The Top Three Business Books I Read In 2024

Seeing the world from a single perspective might feel more comfortable, but it limits your horizon and stifles critical thinking. Broaden your mind by diving into books that are outside of your usual reading list. Explore new genres and let them inspire you.

I hope my 2024 book selection will help you discover a book worth reading, to broaden your horizon, and to motivate you to dive into more books in 2025.

Remember the wise words of Adam Grant: “You don’t have a moral obligation to finish every book you started. Stopping doesn’t mean you have a lack of grit. It means you have the wisdom to let go of sunk costs. Reading is for entertainment and education. If it doesn’t bring joy or insight, move on.”

My Top 3 Reads in 2024

Good, well-written books that deliver a message that stands out and give you a new perspective are rare and difficult to find! My top 3 reads in 2024 are:

Remember, reading is something very personal and the books might not resonate with you depending on what answers you are looking for.

Hidden Potential. The science of achieving greater things (Adam Grant)

Why I love it…

The book is not only entertaining but also packed with a lot of actionable advice. Plus, if you are eager to dig deeper, you can take a quiz to identify your strengths and areas of growth at https://adamgrant.net/quizzes/

Who is it for…

This book is perfect for anyone looking to unlock their hidden potential and achieve greater things.

What you will learn…

Build you character. Embrace a growth mindset, soak up knowledge like a sponge, and dive into challenges before you even feel ready.

Look outward. Seek feedback and advice, find mentors, and create structures and routines to keep your motivation high.

Seize opportunities. Actively create and grab chances for your own growth and design systems that allow everyone around to grow to.

Master of change (Brad Stulberg)

Why I love it…

I appreciate the book for its practical wisdom and actionable strategies. It is engaging and filled with real-life examples that make complex concepts easy to grasp.

Who is it for…

This book is perfect for anyone experiencing significant change in their professional or personal life. It's especially helpful for those feeling overwhelmed by transitions and seeking effective ways to adapt and thrive.

What you will learn…

Change is the only constant in life. Everything is subject to transformation. So, learning to adapt to change – rather than resist or deny it – is crucial for your overall well-being. Embrace change and cultivate resilience.

Brad Stulberg emphasizes the importance of developing a rugged yet flexible mindset. This means having an identity that is both stable and adaptable, allowing you to navigate the cycles of order, disorder, and reorder.

Remember, change itself is neutral. It becomes negative and positive based on how we perceive it and more importantly how we act on it.

Slow Productivity. The lost art of accomplishment without burnout (Cal Newport)

Why I love it…

"Slow Productivity" resonates deeply with me because it offers a refreshing alternative to the relentless hustle culture. Cal Newport’s emphasis on quality over quantity helps you achieve meaningful work without burning out. His practical strategies and relatable examples make the book both inspiring and actionable.

Who is it for…

This book is perfect for knowledge workers, who feel overwhelmed by daily busyness and struggle to complete their most important goals. If you're looking to break free from the cycle of constant activity and focus on what truly matters, this book is for you.

What you will learn…

“Slow Productivity” is all about redefining productivity. It teaches you that slowing down can lead to more meaningful output. Cal Newport highlights the importance of avoiding pseudo-busyness and adopting a more sustainable approach to organizing our efforts.

The book covers three main principles:

Do fewer things. Focus on high-impact tasks and limit your projects to improve your focus.

Work at a natural pace. Embrace a work rhythm that allows for creativity and deep thought, rather than constant busyness.

Obsess over quality. Prioritize excellence in your work, even if it means taking risks and missing short-term opportunities.

“Slow Productivity” promotes the idea of more flow and less force, encouraging cycles of peak performance and deep rest rather than frantic activity.

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I hope this article inspires you to read more non-fiction books in 2025. If you need book ideas follow me on LinkedIn or visit my website www.volkerhack.com.

And remember, if a book sucks, just stop reading it. Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy reading.

Leave a comment what great books you have read in 2024.

My full list below…

Volker Hack is dedicated to find a better way every day. He is an advocate for empathic leadership and for incorporating mindfulness into the work life.