GNT #084: The Ultimate Purpose-Driven Growth Reading List

read time: 2.5 minutes

It’s not just a theory -- purpose-driven companies financially outperform the market by 42% and grow 3 times faster than their competitors, according to Deloitte.*

Yet, in a world obsessed with numbers, the deeper "why" behind our work can easily get lost.

If you believe business can be about profit, purpose, and well-being, finding resources that align with this mindset is essential.

That’s why I’ve curated this reading list.

These books have inspired me, challenged my thinking, and helped me shape strategies that not only support growth and success, but also create a lasting impact on people and communities.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or just someone eager to make a difference, these reads will guide you on your journey to growing with purpose.

Feel free to jump in wherever your interests lead.

Let's dig in. 

Foundational Reads for Purpose-Driven Growth

• Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia - Raj also has a follow up Field Guide for putting the strategies into action.
• Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy - How the new science of mindset can transform individuals, teams, and organizations.
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek - The power of understanding and communicating your ‘why.’
• Firms of Endearment by Raj Sisodia, Jag Sheth, and David B. Wolfe - How purpose-driven businesses outperform competitors.
• The Purpose Economy by Aaron Hurst - Insights on purpose as a driving force in the modern economy.
  
  

Scaling Your Impact with Purpose

• Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras - Strategies for sustaining growth through purpose and profit.
• The Purpose-Driven Marketing Handbook by Paul Pierroz - A deep dive into purpose-led marketing strategies.
• Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne - Creating new markets aligned with your purpose.
• Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh - Fostering growth by focusing on employee happiness and company culture.
• Purpose + Profit: by George Serafeim - Integrating social and environmental goals with profitability.
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown - Focusing on what truly matters.
• 10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan - Achieving more by doing less.
• Net Positive by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston – How companies can profit by solving the world’s biggest challenges and making a positive impact.
• Measure What Matters by John Doerr – Learn how to use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to align purpose with measurable goals.
• The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge – Building a “learning organization” where systems thinking and a shared vision drive growth and purpose.
  
  

The Inner Journey of Purpose-Driven Growth

• The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann - Many other books in this series around selling, influence, marriage, etc.
• The Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani - Secret spiritual art of succeeding at work.
• Drive by Daniel Pink - The key elements of motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
• The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu - Finding lasting happiness in a changing world.
• A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine - The wisdom of Stoic philosophy for a purpose-driven life.
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – The power of vulnerability and courage in leadership to inspire others and lead with purpose.
• How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen – How to align your career, relationships, and personal goals to create a life of true success and fulfillment.
• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy – Focus on your progress, not your setbacks, to drive greater fulfillment and growth.
• The Art of Work by Jeff Goins – Discover how to find your calling and turn it into meaningful work.
• Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles – The Japanese secret for finding balance between passion, mission, vocation, and profession.
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday – Embrace obstacles as a path to growth and success.
  
  

Takeaway

Interested in one of these titles? Preview it first on Blinkist to see if it’s worth a full read. Blinkist gives you the key ideas in 15 minutes, so you can decide before committing.

Or, use these links to start your own library at home or a shareable library with your teams at the office. Choose the books that align with your personal and business values.

Happy reading, and here’s to growing with purpose.

See you next week! 

 

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:


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*Research cited from Deloitte