I've always been a dreamer. I've always been drawn to people who take an idea, have the courage to give it a go, and work hard to turn it into something extraordinary. It's probably one of the reasons I decided to start Book Hero, with the ambition of building something that goes beyond the traditional independent high street bookshop.
Some of the most inspiring books I've read have been written by people who dared to do things differently. They aren't necessarily instruction manuals for success, but stories that challenge the way we think, encourage us to take risks and remind us what's possible when we give something a go.
With Christmas approaching, I thought I'd share some of the books that inspired me to dream big, from my teenage years through to more recent times. I've also included a few new releases I can't wait to read, including some I've already sent to Alex from my Christmas Wish List!
If there's someone in your life with a big idea, an ambitious dream or simply a desire to do something different, I think these books would make awesome Christmas gifts.
The books that inspired me
Rich Dad Poor Dad
I first readΒ Rich Dad Poor DadΒ when I was 17, and it opened my eyes to a different way of thinking about money, particularly the idea of building a business that could generate income beyond the hours you personally put into it. It was one of the books that first sparked my interest in entrepreneurship.
One metaphor that really stuck with me was the story of two people supplying water to a town. One carried buckets of water from the well each day, while the other built a pipeline that could deliver water and generate income even while he slept! I remember writing it out in my journal at the time, and I've thought about it a lot ever since.
Some parts of this book haven't aged particularly well (I've never been a huge fan of his obsession with property ownership - which I actually consider a bit lazy compared to building a business), but it was unquestionably an inspiring read for me.
His follow-up book,Β Cashflow Quadrant, was equally formative. It helped me understand the difference between assets that generate income and possessions that cost money to maintain. An expensive car, for example, might feel like an asset, but the insurance, servicing and repairs tell a different story. It hasn't stopped me from making some questionable financial decisions around cars, but at least I've gone into them with my eyes open!
The boxed set of Robert Kiyosaki's books would make a great Christmas gift for someone who's starting to think differently about money and their future.
Losing My Virginity
I was hugely inspired by Richard Branson during my university years, thanks in large part to this book.
I love how Branson built a business empire by entering well-established industries, from record stores to airlines, and finding ways to do things differently. He focused on having fun, putting customers first and challenging the established players. He was always himself, never behaved like a boring corporate, and somehow built a billion-dollar empire along the way.
I was also fascinated by his decision to take Virgin public and later buy it back, partly because he wanted the freedom to take risks without putting other people's money on the line.
Looking back, I can see just how much Branson's thinking has influenced the way I've approached building Book Hero. This is a brilliant read for anyone who's ever wondered whether there's a better way of doing things.
Steve Jobs
How can anyone who dreams of creating something extraordinary not be inspired by Steve Jobs?
This incredible biography by Walter Isaacson, who was given extraordinary access to Jobs in the months before he died, is full of fascinating stories about one of the most creative minds of our time.
From helping create the Mac and revolutionising personal computers, to turning the music industry on its head with the iPod and transforming mobile phones with the iPhone, Jobs had an extraordinary ability to imagine products that changed or created entire markets.
There are also stories that might be less familiar, including his role in transforming animated filmmaking through Pixar andΒ Toy Story, before Pixar was eventually acquired by Disney.
What I find particularly inspiring is his passion for art, design and creativity, and his determination to make things that were not just functional, but beautiful. A remarkable, if sometimes difficult, man whose approach feels quite different from that of many of today's tech leaders.
Zero to One
I love this book by Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, because it challenges conventional thinking about how businesses should be built.
One of my favourite ideas is that great businesses are often built around a belief that very few other people agree with. I thought about this often when starting Book Hero, particularly when even my closest friends questioned the wisdom of opening a bookshop in 2024!
I believed there was an opportunity to build a different kind of independent bookshop in New Zealand, one built around a warehouse holding a huge range of books, rather than relying on a traditional high street location with plenty of foot traffic but a much smaller selection.
It's a great read for anyone who dreams of creating something of their own, and a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from questioning the way things have always been done.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Ryan Holiday is one of my favourite authors. He has a huge online following, owns a bookshop himself, and has done a wonderful job of making the ancient philosophy of Stoicism relevant to modern life.
One of my favourite quotes from this book is βWhat stands in the way becomes the way.β
We talk about this as a team all the time at Book Hero. Building a business is hard, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding. We get bored easily and love a challenge, so as soon as things start getting easier, we seem to find a way to make life difficult for ourselves again!
We often remind ourselves that the very things that make what we're doing difficult are also what will make it hard for others to follow in our footsteps.
A brilliant read for anyone pursuing a big dream, particularly when things get tough.
π A few books on my Christmas Wish List
Of course, there are always more books to read than there are hours in the day! Here are three newer releases I haven't got around to yet, but can't wait to get stuck into. I've even dropped a few hints to Alex about what I'd like to find under the Christmas tree this year!
No Pit Stops
Kiwi business icon Grant Baker is an inspiring character who helped build some incredible New Zealand businesses, including 42 Below and Turners Car Auctions.
I've listened to a few podcasts featuring Grant, and I love how candid he is about the risks he took, the challenges he faced and the times he had everything on the line.
I find these stories inspiring because they remind me that others have faced the same challenges I'm facing today, and that it's all part of the journey.
Grant also has amazing taste in cars, which is another reason I can't wait to read this book!
Your Time Is Now
Ever since watching Sacha's reel with Suzanne Paul when she visited Book Hero, I've wanted to read this book!
When Sacha asked Suzanne what she hoped readers would take away from it, her answer was hope, contentment and βmore happiness than you can shake a stick at!β
Suzanne also has an inspiring message for anyone who's ever doubted themselves, feared failure or wondered whether it's too late to pursue a dream: your time is now. You can do it!
How could you not want to read a book like this?
Threads
I love Paul Smith! I have a Paul Smith wallet, toilet bag, socks, underwear, backpack and plenty more.
I've always loved his colourful, playful designs, and it's incredible how his work has found its way into some of the world's best department stores and onto all sorts of products, including a MINI (which I obviously want too, haha).
I'd love to read this book to learn how a dyslexic young boy from a modest upbringing in Britain went on to build a globally recognised brand that's become synonymous with style and creativity.
What an inspiring story, and a wonderful reminder that you don't have to follow a conventional path to achieve extraordinary things.
A little encouragement goes a long way
Looking back at the books that have inspired me, I think what they all have in common is the ability to make you believe that something extraordinary might just be possible. And I can't think of a much better gift to give someone this Christmas than that.