Mindset, Philosophy & Relationships

How you show up — to yourself, to setbacks, and to the people around you.

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

by Mel Robbins

Two simple words — “Let Them” — as a daily practice for releasing the energy you spend trying to control other people’s opinions, decisions, and reactions. Especially useful for the kind of setback that involves someone else’s choice (a no, a passover, a rejection).

Take Another Shot: At Business, Golf, or Life

by Cindy Miller

Eighteen lessons from an LPGA Hall of Fame teacher on courage, resilience, and the “next shot” mindset. Cindy reset her own life multiple times and brings the wisdom of elite golf to anyone navigating setbacks at work or in life.

Relationships & Generosity-Led Success

The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea (Book 1)

by Bob Burg & John David Mann

The original parable that started it all. The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success — a philosophy of leading with value and generosity rather than transactional getting. Start here.

Go-Givers Sell More

by Bob Burg & John David Mann

The practical follow-up to the original parable, applying the Go-Giver philosophy directly to selling and business development. The most directly relevant book in the series for emerging professionals building a book of business.

The Go-Giver Leader: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business

by Bob Burg & John David Mann

A parable about leading through influence rather than authority — the lesson that aggression and pressure rarely persuade, and that the best leaders give before they ask.

The Go-Giver Influencer: A Little Story About a Most Persuasive Idea

by Bob Burg & John David Mann

A parable about negotiation and influence from a Go-Giver perspective — winning others over by understanding their interests, not by overpowering them.

The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About the Five Secrets to Lasting Love

by John David Mann & Ana Gabriel Mann

The Go-Giver philosophy applied to personal relationships rather than professional ones. Included for completeness of the series — most useful for readers who already love the original.

Resilience, Mindset, Habits & Conversations

 Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

by Carol S. Dweck

The foundational text on growth vs. fixed mindset. Directly addresses how to separate “this didn’t work out” from “I’m not good enough” — the exact reframe early-career professionals need after a setback.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Sandberg’s personal story of loss paired with Grant’s research on resilience. Frames resilience as a muscle you can build rather than a trait you’re born with.

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

by Ryan Holiday

A short, punchy stoic playbook for reframing setbacks as the path forward. Great first read for anyone stuck in a reactive spiral.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

by Angela Duckworth

Duckworth’s landmark research on what actually predicts long-term success — not talent, but sustained passion and perseverance. Pairs perfectly with the “next shot” mindset.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

by James Clear

The definitive book on small, compounding habits. Ideal for the 10–15 minutes a day question

— how tiny daily actions build the resilience you draw on when things go sideways.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

by Brené Brown

Brown’s research-backed guide to leading with vulnerability and courage. Especially useful for the “how do leaders show up” half of the conversation.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

by Kerry Patterson et al.

The standard reference for high-stakes conversations — the kind that often precede or follow a setback. Practical frameworks for staying in dialogue when emotions are running high.

Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior

by Kerry Patterson et al.

The follow-up to Crucial Conversations, focused on the harder conversation: holding people (and yourself) accountable without damaging the relationship.

Business Development, Negotiation & Influence

For accountants and professional services advisors building a book of business.

The Short List: An Insider’s Guide to Business Development for Professional Services

by Sarah Dunn

A focused, practical playbook for professional services BD — specifically about narrowing your list and going deep with the right relationships rather than chasing everyone.

The Activator Advantage: What Today’s Rainmakers Do Differently

by Matthew Dixon, Tom Mlinac & Rory Channer

Research-backed look at what separates today’s top business developers from everyone else. Particularly relevant for accountants and other technical professionals building a book of business.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

by Kerry Patterson et al.

Essential frameworks for the high-stakes client and prospect conversations — pricing, scope, hard feedback — where most BD opportunities are won or lost.

Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior

by Kerry Patterson et al.

The companion to Crucial Conversations — how to address missed expectations and broken commitments without burning the relationship.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

by Chris Voss

Tactical, field-tested negotiation techniques from a former FBI hostage negotiator. Translates surprisingly well to client negotiations, fee discussions, and internal advocacy.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (New and Expanded)

by Robert Cialdini

The classic on the psychology of persuasion — reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, scarcity, and unity. Foundational for anyone doing BD or sales.

Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade

by Robert Cialdini

Cialdini’s follow-up on what happens before the ask. How framing, attention, and context set up the moment of persuasion long before you make your pitch.