Top 3 Books for Building a Successful Business from Scratch

Losing a Job Could Be the Beginning of a More Daring Phase 

Top 3 Books for Building a Successful Business from Scratch

As we approach 2026, job cuts seem destined to remain a constant in the economy, even within the world's largest companies. Last year alone, the labor market witnessed a continuous wave of layoffs, particularly in the technology sector, where giants like Amazon laid off 14,000 employees in a striking move that reflected the scale of the current transformations.

These developments mean that thousands of people will re-enter the job market in search of new opportunities. However, a growing number of those affected are not simply prepared to return to a traditional job; instead, they are considering venturing into entrepreneurship and starting their own businesses, according to a report by Forbes magazine.

If you are one of them, it's natural to embark on a diligent search for resources to guide your first steps. While conversations with other entrepreneurs are an important step, reading the latest leadership books in management and innovation can provide you with promising ideas that will contribute to building your future project.

Here are three outstanding books to start with:

The 21st Century Firm: Why Almost Everything We’re Told About Business Is Wrong by John Kay

This book provides an essential introduction for anyone planning to launch a business in 2026. It debunks the most common business misconceptions that can hinder your entrepreneurial journey. Drawing on the author’s extensive economic experience, the book offers insights that help readers understand the financial fundamentals that can quickly bring down startups if neglected.

Kay points out that one of the biggest reasons small businesses fail is a lack of funding or poor financial management. The book offers a deep understanding of entrepreneurial economics, helping beginners avoid common mistakes. 

While it doesn’t claim to offer a ready-made financial formula, it reshapes readers’ perspectives on the modern business world and provides a realistic map of the economy in the middle of this decade.

The Art of Startup: Creating Lasting Value by Andreas Widmer

This book is perfect for anyone looking to build a company that puts people at the heart of its operations. Widmer explains that emotional intelligence alone is not always enough to meet the needs of both employees and customers, and that humane leadership requires soft skills that can be developed through the conscious application of ethical principles.

The book's strength lies in its assertion that profitability is not incompatible with building a positive human experience. Each chapter encourages human-centered decision-making without neglecting growth and profitability goals. 

Widmer provides a practical framework to help entrepreneurs find the balance between money and organizational culture—two crucial factors for any startup aspiring to success and sustainability.

Let Them Go: A Life-Changing Tool Talked About by Millions by Mel Robbins

During periods of significant change, individuals often fall into the trap of trying to control every detail, hindering their ability to progress. In this book, Mel Robbins introduces the concept of "let them go," which liberates readers from the need for constant control and encourages them to give themselves space to learn and grow, especially when embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

The book also provides a crucial morale boost for those who have recently lost their jobs, helping them overcome feelings of frustration and fear. It offers a psychological framework that helps re-prioritize and open the door to objective thinking about the next stage of their careers. The book can be even more beneficial if co-founders read it together, aligning their leadership and business philosophies.

Strong Intellectual Foundations

Losing a job may seem like an unexpected end to a career path, but it can also be the beginning of a bolder phase. Reading these books during your project planning phase can provide you with a strong intellectual foundation and help you define your vision more clearly. While no single source has all the answers, the right ideas at the right time can be the spark that ignites your next entrepreneurial success.