At Siuma Capital, we believe continuous learning is vital for growth. Here is our curated list of Siuma Capital’s favorite books, filled with powerful lessons and inspiration for your journey.
Our Top Picks:
Books
1. Zero to One - Peter Thiel
Zero to One
Peter Thiel
#Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Startup
Synopsis: Zero to One by Peter Thiel is a bold and thought-provoking guide for entrepreneurs looking to build groundbreaking, future-shaping businesses. Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, argues that true innovation doesn’t come from competing in crowded markets but from creating something entirely new—going from «zero to one.» With contrarian insights on everything from scaling to competition, this book is a must-read for millennial entrepreneurs eager to disrupt industries and rethink what’s possible.
Why we like it: It challenges conventional thinking and inspires unique innovations, highlighting the importance of originality over competition.
2. A Ride of a Lifetime
A Ride of a Lifetime
Robert Iger
#Biography #Leadership #Disney
Synopsis: The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger shares his journey from an entry-level TV job to becoming Disney’s CEO, highlighting key lessons in leadership. Iger emphasizes the importance of risk-taking, curiosity, and leading with integrity, which helped him navigate challenges and make bold acquisitions like Pixar and Marvel. It’s a great book for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to lead with vision, humility, and resilience.
Why we like it: It’s an insightful look at leadership and innovation, as Bob Iger shares his transformative journey at Disney, highlighting vision and resilience.
3. Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 - Jim Collins
Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0
Jim Collins
#Entrepreneurship
#ValueCreation
#BusinessStrategy
Synopsis: “Memorize the first 86 Pages of Beyond Entrepreneurship by Jim Collins”, replied Netflix CEO Reed Hastings when asked for one advice for young CEOs during a Stanford interview.
Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 adapts the ideas from Jim Collins’ 1992 classic to the challenges businesses face in the 21st century. The book is a powerful playbook for entrepreneurs eager to turn their visions into thriving businesses. Collins combines timeless principles with modern insights, using real-life examples like the success of Starbucks to illustrate actionable strategies for building resilient companies that can endure and excel.
Why we like it: It’s a compelling guide to enduring success, exploring key principles of entrepreneurship and emphasizing the importance of building lasting businesses that thrive beyond their founders.
4. Taking People With You - David Novak
Taking People With You
David Novak
#Leadership
#Teamwork
#Communication
Synopsis: In Taking People with You, former Yum! Brands CEO David Novak shares the leadership secrets that helped grow iconic brands like KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut into global giants. Novak reveals how to engage, motivate, and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals. Drawing from his own journey at the helm of these fast-food powerhouses, he offers actionable strategies for building a culture where everyone feels valued, accountable, and driven to innovate.
Why we like it: It is a practical guide to effective leadership that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and empowering others to achieve shared goals.
5. Dream Big - Cristiane Correa
Dream Big
Cristiane Correa
#Biography
#Inspiration
#Success
Synopsis: Dream Big by Cristiane Correa tells the astonishing story of how three Brazilian businessmen went from starting a local investment bank to owning AbInveb, Burger King and Heinz.
Through a behind-the-scenes recount of the trio’s meteoric rise, Correa delivers a book worthy of any business-school classroom…packed with inspiring anecdotes and actionable lessons about ambition, work ethic, teamwork and strategy.
Why we like it: It’s an inspiring call to pursue ambitious goals, encouraging readers to overcome obstacles and embrace their potential for greatness.
6. Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely
Predictably Irrational
Dan Ariely
#BehavioralEcon #Marketing #DecisionMaking
Synopsis: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely takes readers on an eye-opening journey into the hidden forces that shape our decisions, revealing how we often act in ways that contradict our own best interests.
Through engaging experiments, Ariely explores the impact that social norms, the influence of expectations, and arousal can have on every-day decision-making. The book offers valuable insight into understanding human behavior, ultimately encouraging readers to rethink the way they, their friends and their customers make every-day decisions.
Why we like it: It’s a fascinating exploration of human behavior, revealing how irrational decisions shape our choices and the predictable patterns behind them.
7. How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
#InterpersonalSkills
#Communication
#Influence
Synopsis: In this timeless classic, Dale Carnegie argues that success in life, both personal and professional, largely depends on the ability to interact effectively with others. He presents a set of core principles aimed at improving communication, fostering relationships, and influencing people in a positive way. With captivating real-life examples, such as how Carnegie himself transformed a struggling salesman into a top performer through the power of recognition and encouragement, the book teaches practical techniques for connecting with others and influencing their decisions.
Why we like it: It is a timeless guide on building relationships and effective communication, empowering readers to connect with others and navigate social interactions.
8. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
#Negotiation
#Communication
#Strategy
Synopsis: In Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss reveals his battle-tested strategies for high stakes negotiations after having served 24 years as an FBI hostage negotiator. Voss focuses on 9 key principles that helped him and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most – when people’s lives depended on it. Through real-life stories and actionable advice, the book serves as a the quintessential guide for those looking to improve their negotiation skills.
Why we like it: It’s a gripping guide to negotiation, offering powerful techniques based on real-life experiences that can help anyone achieve better outcomes in high-stakes situations.
9. Make The Deal: Negotiating Mergers And Acquisitions
Make The Deal: Negotiating Mergers And Acquisitions
Christopher S. Harrison
#Negotiation
#M&A
#BusinessStrategy
Synopsis: In Make the Deal, Christopher Harrison provides a comprehensive guide to the complex world of M&A negotiations, outlining essential strategies and techniques for effectively navigating each step of the process. The book stands out from the pack due to its practical guidance, detailed analysis of negotiation tactics, and its clear explanation of both the legal and financial aspects of M&A.
Why we like it: Its comprehensive yet accessible approach makes it a go-to resource for anyone new to mergers and acquisitions.
10. Made In America - Sam Walton
Made In America
Sam Walton
#Strategy
#Leadership
#Entrepreneurship
Synopsis: Made in America by Sam Walton provides an insightful look into the life and philosophy of the founder of Walmart. Through candid storytelling and a down-to-earth approach, Walton shares his journey from humble beginnings to building one of the largest retail empires in the world. This book will offer you endless lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the value of staying connected to your roots.
Why we like it: It is an honest reflection on building a retail empire, offering valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the significance of putting customers first.