With its honesty and depth, Shoe Dog has inspired countless readers who appreciate not only the success story but also the vulnerability Knight shares. If you're looking for similarly insightful reads, here are some of the best books like Shoe Dog that offer inspiration, lessons in resilience, and a behind-the-scenes look at the minds of remarkable innovators.
Business Adventures by John Brooks
Just as the name says, Business Adventures discusses fascinating stories from the world of business, giving readers an inside look at pivotal moments in corporate history. Each story, from the rise of Xerox to the fall of Ford’s Edsel, will give you lessons on strategy, failure, and resilience. Bill Gates once called it his favorite business book, and it remains a must-read for anyone wanting a broader understanding of the forces that shape companies and industries. Check out our summary for a quick overview of its timeless insights.
The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind
How did Enron, a great energy management firm, turn out to be a house of cards? Well, even this company was not too big to fail. In their book, McLean and Elkind discuss the detailed story of the rise and fall of Enron. They explain how corporate greed and ethical compromises led to one of the biggest scandals in corporate history. The book provides essential insights into the dangers of unchecked ambition and unethical business practices. It is a cautionary tale for any entrepreneur, and here is our summary for you to learn the most important details.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography is an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Apple’s visionary co-founder. It is often called a masterpiece, with its exclusive interviews from Jobs himself, as well as insights from his family, friends, and colleagues. It is a biography that tells more about Jobs, revealing his character, beliefs, and determination. Isaacson also tells a lot about Jobs’s struggles and problems, which later formed his personal philosophy. Explore our summary of Steve Jobs to learn more about the principles that drove one of history’s greatest innovators.
Uncanny Valley: A Memoir by Anna Wiener
In Uncanny Valley, Anna Wiener shares her journey into Silicon Valley as a young tech worker. It was a beacon of dreams for a lot of tech enthusiasts, yet Wiener uncovers all the skeletons in the closet. She speaks about the complexities and contradictions of an industry that’s reshaping the world. Her memoir captures both the exhilarating and unsettling sides of tech – exploring bullies, ethical dilemmas, and sexism in Silicon Valley. It’s a call to learn from Weiner. While the engineers may look like geniuses, there are a lot of things happening behind closed doors. Check out our summary of Uncanny Valley for more details.
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
Netflix is one of the companies that built their own tradition. In No Rules Rules, Netflix’s co-founders Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer unpack the unique, rule-breaking company culture that helped Netflix thrive in a very competitive industry. Today almost everyone spends their weekend watching another Netflix series. So, what is the sacred story behind it? Through insights and strategies, Hastings shares how a culture of flexibility and trust allowed Netflix to take bold risks and get millions of followers. This book is a must-read, and we prepared a summary for you to take a closer look into Netflix’s revolutionary approach.
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh
Delivering Happiness is undoubtedly the Bible of wow service, thirst for entrepreneurship, and openness to all ideas and opportunities in the world. Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos, explores his unconventional approach to customer service and corporate culture. Tony Shay has managed to build a large community that brings together like-minded people. Just like a family. In the context of the book, the family includes not only relatives but also employees, customers, and even competitors. His story serves as both a memoir and a how-to guide for building a values-driven company. You can find key lessons from the book here.
Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons from a Life at Nike by Greg Hoffman
How does one build a powerful brand that truly connects with people? The answers are within the chapters of Emotion by Design. Greg Hoffman, Nike’s former Chief Marketing Officer, in detail, explores the brand's most iconic campaigns and explains what is so iconic about them. He gives unique lessons in creativity, recommendations on brand identity, and effective strategies for businesses. Perfect for marketing enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, this book shows how to build a brand that resonates deeply with its audience. Here you can find our summary for Emotion by Design.
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated, is a story about her journey of life from a strict, isolated upbringing in rural Idaho to a PhD from Cambridge. From the story of true resilience and self-discovery to the transformative power of education and the courage to forge one’s own path, the book has it all. Tara reminds us of the value of education as a crucial tool for universal empowerment. Dive into her remarkable story by reading our Educated book summary.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl opens up about his life in music, from his days with Nirvana to his solo career. The book is not only a play through rock and roll history but a ride of passion, perseverance, and the power of creativity. Dave sends an inspiring message to anyone in doubt about pursuing their dreams. What advice does Dave want to give you? Find out in our summary.
Authentic: A Memoir by the Founder of Vans by Paul Van Doren
Vans is the iconic footwear brand synonymous with skate culture created by nobody else but Paul Van Doren himself. The story reveals the hard work, adaptability, and community focus that defined Vans’ success. For anyone interested in building a brand with personality and staying power, Authentic offers practical wisdom and inspiration. Read our summary and find
These books offer unique perspectives on business, creativity, and resilience, making them ideal for readers who want to learn more about the business world. Whether you’re starting your own venture or just seeking inspiration, these reads promise insights to help on your journey. Dive into any one of them, and discover the courage to pursue your vision with passion and purpose.
