The best 58 Entrepreneurial Stories books

Entrepreneurial Stories shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and strategies of successful business founders, making them insightful reads for aspiring entrepreneurs. Our collection of entrepreneurial biographies offers a rich tapestry of real-life experiences and practical lessons.

Explore these dynamic narratives to glean invaluable wisdom from seasoned entrepreneurs. Ready to dive in and uncover the secrets to entrepreneurial success?

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1
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

ReWork

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
4.5 (254 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's ReWork about?

Rework (2010) throws out the traditional notions of what it takes to run a business and offers a collection of unorthodox advice, ranging from productivity to communication and product development.

These lessons are based on the authors’ own experiences in building, running and growing their company to a point where it generates millions of dollars in profits annually.

Who should read ReWork?

  • Anyone who has ever considered starting their own company
  • Anyone interested in what work should be like in the 21st century
  • Anyone trying to create an environment of productivity

2
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Hatching Twitter by Nick Bilton

Hatching Twitter

Nick Bilton
A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal
4.5 (15 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Hatching Twitter about?

Hatching Twitter tells the story of the four men responsible for Twitter as we know it. It’s a tale of backstabbing, superstar glory and billions of dollars that chronicles the drama and defining decisions that made Twitter what it is today.

Who should read Hatching Twitter?

  • Anyone who uses Twitter
  • Anyone who is interested in Twitter’s impact and origins
  • Anyone who works in a start-up
  • Anyone interested in the dangers of mixing business and friendship

3
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Think Like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter

Think Like Zuck

Ekaterina Walter
The Five Business Secrets of Facebook’s Improbably Brilliant CEO
4.2 (56 ratings)
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00:00

What's Think Like Zuck about?

Think Like Zuck takes an in-depth look at the five principles that made Facebook the successful company it is today. With plenty of insight into founder Mark Zuckerberg’s inspiring approach to leadership and examples from other top technology companies, the author creates a roadmap for success for any aspiring entrepreneur.

Who should read Think Like Zuck?

  • Entrepreneurs and start-up pioneers
  • Facebook fans
  • Anyone who wants to gain insight into Facebook, and how Mark Zuckerberg thinks

4
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Big Weed by Christian Hageseth

Big Weed

Christian Hageseth
An Entrepreneur’s High-Stakes Adventures in the Budding Legal Marijuana Business
4.1 (15 ratings)
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00:00

What's Big Weed about?

Big Weed (2015) is a first-person account of entrepreneur Christian Hageseth’s success in the evolving business of legal marijuana. He reveals all the essentials you need to know about a future in this new market, and explains a bit about the basics of marijuana that any budding entrepreneur should know.

Who should read Big Weed?

  • Marijuana enthusiasts and supporters of legalization
  • Entrepreneurs looking for a new business opportunity
  • Law enforcement officials curious about marijuana’s business side

5
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance

Elon Musk

Ashlee Vance
Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
4.3 (504 ratings)
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00:00

What's Elon Musk about?

Elon Musk (2015) gives us an insight into the brilliant and difficult character of today’s most innovative entrepreneur. Interwoven with details of his turbulent private life, these blinks reveal why Elon Musk is so determined to save the human race, how he’s worked towards this goal so far, as well as what’s on the horizon for potentially the richest and most powerful man of our future.

Who should read Elon Musk?

  • Thinkers with crazy ideas (who need some support in getting them off the ground)
  • Proponents of the aerospace, automotive and solar industries
  • People curious about Elon Musk

6
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany Mclean, Peter Elkind

The Smartest Guys in the Room

Bethany Mclean, Peter Elkind
The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron
4.4 (70 ratings)
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00:00

What's The Smartest Guys in the Room about?

The Smartest Guys in the Room (2003) tells the remarkable tale of energy trader Enron – once a poster child for market innovation on Wall Street – and its dramatic fall from stratospheric heights. These blinks detail a gripping story of financial deceit, while shedding light on the personalities that built Enron’s corporate culture and set it up for disaster.

Who should read The Smartest Guys in the Room?

  • Anyone hoping to learn more about the cataclysmic downfall of Enron
  • People interested in the widespread use of fraudulent business practices
  • Any business leader, executive, CEO, analyst or accountant

7
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis

Gutenberg the Geek

Jeff Jarvis
4.0 (59 ratings)
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00:00

What's Gutenberg the Geek about?

Gutenberg the Geek (2012) examines the life and business of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, and, by drawing numerous parallels between him and modern Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, explains how he was a pioneer of tech entrepreneurship.

Who should read Gutenberg the Geek?

  • Entrepreneurs, innovators and venture capitalists
  • Anyone interested in history

8
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Getting There by Gillian Zoe Segal

Getting There

Gillian Zoe Segal
A Book of Mentors
3.4 (14 ratings)
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00:00

What's Getting There about?

Getting There (2015) provides inspiring portraits of successful entrepreneurs, artists, writers and CEOs who through hard work and perseverance pursued their true passions against all odds. This collection of first-person stories aims to show how you too can “get there” and live your dreams.

Who should read Getting There?

  • Entrepreneurs starting their own business
  • Young people deciding what to do with their future
  • Anyone at the start of an ambitious project

9
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Airbnb Story by Leigh Gallagher

The Airbnb Story

Leigh Gallagher
How Three Ordinary Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions . . . and Created Plenty of Controversy
4.3 (58 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Airbnb Story about?

The Airbnb Story (2017) tells the extraordinary tale behind the rise of Airbnb. These blinks describe how, within about a decade, three recent college graduates went from being behind on their rent to developing the most popular vacation accommodation platform in history.

Who should read The Airbnb Story?

  • Tech whizzes with a breakthrough business idea  
  • Investors interested in the start-up world
  • Avid travelers

10
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Alibaba by Duncan Clark

Alibaba

Duncan Clark
The House That Jack Ma Built
4.3 (49 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Alibaba about?

Alibaba (2016) charts the astronomical rise to worldwide retail supremacy of Jack Ma and his online business, Alibaba. From his humble beginnings as a school teacher, Jack Ma proved to be a visionary entrepreneur who was far ahead of his time. This is the tale of a man who saw the potential of the internet when everyone else was still scratching their heads over e-mail, and although he ran into one problem after another, he never lost his drive to be better than the rest.

Who should read Alibaba?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Investors interested in e-commerce
  • Anyone who likes a good underdog story

11
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson

Finding My Virginity

Richard Branson
The New Autobiography
4.5 (71 ratings)
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00:00

What's Finding My Virginity about?

Finding My Virginity (2017) is the long-awaited sequel to Richard Branson’s first autobiography, Losing My Virginity. It picks up right where the earlier book left off, at the start of a new century with the digital marketplace opening up and an array of new business possibilities presenting themselves, including the opportunity to launch a company to take people into space.

"This is a remarkable book-in-blinks with both insight and inspiration.” – Sophie, Blinkist user, Kenya

Who should read Finding My Virginity?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Activists
  • Readers interested in a remarkable life story

12
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston

Founders at Work

Jessica Livingston
Stories of Startups’ Early Days
4.1 (81 ratings)
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00:00

What's Founders at Work about?

Founders at Work (2007) is a revealing look at what went on in the early days of over 30 influential US startups. In their own words, the founders of landmark companies such as Hotmail and Blogger.com tell their stories about the many ups and downs and twists and turns it took to make their ideas a reality. They also share the lessons they learned and the insight they’ve gained looking back on the trials and tribulations of those chaotic early days.

Who should read Founders at Work?

  • Entrepreneurs and aspiring inventors
  • Business students
  • Anyone looking for inspiration

13
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: To Pixar and Beyond by Lawrence Levy

To Pixar and Beyond

Lawrence Levy
My Unlikely Journey with Steve Jobs to Make Entertainment History
4.6 (52 ratings)
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What's To Pixar and Beyond about?

To Pixar and Beyond (2016) tells the story of how Lawrence Levy and Steve Jobs turned an unknown and struggling computer imaging company – Pixar – into an animation studio worth billions of dollars. Along the way, the company faced numerous internal and external challenges, tackling each with creative and strategic decisions that ultimately led to its success.

Who should read To Pixar and Beyond?

  • Leaders of organizations or start-ups
  • Animation fans inspired by Pixar’s work
  • Entertainment buffs interested in the business side of things

14
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: How I Built This by Guy Raz

How I Built This

Guy Raz
The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs
4.3 (207 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How I Built This about?

How I Built This (2020) is a journey along the circuitous road to entrepreneurial success. Based on the top business podcast on iTunes, with 200 million downloads to date, How I Built This chronicles the ascension of dozens of the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, examining their darkest moments as well as their greatest triumphs. 

Who should read How I Built This?

  • Start-up employees with big ideas of their own 
  • People who want to leave their jobs but are too scared
  • Anyone interested in entrepreneurship

 


15
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Resilient by Sevetri Wilson

Resilient

Sevetri Wilson
How to Overcome Anything and Build a Million Dollar Business With or Without Capital
4.1 (79 ratings)
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00:00

What's Resilient about?

Resilient (2021) is an intimate account of entrepreneur Sevetri Wilson’s journey from self-funding her first company to securing ongoing capital for her second. It provides early-stage founders insight into every step of building a business – from initial concept to securing the finances needed to scale.

Who should read Resilient?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Innovators looking to turn their ideas into marketable solutions
  • Startup founders who need to raise capital

16
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Liftoff by Eric Berger

Liftoff

Eric Berger
Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX
4.5 (149 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Liftoff about?

Liftoff (2021) tells the story of SpaceX’s beginnings – from the day that Elon Musk resolved to send rockets to Mars, through the first failed launch attempts on the tropical island of Omelek, to the make-or-break fourth flight. From a scrappy new venture to the world-renowned rocket company we know today, Liftoff has the inside scoop on SpaceX.

Who should read Liftoff?

  • Fans of SpaceX and Elon Musk
  • Tech enthusiasts and budding aerospace engineers
  • Would-be space explorers

17
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Choose Possibility by Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

Choose Possibility

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy
Seek Change, Take Risk, and Thrive (Even When You Fail)
4.6 (116 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Choose Possibility about?

Choose Possibility (2021) provides a roadmap to building the smarts and courage it takes to become a master of risk. Drawn from tech leader Sukhinder Singh Cassidy’s winding path through business, it debunks the myth that risk is all about singular, life-altering choices. Instead, it shows how risk-taking is a process, a practice and a skill that can unlock your professional potential.

Who should read Choose Possibility?

  • Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors
  • People daunted by the unknowns of their work life 
  • Anyone who fears they’ve been too timid or reckless in taking professional risks

18
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey

The Innovation Stack

Jim McKelvey
Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time
4.6 (148 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Innovation Stack about?

The Innovation Stack (2020) explores what it takes to be a true entrepreneur – that is, to find a problem no one else has solved, and do everything you can to solve it. It reveals how two friends built a billion-dollar financial-services company from the ground up through courage, ingenuity, and a touch of humor. 

Who should read The Innovation Stack?

  • Would-be entrepreneurs looking to build their first company
  • Established entrepreneurs seeking fresh inspiration
  • Anyone interested in the evolution of a multibillion-dollar company

19
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas

The Common Path to Uncommon Success

John Lee Dumas
A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment
4.2 (168 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Common Path to Uncommon Success about?

The Common Path to Uncommon Success (2021) arms you with the tools to create valuable content and turn it into financial independence. Drawing on more than 3,000 interviews with successful entrepreneurs, it lays bare the path to transforming your big idea into a profitable business.

Who should read The Common Path to Uncommon Success?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to make their big idea a reality
  • Career professionals seeking an escape from the daily grind
  • Content creators eager to up their game

20
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Cult of We by Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell

The Cult of We

Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell
WeWork, Adam Neumann, and the Great Startup Delusion
4.2 (126 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Cult of We about?

The Cult of We (2021) tells the story of how the office-space company WeWork became the world’s most valued startup – only to come crashing down a few years later. Written by the reporters who broke the story of WeWork’s disastrous downfall in 2019, it explores WeWork's trajectory through a journalistic and financial lens, demonstrating how the most prominent investors in the world were blinded to the company’s risks for nearly a decade.

Who should read The Cult of We?

  • People interested in economics
  • Startup and entrepreneurship enthusiasts
  • Anyone curious about startup financing

21
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Scale for Success by Jan Cavelle

Scale for Success

Jan Cavelle
Expert Insights into Growing Your Business
4.2 (179 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Scale for Success about?

Scale for Success (2021) is a guide to turning your small business into a far bigger and more successful enterprise than it is today. From crowdfunding to job descriptions, it covers the ins and outs – and highs and lows – of scaling up any firm.

Who should read Scale for Success?

  • Entrepreneurs trying to break into the big league
  • Anyone working at a small business or early-stage start-up
  • Veteran businesspeople interested in mentoring small business owners

22
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Contrarian by Max Chafkin

The Contrarian

Max Chafkin
Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power
3.4 (137 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Contrarian about?

The Contrarian (2021) is a biography of controversial venture capitalist, tech investor, and PayPal founder Peter Thiel. It explains how Thiel’s politics have informed his career – and how he became one of the most powerful people in the US.

Who should read The Contrarian?

  • People looking for gossip on Silicon Valley
  • US politics junkies
  • Those interested in the intersection of tech and power

23
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman

Masters of Scale

Reid Hoffman
Surprising Truths from the World's Most Successful Entrepreneurs
4.3 (476 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Masters of Scale about?

Masters of Scale (2021) is part fascinating anecdote, part how-to guide for entrepreneurs who are preparing to launch their product or scale up their company. With case studies and stories behind some of the world’s biggest companies, it isolates the principles behind successfully scaling up.

Who should read Masters of Scale?

  • Serial entrepreneurs
  • Investors looking to scale a startup
  • Executives seeking to grow their companies

24
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Power Play by Tim Higgins

Power Play

Tim Higgins
Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century
4.3 (279 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Power Play about?

Power Play (2021) tells the story of Tesla’s rise from overambitious start-up to one of the most valuable players in the global auto industry. It charts the company’s rapid rise, its operational and financial struggles, and the leadership of its volatile CEO, Elon Musk.

Who should read Power Play?

  • People interested in tech start-up history
  • Auto industry and car aficionados
  • Entrepreneurs interested in tech innovation

25
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) by Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy

Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy
A How-To Guide from the First Family of Podcasting
4.2 (96 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) about?

Everybody Has a Podcast (2021) is an inspiring, hands-on guide to making your own podcast. From choosing a topic to building an audience, podcasting doesn’t have to be intimidating. Even if you’re short on cash and not particularly tech-savvy, you can create something great with a bit of tenacity and persistence.

Who should read Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?

  • Anyone who harbors a secret desire to make their own podcast
  • Die-hard fans of the McElroy family
  • Would-be podcast hosts who are short on skills and money

26
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Cold Start Problem by Andrew Chen

The Cold Start Problem

Andrew Chen
How to Start and Scale Network Effects
4.0 (190 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Cold Start Problem about?

The Cold Start Problem (2021) explains what network effects are, how they work in practice, while illustrating them with real-world examples, from companies like Zoom, Airbnb and Uber. From getting tech companies off the ground in the 21st century, to the population dynamics of meerkats, The Cold Start Problem is an in-depth look at the way networks develop and interact with each other.

Who should read The Cold Start Problem?

  • Startup leaders looking for rapid growth 
  • Established CEOs looking to reawaken sluggish companies
  • Anyone interested in network dynamics

27
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Super Founders by Ali Tamaseb

Super Founders

Ali Tamaseb
What Data Reveals About Billion-Dollar Startups
4.5 (252 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Super Founders about?

Super Founders (2021) offers an in-depth analysis behind the success of billion-dollar startups. After crunching over 30,000 data points, it unravels the multitude of false notions surrounding tech unicorns and reveals what it really takes to make it in Silicon Valley. 

Who should read Super Founders?

  • Investors seeking to sharpen their eye for opportunities
  • Entrepreneurs looking for actionable advice
  • Startup veterans hoping to learn from their mistakes

28
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Disrupt You! by Jay Samit

Disrupt You!

Jay Samit
Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovation
4.5 (262 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Disrupt You! about?

Disrupt You! (2015) is an entrepreneur’s guide to driving innovation and impact. It draws on some of the biggest success stories in business and offers actionable tips for solving real-world problems and finding opportunity in failure. 

Who should read Disrupt You!?

  • Entrepreneurs seeking to drive disruption
  • Optimists who want to find opportunity in failure
  • Anyone who looks at successful start-ups and asks, “What’s their secret?”

29
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Working Backwards by Colin Bryar

Working Backwards

Colin Bryar
And Other Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon
4.4 (139 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Working Backwards about?

Working Backwards (2021) tells the story of how Amazon changed the way people live. It explores founder Jeff Bezos’ leadership philosophy, and reveals how this philosophy has informed Amazon’s most iconic products and services

Who should read Working Backwards?

  • Executive coaches looking for fresh insights
  • Entrepreneurs hoping to turbo-charge their business
  • Managers wanting to boost their teams’ performance

30
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Build by Tony Fadell

Build

Tony Fadell
An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making
4.2 (330 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Build about?

Build (2022) is a self-styled “mentor in a box” –⁠ an encyclopedia of business advice about everything from getting a job and managing a team to telling a story around your product and being a successful CEO. A mentor is an absolute must-have for anyone who aspires to start and run a business –⁠ but not everyone has one available right away. That’s what Build is for.

Who should read Build?

  • New graduates who aspire to found their own businesses
  • CEOs thinking about quitting and starting something new
  • Anyone who wants to see their idea for a product, service, or company come to fruition

31
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Make No Small Plans by Elliott Bisnow, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal and Jeremy Schwartz

Make No Small Plans

Elliott Bisnow, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal and Jeremy Schwartz
Lessons on Thinking Big, Chasing Dreams, and Building Community
4.1 (303 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Make No Small Plans about?

Make No Small Plans (2022) is the inside story of how a group of young entrepreneurs created one of the world’s most exciting platforms for global events and conferences – the Summit Series. This isn’t just a chance for them to recount their company’s history, though. Packed with actionable takeaways and business wisdom, this is a book designed to inspire readers on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Who should read Make No Small Plans?

  • Recent graduates unsure which path they should follow
  • Entrepreneurs and self-starters looking for inspiration
  • Anyone interested in building better business relationships

32
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Perfect Day to Boss Up by Rick Ross, with Neil Martinez-Belkin

The Perfect Day to Boss Up

Rick Ross, with Neil Martinez-Belkin
A Hustler's Guide to Building Your Empire
4.2 (285 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Perfect Day to Boss Up about?

The Perfect Day to Boss Up (2021) is a swaggering, no-nonsense road map to becoming the CEO of your life. Drawing on hip-hop icon Rick Ross’s life, it divulges behind-the-scenes stories, advice, and mindsets that’ll guide you on your own path to success.

Who should read The Perfect Day to Boss Up?

  • Dreamers seeking straight-talking inspiration, insight, and intel on achieving success
  • Fans of the song “Hustlin’” who’re curious how the Boss’s hustle plays out in real life 
  • Go-getters seeking an alternative to cookie-cutter self-improvement manuals

33
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Build for Tomorrow by Jason Feifer

Build for Tomorrow

Jason Feifer
An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career
4.5 (378 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Build for Tomorrow about?

Build for Tomorrow (2022) is an action plan detailing how to navigate the four phases of change: Panic, Adaptation, New Normal, and Wouldn't Go Back. It details stories of dramatic changes in the past that brought us the things we enjoy today, as well as lessons learned from various entrepreneurs who lived through monumental changes and emerged successful.

Who should read Build for Tomorrow?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Entrepreneurial giants looking to innovate
  • Anyone facing a scary change

34
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Journey Beyond Fear by John Hagel III

The Journey Beyond Fear

John Hagel III
Leverage the Three Pillars of Positivity to Build Your Success
4.1 (302 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Journey Beyond Fear about?

The Journey Beyond Fear (2021) is a guide to overcoming fear and reaching your full potential. During his 40-year career in Silicon Valley, Hagel has identified three practical tools that anyone can benefit from. Here, he explains exactly how to use them, so you can make the most of exciting new opportunities in your professional and personal life.

Who should read The Journey Beyond Fear?

  • Business people looking for motivation, inspiration or direction
  • People who want to overcome fear to achieve their full potential
  • Anyone interested in the opportunities offered by learning platforms

35
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: No Red Lights by Alan Patricof

No Red Lights

Alan Patricof
Reflections on Life, 50 Years in Venture Capital, and Never Driving Alone
4.1 (118 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's No Red Lights about?

No Red Lights (2022) is part-autobiography, part-guidebook to assembling the core fundamentals of your career. Geared primarily toward aspiring venture capitalists but helpful for anyone interested in business, it’s packed with instructive lessons and useful advice. Simultaneously, it is a glimpse into the life of man who’s spent 50 years learning –⁠ and living –⁠ the tricks of the trade.

Who should read No Red Lights?

  • Aspiring venture capitalists and other businesspeople
  • Business students in search of tried-and-true advice
  • Memoir and autobiography fans

36
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Unprepared to Entrepreneur by Sonya Barlow

Unprepared to Entrepreneur

Sonya Barlow
A Method to the Madness of Starting Your Own Business
4.1 (211 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Unprepared to Entrepreneur about?

Unprepared to Entrepreneur (2021) is a frank, lively guide to starting a business for those who fear they don’t have the requisite knowledge, worry they’ll fail, or aren’t sure how to begin. Packed with practical tips and personal anecdotes, it shows you that to be successful in the business world, you don’t need a perfect plan or an expensive degree. You just need a vision, the motivation –⁠ or madness –⁠ to make it happen, and the resilience to always get back up on your feet.

Who should read Unprepared to Entrepreneur?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs who identify as women or minorities
  • Young people wondering what it takes to run a business
  • Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome

37
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Burn Rate by Andy Dunn

Burn Rate

Andy Dunn
Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind
4.5 (204 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Burn Rate about?

Burn Rate (2022) is the no-holds-barred story of Andy Dunn, cofounder of menswear startup Bonobos, and his struggles with bipolar disorder. Long in denial about his diagnosis, Dunn eventually faced up to the condition – but not before it had nearly cost him everything.

Who should read Burn Rate?

  • People interested in mental health
  • Startup aficionados
  • Memoir lovers

38
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Power Failure by William D. Cohan

Power Failure

William D. Cohan
The Rise and Fall of an American Icon
4.4 (231 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Power Failure about?

Power Failure (2022) details the rise and fall of General Electric – once a great success story of international business.  But its legacy went badly awry, as even casual consumers of business news will remember. Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (2022) gives a startlingly detailed account inside the behemoth corporation, examining what went right – and then wrong.

Who should read Power Failure?

  • Anyone interested in the inside workings of business
  • Leaders who want to learn from the experience of CEOs going through difficult times 
  • Employees who want to better understand the forces at play inside the companies that dictate their future

39
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Direct to Consumer Playbook by Mike Stevens

The Direct to Consumer Playbook

Mike Stevens
The Stories and Strategies of the Brands that Wrote the DTC Rules
4.1 (56 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Direct to Consumer Playbook about?

The Direct to Consumer Playbook (2022) takes a look at how some of the world’s top e-commerce brands got to where they are today. Through a series of inspiring interviews with DTC founders, you’ll discover stories of both failure and success – and be much better placed to build your own DTC company.

Who should read The Direct to Consumer Playbook?

  • Entrepreneurs looking for tips on how to build their own DTC business
  • Founders in need of inspiration on how to move forward
  • Anyone interested in how DTC brands sell their products

40
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman

Confidence Man

Maggie Haberman
The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America
3.7 (301 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Confidence Man about?

Confidence Man (2022) is a full account of Trump’s life in the spotlight. It tracks his career from early New York real estate deals to his tumultuous tenure in the White House. It shows how his aggressive personality was molded early on and only intensified as the stage grew bigger.

Who should read Confidence Man?

  • Politics junkies
  • People interested in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol
  • Anyone interested in the unique life of Donald J. Trump

41
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Unfiltered by Rachel Pedersen

Unfiltered

Rachel Pedersen
Proven Strategies to Start and Grow Your Business by Not Following the Rules
4.3 (189 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Unfiltered about?

Unfiltered (2022) blends a practical business handbook with Rachel Pedersen’s inspirational journey from a single-mom on welfare to the CEO of two multi-million dollar companies. Using the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Pedersen gives aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to start and grow their dream business on their own terms.

Who should read Unfiltered?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Business owners looking to grow
  • Anyone in need of an inspirational story

42
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: When the Heavens Went on Sale by Ashlee Vance

When the Heavens Went on Sale

Ashlee Vance
The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach
3.7 (116 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's When the Heavens Went on Sale about?

When the Heavens Went on Sale (2023) is a trip into the wild new Space Age sparked by Elon Musk and accelerated by like-minded space geniuses. Buckle up for a mind-blowing journey through space tech innovation and the future of humanity.

Who should read When the Heavens Went on Sale?

  • Aspiring cosmic entrepreneurs 
  • Rocket mavericks
  • Researchers of space governance

43
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Third Shift Entrepreneur by Todd Connor

Third Shift Entrepreneur

Todd Connor
Keep Your Day Job, Build Your Dream Job
4.0 (22 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Third Shift Entrepreneur about?

Third Shift Entrepreneur (2021) offers an effective mindset and strategies for starting or growing your business – without having to quit your day job. It weaves key observations throughout a fictional narrative about a group of entrepreneurs, then breaks out these points for closer examination with examples from real-world startup scenarios.

Who should read Third Shift Entrepreneur?

  • Anyone interested in starting a side hustle
  • People struggling to launch their business 
  • Small business owners looking to take their company to the next level

44
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: 7 Powers by Hamilton Helmer

7 Powers

Hamilton Helmer
The Foundations of Business Strategy
4.5 (173 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's 7 Powers about?

The 7 Powers (2016) is about the strategic positions that have won great success for many companies and brought great failure to others. It gives case studies for each power as well as insights into why these powers did or didn’t work.

Who should read 7 Powers?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • The Executive Suite
  • Business Students

45
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Emotion by Design by Greg Hoffman

Emotion by Design

Greg Hoffman
Creative Leadership Lessons from a Lifetime at Nike
4.1 (53 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Emotion by Design about?

Emotion by Design (2022) explores the creative philosophies that can differentiate your brand from the rest. It features lessons and stories from the author’s design and marketing experience at Nike.   

Who should read Emotion by Design?

  • Business owners and leaders
  • Brand marketers
  • Anyone interested in marketing and design

46
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Nike: Going Public by The Blinkist Team

Nike: Going Public

The Blinkist Team
The Story Behind Shoe Dog
4.1 (212 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Nike: Going Public about?

The Story of "Nike: Going Public" recounts the journey of sports industry titan Nike as it transitioned from a private to a public company, an important move to rescue the business. Navigating the hurdles of going public was no easy task, as this narrative unveils the trials faced by Phil Knight, Nike's CEO, and his eventual triumph.

Who should read Nike: Going Public?

  • Budding entrepreneurs looking to start a business
  • Fans of entrepreneurial stories
  • Athletes and sports fans

47
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator

Edwin Lefèvre
3.8 (138 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Reminiscences of a Stock Operator about?

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (1923) looks at the life and trading strategies of Jesse Livermore, a professional stock and commodities trader, through the pseudonymous character of Larry Livingston. It explores the psychological challenges and strategic complexities of trading, offering timeless insights into market behavior and the discipline required for success in the financial world.

Who should read Reminiscences of a Stock Operator?

  • Aspiring traders seeking market wisdom
  • Investors interested in trading history
  • Business students applying real-world trading

48
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Invent and Wander by Jeff Bezos

Invent and Wander

Jeff Bezos
The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos
3.2 (281 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Invent and Wander about?

Invent and Wander (2020) is a collection of writings and insights by Amazon's founder that encapsulates his professional journey and vision for progress and innovation. Through Jeff Bezos's annual shareholder letters, speeches, and interviews, the book explores his philosophy of continuous innovation and an obsession with customer satisfaction, and provides a roadmap for anyone interested in navigating the rapidly changing world of technology and business.

Who should read Invent and Wander?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and practical business insights
  • Students of business, leadership, or technology
  • Anyone interested in the evolution and workings of tech giants

49
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Sol Price by Robert E. Price

Sol Price

Robert E. Price
Retail Revolutionary and Social Innovator
4.2 (41 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Sol Price about?

Sol Price: Retail Revolutionary & Social Innovator (2012) is a deep-dive into the life and legacy of Sol Price, a pivotal figure who reshaped consumer behavior in the United States and across the world. Authored by his son, it illuminates Price's disruptive retail strategies that birthed FedMart and Price Club, and spotlights his steadfast commitment to employee welfare and customer value, a practice that became an ethical cornerstone of his expansive business empire.

Who should read Sol Price?

  • Those curious about the mechanics of the retail industry and its evolution
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for inspiration and insight 
  • Philanthropists interested in understanding how successful individuals like Sol Price used their wealth for social good

50
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Play Nice But Win by Michael Dell

Play Nice But Win

Michael Dell
A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader
3.8 (194 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Play Nice But Win about?

Play Nice But Win (2021) takes you into the thrilling world of tech entrepreneurship, offering a front-row seat to a saga of innovation, resilience, and reinvention. From humble beginnings to industry-shaping breakthroughs, you'll uncover invaluable lessons within the rollercoaster journey of one of technology's biggest disruptors. It's a riveting exploration that strikes the perfect balance between playing nice and winning big in business, and in life.

Who should read Play Nice But Win?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts
  • Business students and academics
  • Tech industry professionals and corporate leaders

51
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker

The Toyota Way

Jeffrey K. Liker
14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer
4.5 (181 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Toyota Way about?

The Toyota Way (2003) delves into Toyota's unique approach to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. It shares the foundational principles that drive Toyota's exceptional operational and organizational culture, emphasizing long-term thinking, respect for people, and problem-solving. These principles have revolutionized business, and have been adapted and applied beyond manufacturing to various sectors and industries.

Who should read The Toyota Way?

  • Anyone curious about Lean Manufacturing 
  • Business leaders seeking process improvement strategies
  • Management students and professionals studying best practices

52
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Electronic Value Exchange by David L. Stearns

Electronic Value Exchange

David L. Stearns
Origins of the VISA Electronic Payment System
4.4 (8 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Electronic Value Exchange about?

Electronic Value Exchange (2011) follows the story of Dee Ward Hock, a junior college graduate from a low-income family who created one of the most important financial organizations the world has ever seen: Visa. With historical context about America’s banking system and early credit cards, it reveals how BankAmericard went from near disaster to global success – and became the trusted Visa card we all know today.

Who should read Electronic Value Exchange?

  • Anyone interested in the global financial system
  • Students of organizational practices and joint ventures
  • History buffs curious about the connection between technology and money

53
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett

Happy Sexy Millionaire

Steven Bartlett
Unexpected Truths about Fulfillment, Love, and Success
4.4 (352 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Happy Sexy Millionaire about?

Happy Sexy Millionaire (2021) is part unfiltered memoir, part practical guide, and part desperate plea to today’s connected generation. Challenging pervasive narratives around what we “should” be chasing, it posits that fulfillment, genuine relationships, and intrinsic success are the true markers of a life well lived, and offers a range of strategies to get you on your way. 

Who should read Happy Sexy Millionaire?

  • Those feeling they may be chasing the wrong things 
  • Entrepreneurs carving out their own definition of “success” 
  • Individuals interested in self-discovery and personal development

54
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: VISA by Paul Chutkow

VISA

Paul Chutkow
The Power of an Idea
4.4 (184 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's VISA about?

Visa (2001) chronicles the humble beginnings of the founder of the Bank of America whose vision to financially empower the people gave rise to an idea that today connects over 22,000 banks and financial institutions.

Who should read VISA?

  • History buffs particularly interested in financial history
  • E-commerce enthusiasts who want to know more about technology’s role in the success of Visa
  • Finance professionals and students looking for a deeper understanding of the growth of payment systems

55
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly & Caroline Lambert

The Heart of Business

Hubert Joly & Caroline Lambert
Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism
4.2 (23 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Heart of Business about?

The Heart of Business (2021) recounts how former Best Buy CEO, Hubert Joly, led the electronics retailer to a remarkable turnaround by building a people-centric culture focused on a higher purpose. It provides a roadmap for value-driven leadership that engages employees, serves customers, and creates sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Who should read The Heart of Business?

  • Leaders seeking purpose-driven business approaches
  • Struggling business owners or entrepreneurs seeking transformation
  • Students of modern management principles

56
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: Going Infinite by Michael Lewis

Going Infinite

Michael Lewis
The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon
3.8 (233 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Going Infinite about?

Going Infinite (2023) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scandal surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried and the epic collapse of his cryptocurrency companies. It aims to answer the question: How can a man go from earning billions of dollars in a matter of years to losing it all in a matter of months?

Who should read Going Infinite?

  • News junkies interested in current financial events
  • Anyone who likes a good rise-and-fall story
  • People curious about the Sam Bankman-Fried trial

57
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived by Ralph Watson McElvenny & Marc Wortman

The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived

Ralph Watson McElvenny & Marc Wortman
Tom Watson Jr. and the Epic Story of How IBM Created the Digital Age
4.3 (15 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived about?

The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived (2023) narrates the remarkable journey of Thomas Watson Jr., the visionary leader of IBM who shook up the worlds of technology and business in the mid-twentieth century. Delving into his decision to develop the IBM System 360, a pioneering mainframe computer, it shows us how Watson’s IBM laid the foundations for today’s digital age. But this book isn’t only a study of business strategy – it’s also a fascinating portrait of a complex man and his equally complex relationship with his domineering father.

Who should read The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived?

  • Fans of business history and corporate leadership stories
  • Admirers of IBM and tech industry evolution
  • Readers interested in personal transformation and family dynamics

58
Entrepreneurial Stories Books: How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars

Brad Jacobs
3.6 (5 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Make a Few Billion Dollars about?

How to Make a Few Billion Dollars (2018) presents an insightful roadmap to assembling a team that's equipped to catapult a company to staggering heights of success. It zeroes in on the art of team building, detailing a multidimensional approach to recruit, manage, and incentivize a high performing squad.

Who should read How to Make a Few Billion Dollars?

  • Aspiring billionaires
  • Business team leaders 
  • HR recruitment specialists

Related Topics

Entrepreneurial Stories Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Entrepreneurial Stories book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard ReWork as the ultimate read on Entrepreneurial Stories.

What are the Top 10 Entrepreneurial Stories books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
  • Hatching Twitter by Nick Bilton
  • Think Like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter
  • Big Weed by Christian Hageseth
  • Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
  • The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany Mclean, Peter Elkind
  • Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
  • Getting There by Gillian Zoe Segal
  • The Airbnb Story by Leigh Gallagher
  • Alibaba by Duncan Clark

Who are the top Entrepreneurial Stories book authors?

When it comes to Entrepreneurial Stories, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
  • Nick Bilton
  • Ekaterina Walter
  • Christian Hageseth
  • Ashlee Vance