Dynasties, by David Landes

Rothschilds, Morgans, Ford, Peugeot, Citroen, Toyota, Rockefellers, Guggenheims, and others…. These families created powerful businesses in Europe, Japan and America in the fields of banking, cars and raw materials and the book provides fascinating insights into these business dynasties. Not only is the account full of important business insights, but also the added drama and passion expected when extraordinary money and power interconnect, often topped by some serious quirkiness. Ford shunned graduates and put a floor-sweeper in charge of his research lab; a Gucci is currently serving 26 years for complicity in murdering her husband. But the most compelling reason for understanding these dynasties is that they are very, very successful family businesses, and family capitalism produces better returns than non-family businesses, (23% vs. 10%) and you will understand why.

Success Built to Last, Jerry Poras, Stewart Emery and Mark Thompson

The best personal development / motivational book I have ever read. Period. It is not one more book with all the answers, rather an inspiration to find your own way. The book is based on interviews with over 200 people all over the world who have made a difference – large or small – in their field, profession or community and have lived a life they believed mattered. For the most part they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things that matter to them. The people studied come from many backgrounds, some horrific and others privileged. They call these people “Builders” – because they are compelled to build something that will endure. They have all had significant success for 20 years- a criterion for being on the list, to eliminate the celebrities of the moment. Don’t miss this one….