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Must-Read Books for Creatives, Marketers & Communications Pros
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items Looking to sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, or lead with confidence in your creative career? This curated list features the must-read books I recommend for anyone working in marketing, public relations, communications, or branding. From building...
Heads up: Some of the links on this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I truly love or think you’ll find genuinely helpful.
Heads up: Some of the links on this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I truly love or think you’ll find genuinely helpful.
Sections
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Creativity, Storytelling & Strategic Thinking
Leadership, Influence & Growth: Books for Communicators Who Want to Lead Well
Creativity, Storytelling & Strategic Thinking
Fuel your next big idea and bring it to life with books that inspire original thinking, sharp storytelling, and strong brand communication.
If you want to clarify your message and make your brand stand out, Building a StoryBrand is a must-read. This book teaches a proven storytelling framework that helps marketers, creatives, and business owners connect with their audience and drive resu...
Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller
Need to generate brilliant ideas under pressure? The Accidental Creative offers practical systems to spark creativity and maintain momentum in fast-paced work environments. Perfect for creatives juggling deadlines and big ideas.
The Accidental Creative: Be Brilliant Fast by Todd Henry
Say more with less. Smart Brevity is essential reading for communicators who want to break through the noise. Ideal for PR pros, content creators, and brand storytellers who need to get to the point—fast.
Smart Brevity: Power of Saying More with Less
Managing a creative team isn’t easy—Herding Tigers gives you the tools to lead with clarity and empathy. This is a must for marketing directors, PR managers, and anyone responsible for guiding bold thinkers.
Herding Tigers: Be the Leader Creative People Need
Die Empty is a call to action for creatives who don’t want to leave their best ideas untapped. With strategies to combat distraction and hesitation, it’s an inspiring read for professionals who want to make their work matter.
Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work by Todd Henry
Challenge assumptions and rewire your thinking with Think Like a Freak, a follow-up to Freakonomics that’s packed with mental models for unconventional problem-solving. Great for strategists, campaign planners, and anyone who loves fresh perspective.
Think Like a Freak by Levitt & Dubner
What do sumo wrestlers and real estate agents have in common? Freakonomics explores the hidden side of behavior and incentives, making it a surprisingly relevant read for marketers looking to understand what drives decisions.
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores
Leadership, Influence & Growth: Books for Communicators Who Want to Lead Well
Whether you're leading a team, managing client relationships, or growing your personal influence, this list of must-read books will help you lead with purpose, communicate with impact, and build better boundaries. These titles are perfect for markete...
Heads up: Some of the links on this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I truly love or think you’ll find genuinely helpful.
This bestselling guide shows how small, consistent changes can lead to massive growth. Atomic Habits is perfect for professionals who want to build better routines, break bad habits, and stay focused in demanding creative roles.
Atomic Habits: Easy Way to Build & Break Habits
Whether you're dealing with clients, coworkers, or personal challenges, Boundaries helps you learn when to say yes—and how to say no. This is a powerful read for anyone who needs to protect their energy while maintaining professionalism.
Boundaries Updated & Expanded Edition
Leadership rooted in compassion isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower. Love Works lays out seven practical principles for leading with integrity and empathy. Ideal for managers and team leads who want to build trust and culture.
Love Works: 7 Principles for Effective Leaders
Packed with practical tips and real-world examples, How to Talk to Anyone is great for introverts, networkers, and professionals who want to build stronger connections in any room—virtual or in-person.
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Tricks by Leil Lowndes
Written by a former FBI negotiator, Never Split the Difference teaches high-stakes negotiation techniques you can use in everyday work conversations. A must-read for marketers, communicators, and leaders who want to be persuasive without being pushy.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiation Guide
This timeless classic is still one of the most effective guides to building strong professional relationships. Whether you're networking, pitching, or leading, How to Win Friends and Influence People gives you tools to connect with authenticity.
How to Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie
This empowering guide helps women in creative and corporate roles recognize and overcome subtle habits that may be holding them back. It’s a must-read for professionals looking to grow into confident, strategic leaders.
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make
Whether you’re leading a brainstorm, pitching a big idea, or navigating team conflict, Crucial Conversations offers practical tools for handling high-stakes discussions with confidence and clarity.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking, 3rd Ed
Explores how great leaders build trust and safety within teams. Great for chamber or nonprofit leadership environments.
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together
A modern classic in leadership and business strategy, Good to Great explores what sets truly exceptional companies apart from the rest. With real data and powerful insights—like the concept of the “Level 5 Leader” and the “Hedgehog Principle”—this bo...
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap
If you’re building a personal brand or leading marketing in the digital age, Crushing It! is packed with actionable advice, social media strategy, and real-world success stories. Gary V’s high-energy, no-excuses style will fire you up to create conte...
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk