My 10 favourite books: Rohan Bhargava, co-founder of CashKaro

Rohan Bhargava’s favourite books

Entrepreneurship may not come with a manual but luckily there’s a multitude of excellent books for anyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to those just starting out. I also read a few great books that changed the way I looked at things, broke down many of my fears and also taught me how to build a great company. So if your goal is to build a massively successful company where you call the shots, you might want to start with the following 10books.

Good to great by Jim Collins

A timeless must read for every entrepreneur. The book focuses on timeless principle that enable Good companies become truly Great (Intel and GE don’t make the cut). The concepts are backed by hard data, research and facts. The basic mantras of right people on the bus, hedgehog concept, working on strengths are fundamental for anyone in business.

The hard thing about hard things by Ben Horowitz

Few books talk about the real hard facts about running a business. Things go wrong in business, always, that is a given and this is where the book kicks in. Ben has been thought the whole cycle from IPO to near bankruptcy to subsequently selling his business for a song. Every entrepreneur can relate to this book and pick up real and tangible lessons.

Pour your heart into it by Howard Schultz

One of my favourite autobiographies and an excellent case study of “Leadership with Heart”. Howard has truly changed the Coffee industry globally and without his vision we might not have baristas at almost every corner today.

Playing it my way by Sachin (Autobiography)

Anyone who loves cricket, is a Sachin fan. His story is an inspiration not just for his records and achievements on field, but also the right way to lead as a person. Plus for every cricket loving Indian this book is a must read!

Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand has written two of the most powerful books ever written, Fountain head and Atlas Shrugged. The book is about defying norms and having the uncompromising passion to defy norms and to fearless think out-of –the box.

How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie

This novel is surely a self-help mega classic. The advice is timeless. The book serves pragmatic advice and techniques of social interactions while throwing a light on how to avoid being worked up about certain situations thus moving towards a fulfilling life.

Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Perhaps the most well written book on the power of ‘Positive thinking’. Almost every successful entrepreneur to sports person has spoken about the important of visualization and positive thought. The book breaks this process into simple examples and real life situations allowing everyone to relate and apply in their daily lives.

Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Another timeless classic. Simple story of good vs evil, but the world that is painted by Tolkien and his imagination and ability to bring this all to life is just beyond any words.

Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Perhaps the most beautifully written story about following your dream and fighting through all adversity to get there. Moreover, the takeaway is also about enjoying the journey vs just trying to reach a destination. The journey itself teaches us things.

Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

It’s a children’s book written for all ages and no wonder it’s sold over 450 million copies and is the best-selling series in history. I can only say, if you haven’t read these books, let this be the next thing you read.

Have you read any of these? Let me know what you think about the books I’ve recommended and share your favourites too. 🙂

This is part of the TIA Reads series.