Summary:
Breakneck by Dan Wang offers a deep dive into the engineering vs. lawyer-driven society gap, recommended by Mercury CEO Immad Akhund.
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams is a memoir exposing alleged misconduct at Facebook, endorsed by entrepreneurship pioneer Steve Blank.
When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows by Steven Pinker is praised by Bill Gates for its insights into human behavior and communication.
Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson is highlighted by Barack Obama as a blueprint for progressive government reform and innovation.
These books provide thought-provoking perspectives on technology, corporate culture, and societal progress, ideal for holiday reading.
The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity for founders and entrepreneurs to unplug and dive into some quality reading. With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right book. To help you out, we've compiled a list of top business books for 2025, based on recommendations from influential figures like Bill Gates, Steve Blank, and others.
Breakneck by Dan Wang
Mercury co-founder and CEO Immad Akhund praises this book as "one of the better explanations of the gap between an engineering-driven society and a lawyer-driven one." It provides a thought-provoking look at why the U.S. struggles with innovation and how to fix it, grounded in real engineering insights. The Times of London hailed it as "easily one of the best books on China published this year."
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Steve Blank, known as the father of modern entrepreneurship, lists this memoir as a top pick for 2025. It details the author's career at Facebook, revealing stories of alleged misconduct and harassment that Meta tried to suppress. Despite legal challenges, the book continues to be sold, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on corporate culture.
When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows by Steven Pinker
Bill Gates included this book on his must-read holiday list, calling it a must-read for understanding human behavior. Pinker explores how common knowledge shapes communication and social interactions, making complex topics accessible and practical.
Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
Former President Barack Obama recommended this book in his 2025 reading list, describing it as "a must-read for progressives" seeking government reform. It challenges rigid beliefs and highlights how digital entrepreneurship has thrived by avoiding traditional constraints. Todd Sattersten, co-author of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time, noted it inspires readers to tackle harder problems that need solving.
Stay updated with insightful founder stories by signing up for 1 Smart Business Story from Inc. on Beehiiv.
Comments