20 Best Business Biographies

It’s always better to look at the success and most importantly the failures of other successful people if you want to learn and make your name in this world. If starting a venture has always been in your mind, it becomes important to watch your steps while doing it. Experimenting, learning, making mistakes are some of the first baby steps any entrepreneur has taken to reach new heights today. Keep reading to know 20 Best Business Biographies.

20 Best Business Biographies

On these lines, we remember Otto von Bismarck’s words, “Fools learn from experience. I prefer to learn from the experience of others.” These are lines to live by, at least of a business enthusiast. By reading about the great people who have earned and made their name globally, we can avoid and try to explore many unknown territories and get impressive success. Of Course, hard work, determination, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude should be imbibed in you beforehand. So, if you are interested in starting something new, bringing to life that one idea you have in your mind which you know will bring you success, read on because we know exactly what you need. We have curated a list of the 20 best business biographies for you to read and get motivation from. Thank us later, let’s have a look!

Best Business Biographies

1. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

Who doesn’t know Elon Musk? He is a global icon today with so many admirers. This was possible because of his excellent mind and his vision. He has said in many of his interviews that he has got a lot of knowledge from autobiographies and biographies. This book was written by Ashlee Vance in 2015. This book can be perfect for anyone who admires and wants to explore the depths of the universe. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future talks about the sacrifices you will have to make when you have different and probably absurd ideas according to people. This book tells us not to be lost, believe in ourselves and our dreams, and know that although they are less known, difficult, they are unique and possible. Thus, do read this book to know how to not believe in anyone else but you when it comes to your dreams.

2. The Everything Store

Haven’t we all ordered a lot of things from Amazon? How easy life is because of someone’s simple idea! Do you also have an idea which you know will make life easier for other people? If yes this book might just be the one for you. The Everything Store is written by Brad Stone and for this, he conducted a lot of interviews with the Amazon employees, Jeff Bezos’ former colleagues, and family members. It has all the information about how he went about the project, how he started this company with a simple idea and took it to great heights. This book also focuses on the management of a project or an idea, the skills you need for starting a business leadership, and innovation in a simple idea to make it unique for the world. This comprehensive book by Brad Stone not only gives you enough motivation for starting your business but also an insight into Jeff Bezos’ life.

3. Alibaba – The House that Jack Ma Built

Now that we have spoken about Amazon, let’s talk about its biggest competitor, Alibaba. Started by Jack Ma, Alibaba now is a huge Empire in the E-Commerce world. It is said to be one of the biggest companies in the world. This book about Jack Ma and Alibaba is written by Duncan Clark and was published in the year 2020. He has written about all the difficulties Jack Ma had to face including China’s political obstacles and his problems while setting up his dream. This book is highly motivational for those who are facing a lot of problems in their path and are stuck in between. This book has also helped break China’s image of copying everything from others. Do read this book to gain an insight into Alibaba and Jack Ma.

4. Steve Jobs

This name and this book hardly need an introduction. We can’t deny that the world has become a better place with Apple, It is very obvious. This person has taken the world of technology to another level. So much so that now iOS users cannot even imagine their lives without Apple products. Because of this, he has not only contributed a lot to globalization but also has created a very good example for the youth as he started his company when he was a young man. This book is written by Walter Isaacson, and for this, he has conducted Over 40 interviews with Steve Jobs and a hundred interviews with his friends and family members. Steve Jobs has also contributed a lot to this book and has been very cooperative. So if you are a fan of Steve Jobs and Apple do get a copy of this book and read it. You will definitely get some inspiration from it. 

5. Creativity, Inc

 If you are interested in Steve Jobs this book might as well interest you. Creativity, Inc is a book on the story of Pixar Animation and its co-founder at Edmund Catmull. This book is recommended by Mark Zuckerberg himself because he liked it so much. We all have seen Pixar Animation movies and they are wonderful. If you have an idea in your mind about the media world or the animation world, this book can help you a lot. It talks about leadership qualities, how to manage your business, how to handle the management of a huge empire and all the skills you require for it. So if animation interests you, do read this book.

6. Iacocca: An Autobiography

Some of you might not know the name of Lee Iacocca, but let me tell you he is a very big name in the auto industry. Lee Iacocca first worked with Ford and afterward with Chrysler Corporation. This book is an autobiography that talks about his adventures, his career, and his life as he made his way in the auto industry. It is highly inspiring as in American history he is considered as a legend, a businessman who turned the fate of Chrysler when the company was facing serious issues. This book was written by Lee Iacocca and his co-author William Novak in the year 1984. It has detailed accounts of his family, his education, and his career. Further in the book in part two, he talks about Ford and its rise to new heights. In part three he tells his experiences in Chrysler and its journey from fall to rise. If this interests you, grab a copy of this book as well.

7. Empire State of Mind: How Jay Z Went from Street corner to Corner Office

I am not a businessman – I am a business, man. These words are very inspiring and relatable for the younger generation. This book tells us the journey of Jay Z from the farms of Brooklyn, his childhood place, to the great heights of the business world. If you are someone who is hustling and think that you may not be able to reach new heights because you come from the wrong surroundings or society, this book will break all your myths. All you need to succeed is passion,  commitment to your work, and knowing your worth. Jay-Z’s journey will inspire you and will make you motivated as it did most of the others. Read it on and go, get going!

8. Shoe dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

In recent years this book is considered to be the best biography published. Shoe dog paper story of Phil Knight and his memories from when he was a little boy who was lost and had no idea where his life was going to take him. But everything made sense when he came up with a simple idea of making shoes of premium quality and thus a giant sports brand called Nike came into existence. If you are someone who is similarly lost and has no idea where or what you are going to do this book is perfect for you. This book tells us the importance of having a simple idea and turning it into something very useful and big. This book is so good that even Bill Gates has written about it in his blog. It tells you that the road to success is going to be messy and you’re not going to have it easy. It will tell you the reality of thriving in the business world and making it till the end shining bright. 

9. Titan: The Story of John D Rockefeller

Alexander Hamilton wrote this book and tells us an engrossing biography of John D Rockefeller and his story. Rockefeller, who is considered as the Jekyll-and-Hyde of American capitalism, is an inspiring personality to read about. During his 98 years, Rockefeller was known to be a robber baron Standard Oil Company rode roughshod over an industry. He was a philanthropist who donated money lavishly to universities and medical centers. Known for his enigma Rockefeller will interest you. do give it a read if you’re a rebel type. 

10. Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Charlie Munger is an American investor and a big name in the financial sector. This book was also recommended by Warren Buffet, and it basically comprises the speeches and talks.

11. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! 

I’m sure you are equally interested in the book from the title. This book is the most recommended by entrepreneurs. It is filled with the stories and life incidents of Richard Feynman, who is a Nobel Prize winner for his contribution to Physics. He was someone who always questioned the societal status quo and tested assumptions. His life experiences, all the bitter-sweet memories of his life, and the hardships are some things we can see in this book. This book is one of the favorites of Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. his book is very addictive and motivational as well. Tells you that if life gives you lemons, make a lemonade out of it! 

12. The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life

We have seen the biography of Charlie Munger and so we have to see his partner’s biography too. Warren Buffet is the most loved name in the financial sector of the USA. Studies have shown that many people turned towards the share market because of Warren Buffet. This is one of the best books written about him as it was done with his cooperation. The Snowball is a fascinating story about the life of Buffet and how he got into the trading and investing world. It not only tells you his story but also gives a commentary on the financial crisis in America as well. Many people have called it a ‘Bible for capitalists’ as well. Buffett’s wisdom and knowledge in his field have been showcased in a detailed way in this book. So if you’re someone who is interested in the stock market, definitely have a look at this book.

13. Losing My Virginity

As interesting as the title is, the book will keep you interested as well. It is the autobiography of famous entrepreneur Richard Bradson and his business empire- Virgin Group. It tells us his story and the things he did to take his business to new levels. Bradson was a man who took risks and was never afraid to take them. He was criticized by the media often for being a showman and using his personality to gain exposure for his company. But he did not pay heed to any of these things. The things that make Losing My Virginity a good book is Bradson’s honesty and modesty. A movie was also to be made on his life based on this book.

14. Onwards: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing its Soul

Starbucks coffee is bae, can we all agree on that? But who was behind this huge chain of coffee shops around the world? Such a simple idea but we can make anything big. This book will tell you how. This book tells us the story of Starbucks and how it managed to stay on the top in the crisis time in 2008. It talks about the former CEO of Starbucks and how he was able to keep it from falling by using his innovative ideas. 2008 was an economically bad time for America and managing to keep a damn coffee shop open during these times certainly is a hard job to do. If you are someone who has a business and is finding it difficult to make it to the surface, you should give this book a read.

15. Made in Japan: Akio Morita and Sony

Made in Japan takes you to the world and business empire of sony corporation and tells you their success story. The best part is that this is narrated to you by its co-founder, Akio Morita. This book will not only tell you the business techniques and strategies used by Sony but also will give you an insight into Japanese business techniques and methods as well as the way in which the Japanese think. It tells the story of how Sony came to birth, and how it grew. From its beginning after World War II to its post was rising.

16. Sam Walton: Made in America

Who wants to hear the story of Walmart? If you guys do, get this book asap. It takes us through the life of the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, and how he came up with the idea of Walmart. In this book, you will read how Walton founded Walmart, how he made it big, and how he managed to maintain it till today to be known as the biggest private employer in world history with one of the biggest retail chains in the USA. This book also digs deeper into the working of Walmart and shows you the methods related to the hiring and planning of the entire process. After all, this is the biggest company to attract a huge number of workers and has provided employment opportunities to so many people. Currently, Walmart is the largest corporation in the world when it comes to revenue. 

17. Morgan : American Financier 

Morgan is considered to be one of the best business biographies by others. It gives you a never-seen insight into J.P Morgan’s life, who is one of the greatest investors in US history. The story of how Morgan managed to reorganize the country’s railroad and how he appointed himself to the position of one-man in the central bank can be seen in this book. The book also gives us an insight into the life of J.P Morgan and his business which is probably not mentioned anywhere else in such a detailed manner. The book was written by Jean Strouse and is an extraordinary account of Morgan’s Life. Strouse has shown and almost decoded the most complex man and his life in this book. His life, his financial operations, his benefactions, and his collecting are shown with details in the book. 

18. Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of Beatles 

If you’re an ardent Beatles fan, please read this book. Because this will give you the details of the Beatles but from its chief engineer’s point of view. Geoff Emerick, the chief engineer of the Beatles, is the man behind their unique sound; the story revolves around his experiences and life. He has been with the Beatles since the start, that is from 1962 till their rise to the top. This book tells about how Geoff came up with innovative techniques for the recording and how he managed to create the sound of their favorite songs that have changed rock music forever. And the best part is, Geoff started his journey when he was just 15 years old. So if you are young but have that one idea, go with Geoff and do it. 

19. Bloomberg by Bloomberg

Bloomberg by Bloomberg is an origin story of Michael R. Bloomberg, who is the founder of Bloomberg L.P. this book is written by Michael himself and he takes us on the journey through his life where he came up with an idea and created a whole company, that too after he was fired from his job at the age of 39. Isn’t that motivating. Many of us think that a certain age is too late to start something new and we are afraid to take the risk. But all we need to start something new is passion and the belief that my idea is the best and I will be able to make it through. Bloomberg by Bloomsberg will give you an insight into the life and creative mind of Michael and the challenges he had to face while he was setting up his dream and at wall street, but finally made his way to build the fastest growing media empire on earth. 

20. Carnegie

One of the major figures in American history, Andrew Carnegie will come to life when we read this book. He is one of the most important men in the steel industry. Peter Crass through this book has described the story of the origin of this legend which is amazingly inspiring. He was a person who influenced American politics and the world as well through his knowledge in the steel industry. He founded the largest and the most profitable steel industry on earth. In the book, you will see how he rose to great heights even after having a notorious reputation. 

Thus, all these books will definitely help you go after that long thought or even forgotten dream or idea of yours. Look at these legends and take inspiration from them. Pick any one book or as many as you like, but do dare to step out and show the world the infinite potential you have inside you. Happy reading!

20 Best Business Biographies

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top