (most likely) distract corporations from achieving their goals. This is because, in Bill’s words, “They open the door for disconnects, bottlenecks, and voids to creep into the collaborative process.” 

Outfocus will teach leadership teams how to optimize their time, based on three core leadership functions; meeting management, decision-making, and reporting. Bill uses 25 years of research and hands-on experience in Fortune 50 companies to deliver his proprietary method, called Outcome Dynamics

Bill’s Outcome Dynamics strategy will show you how to make modifications to your organizational business models to out-position your competition.

In Chapter 5, Bill explains the collaboration tool that he recommends, called Targa — AI-driven Performance Automation Platform (PAP). A PAP will not only improve an organizations’ collaboration efforts, but also eliminate performance bottlenecks in your software. Bill offers simple and easy-to-follow rules and guidelines to enhance your leadership ability and the productivity of your team.

Takeaway: I enjoyed Bill’s three types of leadership meetings pitfalls and his remedies to get more out of team meetings. 

Everyone can relate to the “Sound Bite Management” style of leaders speaking in short one sentence soundbites. If not, you sure can relate to the “Metric Mania” leadership style. Bill cautions leaders to use metrics for key performance indicators (KPIs) or objectives and key results (OKRs), but not be over-dependent on them.

Not only does Bill explain why many leaders are inefficient with their time, but he explains three rules for optimizing meetings. Outfocus will teach leaders how to prepare, encourage participation, and develop protocols to stay on task.  Bill also offers five key points of focus for leaders to implement in their organizations at the end of each chapter. 

Success based on collaboration book

9. The Seismic Shift in Leadership: How To Thrive in a New Era of Connection

 

Why Read It: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston uses her 23+ years of experience in executive Leadership and Strategic Communication to highlight what successful leadership looks like.

Michelle argues there are three foundational elements to effective leadership, in a post Covid business world. Dr. Michelle K. Johnston teaches you how to leverage your leadership with authenticity, compassion, and alignment

It’s one thing to write about how she became a great leader, but Michelle offers concrete examples for business leaders to better themselves. If you’re a business leader and want to see examples of how great leaders connect with their teams, this is the perfect book for you. You’ll learn how to enhance team cohesion, improve employee morale, achieve higher job satisfaction, improve decision-making, and increase productivity. 

Takeaway: In The Seismic Shift in Leadership, you’ll find dozens of real-world examples from business leaders all over the world. Michelle uses these examples to validate her claims on what successful leadership looks like. 

For example, Robért LeBlanc, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, LeBLANC+SMITH, articulates what made him a successful business owner. Michelle uses his example to show leaders that perfection is overrated, but striving for excellence is how you win. 

Robért makes a great point in his conversation with Michelle about fear and failure. He states, “That just making a decision is more valuable than the avoidance of mistakes.” This is one of the most valuable lessons you could learn in life. Making mistakes is a part of life and it’s how you learn and adapt that defines you as a leader. 

Dr. Johnston also explains the different communication styles and explains how to find your authentic voice. As a leader, the way you communicate with your team is vital to the success of your business. Regardless of what type of communicator you are, the most important factor is authenticity. 

The Seismic Shift in Leadership will teach you how to understand your strengths and blind spots as a communicator. This book will also help you understand your team members’ communication styles, and adapt to meet their needs. 

The Seismic Shift In Leadership book cover

Final Thoughts

One of the most common phrases that we hear from our CEO is “you must be a life-long learner if you expect continuous improvement.” My eyes, heart, and mind open up more with each book I read. The 6 books on this list today are chosen because they will open up your mind to financial literacy, your heart to empathy, and your eyes to the importance of accountability and hard work.

Like Richard Steele once said about learning, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. We all know the importance of exercising our bodies, but most of us don’t equate exercise with our minds. 

We have over 1,500 published books from the best men and women in business at Forbes Books. If you want to learn more about Forbes Books, we encourage you to read our blog.

 

Share

Sign Up For Weekly Insights From Our Experts

Find out if you qualify to be a Forbes Books author.