I’ve never been a huge fan of traditional self-help books. They often read like a never-ending to-do list: get fitter, be more productive, optimise every hour of your day… exhausting.
But there’s a sweet spot between business and self-help that I do enjoy, books that don’t just tell you to improve, but dare you to dream. They help you push through fear, reconnect with your strengths, and leave you with a sense of possibility.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in a loop of what ifs. So now and then, I recommend one of these books, not for strategy or productivity hacks, but to reawaken the belief that something better awaits if you dare to reach for it.
In my personal collection, the next five books are always within arm’s reach, covered in bookmarks, highlights, and the occasional coffee stain:
📒 ‘You Are a Badass’ by Jen Sincero and
📘 ‘Everything is Figureoutable’ by Marie Forleo
Both are brilliant, funny, and unapologetically empowering. Whenever I need to feel unstoppable and shake off self-doubt, these books remind me to ignore the naysayers and back myself.
📙 ‘What’s Your Dream?’ by Simon Squibb
Simon will absolutely try to turn you into an entrepreneur—but beyond that, this book reignites the part of you that dares to dream, from childhood curiosities to bold, grown-up experiments. It’s an invitation to go for it.
📕 ‘Decide and Conquer’ by David Siegel
Written by the former CEO of Meetup, this one’s a bit more corporate. It breaks down 44 real-world challenges he faced as a leader—and the decisions he made along the way (not all of them perfect). I reach for it when I feel stuck. It’s a reminder that progress comes one decision at a time.
📑 ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’ by Sir Richard Branson
An old favourite. Sir Richard distills his life into 14 lessons on risk, boldness, kindness and courage. It’s proof that you can be daring and decent at the same time.
We love this book so much at home that even my dog, Popito, couldn’t resist and decided to eat the cover.
