What makes a book to linger in your memory long after you’ve closed the last page? Emotionally charged stories are more remembered and powerful than facts alone because they stimulate more parts of the brain, according to cognitive research. Books have long influenced how people think, lead, and live—from ancient philosophers to contemporary leaders. George R.R. Martin famously remarked, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” For many people, one of those lives leads to a permanent transformation. The correct book at the right moment can alter decisions that affect teams, communities, or even entire sectors, whether through a change in perspective, a newfound clarity, or a better approach to problem-solving. Professionals discuss books that accomplished this in this expert roundup.
Purple Cow: Stand Out or Risk Invisibility
“Purple Cow” by Seth Godin taught me that being safe and conventional is actually the riskiest business strategy, and that remarkable companies must be willing to stand out even if it means some people won’t like them. This lesson became the foundation for how we position Thrive and serve our community.
I found the book in a time when everyone had their fingers in all the pies—as Macron put it—wondering how we remained flat while still doing great work. The idea from Godin we were transcending was “safe is risky,” or in other words the fact that nobody knew us was, in fact, our kryptonite. So, we revised our strategy and made it very clear that we only work with companies that are interested in building a long-term business. We also started firing clients who came to us wanting short-term solutions versus long-term ones. In addition, we started sending out bluntly honest case studies where we share both what we did right, and what we totally screwed up (this is something you almost never see other agencies do!).
The transformation was immediate—our close rate increased 60% because prospects knew exactly what to expect, and our client satisfaction improved dramatically because we were attracting people who valued our approach. When you stop trying to appeal to everyone, you become irresistible to the right people.
Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local
——————————————-
Essentialism: Do Less, But Do What Matters
Essentialism by Greg McKeown taught me to stop wasting time. When I began Alloy, I noticed how easy it was to get tugged in a million directions. Essentialism taught me to only do the work that counts. It taught me to say no more and guard my time. After surviving cancer, that lesson became very real for me. I needed to be specific about what I was passionate about and what I wasn’t.
At my previous companies, I handled intricate issues. But starting Alloy required doing it differently. I couldn’t do it all. I had to prioritize one thing: making it simpler and quicker for people to sell their metals. Having a clear direction made the product better and enabled us to expand.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or being pulled too thin, this book assists. It isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things. I still apply what I took from it to make decisions for Alloy – what to build, whom to hire, and how to work. The concepts are simple and helpful. You’ll end up with the book having a better way to spend your time and energy. It kept me focused and uncomplicated.
Brandon Aversano, CEO, The Alloy Market
——————————————-
The Infinite Game Transforms Leadership Beyond Numbers
One book that actually changed how I was doing leadership and making an impact is The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. I read it while going through a rough time in my career. Back then I was trying so hard (and somewhat failing) to balance short-term successes with long-term goals, shaking the very concept of success. Instead of treating business like a checklist or a finish line, the book encouraged me to focus on building something that lasts, something that positively affects people, even if I’m no longer in the picture.
What resonated with me is the idea of leading with a “just cause”, something greater than profits or numbers. That changed how I lead teams and even howI interact with clients and customers. I highly recommend this to anyone who feels trapped trying to chase numbers while wishing to create something purposeful.
Mimi Nguyen, Founder, Cafely
——————————————-
Evicted Book Sparks Housing Crisis Solution Program
The book ‘Evicted’ by Matthew Desmond opened my eyes to housing challenges in America and pushed me to create more flexible payment options for struggling homeowners. After reading it, I started a program where we work with local housing organizations to help families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes, which has helped over 50 families in our community last year alone.
Carl Fanaro, President, NOLA Buys Houses
——————————————-
Trust Transcends Differences in Real Estate Leadership
One book that changed how I lead is *Same Kind of Different as Me*. It’s about a rich man and a homeless man who build trust by being real and humble. It stripped away assumptions. It showed how connection is not based on the same backgrounds, but on common values. That lesson made me dig deeper. This now informs every business decision I make and the service I provide.
In real estate, relationships make it happen. Whether with a first-time buyer or a new agent, trust matters. This book reminded me that people carry more than we see. That’s why we’re hiring for cultural fit, not resumes. That’s why we created programs for single mothers, veterans, and others who have housing barriers. Giving back isn’t an afterthought. It’s how we lead. Impact doesn’t start with strategy. It starts with empathy. In our line of work, empathy is the strongest weapon you’ve got.
Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty
——————————————-
Right People First: Good to Great Transforms Agency
During a tough period scaling my agency, ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins hit me hard with its concept of getting the right people on the bus first. This led me to completely restructure our hiring process to focus on cultural fit and passion for client success, which honestly transformed our team dynamics and client results more than any marketing strategy could.
Ryan Young, Owner, Revive Marketing Services
——————————————-
Answer Questions, Win Customers: SEO Revolution Revealed
“They Ask, You Answer” by Marcus Sheridan revolutionized how I approach SEO and content strategy for our clients at Wally. The book taught me that the best SEO isn’t just about keywords and technical optimization, but about honestly answering your customers’ real questions – I’ve since rebuilt our entire content approach around this principle and seen incredible improvements in organic traffic for our clients.
Aaron McGurk, Managing Director, Wally
——————————————-
Dorian Gray Reshapes Beauty Industry Philosophy
It might sound strange for someone in the beauty industry, but Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ had a profound impact on me. It’s a powerful cautionary tale about the destructive nature of seeing beauty as a final product to be captured and preserved, rather than as a living, evolving part of who you are. That idea is the foundation of our entire philosophy. We don’t sell perfection. We provide tools for the ritual of self-care, empowering people to feel confident and in control of their own grooming. It should be a positive part of life, not a source of anxiety. I recommend it because it forces you to question the ‘why’ behind any aesthetic pursuit. It’s a reminder that true wellness is found in a healthy process, not in the obsessive pursuit of an impossible outcome.
Dan McElwee, Head of Retail, Tress Wellness
——————————————-
Start With Why: Purpose Trumps Features
Start With Why by Simon Sinek is a book that really moved me. It made me think about how we establish and lead not only businesses, but also teams and communities. The main point is simple but strong: people don’t purchase what you do; they buy why you do it. That made me pay less attention to the features and business results of what we do at DesignRush and more to the reason behind what we do.
It reminded me that having a clear vision and goal is more vital than any one strategy as a leader. It made me think about how we talk to our clients and employees and made me more conscious of the kind of impact we want to have. I would tell everyone who wants to develop something that lasts to do it. It’s not enough to merely be successful; you also have to be meaningful, and that’s what creates the difference over time.
Gianluca Ferruggia, General Manager, DesignRush
——————————————-
Awaken the Giant: Values Drive Business Success
Many years ago, I was lucky enough to be handed a copy of Tony Robbin’s ‘Awaken the Giant Within’.
This book ignited my personal development journey. It was the first time I was being told to reach for more. To dream for more. To show up for my community.
Through my journey, I have learnt to approach every aspect of my life with intention, curiosity, purpose and playfulness.
My company is built on these values and we donate 20% of our profits to community projects.
Sari Schmidt, Co-Founder, Nala Talent
——————————————-
Made to Stick: Craft Messages People Remember
One book that really stuck with me is “Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath.
It changed how I think about communication—not just in marketing, but in life. The core idea is simple: If your message isn’t clear and memorable, it won’t make an impact—no matter how good your product or idea is.
I recommend it because it teaches you how to craft messages people actually remember and act on, whether you’re selling something, pitching an idea, or trying to change minds. In business and community work, that’s half the battle.
Maksym Zakharko, Chief Marketing Officer / Marketing Consultant, maksymzakharko.com
Share Your Insights
What do you think? Which insights resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how generosity, kindness, compassion, and making a difference have shaped your path!
About Books with a Heart
Welcome to Books with a Heart, where you’ll find thoughtful feature articles and reviews of books that highlight the power of making a difference through corporate social responsibility, socio-entrepreneurship, nonprofits, charitable work, sustainable practices, or in other heartfelt personal or professional ways. This is your go-to space for discovering inspiring reads that emphasize kindness, social impact, and community-building. Each review offers insights into how these books contribute to creating positive change, providing practical takeaways and motivational stories. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or find inspiration, explore our reviews and discover books that touch lives, ignite change, and embody the heart of difference making.
Feature Reviews
Disclaimer
The content on HeartBeat, a blog by Store with a Heart, is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by authors and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Store with a Heart. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or validity of any information shared. None of HeartBeat‘s write-ups are paid for by any of the individuals, organisations, or brands mentioned. Any ads or sponsored posts are clearly marked as such. For more details, please review our Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
HeartBeat Links
Here are shortcuts to our content:
- Book Review Requests
- Book Review Requests Step 3
- Books with a Heart
- From the Heart: Stories, Reflections, and Inspiration for a Kinder World
- Heart to Heart: Inspiring Action, One Interview at a Time
- HeartBeat: Your Pulse of Positivity
- Important Announcement
- Memorabilia for Award Winners
- Our Blog’s Disclaimer
- Our Blog’s Privacy Policy
- Our Blog’s Terms of Service
- Purpose-driven Insights
- The Difference Makers
- Universal Kindness Awards Nomination Form Step 1 and Step 2
- Universal Kindness Awards Paid Nominations, Sponsorships, and Other Forms of Financial Support for the Awards
- Universal Kindness Awards Policy for Reporting on Awardees and Minimum Nominee Criteria
- Universal Kindness Awards Supporters
- Universal Kindness Awards – Nomination Policies
- Voluntary Contribution Policy
- Winners of the Universal Kindness Awards
Nominate for the Universal Kindness Awards
We are accepting nominations all year round. It’s free to repay kindness with kindness. There’s no cost to make a submission (unless you choose to voluntarily pay for the nomination and help pay it forward). Nominate a difference maker today!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Our Collective Impact
To know how our entire global community of generous individuals and participating platforms has been making a difference, click here.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Visit Store with a Heart‘s online shop today!
Make a difference with every carbon-neutral gift that makes a difference. Check out our products and services. As you are one of our valued community members, you can use the code SWAH10 to get your 10% discount on every purchase you make.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Copyright © 2020-2025 Store with a Heart®: Making a Difference. All Rights Reserved.
Discover more from Store with a Heart
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Store with a Heart 