Hi cuties! March 2 is National Reading Day and to celebrate, I have an extra-special blog post for you this week! Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always reading something new and always obsessed with sharing my latest book list picks with friends, family, and my KKH team members.
When I’m taking me-time to unwind, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. I especially love to read books on business, entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and self-reflection (I’m a big journal-user as well).
“With National Reading Day coming right up, I can’t think of a better time to share 10 of my fave titles with you all. Happy reading!”
Business: Profit First: How to Transform Your Business from a Money-Eating Monster to a Cash-Making Machine
by Michael Michalowicz
This is one of my favorite books on business strategy—it literally outlines a step-by-step method to generating profit as a longterm strategy.
This books presents a really radical way of looking at profit and loss (P&L) that is different from what most finance folks do. Basically, instead of profit being the last line on the P&L, it really should be taken out—take your EBITDA out first, and then operate your business from there. If you ask me, this one is a must for anyone considering entrepreneurship or looking for a fresh perspective on business leadership.
Business: No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer
If you’ve ever streamed a show (or two or three) on Netflix, this is a must-read to understand how the company redefined the entertainment industry by valuing innovation.
This book is actually a bit controversial—it’s really the antithesis of big corporate culture as we know it. Reed Hasting really pushes radical transparency, continuous operational efficiency seeking, I know there has been backlash from other founders and CEOs, but I truly believe in radical transparency, which is created only through radical vulnerability (a topic Reed doesn’t talk about).
Business: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gene Wickman
All of my friends who are fellow CEOs and business leaders know that I simply cannot stop recommending this book. It’s full of leadership tips for creating a frustration-free business. I’d consider it required reading for any business leader, regardless of industry.
Business: Believe It: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima
First of all, it’s no secret that I love It Cosmetics (and their CC+ Cream especially), so it should also come as no surprise that I absolutely love this book by the brand’s co-founder. I don’t know any successful person who hasn’t also wrestled with self-doubt and being underestimated—this book confronts those feelings and explains how to turn them into strength!
Journaling: The Best Journal Ever: The Best Daily Journal on the Planet. Period.
The only thing that brings me as much peace and clarity as reading is journaling! I have several journals in my life that I love, but I really highly recommend this one—it’s a fantastic tool for self-reflection, gratitude, and habit-tracking.
My favorite thing about journaling and habit-tracking is it helps me hold myself accountable, take stock of what I have to be thankful for, and notice where I can improve across different areas of my life.
Wellness: The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington
We all need sleep, regardless of what our work and personal lives look like. Arianna Huffington needs no introduction, but I can personally tell you that her well-regarded book on improving sleep habits is a true game-changer for health and well-being.
Lifestyle & Spirituality: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
We all find spirituality in our own ways, but whatever that looks like for you, this book is a great guide to helping you access that side of yourself by letting go of boundaries and limitations. Call me #NewAge but I love a good lesson on exploring mindfulness and purpose.
Lifestyle & Spirituality: Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace & Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
I feel like Jay Shetty has been popping up everywhere lately—and for good reason! He’s a former monk who is a truly gifted speaker and author. This book is all about finding purpose and power within and overcoming negativity and the weight of others’ expectations of you. We could all use a little more of that in our lives!
Business: Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love from Day 1 by Emily Heyward
Regular Kuotes readers will recognize this books from a recent Kathy’s Faves post. I just can’t help sharing it again. It’s an engaging and practical guide to “catchy” marketing and the secrets to success emplyed by some of the biggest consumer brands on the market right now (like Allbirds and Casper).
Business: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
Okay, I have to just say that this one completely changed the way that I look at business. The ideas presented here on what the future of business and the startup world looks like are extremely thought-provoking.
Finally, in addition to my love to paging through the latest business or lifestyle books, I also have a spot in my heart for design-friendly coffee table books! When it comes to time to refresh the decor in my living room, I always start with my books!
“Designer books are a wonderful way to add an engaging and interactive element to your interior design. Check out a few of my favorites from our KKH assortment below and go ahead a treat yourself to one in honor of National Reading Day”
Shop Kathy’s Favorite Coffee Table Books