Only Read These Books if You Want to Change Your Life
Who doesn't love a good before and after story?
Whenever I get questions about how I went from BPO employee to co-founder of headhunting agency Support Shepherd, the answer is almost always the same. It’s all thanks to a dream, some smart moves, an unbeatable support system, and a bit of luck.
But I’m not going to lie to you — some days, I felt powerless. As if I didn’t have the mental, emotional, and financial tools needed to move things forward.
These six books helped me pick myself up and build the mindset that changed my personal and professional life for the better.
"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
“Let us all be the leaders we wish we had.”
In "Leaders Eat Last", Simon Sinek explores the concept of true leadership. The book emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where trust, collaboration, and support thrive — ultimately leading to a highly productive and fulfilled team.
Here’s what I learned:
Building a supportive work culture – As a founder, I understood the value of building a culture of trust and safety at Shepherd, where everyone's contributions are acknowledged and respected.
Putting people first – The book reminded me that true leaders lead by example — demonstrating empathy and selflessness so every team member feels motivated and empowered to reach their full potential.
Trust as foundation – I realized that when people feel safe and trusted, they are more likely to take risks, share innovative ideas, and work together to achieve common goals.
Through “Leaders Eat Last”, my approach to leadership and team management at Shepherd is guided by a collaborative work environment built on empathy and integrity. This is how we develop leaders who go on to develop other leaders around them.
"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss
“Doing something unimportant well does not make it important.”
In "The 4-Hour Workweek", Tim Ferriss challenges conventional notions of work and productivity. He provides a blueprint for escaping the traditional 9-to-5 grind and creating a life focused on freedom and fulfillment.
Here’s what I learned:
The fallacy of busyness versus productivity – I realized that being constantly busy doesn't equate to being effective. This revolutionized the way I approached work, allowing me to allocate my energy and time more efficiently.
Embracing lifestyle design – Ferriss introduces the concept of lifestyle design, encouraging readers to actively design their lives to align with their personal goals and values. This empowered me to create a life and company culture that embraced flexibility, work-life harmony, and personal growth for our team members.
Outsourcing and leveraging systems – The book prompted me to reevaluate my own workload and identify areas where I could delegate or automate processes, allowing me to focus on high-impact activities that drove significant results.
Through "The 4-Hour Workweek", our approach is centered on productivity, not mindless busywork. This book revolutionized my approach to work, transforming me from a busy individual to a truly productive professional who focuses on one big thing instead of different things at the same time.
"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson
“You and everyone you know are going to be dead soon. And in the short amount of time between here and there, you have a limited amount of f*cks to give.”
"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" challenges readers to embrace personal responsibility, authenticity, and values. By letting go of external expectations and focusing on what truly aligns with our core values, we find meaning and happiness in life.
Here’s what I learned:
The importance of defining personal values – It taught me that it is okay to prioritize and make decisions that align with my values rather than seeking validation or conforming to societal norms.
Embracing discomfort for growth – It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, take calculated risks, and pursue opportunities for growth with resilience and courage.
Letting go of external expectations – It taught me the importance of detaching myself from the opinions and expectations of others. This shift has helped me find a deeper sense of fulfillment and authenticity in both my personal and professional life.
Through "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”, I strived to build a values-driven organization at Shepherd where we embrace challenges as opportunities for growth no matter what everybody else thinks.
"Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works" by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus
““Can I get something? Pleeeease!”
“What do you want?”
“I don’t know—anything!”
That’s what consumerism does to everyone. We don’t know what we want, but we know we want more, and we want it now.”
[CTA: SAVE THIS ON GOODREADS HERE]
"Love People, Use Things" delves into the concept of minimalism. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus share their personal stories and provide practical advice on how to let go of materialism and simplify one's life.
Here’s what I learned:
The pursuit of minimalism – It made me question the idea that owning more things equates to a better life. By embracing minimalism, I learned to lead a more intentional and meaningful lifestyle, both personally and professionally.
The value of experiences and relationships – I realized that true fulfillment comes from fostering meaningful relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and clients, and cherishing experiences rather than accumulating possessions.
Aligning values with business practices – It made me reevaluate our approach to recruitment, placing a greater emphasis on finding candidates who align with our company's values and purpose.
Through the book, I’ve learned to embrace intentional living whether as a person or founder at Shepherd. Together, we cultivate a minimalist work culture that promotes stability, meaningful work, and conscious consumption.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
“Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.”
[CTA: SAVE THIS ON GOODREADS HERE]
“Rich Dad Poor Dad" shares perspectives from two fathers — one rich and one poor. Through their contrasting beliefs and attitudes towards money, Kiyosaki presents invaluable lessons on financial literacy, asset-building, and cultivating an abundance mindset.
Here’s what I learned:
The importance of financial education – I realized the value of understanding the principles of money, investing, and building assets. This prompted me to prioritize financial education and empowerment within our organization.
Shifting from an employee mindset to an investor mindset – I began exploring avenues for investment and income diversification, empowering myself and the Shepherd team to build wealth beyond traditional employment.
The power of entrepreneurship – This inspired me to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and foster an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of new business opportunities.
Through the book, I was inspired to share the value of financial literacy at Shepherd. By encouraging an investor mindset, we give our team the confidence to innovate and build their wealth.
"8 Habits of The Happy Millionaire" by Bo Sanchez
“Success is a habit. Failure is a habit, too.”
[CTA: SAVE THIS ON GOODREADS HERE]
In "8 Habits of The Happy Millionaire" (formerly entitled “Choose to Be Wealthy”), Bo Sanchez delves into the habits, attitudes, and beliefs that contribute to both happiness and financial abundance.
Here’s what I learned:
Happiness as the ultimate currency – I learned that happiness is not a byproduct of wealth but rather a foundation for it. This encouraged me to prioritize happiness and fulfillment in my personal and professional life.
Cultivating a positive mindset – This inspired me to cultivate a positive mindset within myself and foster a culture of positivity and gratitude within Shepherd. Now, we celebrate achievements, appreciate team members, and approach challenges with an optimistic outlook.
Building meaningful relationships – I learned the value of collaboration, networking, and fostering a sense of community. By building strong relationships within Shepherd, we cultivate a network of professionals who share our vision and values.
The book reinforced the culture of work-life harmony within Shepherd. By nurturing the well-being, mental health, and personal growth of our team members, we create an environment where individuals can thrive, while doing their best work.
Conclusion
While I love sharing my story, the learning curve was steep. Have I come a long way? Sure. But I’m not about to go around claiming to know everything. If anything, there’s still so much I have to learn! We all do.
As you embark on your growth journey (hopefully with us at Shepherd), remember that you’re about to embrace a new way of being. One that allows you to design a life aligned with your values and aspirations — filled with freedom, happiness, and success.
So, grab a cup of coffee, dive into these books, and let the knowledge within their pages guide you into making your dreams come true!
