2018 is drawing to a close and everybody is looking forward to nailing 2019 already. But just in case you think you haven’t had the time to grab the best books in 2018, don’t fret. Here is a list of 12 formidable reads from the year that is fading by. I highly suggest you pick’em up if you haven’t had the chance to. It’s an eclectic mix that can propel your intellect and wisdom up a notch or two. So without further ado, here is the list of 12 best business books of 2018:
#1. Factfulness by Hans Rosling
A remarkable book which could form the basis for how a rational person learns to understand the world.
Late Dr Rosling explains how media bias, ideological preconceptions, and statistical illiteracy makes most people (in rich countries) believe in a gloomy and spectacularly wrong worldview.
#2. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
A tantalizing and riveting tale of a startup, its charismatic but manipulative founder and the massive scam she perpetrated on her partners and investors. John Carreyrou helmed the investigation that uncovered the fraudulent ways of Elizabeth Holmes and her cronies at Theranos (now defunct). A top-drawer investigative expose.
#3. Crushing it by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk shares his impeccable wisdom on how to create a personal brand and monetize it. His book “Crushing it!” turns the spotlight on a bunch of entrepreneurs who leveraged social media to build powerful personal brands.
#4. Skin in the Game by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
A typical Taleb Special. He bulldozes into charlatans who walk away with the upside of a dangerous bet and pass on the downside to lesser mortals. He puts many famous names under his literal guillotine. His critics and IYI (intellectual yet idiots) may not like it, but for the Taleb cult, Skin in the Game is a must read.
#5. Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas
Anand Giridharadas zeroes in on growing economic inequality in America. He notes in his book, “When the fruits of change have fallen on the United States in recent decades, the very fortunate have basketed almost all of them.” His culprit? Elite-led, market-friendly, winner-safe social change.
Anand has facts and stats, to back up his claims. He should be heard and his advice should be heeded.
#6. Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope
Many books about corruption tell you how or how much money was stolen. This one also shows you exactly what was done with it. A damning tale about a decade-long scheme orchestrated by a psychotic Malaysian charlatan aptly dubbed the Billion Dollar Whale.
#7. Invested by Danielle Town
This is likely the best book written for the beginning stock investor! Excellent way to invest in stocks when you don’t know anything about the best way to invest. This book simplifies all the mumbo-jumbo that fund managers deploy to make you think you can’t invest yourself.
#8. Valley of Genius by Adam Fisher
The first incredible thing about this book is that it’s told only through quotes. Secondly, it’s about a few hundred people following dreams and changing the world. A brilliantly told, thrilling ride written in an innovative fashion.
#9. This is Marketing by Seth Godin
This book is a manifesto that proclaims that real marketing must change the world for the better. To achieve that, he turns many sacrosanct marketing principles on their head and delivers actionable and practical marketing advice. Seth writes like he speaks, which at once makes it feel like he’s talking directly to you while making the depth of his words even more profound.
#10. The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
A follow-up book to “The Extreme Leadership”, this book brims with inspiring and practical leadership lessons that transcend the battlefield. Jocko and Lief do a great job blending learnings from their military experience and tying them into real-life situations. If you want a book on how to effectively lead a high-performance team, in any venue, then read “The Dichotomy of Leadership”.
#11. Explosive Growth by Cliff Lerner
“Explosive Growth” takes you on a fascinating journey on becoming a successful startup. It’s full of realistic advice on cashing out on opportunities when possible while maintaining a longer-term view. If you are an entrepreneur you definitely have to check this out!
#12. Rise of the Youpreneur by Chris Ducker
If you’re flying high you need this book. If you’re stuck in a professional rut you need this book. “Rise of the Youpreneur” breaks down every aspect, detail, and component of the process of building a business all about “YOU”! This is not another personal branding book. The author understands the game. He’s been there and he’s done that.
