Our CEO’s Must-Read Book Recommendations

Great business leaders (and great minds in general) have an incredible passion for learning. Our CEO, Paul Bresenden, is no exception. On average, PB reads a new book every week. Here are his “must-read” recommendations for 2021.

Scaling LEAN – Ash Maurya

Mastering the key metrics for startup growth.

PB Says: Although this book is written primarily to startups, the principles and financial metrics apply to any organization. The insights that will stick with me include applying the “customer factory” principles to scale growth, extending my discipline around driving systemic growth (traction), and how to turn failure into a competitive advantage. It’s one of the best books I read this year.

Good Authority – Jonathan Raymond

How to become the leader your team is waiting for.

PB Says: My leadership style is driven by personal expertise and a drive to serve other people. However, great team cultures require more than a smart, competent (even benevolent) leader. Great teams need honest feedback, hard conversations, and a willingness to dive into healthy conflict. Good Authority brought so much to light of my own leadership failures in how I engaged with my team in the past. It also gave me clarity and courage to resolve relational conflict outside of work that needed courage and intention. This book is a must read and re-read every year.

Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker

Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams

PB Says: In our society, we tend to define success by achievement. That drive has flooded our personal and professional lives with technology, blurred boundaries around work and rest, and creates an insatiable drive for “more”. Matthew Walker’s book, “Why We Sleep” reprioritized my schedule to focus on sleep and true rest, including removing technology when not essential. I feel healthier, more creative, and more energetic.

Learn to harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses. It’s so small and obvious, but we’ve missed a huge part of how our bodies were intended to work.  

We'd love to hear what books are inspiring you right now! Leave a note in the comments below.