This is a list of every book that has been recommended by guests on the Beyond the Uniform show. Audible is offering one free audio book to Beyond the Uniform listeners – it’s a great way to use NET (No Extra Time) to plow through some incredible books. You can redeem your offer here: audibletrial.com/beyondtheuniform
Entrepreneurship
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers – this is probably the most commonly cited book on the show. I read this one as well and loved it – Ben Horowitz is very transparent and straightforward in his depiction of life as an entrepreneur, and he has an incredible entrepreneurial story to share.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future – this has come up multiple times in discussions around startups. I really enjoyed Peter Thiel’s straightforward and approachable description of what separates exceptional startups from the rest of the playing field.
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t – this is considered canon in Silicon Valley, and was often cited at Stanford Business School. Many of my guests have recommended this as well as a great overview of how to build an exceptional and lasting company.
The Compound Effect– I’ve listed this in entrepreneurship, but this applies to really any business person seeking to make the most of their time. It talks about taking 1-2 steps weekly towards a massive goal, and how small, incremental steps make a MASSIVE difference in your progress
The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life – many of Tim Ferriss’ books come up on the show. It’s a great example of how to work efficiently and there are many carryovers for startups.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear – this is one of the few books I’ve listened to (on audiobook) multiple times. Elizabeth Gilbert is a great role model for working with inspiration and fostering creativity; I think this is a must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur
Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth – a great primer on how to get your company off the ground
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich – this is a Bible for many in Silicon Valley; it makes entrepreneurship accessible and gives tons of great tips on working faster and smarter
The Art of the Start 2.0: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything – stop thinking about, stop over-organizing things and begin to act
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future – stop thinking about, stop over-organizing things and begin to act
Business
The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business – this was recommended as a great resource for veterans pursuing any career in the business world
Case Interview Secrets: A Former McKinsey Interviewer Reveals How to Get Multiple Job Offers in Consulting – for those veterans planning on consulting this was recommended as a good preparation for your interviews.
Case in Point 9: Complete Case Interview Preparation – another book that has been recommended for those interested in consulting
Cracking the Tech Career: Insider Advice on Landing a Job at Google, Microsoft, Apple, or any Top Tech Company – this was recommended as a great resource for applying to Google and similar companies.
Career Guidance & Clarity
Moving the Needle: Get Clear, Get Free, and Get Going in Your Career, Business, and Life! – How to network properly; does a good job of breaking down the networking skill sets
Distinguished Men: Grow in influence, Success and Significance – Andreas was on the show, and he wrote this book to help fellow veterans find their ideal job and succeed at it.
Command Your Transition: Declare your Intent, Craft your Mission, Make it on the Outside – Travis was a guest on the show and wrote this to help veterans navigate their transition from the military with confidence.
SCALE: Refuse to Settle Recognize What Matters Redefine Success – Another book by Travis to help veterans in their career decisions
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2017: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers – self-knowledge comes up repeatedly as an essential component for one’s transition from the military. This book is often referenced as a nice way to start this discovery process
Hacking the Job Search: How to escape the rat race of unread résumés and unanswered applications – Graham was a guest on the show, and he wrote this book to help veterans figure out how to find – and get – their dream job
Our of Uniform – Tom was a guest on the show, and wrote this book specifically for veterans to teach them everything they need to know to have a successful transition from the military
Leadership
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t – this was cited as a great example of leadership in the civilian world
In the Shadow of Greatness: Voices of Leadership, Sacrifice, and Service from America’s Longest War– Graham was a guest on the show, and helped write this book to showcase examples of leadership from the Naval Academy class of 2002.
Finance
The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement – Doug was a guest on the show and wrote this book to help any veteran achieve financial independence.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! – this is often cited as a great starting point in understanding one’s personal finances and taking control of one’s financial freedom
Liar’s Poker (Norton Paperback) – for those interested in a career in the finance industry, this is often recommended by guests
Market Wizards, Updated: Interviews With Top Traders – Christopher Perkins (Marine and Managing Director at Citi) had recommended this as a very help
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management – another must-read for those interested in a career in finance
Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System–and Themselves – this is a commonly cited book for those who work in finance and recommended to veterans considering a career in finance
The Black Swan: Second Edition: The Impact of the Highly Improbable: With a new section: “On Robustness and Fragility” (Incerto) – another great read for those interested in a career in the finance industry