Books That Shape Better Creatives, Designers, and Business Builders
If you follow my work, you’ll know I’m borderline obsessed with the intersection of creativity, mindset, and craft. I’ve spent the last two decades helping founders and creators build brands with real reputations behind them, and one thing has shaped that work more than anything else: reading.
Not the forced kind of reading you slog through at school, but the kind that sharpens your thinking, fuels your creative instincts, and makes you even better at being you. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or someone building something meaningful, the right books at the right time can genuinely shift the way you work.
So today, I’m sharing seven books I’ve read more than once… the ones that stuck, reshaped something in me, and continue to influence how I build, create, and teach.
WHY READING MAKES YOU DANGEROUS
Reading makes you dangerous.
Not dangerous like Arnie in The Terminator…. more like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting, where knowledge becomes a kind of quiet superpower.
But here’s the thing… reading without action is passive. And that’s completely fine if you’re using it to relax, switch off, or disappear into a gothic romance or a Jilly Cooper (may she rest in peace) novel like my wifey does. That’s amazing. That’s joy.
For me though, reading has been the key to shifting my business, mindset and creativity… it’s shifted from a chore into a champion in my day-to-day life. Books, articles, Substacks, newsletters… I’ve learned to love the grind of it. Although if I’m honest, I’m more of a listener than a reader these days because the old dyslexia slows me down a bit.
But it doesn’t stop me…. No no no.
Today I want to share with you 7 books I’ve read more than once… and with the holiday season fast approaching (and many of us looking for a reset or spark for the new year), I thought it would be great to share the books that have genuinely moved me.
7 BOOKS I’VE READ (AND LOVED) MORE THAN ONCE
1. The Courage to Be Disliked
Authors: Fumitake Koga & Ichiro Kishimi
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
A philosophical take on happiness, self-acceptance, and the freedom that comes from focusing on your own life rather than satisfying everyone else’s expectations. It’s an invitation to embrace uncomfortable truths, stop people-pleasing, and build confidence from the inside out.
2. Big Magic
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
A playful, encouraging, downright liberating reminder that creativity is not a rare gift — it’s something everyone can access. This book has become a yearly read for me. It’s a nudge to follow curiosity, be brave, make things, and enjoy the creative process.
3. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning
Authors: Peter Brown, Henry Roediger & Mark McDaniel
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
This one changed how I learn. It’s a grounded, research-based breakdown of why most learning methods fail and how to actually make ideas stick. Brilliant for anyone who teaches, mentors, or just wants to get better at any skill.
4. The Gap and The Gain
Authors: Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
A total mindset reset. Instead of measuring success by the distance between where you are and where you want to be, you measure by how far you’ve already come. Game-changing for anyone who constantly feels behind or not good enough.
5. Crossover Creativity
Author: Dave Trott
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
Creative block? Read Trott. This book is all about stealing inspiration from unexpected places and combining ideas across fields. Smart, strategic, cheeky — it’s a brilliant kick in the creative arse. Also… read all of Dave Trott’s books.
6. Unreasonable Hospitality
Author: Will Guidara
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
This might be one of my favourites ever. It reframes hospitality as strategy — going far beyond expectations to create unforgettable experiences for customers, teams, and communities. A masterclass in generosity and reputation building.
7. Alchemy
Author: Rory Sutherland
Why It’s Worth a Re-Read
A behavioural-science-fuelled exploration of why irrational ideas often outperform logical ones. Sutherland is a genius (and a proper kook), and his lens on psychology, creativity, and problem-solving is unmatched. Add him to your weekly reading/watching rotation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you find as much joy in these books as I have. They’re fun, full of good advice, and packed with ideas that challenge your thinking in the best way.
-MBJ
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