30 Great Books to Read Over Your Holiday Break to Prepare You for an Epic Business Year in 2025

The holiday season is the perfect time to unwind, reflect, and get inspired for the year ahead. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, curled up by a fireplace, or stealing a quiet moment with a cup of tea, the right book can offer transformative insights to set you up for success. Here’s a curated list of 30 books to fuel your mindset, strategy, and creativity as you prepare for an epic business year in 2025.

Mindset & Personal Growth

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
   Discover how small changes can lead to remarkable results in your personal and professional life.
2. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
   Learn the power of vulnerability and how it can transform your relationships and leadership style.
3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
   These timeless principles will help you cultivate inner peace and clarity in decision-making.
4. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
   Tap into ancient wisdom to enhance your focus, gratitude, and purpose.
5. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
   Shift your money mindset and unlock abundance with this no-nonsense guide.
6. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
   Embrace authenticity and let go of perfectionism to lead with confidence.
7. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
   Reignite your creativity with this iconic guide to overcoming blocks and nurturing your artistic spirit.

Leadership & Business Strategy

1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
   Explore how great leaders create trust and foster collaboration within teams.
2. Good to Great by Jim Collins
   Understand what sets successful companies apart and how you can apply these principles to your own ventures.
3. Drive by Daniel H. Pink
   Learn what truly motivates people and how you can inspire your team to achieve their best.
4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
   A must-read for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses through innovation and agility.
5. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
   Master the art of giving and receiving feedback to create stronger, more effective teams.
6. Traction by Gino Wickman
   Learn how to run your business with a clear vision and proven systems for growth.
7. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
   Get a behind-the-scenes look at Netflix’s groundbreaking corporate culture and innovation strategies.

Marketing & Branding

1. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
   Transform your messaging to captivate your audience and grow your business.
2. This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
   Gain insights into creating meaningful connections with your customers.
3. Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
   Understand the psychology of persuasion and how it can elevate your marketing strategies.
4. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
   Simplify your marketing strategy and create actionable steps for success.
5. Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi
   Learn how to build a powerful business by focusing on audience-first content marketing.
6. Hooked by Nir Eyal
   Dive into the science of creating products and services that keep customers coming back.

Productivity & Organisation

1. Deep Work by Cal Newport
   Master the skill of focused work in an increasingly distracted world.
2. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
   Prioritise what truly matters by eliminating the non-essential.
3. Getting Things Done by David Allen
   Learn actionable strategies to organise your tasks and maximise productivity.
4. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
   Discover the habits of early risers and how to structure your day for success.
5. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
   Find practical tips for carving out time for what truly matters.

Finance & Scaling Your Business

1. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
   A game-changing approach to managing your business finances for sustainable growth.
2. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
   Discover why many small businesses fail and how you can create systems for long-term success.
3. Principles by Ray Dalio
   Explore the principles that shaped one of the world’s most successful investors and leaders.
4. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne
   Learn how to create uncontested market spaces and make your competition irrelevant.
5. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
   Get timeless financial insights to improve your money management skills and entrepreneurial mindset.

How to Make the Most of This Reading List

1. Set Your Intentions: Choose books that align with your current goals and challenges.
2. Take Notes: Jot down key takeaways and actionable insights as you read.
3. Create a Plan: Incorporate what you’ve learned into your 2025 business strategy.
4. Share the Journey: Discuss your favourite reads with your team, peers, or business coach to deepen your understanding and spark new ideas.