Books To Build Your Business
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with entrepreneurs, it’s that a great book can shift the way you think, lead, and build. That’s why this summer, Wocstar is sharing a list of books that have sparked conversations inside our Wocstar community; books we’re genuinely excited about, not because they’re trendy, but because they offer real insight and perspective!
Some are tactical, some are personal. All of them reflect the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts we talk about every day, especially for those navigating entrepreneurship as women, people of color, outsiders, or first-time founders…
Here’s what’s on our list right now:
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Reading List
1. 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less – Dan Sullivan A powerful reminder that working harder isn’t always the answer; working smarter is. It’s about focusing on what creates value and letting go of everything else.
2. Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America – Karen Arrington This one is written directly for Black women who are ready to stop shrinking and start claiming their space. Bold, empowering, and actionable.
3. No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs – Dan S. Kennedy & Ben Glass No fluff, no filler; just practical strategies for protecting your time and energy while running a business. A must-read for anyone juggling a million things at once.
4. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter – Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson A refreshingly honest take on how to evolve from hustler to strategic thinker. He’s not trying to impress anyone with this one; he’s giving real, hard-earned advice.
5. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business – Gino Wickman This one’s for the founders who want structure. It lays out a system that helps you run your company instead of letting it run you.
6. Burn Book: A Tech Love Story – Kara Swisher A sharp, candid look into the world of tech and power. If you’re curious about how Silicon Valley got to where it is, and what that means for the rest of us, start here.
7. Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World – Ginni Rometty Written by IBM’s former CEO, this book offers a thoughtful, grounded take on how to lead with integrity while still driving results.
8. Successful Black Entrepreneurs – Steven Rogers This one is based on a Harvard Business School course, and it delivers! It highlights Black entrepreneurs whose stories often go untold, people who built not just businesses, but legacies.
9. Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider – Stacy Spikes From the co-founder of MoviePass, this book dives deep into what it means to be underestimated and how to use that to your advantage.
These books aren’t just things to read, they’re tools for anyone trying to lead with clarity, grow a business, or just get unstuck. Whether you're managing your time, refining your pitch, or finding your voice, there’s something here for you!
And if storytelling and pitching are on your mind, I recommend this recent piece featuring ME, Wocstar CEO, featured in Startups Magazine: “Stop Pitching, Start Closing: The Must-Have Skill for All Dealmakers”. In it, I break down how founders can move away from pressure-filled pitch decks and toward real, relationship-driven storytelling that actually resonates.
Let us know what you're reading this summer, we’re always looking to add to the list!
Stay Fabulous,
Gayle Jennings O’Byrne
find me on linkedin here