Best Books for the Business Owner's Library in 2025

Bookstores, libraries, and digital platforms continue to supply excellent instructional materials. Whether you're riding in the car or traveling on an airplane, you can learn from experts wherever you are. The bestseller lists on Amazon and other retailers are fantastic resources, updated regularly with current insight about the best books on the market. The following seven books are just a few that every business owner should have in their digital library in 2025.

The Millionaire Next Door

Thomas J. Stanley, PhD, first published The Millionaire Next Door in 1996. This enduring bestseller debunks the myth that most millionaires drive luxury cars and live in upscale neighborhoods. Stanley shows us that many wealthy individuals are conscientious, hardworking people who live ordinary lives, carefully managing their money and budgeting thoughtfully. In 2025, the lessons of frugality and smart financial planning remain as relevant as ever.

An Invisible Thread

In An Invisible Thread, Laura Schroff tells the true story of a remarkable friendship between a hard-working sales executive and a homeless boy on a busy New York City corner. After initially passing by, Schroff felt compelled to return and help, taking the young boy to lunch at a nearby McDonald's. Over the next four years, their lives were transformed, proving that a simple act of kindness can spark lasting change. This story resonates strongly today, emphasizing the impact of compassion in our interconnected world.

Carrots and Sticks Don't Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT

Dr. Paul Marciano's 2010 guide offers valuable wisdom on motivating employees. Organizational leaders, trainers, and HR professionals can benefit from his seven drivers for employee engagement. Marciano provides actionable methods for assessing, troubleshooting, and improving employee performance. His respectful approach to coaching and mentoring continues to inspire leaders to set high expectations while supporting their teams to achieve them.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Published on September 16, 2014, by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters, Zero to One challenges entrepreneurs to build unique businesses instead of imitating existing models. Thiel, a Stanford professor and PayPal co-founder, along with his student Masters, urge readers to ask bold questions and seek out treasure in unpredictable spots. In a world where technology and innovation rapidly evolve, the call to uncover unique opportunities remains a vital lesson for business owners in 2025.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

Tom Rath, in collaboration with The Gallup Organization, published StrengthsFinder 2.0 in 2007 to help individuals discover and develop their natural talents. Rath argues that success stems from focusing on strengths rather than merely improving weaknesses. The book includes an assessment tool that enables readers to identify their top talents, a resource that continues to empower business leaders and professionals to build high-performing teams.

No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention

In this 2020 bestseller, Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer provide an inside look at Netflix's groundbreaking culture. They explain how embracing a culture of freedom and responsibility can drive innovation and success in today’s dynamic business environment. For business owners looking to foster creativity and agility within their organizations, the lessons in No Rules Rules offer a fresh perspective on leadership and corporate culture.

Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside Them

Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini published Humanocracy in 2020 to challenge traditional bureaucratic management practices. They advocate for creating organizations that empower employees at all levels, unleashing creativity and innovation. As businesses in 2025 continue to navigate rapid technological and cultural shifts, Humanocracy provides essential strategies for building agile, human-centered organizations.

Business leaders continue to develop skills throughout their careers, and these bestsellers offer a wealth of resources to "sharpen the saw" in our ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these books deliver solid advice and fresh perspectives to help you thrive in. Happy reading and here's to your success in 2025!