I’ve lost count of how many books I’ve read over the last 40 years. But I do know this: reading changed my life. It started as a refuge—an escape from shyness and insecurity—and became my gateway to self-discovery, confidence, and eventually, entrepreneurial growth.
In my teens, self-help books gave me the courage to believe in myself. As an entrepreneur, books became my mentors—offering insight, perspective and wisdom when I needed them most. Even today, there’s always a book or Kindle within reach—at home, at airports, in restaurants, or while waiting for meetings. I’m always learning, always growing.
People often ask, “Bunny, how did you become who you are?” My answer is simple: through reading. Many entrepreneurs don’t scale up because they don’t read enough. A great book is a silent mentor. It speaks to you at the right moment. As the saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
Let me share the books that built me.
Eight books that transformed me as a young adult:
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Helped me overcome shyness and build real confidence in connecting with people.
2. The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Taught me that optimism is a habit—and that faith and mindset are key to perseverance.
3. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Expanded my thinking. It challenged me to dream bigger and take bold action.
4. Psycho — Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz
Introduced me to the power of the subconscious. I still use visualization and self-talk today.
5. The Sale Begins When the Customer Says “No” by Elmer Leterman Reframed rejection for me. “No” was never the end — it was the beginning.
6. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
Ten scrolls, ten timeless principles. My favorite: “Greet each day with love in your heart.”
7. I’m OK, You’re OK by Dr. Thomas Harris
Helped me understand others better — and taught me to take responsibility for my personal growth.
8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey
A practical philosophy that transformed how I live and lead. Begin with the end in mind, and never stop sharpening the saw. Being proactive.
Eight business books that helped me grow companies — and myself:
1. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Taught me what separates good companies from great ones. Disciplined people. Disciplined thought. Disciplined action.
2. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
A masterclass in managing time and priorities — and yourself.
3. Ready for Anything by David Allen
Showed me how to stay clear-headed and focused in a world of complexity by constantly closing “open loops”.
4. Execution by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan
Strategy without execution is just wishful thinking. This book drove that home.
5. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
Each law made me a better leader. The Law of the Lid? Game — changing. Building momentum? Awesome.
6. Positioning by Al Ries & Jack Trout
Made me understand that marketing is all about perception, not just performance.
7. Jack by Jack Welch
A candid, no-nonsense look at leadership from one of the world’s greatest CEOs ever.
8. Thick Face, Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu
A bold, Eastern perspective on toughness, courage and leading with conviction.
These books didn’t just shape the way I do business—they helped build who I am. If you let them, they can do the same for you.