Let’s talk about something that separates the good from the great—reading. Did you know that CEOs read an average of 52 books a year? That’s one book a week. Why? Because reading fuels your brain with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and strategies that can unlock the next level of your career, business, and life. If you’re not reading, you’re falling behind. Period.

That’s why I’m sharing my personal list of 10 must-read business books for 2024 and beyond. Books that have challenged my thinking, sparked new ideas, and given me the tools to take action. Whether you’re looking to lead better, think sharper, or dominate your industry, these books will help you get there.

So grab your coffee, clear your distractions, and dive into this list. Here’s why these books need to be on your shelf and what they can do for you.

1. Think Again by Adam Grant

We’ve been taught to stick to our guns and hold onto what we “know,” but what if unlearning is the real superpower? Adam Grant challenges us to let go of outdated ideas and embrace curiosity as a strength. This book is about rethinking, adapting, and leading in a way that inspires innovation.
Buy here: Think Again

3 Takeaways:

• How to embrace being wrong as a growth opportunity.
• Why curiosity and humility are essential for great leadership.
• How to build teams that challenge the status quo and drive innovation.

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2. They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan

Forget traditional marketing tactics. Marcus Sheridan flips the script and shows how radical honesty is the ultimate business strategy. This book is all about answering your audience’s questions openly and building trust that converts into loyal customers. Buy here: They Ask You Answer

3 Takeaways:

• Transparency creates trust and drives sales.
• Content that answers real questions positions you as the go-to expert.
• Stop selling—start helping—and watch your business grow.

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3. The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of us give advice way too soon, and it’s killing our leadership potential. This book teaches you how to lead by listening first and unleashing the power of asking better questions. Buy here: The Advice Trap

3 Takeaways:

• Why staying curious longer makes you a better coach and leader.
• How to stop jumping in with advice and start empowering others.
• The seven essential questions that unlock deeper conversations.

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4. Who Not How by Dan Sullivan

Your biggest breakthroughs won’t come from asking, “How do I do this?” but “Who can help me do this?” Dan Sullivan shows how collaboration and delegation unlock massive success. Buy here: Who Not How

3 Takeaways:

• How to focus on your strengths and delegate the rest.
• Why working with the right people accelerates growth.
• Stop trying to do everything—start building your dream team.

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5. The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler

The Prosperous Coach is a practical guide for coaches who want to build a profitable business and attract the right clients. Chandler and Ragsdale focus on the fundamentals of coaching success—creating genuine relationships, delivering value, and building a thriving practice. Buy here: The Prosperous Coach

Why I Love It:
Chandler’s straightforward, no-fluff approach provides actionable steps for turning coaching into a thriving business. It’s not about sales—it’s about serving others and building trust.

3 Takeaways:

• How to create lasting relationships with clients.
• Why focusing on service over sales leads to massive business growth.
• How to use client success stories to attract more high-paying clients.

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6. Traction by Gino Wickman

Traction is a guide to gaining control of your business. Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helps entrepreneurs and leaders create clarity, alignment, and accountability within their organizations. Buy here: Traction

Why I Love It:
This book gave me the framework I needed to systematize my business operations. If you’re running a growing organization, this book is a must-have for driving results and getting everyone on the same page.

3 Takeaways:

• How to implement EOS to streamline operations and get more done.
• Why clarity and focus are the keys to business growth.
• How to build a team that works in sync to achieve company goals.

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7. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

Most leaders don’t need to work harder—they need to lead smarter. This book teaches the art of coaching through simple yet powerful questions that unlock potential and drive better results. Buy here: The Coaching Habit 

3 Takeaways:

• How to ask questions that spark action and insight.
• Why leading with curiosity transforms your relationships.
• The seven questions every great coach should master.

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8. Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount

Hate cold calling? You won’t after this book. Jeb Blount teaches how to crush it in sales by building a pipeline full of opportunities and mastering the art of persistence. Buy here: Fanatical Prospecting

3 Takeaways:

• Why prospecting is the lifeblood of any successful sales strategy.
• How to stay consistent even when motivation dips.
• Proven techniques for converting prospects into loyal clients.

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9. The Million Dollar Group Method by Landon Stewart & Chris Stapleton

Want to build a thriving community that pays dividends? This book reveals how to create high-impact groups that solve problems, drive connection, and scale your income. Here here: The Million Dollar Group Method

3 Takeaways:

• Why solving one big problem makes your group indispensable.
• How to build trust through authenticity and over-delivering value.
• The exact steps to create a profitable, purpose-driven community.

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10. 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan

If you think scaling your success means working twice as hard, you’re doing it wrong. Dan Sullivan reveals how focusing on what works best and letting go of distractions creates exponential growth. Buy here: 10x Is Easier Than 2x

3 Takeaways:

• Why focusing on your “unique ability” creates massive leverage.
• How simplifying your approach leads to 10x results.
• The mindset shifts needed to think and act bigger.

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Honorable Mentions (Not Top-10)

The Twin Thieves by Steve Jones & Lucas Jadin

Fear of failure and fear of judgment—these are the “twin thieves” that rob us of our potential. Jones and Jadin dive deep into how these fears hold us back and offer actionable tools to conquer them. This book is about choosing courage over comfort, resilience over self-doubt, and leadership over playing it safe. Buy here: The Twin Thieves

Why I Love It:
This book isn’t just about fear—it’s about using fear to fuel your success. The authors’ stories and strategies hit hard, making it a must-read for anyone striving to lead with confidence and purpose.

3 Takeaways:

• How to identify and overcome the fears that keep you stuck.
• The importance of resilience and leading with authenticity.
• Why embracing failure as a teacher accelerates your growth.

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Day Trading Attention by Gary Vaynerchuk

In a world where attention is currency, Gary Vee shows us how to trade it like pros. This book is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to stay relevant, build a loyal audience, and dominate in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Buy here: Day Trading Attention

Why I Love It:
Gary Vee’s no-nonsense approach to marketing is refreshing and practical. He’s not just telling you to create content—he’s showing you how to make it matter.

3 Takeaways:

• Why attention is the most valuable asset in the digital age.
• How to craft content that connects, converts, and keeps people coming back.
• The importance of consistency and adapting to where the attention is shifting.

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Compete Every Day by Jake Thompson

Winning isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a mindset, a habit, and a daily discipline. Jake Thompson teaches you how to bring your best effort, no matter the circumstances. This book is your guide to showing up, staying focused, and pushing past your limits to reach your goals. Buy here: Compete Every Day

Why I Love It:
This book is pure fuel for anyone who thrives on competition, whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone who refuses to settle for mediocrity. It’s all about competing with yesterday’s version of yourself.

3 Takeaways:

• How to create daily habits that build momentum and drive results.
• Why competing against yourself is the key to long-term success.
• How to embrace adversity and show up ready to win every day.

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Why Read? Why Now?

Reading isn’t just for learning—it’s for rewiring your brain, expanding your thinking, and sparking new ideas. Whether you want to lead better, sell more, or simply show up as the best version of yourself, books are your secret weapon.

Which book are you picking up first? Hit reply and let me know—or share your own recommendations. Let’s make 2024 the year of leveling up.

Talk soon,

Chris Burns