The Best Books & Movies for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs draw inspiration from many sources, but books and movies often provide some of the most impactful lessons. On this episode of Start, Scale, Exit, Repeat, we explored how literature and cinema influence business leaders and what titles have left a lasting impression on our entrepreneurial journeys.

Books That Shape Entrepreneurs

• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber: This book emphasizes the importance of systems in business, not just people. McDonald’s success, for example, is built on standardized procedures, allowing businesses to function smoothly regardless of staff turnover.
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: A must-read for understanding wealth-building through investments in income-generating assets rather than liabilities.
• Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne: Encourages entrepreneurs to innovate and create untapped market space instead of competing in oversaturated markets.
• Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore: Essential reading for tech entrepreneurs looking to navigate the early adoption phase and scale their business effectively.
• The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker: Focuses on prioritization and the importance of making strategic decisions to optimize business growth.

Movies & Shows That Inspire Business Leaders

• Halt and Catch Fire: A brilliant depiction of how entrepreneurs identify technological shifts and seize opportunities.
• Silicon Valley: A hilarious yet educational take on the trials and triumphs of startup culture.
• The Social Network: Demonstrates that ideas alone are worthless—execution is everything.
• Moneyball: Shows how data-driven decision-making can revolutionize industries.
• Joy: The story of Joy Mangano, who transformed a simple idea into a QVC empire through sheer determination and ingenuity.
• The Greatest Showman: A testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of assembling a diverse and talented team.
• WeCrashed: A cautionary tale of unchecked ambition and the dangers of over-reliance on venture capital.
• The Wolf of Wall Street: Highlights both the allure and ethical pitfalls of aggressive sales tactics.
• The Founder: Chronicles the rise of McDonald’s and the power of systems over individual effort.

As entrepreneurs, we constantly seek knowledge and motivation. Whether through a compelling biography, a strategic business book, or a gripping film, there are endless opportunities to learn.