Leaders Are Readers

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Over my years of working with business owners, I’ve noticed one thing they all share. They love to read!

Yes, I did indeed say that.

Nothing saddens me more than when I hear people say that after college they never read a book again. Ouch!

You’ll never find me without a book in hand, in the car, or on my desk. And when traveling, I have a rule — A.C.B. — Always Carry a Book! Traffic jams, accidents, and other delays are no longer wasted time when you can read.

And it’s a business maxim as well that the more you learn (and apply) the more you earn.

The data backs this up, too. Warren Buffett reads six hours a day. Bill Gates finishes 50 books a year. Now, I’m not suggesting you need to do either of those things — but I am suggesting that if the most successful people in the world prioritize reading, there’s something to consider!

Here’s why I think it matters so much for business owners like you:

Reading sharpens your thinking. When you run a business, decisions come at you fast — about people, money, strategy, and direction. Books give you better information to help make key decisions wisely. They sometimes provide an outside perspective that is exactly what you need to solve the problem right in front of you.

Reading makes you a better leader. Understanding what motivates your team, how great cultures get built, and why good people stay — or leave — makes you a more effective, empathetic leader. People follow leaders who understand them, and reading helps get you there.

Reading keeps you relevant. The one constant in the business landscape is change. Ask yourself: are you seeing change coming, or are you regularly caught off guard by it? Owners who read consistently are rarely blindsided — they see it coming and they’re ready. That’s a competitive advantage you simply can’t ignore.

So where do you start? Here are five books I’d encourage you to explore:

1. The Predictive Hiring Model – Chad Carter — A practical, six-discipline framework for hiring the right people every time. I’m  proud of this one — we had the joy of coaching Chad through the writing process and publishing it through WCG Publishing. It’s a great read for any business owner who’s ever made a costly hiring mistake.

2. Reset – Dan Heath — A straight-talking playbook for scaling your business around People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. Rated one of the top business books of 2025. A must-read if you’re serious about growth.

3. The Thinking Machine – Stephen Witt — The fascinating story of Nvidia and what truly bold, long-term leadership looks like. You’ll walk away inspired — and thinking differently about your own decisions.

4. The Power of Mattering – Zach Mercurio — A wonderful book about making your team feel seen, valued, and genuinely important. Endorsed by Simon Sinek and Seth Godin — it’s well worth your time.

5. High Road Leader – John C. Maxwell — Classic Maxwell wisdom for a divided world. A timely and encouraging reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you lead.

You don’t have to read 50 books a year — start with one. Put it on your nightstand. Listen to it on your commute. Just start.

The right book at the right time has a way of changing everything — and you might just find the idea that takes your business to the next level.

Reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. The best leaders don’t just read stories–they write them. And many of the best business books are written by owners just like you. If you’ve got a book you’ve always wanted to write — or have written for you — reach out.

As always, we’re here to help you with your passions, purpose, and processes.