The right book has the power to change your career trajectory and leave you with lessons that last a lifetime.
Bill Gates learned how to deepen his relationships and become a better communicator after picking up a “must-read” book: “How To Know A Person,” by New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks. Six different books changed Richard Branson’s life, ranging from memoirs to self-help novels, the self-made billionaire told CNBC Make It in July.
The same holds true for non-billionaires. Jasmine McCall, an entrepreneur making $143,000 a month in passive income, says books helped her kickstart her business, a career consulting company called PayBump.
“I didn’t have a mentor, a big social media following, or any startup capital,” McCall wrote for Make It in March. “I just had a drive to help people find great careers, and advice from some of my favorite books.”
Make It asked a group of successful CEOs, researchers and career coaches about the books that inspired …