Top 10 Business Gems of 2023: Books
2023 has been a transformative year for me. If you know anything about me, you will know that I am well-read. I don’t read fiction and get a few new business, self-development or memoirs every month. As we bid farewell to 2023, I want to share my top picks for you to get ready to level up your business game. Let’s unveil the 10 Best Business Books, Podcasts, and YT Channels of 2023, in my opinion, of course.
**Disclaimer: All of the recommendations I have in my home library. The links shared will allow me to earn commissions if you click through and make a purchase. I appreciate your support in utilizing the links if you decide to buy.
This book is at the top of my list for many reasons. Firstly, my emotions were affected the most through different circumstances this year. I saw Sarah Jakes Roberts on an Instagram Live with Dr. Anita, and they were talking about this garden that we must nurture and water to be our best selves. She encouraged the listeners to buy Dr. Anita’s book above hers (she was also launching at the same time). I did so, and my life was changed.
This book goes deep to uncover the root of your trauma and what you must do to tend to your heart, which is where everything flows from. There were many times where I had to stop and ponder on what was shared. Trust me, if you are seeking answers to why you feel sick, drained, unappreciated and disconnected, get this book!
This book is #2 on my list. It could have been #1 if there could be a tie. Bozoma’s story is one that had me turning pages, as her writing had me wrapped up in the magnificence and fluidity of this thing called life.
If ever I needed hope to go through the different life situations of love, and loss and still living on purpose, this was it! Bozoma, I believe, was born with a certain level of courage that I have rarely seen. That gave me so much hope.
One thing that struck me is her boldness to climb ladders in business and her boldness to make tough decisions when it comes to having what makes her happy, even though others don’t understand it.
If you want encouragement to move past loss of any kind (love, physical, business or otherwise), get this book!
Again, if there could be a tie for #1, Nothing is Missing is right up there. I just finished reading this memoir, and I wholly see myself in many of the stories that Nicole shared. Like Bozoma, I truly believe that Nicole was born with a certain level of clarity that I hope to achieve.
I am a learner, and so, I love to have step by step instructions. This book doesn’t have those “step-by-step” instructions with bullet pointers, but the way that questions were asked, and how answers were given, makes that process identical for me.
This is a memoir and not a business book per se, but I identified with all of her examples of real life situations that got her to where she is today. Because of this book, I have a greater peace about taking up space in this world. If you need examples of living boldly and using your gifts to create wealth and serve others, get this book!
I got Tiffany’s first personal finance book, Get Good with money, 10 Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole. That book helped me, a Caribbean Girl, get and maintain good credit in North America. It was a no brainer to get her new companion, Made Whole, as a guide to get me to the next step. Tiffany is a great teacher, so rest assured, whatever she teaches you is meant to set you up for financial freedom. I have other personal finance books, but the way she breaks everything down for you to understand (as well as being funny as hell!), I enjoy going through the process of learning in this area.
I got this book before I even knew I was going to quit my job. When I read the first few chapters, I quickly said to myself, “Oh, I have to write the date of my resignation?!” Even though that could have been any time I decided on, the thought of making that a reality shook me to my core.
I wrote the date, and guess what? I resigned in a shorter timeframe than I wrote. I estimated moving back to full-time entrepreneurship in about a year. I quit within six (6) months (thanks Amy!).
Listen, the power of intention is real! This book walks you through the steps of making your side hustle your main hustle. Though it focuses heavily on Coaching and Consulting as your money-making career options in my opinion, it is laden with so many options for you to truly make more money, work where you want, and ultimately tell your boss, “Deuces!”. If this is what you are looking for, get this book!
I got this book which was recommended by Kristi Mohammed. It’s a classic that has so many gems about the intentionality of your thoughts and how you respond to life situations that challenge your faith.
There is a story in here about a businessman who bought a coat. His wife felt as though he should not have gotten it as it was expensive. Maybe they could have gotten something cheaper. But the man was looking at this purchase as more of a representation of his values, and he knew instinctively that he would make the money to pay for it. And he did! It was truly a business purchase that paid off in many ways than one.
If you are looking for a faith builder, get this book!
Keron Rose recommended this book to me. It walks you through the steps to growing your influence in any genre. As I said before, I enjoy step-by-step instructions, and this book is full of them.
I was quite surprised when the company reached out to me to find out if they could help me on my journey after I signed up for a checklist. It was refreshing to see the continuous business automation that flowed after the purchase of the book. I was also invited to a webinar the author held to dive deeper into his framework.
The only downside to that webinar for me was that all of the examples of success in business and influence were illustrating white persons. I’d love to see them be more inclusive to all audiences who are added to their sequence.
Overall, I liked this book for the steps they teach you on becoming influential. I see it daily in Keron’s wins, so I know the strategy works.
This book helps you to find, maintain and regain your hope. As I said in the introduction, 2023 was a highly emotional year for me. There were many instances where I was on the brink of losing hope in some personal situations.
This book is a breath of fresh air, sharing scriptures and stories that help you to understand that losing hope is a tragedy and should be avoided at all costs.
If you are stuck in the middle and don’t know where to turn, get this book!
I was drawn to Ramit from his popular Netflix show of the same title. Again, most of the books that I have include strategies on how to get to where you want to be. His insights have also helped me on my financial journey.
I will be using this book alongside Tiffany’s workbook to transform my financial goals for 2024 strategically.
This is not a new book, but it’s one that I return to multiple times for the year. This was the first personal development and business building book that really helped me to get an audacity about me that I hardly recognize.
I use Rachel’s strategies every quarter to gauge if I am on track with my business goals. My favorite chapter is Million Dollar Decisions. As moms in business, we often fail to make decisions in a timely manner, and we often choose shortcuts that save us money, not time.
So, there are broke-ass decisions, and then there are million-dollar decisions. The book shares in detail how we should choose.
If you need a boost of audacity to get the coins coming in, get this book!
As a mompreneur, I highly recommend this book. I utilize it in the third quarter of the year to plan alongside my Ultimate Mompreneur Planner. I love how Jadah brings both parts of our lives together which are so important to us, but often feel like we are failing at one or the other; that is, life and business.
If you are looking for practical steps to planning key areas of your life and business to ensure success, get this book!
PODCASTS
In my next Blog Post, I’ll dive into my top Podcasts of 2023. In the meantime, I want you to view the newest season of my own podcast!
Welcome to The Ultimate Mompreneur Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of mom entrepreneurship. Join host Kelisha Mills as she shares inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips to empower mompreneurs on their journey to success.
From navigating the challenges of balancing business and family to unlocking the secrets of strategic planning, this podcast is your go-to resource for thriving in both realms. Tune in for authentic conversations, uplifting anecdotes, and actionable strategies that will elevate your mompreneurial ventures.🎙️
