10 Books That Changed How We Think About Business and Life

10 Books That Changed How We Think About Business and Life

Author: Jeff Sieh March 12, 2026 Duration: 50:41

What books actually change the way you think?

In this episode, Conor Brown and I share ten books that have shaped how we approach business, creativity, and life. We each brought our top picks, a mix of fiction and nonfiction, and talked about why these stories and ideas stuck with us long after we finished reading them.

From leadership and creativity to storytelling and personal growth, these books have influenced how we make decisions, solve problems, and think about the world around us. If you’re always on the lookout for your next great read, this episode is packed with recommendations.

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Key Takeaways

  1. A good book stays with you: The titles we remember years later are usually the ones that changed how we see something.
  2. Fiction can teach powerful lessons: Great stories often reveal insights about people, decisions, and leadership in ways nonfiction can’t.
  3. Reading across genres builds better thinking: Mixing fiction and nonfiction exposes you to different ways of solving problems.
  4. Ideas compound over time: The more you read, the more connections you start to see between different concepts and disciplines.

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Books Mentioned in This Episode

Jeff's Nonfiction Book Picks

  1. Move, Think, Rest by Natalie Nixon
  2. Wealthy and Well-Known by Rory Vaden
  3. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
  4. 5 Mere Christians by Jordan Raynor
  5. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo

Conor's Nonfiction Book Picks

  1. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
  2. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
  3. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
  4. It’s Better to Be Feared by Seth Wickersham
  5. The Dynasty by Jeff Benedict
  6. A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne

Jeff's Fiction Book Picks

  1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  2. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
  3. The Pendergast Series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
  4. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
  5. Midshipman’s Hope by David Feintuch
  6. Magic Kingdom for Sale — Sold! by Terry Brooks

Conor's Fiction Book Picks

  1. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
  2. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
  3. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
  4. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
  5. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Links

The Unsinkable Conor Brown: Website | TikTok | Instagram

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.


Staying current in the fast-moving world of social platforms can feel like a full-time job. That’s where Social Media News Live comes in. Hosted by Jeff Sieh, this isn't just a recorded lecture; it's a live, interactive conversation designed to cut through the noise. Each episode connects you directly with the people shaping the landscape-from seasoned marketing experts and platform innovators to successful creators who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear practical discussions about new features, algorithm shifts, and under-the-radar tools that can actually make a difference for your brand or business. The live format is key, allowing for real-time questions and answers that address the specific challenges you're facing right now. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a direct line to a room full of savvy professionals, all focused on translating the latest trends into actionable tactics you can use immediately. Whether you're building a company, growing an audience, or simply trying to understand the next big shift, these conversations provide clarity and a competitive edge.
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