Words have power. Last year had no shortage of business books, written to inspire, intrigue, and ignite the flame of leadership in their readers. The first quarter of 2026 is behind us. With three-quarters of the year to go, you may be needing some inspiration to give you a nudge into this next quarter.
After looking through best-sellers on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Forbes, and The New York Times, there are many business and leadership books that can keep you encouraged with fresh viewpoints and insight. Whether reading about past innovations, leadership gurus or building character, any of these topics can be applied to your business, your role, and your mindset.
1. Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World
Written by Scott D. Anthony, this book focuses on eleven inventions and innovations that became revolutionary. In an age where we are watching AI revolutionize our world, Anthony gives insight to products of the past who were also disruptions upon their creation. Throughout time, from the ninth century to the twenty-first, we learn the history behind each innovation, its story, and the people behind it. These iconic innovators thought differently through their unique vision and intellect, making history one development at a time, proving how their innovations became disruptions to processes and developments for years to come.
2. A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership
In this inspiring read, four authors, Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram Malhotra and Kurt Strovink, give you “a crash course in how to be an effective CEO.” Their combined wisdom in working with Fortune 500 CEOs takes you through the stages of corporate leadership from beginning to middle and to end. This team of writers gleaned knowledge from well-known CEOs such as Michael Dell of Dell Technologies and Chevron’s Mike Wirth. This book will help you continue the trajectory of leadership while alerting you to blind spots you may miss along the way.
3. Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Adam Grant’s most recent New York Times Bestseller inspires readers to look beyond natural talent or skills and understand that success comes from growth and character. Each of us has the ability to achieve great things, but getting there may not look like we expect. Learning skills and creating opportunities to realize our potential is the key to reaching new heights. This applies to us as well as inspiring others in their journeys to success.
4. Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs
In this top seller by Keri Karra Sillaman, be amazed by success stories of immigrant entrepreneurs. Beginning with limited resources, these immigrants have built businesses that are unique and have created a legacy in their field and in their families. Through research and case studies, Sillman uncovers principles that create a blueprint for all business leaders to pursue enduring and profitable success in their fields.
5. Wisdom Takes Work: Learn. Apply. Repeat.
Writer Ryan Holiday’s final volume of his Stoic Virtues Series takes a look at wisdom — the hardest virtue to come by. When our world seeks immediate gratification and using ChatGPT for answers, wisdom has become less sought after. In business, seeking power and influence over wisdom creates the need for shortcuts, leaving us listening and thinking less. Reflecting on the lives of wise role models such as Abraham Lincoln, Holiday proves that while seeking wisdom isn’t always the easy path, it is the most promising.
The beginning of gaining wisdom in your business could start with one of these books. Whether you need a little inspiration during a tough season or you are working on leading a team towards new opportunities, diving into a great read can start you on a trajectory toward greater business success. Don’t wait, start reading and start improving your business today.
