5 Books and Podcasts Young Professionals Should Download

One of the most effective ways for young professionals to learn about best business practices is to lean on the knowledge and advice of industry leaders.

So as Young Professionals (YP) Week gets underway, Oct. 16-20, NAHB is asking members to share on Facebook the books and podcasts that have inspired them to build their businesses and careers.

To get the ball rolling, NAHB spoke to two YP members, Edwin Williams, CEO, ZenHammer in St. Louis and Johnson City, Mo.; and Robert Carroll, owner, Carroll Construction in Clinton, La., about their most influential reads (and podcast listens). 

Here’s what they had to offer.

The 5 Temptations of a CEO (Patrick Lencioni)

This book dives into the motivations of why leaders choose to become CEOs and unlocks a lot of the problems new leaders face — namely their own egos.

“I seek out criticism more from my advisors after reading this book,” Williams said, “and I don’t take the criticisms personally.”

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey)

This business and self-help book breaks down ways to achieve personal and professional successes.

“The author makes a very clear case for focusing on the things you are in control of and establishing it as a part of your culture instead of worrying about the things you can’t control,” said Carroll.

$100 Million Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No (Alex Hormozi)

“The principles he has are some of the clearest I've seen laid out,” said Carroll.

This book is part of a two-book series ending with “$100 Million Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff.”

Book of the 5 Rings (Miyamoto Musashi)

This philosophy book is one Williams rereads every few years to challenge how his thoughts change over time.

His biggest takeaway was to “Put your all into whatever you do. For example, understand all the aspects of business — not just your own business — but the things that affect your business as well.”

Podcast: Startups for the Rest of Us (Rob Walling)

This podcast features founders of new companies and explains their successes and struggles.

“I know a lot of our listeners aren’t in tech,” Williams said, “but a lot of what he talks about is applicable to any business. He gets heavy into sales, marketing, messaging, how to hire, and all sorts of things.”

This week, take a moment to share some of your favorite books and podcasts that helped enhance your business.