10 Best Business Books for 2025

Good for: Startups, founders and teams.

This timeless read, newly updated for its 15^th anniversary, continues to resonate in the modern business landscape. Sinek’s message is simple but compelling: People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

For startups and growing businesses, anchoring your work in a clear purpose will bring clarity to your brand, your culture, and your team’s motivation. Coworkers aligned around a shared ‘why’ are also likely to be more engaged, driven, and invested in your company’s success.

Good for: Leadership teams, SMEs and entrepreneurs.

Rumelt’s no-nonsense approach cuts through business jargon to expose what strategy really is – and importantly, what it isn’t! Instead of relying on vague goals, he champions focused thinking and decisive action. Rumelt’s case studies, drawn from both business and military history, also illustrate how successful strategies are often surprisingly simple but are rooted in sharp insight. Perfect for those shaping a company’s future or rallying a team around tough decisions, this book gives a practical toolkit for turning insight into advantage.

Good for: Startups, teams and freelancers launching new ideas.

This modern classic by Eric Ries transforms how we think about launching and growing a business.

Through fast iteration, real-time customer feedback, and MVPs (minimum viable products), Ries helps founders avoid wasting time and resources. If you’re navigating uncertainty or fine-tuning a new idea, this book is your roadmap to smarter experimentation and faster growth.

Good for: Freelancers, coworkers, managers and anyone growing their soft skills.

For those looking to improve their communication skills across a wide variety of personal and professional settings, Williams’ straightforward guide is perfect for those who struggle with small talk, pitching to clients, or building rapport within your team.

Williams offers easy-to-follow tools for improving conversation, and offers tips on body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and listening skills to create a more confident presence.

Providing real-life applications, with scenarios and helpful tips that make the concepts feel valuable, it’s perfect for occasions where first impressions and casual conversations often set the tone for long-term opportunities. It’s a great soft-skills companion to more technical business reads.

Good for: All women in business.

Designed for women stepping into leadership roles, business coach Jemma Roedel’s book blends confidence coaching with practical advice. From leading teams and giving feedback to overcoming imposter syndrome, this book advocates emotional intelligence, influence, and resilience. It’s especially helpful for those navigating new responsibilities or building their leadership identity.

Additionally, the book discusses how women can communicate effectively with their teams, alongside handling difficult conversations, providing feedback, and building trust.

Although the book is aimed at those new to leadership, it also provides value for experienced professionals who want to revisit the basics with a fresh perspective.

Good for: Entrepreneurs, busy professionals, coworkers, and small business teams.

A business classic, Atomic Habits by James Clear, remains a firm favourite for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses alike.

With a practical framework for making small, consistent changes that lead to big results over time, it’s perfect for leaders or entrepreneurs who are constantly juggling decisions and operating in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Whether you’re trying to build better systems or create a culture of accountability, this book delivers.

Good for: Tech-driven startups, digital entrepreneurs, and future-focused leaders.

Competing in the Age of AI is a sharp, forward-thinking read that explores how AI is transforming competition, leadership, and value creation in an increasingly digital world.

Providing a clear understanding of how AI is reshaping the foundations of competition, organisational structure, and leadership, this book offers lessons from companies like Amazon and Airbnb and provides a blueprint for building AI-first business models. Startups can learn how to scale smartly from day one while teams gain insight into how data, networks, and automation can reshape their work.

Good for: Founders, CEOs and operational leads.

Unlike books that focus on success stories or polished leadership theories, business veteran, Ben Horowitz delivers a candid perspective on what it really takes to run a company, making it one of the most respected books in the startup and business world.

Straight away, Horowitz dives straight into the messy, uncomfortable decisions that leaders face. These can range from laying off employees to surviving crises and navigating rapid growth without losing control. His stories offer both solace and guidance to those in the thick of entrepreneurship. It’s a must-read for leaders making tough calls and anyone circumnavigating chaos.

Good for: Teams, founders and those pursuing long-term goals.

Grit redefines success as a product of effort and endurance, making it deeply relevant for modern businesses, founders, and teams aiming to go the distance.

Duckworth challenges the notion that talent alone leads to achievement. Her research-backed approach helps businesses build resilient teams and encourages individuals to commit deeply to their passion. For startups and freelancers working through growing pains, this book is a motivational reset.

Good for: Marketers, startups, branding teams, and customer-facing professionals.

Miller shows how to craft brand messaging that’s simple, clear, and inspirational.

For those looking to stand out and connect with their audience, Miller’s story-driven framework explains what sets successful businesses apart and how their ability to tell a story that customers can instantly connect with is increasingly essential.

Miller teaches those to articulate not just what their company does but why it matters – a vital component when pitching to investors, attracting early adopters, or developing a brand identity.

In a world where clarity wins, it’s a must-read for anyone building a business, brand, or team.

Why not take a break from your screen and dive into one of these titles at our onsite library? Our cosy nooks are the perfect space for diving into a great book! A quiet corner and a little inspiration – just what every workday needs.