World Book Day: 8 business books we loved reading
World Book Day isn’t just for childhood classics & the chance for children to dress up. Sometimes the most page-turning stories involve start-ups, surfboards, and solving real-world problems.
This year, we thought we’d share a list of business books that genuinely inspired us, challenged us, and most importantly, didn’t put us to sleep halfway through.
1. Problem Prospecting by Mark Ackers, Richard Smith & Stuart Taylor
If you think sales is about pushing products, this book will (politely but firmly) change your mind.
Problem Prospecting basically flips traditional selling on its head. Instead of chasing sales, it encourages you to look out for real business problems worth solving.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s practical, but not fluffy.
- It’s refreshing for anyone especially tired of “always be closing” clichés.
- It makes you rethink how you approach conversations – in business and beyond.
- It’s basically detective work… but for grown-ups with calendars full of meetings.
2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Ever wondered what it takes to build one of the most recognised brands in the world?
Shoe Dog is the memoir of Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, and it reads less like a boring corporate playbook and more like a high-stakes adventure story.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s honest about the chaos that often surrounds success.
- It proves even giants start scrappy.
- It’s packed with “how did they survive that?” moments.
- So if you like your business stories with a side of near-bankruptcy drama, then this one’s for you.
3. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Business, but make it outdoorsy.
In Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard shares the philosophy behind building the brand Patagonia, all without selling your soul or the planet.
Why we loved this book:
- It challenges growth-at-all-costs thinking.
- It takes environmental activism and simultaneously blends it with traditional entrepreneurship.
- It makes you question what “success” really means.
- It’s business with heart – and a wetsuit.
4. Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
You’ve probably heard of the “Start With Why” concept. However, Find Your Why by Simon Sinek takes it further.
Unlike most books, this isn’t just theory, it’s actually a practical guide to figuring out what drives you and your team.
Why we loved this book:
- It sparks meaningful conversations.
- It’s great for team workshops.
- It helps align work with purpose.
Warning: you may end up having deep chats over coffee afterwards.
5. Articulating Design Decisions by Tom Greever
If you’ve ever struggled to explain why your idea works, this one’s for you.
Articulating Design Decisions is all about communicating creative work clearly and confidently – especially when feedback starts flying.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s incredibly relatable.
- It turns otherwise awkward feedback sessions into productive conversations.
- It’s useful far beyond design teams.
Basically, fewer defensive moments, more “aha” moments.
6. The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Hal Burrows, William Oncken & Ken Blanchard
You had us at monkey.
The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey (by Hal Burrows, William Oncken, and Ken Blanchard) tackles a surprisingly common issue, which is why managers end up doing everyone else’s work.
Spoiler: it’s about “monkeys” – aka tasks – jumping from one person’s back to another’s.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s simple and actionable.
- It’s weirdly memorable.
- It might completely change how you run meetings.
As soon as you see the monkeys, you can’t unsee them.
7. Zappos: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
Culture and service isn’t just a buzzword or a trend – it’s a strategy.
In Zappos: Delivering Happiness, the late Tony Hsieh shares how Zappos built a brand specifically around customer experience and company culture.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s bold about prioritising people.
- It proves culture drives profit.
- It’s full of unconventional thinking.
- It’ll make you rethink what “good service” actually looks like.
8. Sprint by Jake Knapp (with John Zeratsky & Braden Kowitz)
Short on time? Then this one is perfect.
Sprint (by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz) lays out a five-day process for solving big problems and testing new ideas – and quickly.
Why we loved this book:
- It’s structured but creative.
- It’s practical for real teams.
- It saves repeated “this could’ve been an email” moments.
Five days. One room. Big clarity.
Final Chapter
Business books don’t have to be dry, jargon-heavy doorstops. The best ones can also tell stories, challenge assumptions, and leave you thinking differently about how you work. It also helps if it’s relatable to the work that you do.
So this World Book Day, whether you’re building a startup, leading a team, designing a product, or just love a good origin story – there’s something here for you.
Now the only question is… which one are you adding to your reading list first?
Get in touch with us and let us know what books you’d recommend – we’d love to add them to our library!
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