Best Independent Books October 2
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
NON-FICTION
The Black Belt in Leadership: 20 Tested Lessons from the Dojo to the Boardroom
by Aslak de Silva
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or charisma — it’s about discipline, presence and the ability to perform under pressure. In this book, the author, a world-champion martial artist and an acclaimed business leader, draws from nearly 100 full-contact fights to deliver a powerful guide for leaders who want to sharpen their mindset and lead with purpose.
Through 20 tested lessons, the author blends gripping personal stories with practical frameworks and actionable exercises. He reveals how the principles forged in the dojo — resilience, focus, emotional control and clarity in conflict — translate directly into the boardroom. He teaches how to cultivate a fighter’s mindset, influence with empathy, and lead with calm confidence in high-stakes environments.
This book challenges leaders to embrace discomfort, push through adversity, and evolve beyond conventional approaches. Grounded in real leadership experience, not just theory, it’s a blueprint for leading with clarity, grace and unstoppable momentum.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-9528804901
We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist's Call to Action
by Ralph H. Groce III
This book is a bold exploration of leadership, responsibility and the urgency of acting in a world on the cusp of pivotal change. The author presents an unflinching narrative that intertwines personal memoir with a passionate political manifesto.
With his audacious life story as a backdrop, the author presents thought-provoking insights on the power of individual choice and responsibility. The book offers a critical look at current global and political challenges, providing actionable solutions. Inspiring stories of overcoming adversity demonstrate the impact of principled leadership.
Standing at the intersection of personal experience and public service, the author offers a stirring vision for a better future, emphasizing the need for intentional actions. His powerful message resonates with free thinkers and anyone seeking to be a catalyst in today's complex world.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637353257
Strides to Blissful Leadership: How to Succeed in Business and Life
by Arvind Sharma
This insightful guide goes beyond a typical leadership manual. It focuses on the principles of integrity and respect, and points to a service-oriented mindset that has brought success on many levels.
The author shares how following high principles enabled him to find immense professional and personal satisfaction. In this short book, he teaches how to gain confidence in dealing with difficult people and situations. He explains how to organize priorities in line with personal principles, how to understand the perspective of others and how to use respect to foster teamwork and strengthen family relationships for a generational impact.
Using examples from his own life and career, the author provides sage advice on how to navigate the challenges of leadership in a cross-cultural environment.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637351758
HR You Kidding Me?: Surprisingly Simple Steps to Unlock the Power of People
by Cory Sanford
This book provides a fresh perspective on the evolving needs of companies and their employees, highlighting the shortcomings of conventional HR methods.
The book is filled with humorous anecdotes, actionable insights and proven strategies. It serves as a valuable resource for HR professionals, managers and leaders who are ready to embrace change and drive their organizations forward. The author describes the latest leadership hacks tailored for the new-age workforce. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a resilient workplace culture that can thrive amid challenges. The book also offers insights into mastering the art of hiring for cultural fit, a crucial aspect often overlooked in traditional HR practices. The complexities of onboarding and offboarding are addressed with practical solutions.
This revolutionary book challenges the traditional norms of human resources and leadership. The author introduces HR tools that are not just theoretical but make a real difference in the workplace.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352038
Game On: Leaders Who Last
by Shawn Sukhraj Johal
The book paints a realistic picture of entrepreneurship, far from the glamorous image often portrayed. It acknowledges the hard work, obstacles and constant skill-building that are necessary for success.
Through personal stories, the authors share their experiences of leveling up in their careers, offering readers an insider look into the resilience needed to persist as a business leader. From a brand storyteller’s underdog mentality to a global entrepreneur’s venture inspired by a documentary, the book covers a diverse range of perspectives. It includes tales of adapting during a pandemic, applying the principle of kaizen for growth and the power of intuition in business decision-making.
This book is a source of motivation and guidance for entrepreneurs facing the chaotic nature of business ownership. It’s an invitation to power up with the advice of those who have tamed the lions of success and to go the distance in any industry.
The voices throughout the book are strong and convincing. Although there are many, there is still a thick cord of strength in each that leads you straight from page 1 until the very end. — Readers’ FavoriteHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352007
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
FICTION
Manhattan: The Rising War (Studio Edition)
by Sal Cosenza
In this book, the author reimagines the iconic Manhattan skyline as a battleground of myth and power, blending epic storytelling with the visual grandeur of his acclaimed painting series. This unique edition invites readers to experience both the sweeping narrative and the creative process behind it.
Lady Liberty emerges anew as a colossal tower of hope, while the ancient deities Schist and Pegmatite embody life’s resilience and nature’s fury. Manhattan itself becomes a character — visionary, unyielding and ever-evolving — caught in a war of creation versus destruction.
Beyond the novel’s gripping battles, the studio edition unveils never-before-seen sketches, concept drawings and production notes along with five monumental paintings crafted over nearly two decades. This rare fusion of literature and art offers a front-row seat to the imagination that shaped this mythic world.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 979-8990118164
NON-FICTION
Ordinary Founder: A Grit-and-Profit Playbook for Entrepreneurs
by Pavel Danek
This book is a brutally honest, no-fluff guide that every entrepreneur needs, but rarely gets. The author pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a business from the ground up, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the grit, heartbreak and hard-won victories that define the entrepreneurial journey.
This playbook isn’t about polished success stories or overnight wins. It’s forged from failure, perseverance and real-world lessons that actually work. The author shares how to rebuild after crushing setbacks, master finances while staying purpose-driven, and transition from solo hustle to aligned leadership. His insights are grounded in experience and backed by proven frameworks, tools and data that help founders grow smarter and stronger.
With powerful storytelling and practical strategy, this book empowers entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort, lead with clarity and build businesses that thrive. It’s a guide for those who want more than hype; who want results rooted in resilience
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-8011069674
It Began in Africa: A Banker's Memoirs from the Heartland!
by Rizwan Haider
In this book, the author, an accomplished international banker, offers a compelling memoir that blends personal reflection with professional insight. This memoir is set against the vibrant backdrop of Africa, the author having moved there from his native Pakistan in 1979.
The author’s journey unfolds through evocative storytelling and sharp observations, revealing the continent’s cultural richness, historical depth and economic complexity. From bustling cities to remote villages, he explores Africa’s diverse communities, sharing stories shaped by resilience, tradition and transformation. He guides readers through the intricacies of African banking and finance, offering a rare insider’s view into a sector often overlooked yet vital to the continent’s progress.
This memoir captures the echoes of Cold War legacies, the enchantment of local myths and the pulse of innovation driving Africa’s future. The author’s narrative is both enlightening and entertaining — an invitation to see Africa not just through numbers and markets but through the lives and dreams of its people.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Biographies & Memoirs
ISBN: 978-1637353431
CIONET Cookbook No. 2: Recipes for Digital Success
by Hendrik Deckers
Digital sits at the heart of every successful organization, whether in the public or private sector.
For digital leaders, the requirement for constant change brings opportunities and challenges. Modern technology chiefs — be it CIOs, CTOs or CDOs — need exceptional skills to overcome any obstacles they encounter and to deliver a brighter future for their businesses. Help comes in the form of this book, which showcases the very best in European digital leadership.
The recipes within this book reveal the unique stories of digital leaders. They show how successful technology chiefs use an eclectic and enticing set of ingredients to produce delightful and delicious digital transformations.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352038
The Happy Leader: A Leadership Fable About Transformation in Business and in Life
by Shawn Sukhraj Johal
This book is a captivating story about a successful CEO who faces a personal and professional crisis.
The protagonist meets a mysterious mentor who guides him through a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Along the way, he learns the secrets of happiness, forgiveness and leadership. This book is more than just a fable. It is a practical guide that offers valuable insights and tools for those who want to improve their well-being and performance.
At its heart, this is a story that teaches that happiness and success are within reach. All that people need is for someone to nudge them in the right direction.
An inventive, impactful book on leadership — Readers’ FavoriteHonors: Finalist, Business/Finance, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637350515
We trust that your readers will enjoy our hand-picked selection.
For more bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector, please go here.
Warm regards,
Alinka Rutkowska
CEO, LibraryBub
