If you want to become an entrepreneur, you need to have a penchant for disruption and a flair for innovation. These are two of the ingredients that help set great entrepreneurs apart from good ones.
Here is what some entrepreneurs have to say about their favorite books on disruption or innovation.
1. Disrupt!: 100 Lessons in Business Innovation, by James Bidwell
Disrupt!: 100 Lessons in Business Innovation, by James Bidwell 100 Lessons in Business Innovation, written by Springwise’s James Bidwell, is perhaps the best book of this decade. The book is full of case studies and real-world examples. It offers insights into brands that have altered our business landscape. The publication discusses firms of all shapes and sizes, from start-ups to established MNCs. The text lays down a complete framework for budding business people. If there ever was a ‘must-read,’ this book is the one. And it’s easy to come by. I suggest you grab a copy right away.
Alex Williams, CFO Findthisbest
2. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime! by MJ DeMarco
I tend to relate to this book when disruption and innovation come to mind. This disrupts the idea of traditional patterns altogether. It implies that a job is not required if one has to become successful. Previously, I was chained to the concept of saving and curbing my wants if I wanted to be successful. This is a slow lane to being wealthy, and entrepreneurship is the fast lane if you wish to be a millionaire. Hope is the central aspect of this book and encourages an individual to be daring and take risks. The book provided me with practical financial advice.
Nicole Bolton, Marketing Manager at Iconic Celebrity Outfits
3. Innovation and Its Enemies: Why People Resist New Technologies, by Calestous Juma
This book has helped me cope with the ever-changing market. I have realized that you can’t survive without adapting. So, after giving modern technologies a read, I’m more accepting of them. It has helped me improve my workflow. Additionally, the author stirs up controversy, but it gives people insights into the benefits of adopting new tools. Calestous Juma gives the scoop on developments in the innovation sector. Due to this, we can assess the upcoming challenges and propose possible solutions. Innovation and its Enemies is a beacon of hope for all companies looking to succeed in the future. It’s also a worthwhile read to learn more about collaborating and moving forward.
Andrew Johnson, CEO of Prime Seamless
4. The Innovator’s DNA
The Innovator’s DNA is one of the best books on disruption and innovation. This book by Jeff Dyer identifies five traits of disruptive innovators. He analyzes the behavior of innovative leaders from Google, Apple, Amazon and Skype. The Innovator’s DNA guides readers on how they can learn these five essential skills. These are association, question, observe, network, and experiment. The author conducted eight years of research to establish these skill sets. This book is a fascinating read for people looking to turn their ideas into reality.
Jamie Penney, Founder of TheBackyardPros
5. A Manager’s Guide to Disruptive Innovation – Philippe Silberzahn
Innovation and disruption are the most talked about topics in the corporate world. Many companies tend to fail in the race to be more innovative and disruptive. This very famous book by Philippe Silberzahn talks about why big companies fail. It also suggests practical ways of turning disruptions into opportunities. The main takeaway from this book is about managerial practices. The lack of imagination or innovation is what prevents businesses from being disruptive. The anecdotes and actual cases of businesses that failed in the name of disruption are abundant in this book.
Amy Wampler, CEO of Spartan Mechanical
6. Start With Why – Simon Sinek
In 2011, Simon Sinek wrote the book “Start With Why.” It has been one of the best sellers in its domain since then. The author is a motivational speaker who has inspired millions across the globe. He took inspiration from his own Ted Talk from 2010, which is still the third most viewed Ted video ever. Simon starts his book with a simple question “Why are some organizations or some people more influential than others?” He then continues to talk about the importance of “why” over “what” and “how” in any business or innovation. If you want to know how innovators and entrepreneurs think. This book will get you into the depths of it and reshape your whole thought process. Surely, one of the best and my favorite books about innovation.
Greg Rozdeba, President of Dundas Life
7. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
If you want to read about disruption and innovation, choose this book. This book very clearly explains what an entrepreneur must do to survive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. On the other side, it explains why large companies find it challenging to be disruptive. The relationship between innovation and ventures is clearly explained, and how one can bypass such a hurdle. It provides actionable insights into what a business can do to innovate. This book has revolutionized corporate America and aims to help struggling managers, CEOs and entrepreneurs.
Zach Tetley, CEO of Nexus Home Buyers
Keep these best books for entrepreneurs close to you and consult them often. They can provide invaluable wisdom when you need advice on how to be the best business owner you can be!
