Staying educated in the business world is critical for your success. And audiobooks offer a streamlined way to stay ahead of the game. The benefits range from time efficiency to improved retention, but what are the best business audiobooks to start with?
This post summarizes 31 of the best audiobooks for business, entrepreneurs, executives, and more.
Wherever you are in your business journey, these audiobooks will provide the insights and clarity you’re looking for.
1. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Good to Great is an influential classic for executives and entrepreneurs who want to transform mediocre companies into excellent ones.
The book outlines the concepts that all Good to Great companies share, based on decades of research.
The commonalities boil down to disciplined thought, disciplined people, and disciplined action. Moreover, the audiobook teaches concepts like The Hedgehog, Flywheel Effect, and Level 5 Leadership.
Learning these principles and implementing them will make an incredible impact on your career, business, and life in general.
2. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
Alex Hormozi has nothing to sell you, except maybe his audiobook $100M Offers.
Read by the author, it’s full to the brim with actionable steps, making it a modern-day classic and guidebook for any entrepreneur or sales professional.
The audiobook introduces the concept of crafting offers “so good, people will feel stupid saying no.”
Hormozi has risen to success and business fame in just a few years, accumulating over 13,000 5-star reviews for $100M Offers on Amazon since its release in 2021.
Moreover, his YouTube channel grew from 290,000 subscribers in June 2022 to over 1.3 million in just a year.
It’s clear from these stats, Hormozi knows what he’s talking about and doesn’t hold back in $100M Offers.
It’s a short read of less than four hours, but one you’ll want to return to again and again.
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a solution in this practical guide to making habits work for you, rather than against you.
It explores how making tiny, incremental changes to your daily routine can yield significant results over time.
It’s about developing systems and nailing the process instead of hustling hard and willing your way to burnout.
The book suggests adopting new habits that reflect the identity you want instead of relying on willpower.
With a new identity and set of habits, personal and professional progress becomes automatic.
Atomic Habits isn’t strictly a business audiobook, but its teachings can yield compounding returns.
4. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone’s approach is the polar opposite of Atomic Habits, in his book The 10X Rule.
He claims that extreme success lies beyond the realm of normal action. If you want to achieve astronomical growth in life and business, The 10X Rule will permit you to do so.
In The 10X Rule, you won’t be setting any “SMART” goals. Instead, you’ll be motivated to set massive goals and take massive action.
Moreover, fear is described as a sign to act, taking responsibility for all things will become your new norm.
Sure, The 10X Rule isn’t for everyone, but it speaks to the high achiever and hungry entrepreneur in all of us.
5. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad is an essential listen for entrepreneurs wanting to take control of their finances and build wealth.
Specifically, it compares two opposing paradigms about money that were taught to the author by two parental figures in his life.
Firstly, there was his father, a risk-averse salaried worker advocating job security and a formal education.
On the other hand, the second was his friend’s father, a self-made multimillionaire who promoted financial independence through entrepreneurship and savvy investments.
Kiyosaki outlines the lessons he learned from his “Rich Dad”, challenging readers to think differently about money and personal freedom.
6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This is an absolute classic full of timeless wisdom, written in 1937. Its principles and insights are still relevant to this day.
It’s a thirteen-step guide to riches that Napoleon Hill devised from interviewing the world’s most successful people, including; Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Theodore Roosevelt, and John D. Rockefeller.
With over 100 million copies sold, this motivational listen will teach you practical advice to achieve business success. Additionally, you’ll learn how to take control of your mind, maintain focus, and persevere through challenges.
There’s also a chapter on overcoming fear, which is further explored in Hill’s eye-opening book Outwitting the Devil – if you dare to read it!
7. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Written by PayPal’s co-founder, Zero to One offers valuable entrepreneurial insights on startups.
This business audiobook not only challenges conventional wisdom but also encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box.
Thiel argues that innovation and disruption are key to building a successful business, which provokes the listener’s creativity and imagination.
Moreover, the book provides practical advice on hiring, marketing, and sales, making it a powerful resource for growing businesses.
If you want to create something that has never been done before, this audiobook is for you.
8. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Deep Work is a popular audiobook for busy entrepreneurs seeking efficiency in a distraction-filled world.
Newport explains that the ability to achieve deep, focused work is a rare and valuable skill in today’s information-saturated environment.
Additionally, the book establishes a framework for deep, meaningful work based on flexible strategies and principles tailored to the listener.
Overall, it’s an excellent listen for entrepreneurs wanting to optimize their productivity, achieve their goals, and meet the demands in life and business.
9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey’s audiobook is a masterpiece on personal and professional development. The 7 Habits will completely transform your effectiveness in the world of business and beyond.
It provides a paradigm-shifting framework for better communication, increasing productivity, and building relationships; all essential aspects for business success.
You’ll also learn the importance of leadership, how to become an effective leader, and why taking responsibility is the most essential habit.
10. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This timeless classic has been empowering business leaders, salespeople, and individuals since its first publication in 1936.
In this influential audiobook, Carnegie shares techniques for effective communication, building trust, and forming strong relationships.
Overall, it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to boost their social skills and excel in both personal and professional life.
11. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
If you’re an artist or creative entrepreneur struggling with resistance, then this audiobook is a must-read.
The War of Art will help break any barriers that exist inside of you that block your creative genius.
It provides a wealth of insights into overcoming fears, regardless of the type of work you do.
You’ll also learn how to develop the discipline and perseverance needed to achieve personal and professional goals and practical tips for unlocking your creativity.
Check out Spencer’s War of Art review.
12. Exponential Organizations by Salim Ismail, Michael S. Malone, and Yuri van Geest
Exponential Organizations is a captivating guide for entrepreneurs wanting to build agile and scalable companies in today’s fast-changing environment.
You’ll learn how new businesses are leveraging technology and innovative organizational structures to scale exponentially and outperform traditional business structures.
The audiobook also introduces the MTP (Massive Transformative Purpose), which promotes radical transformation in an industry or on a global scale.
A new and updated version of the book was published in June 2023; however, it isn’t currently available in audiobook format.
13. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
This audiobook guides you to create an entire marketing strategy on one page to achieve consistent and targeted business growth.
It deconstructs complex marketing strategies into nine actionable steps, serving as a practical tool for small to medium-sized businesses.
Overall, it helps you identify target audiences, craft compelling messages, nurture leads, and ensure customers are happy after they buy.
14. Company of One by Paul Jarvis
This thought-provoking audiobook challenges the conventional wisdom that business growth should always be the ultimate goal.
Instead, Jarvis encourages readers to embrace staying small, focusing on building sustainable, profitable, and fulfilling businesses aligned with personal values.
It prioritizes the benefits of business freedom, avoiding the struggles of managing employees and constantly hustling for more income.
15. Side Hustle by Chris Guillebeau
Side Hustle is an actionable audiobook teaching you how to create a profitable side business without quitting your day job.
In addition, Guillebeau provides a step-by-step guide to identify, validate, and launch successful side hustles within 27 days.
It’s a perfect listen if you’re looking to make extra money, diversify income, or turn your passions into thriving businesses.
16. E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
E-Myth Revisited is a practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to break free from the pitfalls of running a small business and outlines a systematic and scalable business model.
Additionally, the book debunks the misguided belief that a person who is good at something will succeed in business.
Gerber suggests a promising framework to become systems-dependent instead of people-dependent and the three roles you need to play to succeed.
17. The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
This all-time classic by Tim Ferriss was published in 2007, however, it was way ahead of its time.
It’s an audiobook about lifestyle design, revolutionizing the idea of early retirement and reaching business success sooner in life.
As the title of the book describes, the main theme of the book is about working smarter, not harder.
Ferriss introduces the New Rich concept, encouraging people to abandon the idea of working for 40 years and then retiring.
Instead, people with the New Rich mindset focus on generating multiple income streams so they can enjoy life in the present.
It’s an audiobook for business and life in general. You’ll learn how to use your time effectively in the digital age and begin living your best life today.
18. Millionaire Fastlane by M.J. DeMarco
The Millionaire Fastlane is an eye-opening audiobook for anyone wanting to achieve financial success faster.
You’ll learn that getting rich quickly is entirely possible as long as you interpret quickly as years of consistent effort.
The Fastlane approach is where you’ll harness business systems that leverage time and value creation, shifting your mindset from retirement-based wealth creation in favor of fast-track entrepreneurship.
19. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
In this perspective-shifting classic, you’ll discover that a business’s success isn’t in what they do, but in why they do it.
Sinek presents real-world examples of successful businesses and great leaders who demonstrate a reverse-engineered approach to their success.
Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding an organization’s purpose before focusing on strategies and specific products or services.
It’s an inspiring listen for any business owner wanting to find their why and set themselves apart from the rest.
20. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup puts emphasis on cutting out the fluff and focusing on the essentials to grow your business.
It’s a methodology based on validated learning and a build-measure-learn feedback loop.
It involves building a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), measuring performance, and learning from insights gathered to inform its next iteration.
Following The Lean Startup method allows for better decision-making and knowing when to make changes to a startup’s business model, product, or target market.
21. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
Blue Ocean Strategy is an illuminating business audiobook that offers a new perspective on business strategy and competition.
The authors argue that pursuing lower cost, differentiation, or niching down isn’t the only way to create a competitive advantage.
Instead, businesses can be more effective by adopting the concept of blue oceans – a metaphor for unexplored markets ripe for growth and profitability.
The unconventional approach emphasizes the importance of innovation and value creation, allowing companies to break free from the traditional methods.
Instead, you’ll learn a step-by-step framework for identifying blue oceans and setting your business apart from competitors.
22. How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards
This audiobook will elevate your copywriting skills and empower you to create persuasive and compelling sales copy.
Read by the author, Edwards shares his proven techniques for crafting copy that resonates with your audience and, consequently, compels them to take action.
With a mixture of timeless principles and practical examples, you’ll learn one of the most essential skills in business.
23. Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuck
Crushing It is the second book by Gary Vaynerchuck, which encapsulates a goldmine of modern-day business wisdom and insights.
You’re presented with a step-by-step strategy to build and scale a personal brand through the power of social media.
Additionally, Crushing It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and patience while building your personal brand, as these traits are crucial to long-term success.
Read by the author, the audiobook also shares inspiring stories which are narrated by Rich Roll.
24. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
In this empowering classic, Brené Brown debunks the myth about vulnerability being a weakness.
Instead, vulnerability is essential for building trust, connection, and innovation within teams.
You’ll be compelled to embrace difficult conversations and learn the importance of authenticity in becoming an empowering leader.
Thus, Dare to Lead equips you with essential tools to develop courage in leadership roles, fostering a transformational impact on your team and organization.
25. The Morning Miracle by Hal Elrod
The Morning Miracle is an outstanding audiobook that provides an actionable morning routine that can transform your life and business.
Called S.A.V.E.R.S, which stands for Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing, this method not only assists in fostering a positive mindset but also aids in unlocking your full potential in every aspect of life.
Indeed, this is a crucial resource for entrepreneurs who aspire to navigate through the mayhem of life and achieve success both on a personal and professional level.
26. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
In Profit First, Michalowicz offers an alternative approach to traditional accounting methods, where the emphasis is put on profit first.
By prioritizing profit first, it helps you focus on the most important aspect of keeping your business running.
Additionally, this financial management system introduces the idea of separate bank accounts for different purposes, making it easier to manage business finances.
Implementing the Profit First methodology will enable you to take full control of your money and essentially increase profit faster than you would using traditional methods.
27. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
In this audiobook, tech entrepreneur Ben Horowitz shares his experiences of challenging times in business and how to become a world-class leader.
This hard-hitting audiobook focuses on the challenges business leaders face in the real world. Moreover, Horowitz offers practical advice for dealing with the tough decisions that inevitably come along the way.
Overall, it’s a candid, no-nonsense guide for navigating the often difficult path of entrepreneurship and leadership, covering topics like hiring, firing, company culture, and dealing with failure.
28. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Lean In is an influential audiobook by former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. It encourages women to step up and achieve their full potential in the workplace.
Sharing her own experiences, Sandberg provides insights into the gender gap in leadership roles. She highlights the importance of women leaning in and embracing growth opportunities.
Moreover, the book provides practical advice for both men and women on how to support and encourage a diverse workforce.
Lean In is an essential listen for anyone, regardless of gender, who wants to understand and address the barriers that often hold women back in their careers.
29. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Never Split the Difference is an extraordinary audiobook that teaches negotiating techniques from a former FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss.
Drawing on his experiences in high-stakes situations, Voss presents strategies that can be applied to everyday negotiations, whether it’s a business deal, a salary negotiation, or a personal disagreement.
It’s a fantastic listen if you want to master the art of negotiations in both life and business.
30. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is a comprehensive guide to effective leadership written by renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell.
Through insightful anecdotes and examples from history, the audiobook explores 21 fundamental laws that every leader should know about.
Covering topics such as the Law of Influence, the Law of the Lid, and the Law of Priorities, Maxwell provides a thorough understanding of the skills and mindset required for greatness in leadership.
31. Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Elon Musk is a captivating biography delving into the life and personality of the entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink.
This engaging audiobook offers a comprehensive look at Musk’s vision, including his ambitious goals and relentless work ethic, which have made him one of the most influential figures in the world of technology and business.
Overall, Elon Musk is a must-listen for anyone interested in the life and ideas of a groundbreaking entrepreneur and his pursuit of a sustainable future for humanity.
Conclusion for The Best Audiobooks for Business
These 31 best audiobooks for business offer valuable insights, practical advice, and inspirational stories to help you excel both personally and professionally.
From time-tested classics to groundbreaking new ideas, these audiobooks cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, entrepreneurship, personal development, mindset, and much more.
Pro tip: You can 2X the speed of an audiobook if you read the physical copy at the same time. You’ll find some of the physical versions in our list of the best books for entrepreneurs.
Or try out Blinkest for bite-sized summaries that can be digested in 20 minutes or less.
