Best Business Books to Read Over the Summer Holidays

by Anne Clark | Dec 18, 2025 | Business

Summer holidays do something magical to our brains. The inbox goes quiet, the calendar loosens its grip, and suddenly we can think again. Big thoughts. Brave thoughts. The kind of thinking that usually gets drowned out by meetings, notifications, and “just one more thing.”

That is why summer is prime time for business reading. Not the dense, nap-inducing kind. The good stuff. Books that stretch your perspective, challenge how you lead, sharpen how you grow, and quietly plant ideas that come back swinging in the new year. The right book read at the right time can change how you run your business, how you see success, or how you show up altogether.

This curated list brings together 25 business books that are genuinely trending right now. These are the titles business owners, leaders, and creatives are actually talking about, highlighting, and recommending, not dusty classics collecting shelf guilt. Grab one for the beach, one for the plane, or one for a slow morning with coffee. Your future self will thank you.

The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett

Still everywhere for a reason. Raw leadership, mindset, money, health, and growth lessons without corporate fluff. Grab your copy here

Good Power – Ginni Rometty

A powerful read for leaders who want influence without losing their integrity. Get the book here

The Long Game – Dorie Clark

Perfect for anyone playing the long-term success game and tired of quick wins that burn out fast. Read it here

Leading Without Authority – Keith Ferrazzi

If you work with people rather than over them, this book will sharpen your influence instantly. Buy your copy here

Think Again – Adam Grant

A brilliant read for leaders and business owners who want to challenge their own thinking, stay adaptable, and avoid getting stuck in outdated beliefs. This book is all about the power of rethinking, unlearning, and staying mentally flexible in a fast-changing world. Get the book here

$100M Leads – Alex Hormozi

Straight-talking, practical and unapologetically direct. If you want more leads, start here. Get the book here

Company of One – Paul Jarvis

A brilliant reminder that bigger is not always better in business. Read more here

Profit First – Mike Michalowicz

If your business makes sales but your bank account says otherwise, this one is non-negotiable. Grab your copy here

The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber

Still trending because people keep building businesses that run them instead of the other way around. Buy it here

Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara

A masterclass in creating unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming back. Get the book here

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Small changes, massive impact. This book earns its hype. Read it here

Feel-Good Productivity – Ali Abdaal

Productivity that actually feels good. No burnout badge required. Find your copy here

The Mountain Is You – Brianna Wiest

Perfect for business owners doing the inner work alongside the outer growth. Buy it here

Hidden Potential – Adam Grant

A powerful reframe on growth, learning, and what really drives success. Get the book here

Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman

A must-read if time always feels like it is slipping through your fingers. Grab your copy here

Build a Second Brain – Tiago Forte

Ideal for anyone drowning in ideas, notes, and digital clutter. Read it here

Show Your Work – Austin Kleon

Short, practical, and perfect for anyone building visibility or a personal brand. Get the book here

Brand Brilliance – Fiona Humberstone

If branding matters to your business, this one will change how you see colour and design. Buy your copy here

You Are the Brand – Mike Kim

Personal branding without the awkward self-promotion. Find it here

Storyworthy – Matthew Dicks

Because great storytelling is one of the most underrated business skills. Read more here

The Coaching Habit – Michael Bungay Stanier

A short, practical read that will immediately improve how you lead conversations. Get the book here

Dare to Lead – Brené Brown

Still a standout for leaders who value courage, clarity, and connection. Grab your copy here

Reinventing Organizations – Frederic Laloux

A thought-provoking read for anyone reimagining leadership, culture, and work itself. Buy it here

Work Clean – Dan Charnas

Unexpectedly brilliant for improving focus, flow, and how you work day to day. Find your copy here

Essentialism – Greg McKeown

If doing less but better sounds like your 2026 goal, start here. Read it here

Summer reading tip from your CEO sidekick

Do not try to read all 25. Pick 3 to stretch your thinking, 1 to calm your nervous system, and 1 purely because it feels fun. Business growth loves rest, reflection, and a good book by the pool.

The Energetics of Visibility: Why You’re Not Showing Up Online (and How to Shift It)

by Anne Clark | Oct 29, 2025 | Business, CEO, Spiritual Entrepreneurs, Spirituality

You know you should be showing up more online.
You have the skills, the story, the expertise, and the heart.
Yet every time you go to post, record, or promote your work, something holds you back.

It might sound like “I don’t have time,” “I’m not ready,” or “I’ll start when things slow down.”
But beneath those excuses sits something deeper — an energetic block around being seen.

Why visibility feels scary

Being visible isn’t just about marketing strategy.
It’s about vulnerability.

When you put yourself out there, you’re not just sharing information. You’re allowing people to see you — your energy, your voice, and your essence. For many spiritual entrepreneurs and heart-led business owners, that level of exposure can feel unsafe.

You may have past experiences where being seen or speaking your truth led to rejection, judgment, or criticism.
Your nervous system remembers that, so it protects you by keeping you “busy” with behind-the-scenes work instead of showing up where your audience can actually find you.

That’s the energetic root of invisibility — a subconscious pattern trying to keep you safe.

Common energetic blocks around visibility

Fear of judgment
You worry what others will think, or that people from your past will see you online and roll their eyes.
Fear of success
Visibility brings attention, clients, and growth. If you subconsciously fear being overwhelmed or losing freedom, you might sabotage that expansion.
Imposter syndrome
You doubt whether your message or offer is “good enough,” and that energy of hesitation seeps into everything you post.
Energetic disconnection
You post from obligation instead of alignment, and your audience can feel the lack of authenticity. Energy doesn’t lie.

How to shift your energy and show up confidently

Ground before you create
Take a few deep breaths, drop into your heart, and remind yourself of your purpose. Ask, “Who needs to hear this today?” That intention immediately shifts your energy from fear to service.
Release perfectionism
Done is better than perfect. Your audience doesn’t want polished — they want real. Allow your humanity to be part of your brand.
Connect before you sell
Energy flows where connection grows. When you focus on building genuine relationships, visibility feels less like self-promotion and more like soul communication.
Balance strategy with spirit
Pair your intuition with structure. Plan your content, but leave space for inspired moments. You’ll stay consistent without feeling boxed in.
Do the inner work
Visibility is a mirror. When resistance shows up, look at what it’s reflecting. Healing that pattern is the true secret to sustainable growth.

FLOW - Align Your Business with the Universe in 2025

Discover how to create soulful, aligned content and marketing strategies using the power of astrology, lunar cycles, and cosmic energy.

Practical ways to get visible right now

Record a 60-second video sharing what lights you up about your work this week.
Post a behind-the-scenes photo of your workspace, morning ritual, or project in progress.
Share a client story (with permission) that shows transformation in action.
Write a post straight from your heart — no overthinking, no filters.

Each time you show up, you tell your energy body that it’s safe to be seen. Over time, that becomes your new normal.

Remember this

Your visibility isn’t about vanity.
It’s about service.

Someone out there is waiting to hear your message in your voice, through your energy, and in your unique way.
When you hide your light, they stay stuck in the dark.

Showing up online isn’t about algorithms or aesthetics — it’s about alignment.
And when your energy, message, and action come together, your visibility becomes magnetic.

Why I Chose to Let a Client Go (and Why It Was the Best Decision for My Business)

by Anne Clark | Aug 5, 2025 | Business, Spiritual Entrepreneurs, Spirituality

Letting go of a client is never easy, especially when you pour your heart into your work and take pride in delivering to a high standard. But sometimes, the hardest decisions are the most necessary ones.

This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. In fact, I fought with both my head and my heart over it. I wanted to finish the project. I wanted to honour my commitment. I wanted to maintain my professional integrity. But I also couldn’t ignore how their energy was beginning to compromise mine.

Their constant pressure and lack of space for creativity started creeping into every part of my process. Instead of collaborating, they hovered. Instead of trusting, they micro-managed. And instead of flowing, I found myself second-guessing every step, doubting my capabilities, and even, uncharacteristically, making mistakes.

That’s not me. I’ve built my business over the past 14 years by being the calm, confident one behind the scenes. The one who delivers, creates, and supports with integrity and clarity.

And yet, I was shrinking.

Looking back, the signs were there early. I saw them. I felt them. But I talked myself out of them because this client came through a referral from someone I truly admire. So I ignored the red flags, and that’s on me.

Working with them felt less like a professional partnership and more like being stuck in a chaotic dating scenario where one person is so desperate to make it work, they bulldoze everything in their path. They threw every possible idea at me with no real strategy. They wouldn’t take my advice, even though I’ve been doing this a long time. Their words didn’t match their actions. And instead of co-creating, they had me doing everything—messaging, content, strategy, you name it. That’s not what I was hired for, and I’m not an expert in their field. I’m an expert in mine.

Still, I showed up. I delivered. I researched. I stretched myself. I gave them my best.

And yet, it wasn’t enough for them.

The turning point? I woke up one morning and didn’t want to start work on my own business.

That was the moment I knew something had to change.

Because I love what I do. I’ve worked long, hard hours over the past 14 years, but I’ve never resented it. I’m fuelled by passion, purpose, and the amazing people I get to support. But this one client was dimming that light, and worse, they were affecting how I showed up for the clients I do love working with.

So I chose me. I chose my energy. I chose my business.

I let them go.

And here’s what I’ve learned (or rather, relearned): Your energy is your most valuable business asset. You can’t do your best work in an environment that doesn’t feel safe, aligned, or respectful. And no amount of money, referral, or obligation is worth sacrificing your peace for.

If you’re a service provider reading this and you’re stuck in a client relationship that makes you feel small, compromised, or creatively blocked, this is your permission slip.

You can be professional and still protect your peace. You can be committed and still draw a line. You can love what you do and still choose to walk away.

And most importantly, you can always choose you.