10 Must-Reads: Leadership, Autobiographies, and Business Books for Accounting Firm Owners

Category: Autobiographies to Take Inspiration From

1 . The Whole Story by John Mackey

The Whole Story: Adventure in Love, Life, and Capitalism by John Mackey

In this memoir, John Mackey shares how he co-founded Whole Foods from a small dream and non-traditional beginnings, transforming it into a defining brand in the organic foods movement. It’s a story about passion, mission, and taking an idea as far as you can imagine. 

What inspired me the most about Mackey’s journey was his commitment to his vision and values, even without a typical business background. He’s proof that with enough dedication, you can take an unconventional path to reach something far beyond what you thought possible. 

Accounting firm owners can relate to Mackey’s mission-driven mindset. In a world where trust and ethics matter more, Mackey’s story reminds you of the importance of aligning your business with a higher purpose. His story shows that when you lead with values, clients notice, and growth follows naturally. 

Category: Autobiographies to Take Inspiration From

2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight 

Phil Knight takes readers through the gritty and often messy story of building Nike from a small startup to a global powerhouse. His journey is filled with risks, obstacles, and the relentless pursuit of his vision. 

Shoe Dog is one of my favorite books ever. It stood out to me because it doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. Knight’s willingness to bet on himself, even when it seemed impossible, is inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that business isn’t always pretty, but resilience and grit get you through. It’s an amazing business and an even better story. 

As accounting firm owners, you value precision, structure, and calculated moves. The Shoe Dog book’s story, however, encourages us to embrace risk when it counts. Even through uncertainty, his belief in his mission is a powerful reminder that a clear vision and smart risks can take you further than expected. This book reinforces that calculated risks are often essential for growth. 

Category: Marketing Books for Growth

3. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi

$100M Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi 

$100M Offers is Book 1 of Acquisition.com’s $100M series. Alex Hormozi lays out a blueprint for crafting offers that clients can’t resist, focusing on creating massive value and differentiating your business from others. His practical approach to marketing makes this a hands-on guide for any business. 

Alex’s approach is clear and actionable. He makes it easy to see how a great offer can become the foundation for attracting clients, and I’ve applied some of his principles in my coaching work to help firms stand out. 

For CPA firm owners, creating compelling service packages is essential for attracting high-quality clients. Alex’s methods guide you in structuring offers that clients find invaluable. This book pushes you to recognize the real value you deliver and to communicate it effectively—a crucial skill in the accounting industry. 

Category: Marketing Books for Growth

4. $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi

$100M Leads: How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Stuff by Alex Hormozi

$100M Leads is Book 2 of Acquisition.com’s $100M series. This follow-up covers lead-generation strategies for attracting a steady stream of ideal clients. Alex discusses how to systematically attract, nurture, and convert leads so that growth is consistent and reliable. 

I believe Alex stands out as one of the world’s top communicators and a true expert in business growth. His lead generation tactics are practical, straightforward, and easily adaptable. He takes what can often seem intimidating and makes it entirely manageable. 

Our industry thrives on trust and relationship-building. This book dives into how to find and connect with the right clients—those who’ll benefit most from your expertise. Alex’s strategies provide a solid framework for growing your client base sustainably, which is especially valuable as competition intensifies. 

Category: Marketing Books for Growth

5. Brand It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant 

Brand It Like Serhant: Stand Out from the Crowd, Build Your Following, and Earn More Money by Ryan Serhant 

Serhant dives into the world of personal branding, focusing on building a brand that resonates, attracts followers, and drives revenue. His strategies aim to make a memorable impact in your field. 

Ryan knows how to build a brand that resonates with people. His book gave me ideas for personal branding beyond traditional marketing, helping me connect with clients more authentically. 

As an accounting firm owner, your reputation is invaluable. Serhant’s approach to branding demonstrates how to make a lasting impression that extends beyond LinkedIn posts or websites. Building a brand that connects with clients personally is essential in today’s market. This book reminds us of branding’s power to set you apart and cultivate client loyalty. 

Category: Leadership Books for Self-Improvement

6. The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard

The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard

Blanchard uses the concept of ‘monkeys’ (the next move required to progress something) to explore delegation and responsibility, showing leaders how to avoid taking on unnecessary tasks and focus on what truly matters. 

This book hit home for me. I used to take on too much of other people’s ‘monkeys,’ which led to burnout. With the help of my own coaches and Blanchard’s strategies on delegation, it was a big wake-up call. 

As firm owners, it’s easy to end up taking on more than you should. This book helps you set boundaries, empowering your team to take ownership of their work while freeing up your time for high-impact tasks. It’s a valuable guide for busy CPA firm owners looking to improve efficiency and build a more accountable team. 

Category: Leadership Books for Self-Improvement

7. Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success by John Wooden and Steve Jamison 

Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success: 12 Lessons for Extraordinary Performance and Personal Excellence by John Wooden and Steve Jamison 

This book distills Wooden’s timeless wisdom on leadership, emphasizing values, integrity, and the drive for continuous improvement. He highlights how strong character forms the foundation of effective leadership. 

John Wooden’s leadership book emphasizes the importance of values and asking the right questions, transforming how I lead. It has deepened my connections with both my team and clients, creating more purposeful relationships. 

Accounting firm owners wear many hats, and Wooden’s insight helps you stay grounded. His lessons on values and integrity emphasize that true leadership goes beyond management—it’s about fostering a culture where everyone thrives. His approach resonates with those committed to leading with purpose and authenticity. 

Category: Leadership Books for Self-Improvement

8. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell 

Dan’s book focuses on optimizing your time so you can concentrate on high-value tasks. He introduces the concept of ‘buying back’ time by delegating low-value work, allowing business owners to channel their energy into growth, strategy, and personal well-being. Dan outlines a structured time management approach that goes beyond saving time—it’s about maximizing your impact. 

This book has been transformative for me. Dan’s framework encouraged me to take a hard look at how I was spending my day. Since applying his principles, I’ve been able to delegate more effectively, reclaim my focus, and create more space for strategic work. Attending a mastermind with Dan was a game-changer, and I plan to attend another next year to deepen these strategies. 

For firm owners, time management often feels like a juggling act with constant deadlines, client meetings, and team responsibilities. Dan’s approach is a breath of fresh air, especially if you’re always running against the clock. 

This book provides a structured plan for ‘buying your time back,’ equipping you to prioritize high-value activities that drive your firm’s successes. It’s about creating a work-life balance that fuels growth and sustainability, not just efficiency. 

Category: Business Books for Building a Successful Accounting Firm

9. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman 

Traction introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS), a framework that helps business owners organize their operations, set clear goals, and create alignment within their teams. 

After reading Traction, I personally implemented parts of EOS, which has brought clarity and focus to my work. It’s helped me set priorities and keep my business organized as it grows. 

Accounting firm leaders often juggle countless responsibilities. Traction offers a roadmap to create structure, making it easier to focus on growth. The EOS system is a great way to streamline your practice, align your team, and build a stronger business. 

Category: Business Books for Building a Successful Accounting Firm

10. Scaling Up by Verne Harnish

Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don’t by Verne Harnish 

Harnish’s book covers the four critical areas of scaling: people, strategy, execution, and cash. It provides a framework for growing a business sustainably and profitably. 

I’ve implemented Scaling Up for over a decade, and it’s been essential in structuring my growth. It builds on Traction by detailing how to maintain growth without sacrificing control. 

Scaling Up is an essential reading if you want to grow your firm. Harnish’s insights help you scale effectively, whether expanding your client base or building a team. It’s about creating a sustainable model that supports your goals without stretching your resources thin.