6 Books That Shaped My Career: Lessons, Timing, and Transformation

Throughout my career, certain books arrived at pivotal times, offering new perspectives and guiding me to make critical decisions. From navigating crowded markets to understanding my core values, these books became more than just words on a page…they became tools for transformation. 

Here are the books that have shaped my journey and the insights I gained along the way.

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Finding My Unique Path

When I first read The Alchemist, I was at a low point, trying to find direction and purpose in my career. Coelho’s storytelling helped me recognize that each of us has a unique journey, and it’s our job to tune into it. This book taught me to locate “the signal” within the noise…those subtle signs pointing to the right path. With this mindset, I started paying attention to patterns, using experience to navigate forward with purpose, and, eventually, with confidence. That ability to tune in became the cornerstone of how I approach new challenges.

2. Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

Carving Out a Unique Market

In 2017, I was operating in a saturated market (Michigan), selling previous Canadian vehicles in a flood of similar offerings. It was Blue Ocean Strategy that showed me how to shift focus, to look for untapped opportunities rather than competing in a crowded space. By studying various markets in the U.S., I zeroed in on Atlanta, an area that lacked Canadian sellers but had a high demand. This move revealed a critical insight… the issue of voided warranties on Canadian cars. Identifying that gap led to the creation of Can-Am Warranty, a solution for a market in need. The book taught me to look where others weren’t, and that lesson became a key strategy.

3. The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler

Finding My Ikigai

If Blue Ocean Strategy taught me to find new markets, The Art of Impossible taught me to find myself. This book was instrumental in helping me understand who I am, what drives me, and how to align my work with my core values. Through Kotler’s exploration of flow and ikigai, I began to see the interconnectedness of what I love, what I’m good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for. With this clarity, I began operating from a place of purpose, moving beyond mere profit to pursue meaningful impact. The Art of Impossible made me realize that true success lies in alignment with self.

4. Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Optimizing Mental Bandwidth

Building a Second Brain introduced me to the power of leveraging technology to optimize how my brain works. This book helped me see that our minds have limited bandwidth and that the right systems can enhance productivity and creativity. By using tech to capture ideas, organize information, and track insights, I was able to free up my conscious mind to focus on big-picture goals. This system not only improved my workflow but also deepened my learning and helped me turn knowledge into action.

5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Scaling Through Systems and Teams

As I grew my businesses, The E-Myth Revisited highlighted the importance of systems, delegation, and building a strong team. This book shifted my mindset from trying to do everything myself to seeing the value in scaling through systems and processes. Inspired by Gerber’s insights, I began building an admin and media team in the Philippines, which is now eight people strong. Their support allowed me to systematize my operations, focus on strategic growth, and, importantly, invest time in building my personal brand. This shift to team-oriented work was a game-changer, allowing me to scale sustainably.

6. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Guiding Principles and Stoic Resilience

If there’s one book I return to daily, it’s Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Aurelius’ reflections on resilience, humility, and the virtues of stoicism resonate deeply with me. Life and business present constant challenges, but through Meditations, I’ve learned to approach obstacles with calm and purpose, guided by principles rather than emotion. It’s a source of wisdom that reminds me to focus on what I can control, to persevere, and to lead with integrity. This book has helped me shape not just my career but also my life, reinforcing my core value of freedom and reminding me of the importance of self-mastery.

 The Journey from Dependency to Freedom

When I began with The Alchemist, I was working for a dealer, bound to a single source of income and constrained by a system that limited my potential. Over the years, each of these books offered new insights that allowed me to carve out my own path, create multiple businesses, and ultimately gain the freedom I’d been searching for. Today, I am not only the master of my career but also of my fate.

These books were more than just timely reads…they were catalysts for growth and change. 

If you’re seeking transformation in your career, I encourage you to explore these titles and apply their wisdom. 

You never know; the right book might just change your life.