18 new books for entrepreneurs to get ahead in 2018

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What better way to get started in the new year than with a list of books to read? That’s how I see it. So here’s my selection of books to make sense of the world of startups, entrepreneurs, and tech trends in 2018. The aim is to inspire us to go from good to great.

I’ve curated it for my use and presented it in reverse chronological order, starting with books yet to be released and going on to recently published ones. There are many good lists already of evergreen gems, so I restricted myself to new books. But in the comments section below the article, I hope to find your suggestions – from old favorites you’ve relished as well as new books you’re looking forward to savoring.

First, let’s dive into this compilation of thought leaders and practical guides for anybody who aspires to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

The New Global Road Map – Pankaj Ghemawat

Management guru Pankaj Ghemawat is well known for his works on business strategies for going global. He now looks at it from the angle of rising nationalism and growing pressures against globalization in The New Global Road Map: Enduring Strategies for Turbulent Times, set for release this year. With examples from his consultancy around the world, he aims to help companies figure out their global footprint in the new business environment.

Conspiracy – Ryan Holiday

One of the biggest media events in recent times has been the stunning collapse of Gawker Media after it was sued for publishing Hulk Hogan’s sex tape. The case became more intriguing when it emerged that Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel secretly financed the lawsuit for years to settle old scores with Gawker. Ryan Holiday, best known for authoring The Obstacle is the Way with Tim Ferris, talks to the key players for a deep dive into the plot that undid Gawker. Bookmark Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue if you’re interested in the shifting landscape of digital media and power equations. If you’d rather just watch a documentary film on this, look up Nobody Speak on Netflix.

Skin in the Game – Nassim Nicholas Taleb

I can’t wait for Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, iconoclastic author of Black Swan, Antifragile, and Fooled by Randomness. “Skin in the game” is a familiar phrase in startup circles, but Taleb’s interpretation broadens it to cover all aspects of risk management in our lives – from making a financial investment to committing to a religious faith.

Superconnector – Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh

Superconnectors are people who take networking beyond handing out business cards and making LinkedIn connections. In Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter, set for release in February, the authors share their insights on building professional communities. Scott Gerber is the CEO of The Community Company and Ryan Paugh co-founded CommunityCo. They draw upon anecdotes and strategies from successful superconnectors. Another notable book on networking coming out in May is Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career by business school professor David Burkus.

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing – Daniel H. Pink

The best-selling author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us and To Sell is Human has a new book releasing in January – When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. Timing often determines success, whether you’re launching a product or declaring your love. But it’s mostly based on gut feel. Daniel Pink delves into the science behind it, drawing upon research in psychology and economics.