One of the best returns on investment you can make
As regular readers of my articles will be aware, one of my favourite podcasts (and often the inspiration for my articles) is David Senra's founders.? One of the things I find fascinating in listening to these podcasts about some of history's greatest founders / entrepreneurs is most of these individuals are / were avid readers of biographies and auto-biographies of other founders.? In fact, many of history's greatest founders and entrepreneurs have credited non-fiction reading as a source of wisdom and inspiration.
Lifetimes of wisdom
In this era of endless distractions, where social media notifications and swiping is the norm, one of the most profound—and often overlooked—investments you can make is reading non-fiction books.? These aren’t just collections of ideas; they are lifetimes of experience, knowledge, and wisdom, condensed into a format you can consume in a matter of hours.
Every great non-fiction book reflects a unique equation: it takes the author a lifetime to learn, years to write, and only hours for you to read.? The reader nets the difference—gaining unparalleled access to the author’s hard-earned lessons, insights, and expertise.
Let’s explore why this condensation of effort into accessible knowledge makes non-fiction books one of the highest-yield investments in your personal and professional growth.
1. Compressing a lifetime into hours
When you pick up a great non-fiction book, you’re not just reading words—you’re stepping into the shoes of someone who has spent decades mastering a subject, building a business, or overcoming challenges.
For instance, Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs allows you to condense the iconic entrepreneur’s career into a weekend.? Similarly, Ray Dalio’s Principles encapsulates decades of leadership, decision-making, and investment strategies into actionable frameworks you can apply immediately.
The ROI is unparalleled: the author spends years crafting the book, and you walk away with the essence of their life’s work in just a few hours.
2. The ultimate shortcut to mastery
Non-fiction books allow you to dive deeply into subjects without dedicating a lifetime to studying them yourself.? You’re not just learning about a topic; you’re absorbing the trial-and-error processes, the breakthroughs, and the failures of people who have already walked the path you’re on.
Consider how books like Eric Ries’s The Lean Startup or Jim Collins’s Good to Great distill years of research, experimentation, and practice into practical strategies.? These books provide you with the blueprints for success, enabling you to sidestep common pitfalls and accelerate your progress.
3. Timeless lessons at a fraction of the cost
The value of non-fiction books lies in their ability to deliver timeless insights for a minimal investment.? For less than $30 and a few hours of your time, you gain access to lessons that could otherwise take years—and thousands of dollars—to learn through formal education, coaching, or trial and error.
Take Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor, which has guided generations of investors toward financial success.? The principles outlined in this book can save you from costly financial mistakes, offering a return on investment that far exceeds its price.
4. Broadening your perspective
Reading non-fiction isn’t just about solving specific problems—it’s about expanding your mental horizons.? Whether it’s a book on leadership, psychology, or economics, non-fiction books challenge you to think differently, equipping you with tools to navigate complex situations.
Books like Daniel Pink’s Drive or Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens help you see the world from new angles, fostering creativity and critical thinking that can drive innovation in your career or business.
5. The edge in professional development
Leaders are readers.? It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s top executives and entrepreneurs attribute their success to their reading habits.? Non-fiction books sharpen your skills, deepen your industry knowledge, and keep you ahead of trends.
When you read books like Angela Duckworth’s Grit or Simon Sinek’s Start With Why, you’re not just gaining insights—you’re gaining an edge in your career.? You’re equipping yourself with the tools to lead, inspire, and succeed.
6. Non-fiction ROI: measurable impact
The benefits of reading non-fiction extend far beyond personal satisfaction.? Here are tangible ways non-fiction books deliver ROI:
For example, after reading Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, many professionals report improved productivity, better team dynamics, and more clarity in their goals—all of which translate to measurable outcomes.
Tips to maximise the ROI of non-fiction reading
Conclusion: the exponential value of non-fiction books
The ROI of non-fiction books is not just about the knowledge you gain—it’s about the transformation that knowledge enables.? Every book is an opportunity to shortcut your learning curve by tapping into the expertise of someone who has already been where you want to go.
The question isn’t whether you have time to read.? The question is: "Can you afford not to?"
Which non-fiction book has delivered the greatest ROI for you? ?Share your recommendations—I’d love to learn from your journey.
Superannuation technology | Super processing for payroll teams and payroll technologies
17 小时前A great article, thank you. "Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet. An amazing read on how giving trust and decision making powers down the ranks, and how empowering individuals creates a culture of leaders and a successful organisation. David challenged traditional methods of leadership as the captain of a US navy submarine. A read for anyone and particularly those in a leadership role. I have also never forgotten the stories told by Simon Sinek in his book "Start With Why" of Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines. I worked for leaders with the same attributes and it was an experience that I'll never forget.
Private Equity Leader | Board Member | Non-Executive Director | Governance & Strategic Growth
1 天前Great post, Tom. The ROI on investing in leadership—through books, reflection, and continuous learning—is hard to overstate. Some of the best value creation journeys I’ve seen in PE started with a founder or CEO who took inspiration from a book or idea that shifted their perspective. As seasoned investors, we often focus on metrics and models, but it’s these moments of personal growth that drive real transformation. Thanks for the reminder!
An operations executive with particular experience in the growth & scale of VC/PE PortCo's, Telco, Media, Tech, Infra, Renewable Energy, Blue Economy ... enabled by Digital, AI and Data, Operating Capabilities Uplift
1 天前Thanks Tom. A few stand outs you’ve highlighted with The Lean Startup remaining my most helpful and favourite of all time.
Chief Executive Officer at Kodora.ai | Australia's leading Artificial Intelligence company | Join our Chief AI Officer Network
1 天前All of these should be on everyone's bookshelf.