The Books Behind the Coach

Books for Self Development and Emotional Growth

As part of my 20-year journey through entrepreneurship and personal development, I’ve read many books that have deeply supported my emotional growth. Some resulted in lightbulb moments. Others cracked something open in me. All of them have helped shape the work I now do with clients.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of those books, ones I often recommend to complement the coaching process. These aren’t just theory-heavy textbooks; they’re grounded, powerful reads that speak to the human experience in real and relatable ways.

If you’re navigating change, looking for clarity, or simply want to understand yourself more deeply, I recommend you to explore this list. Choose a few titles that resonate with where you are now and where you’re trying to get to.

My Top Book Recommendations

These are the books that I recommend to my clients that complement their coaching. 

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
  Small shifts can lead to big change. This book is a go-to for building consistent habits that actually stick—without relying on willpower alone. Ideal if you’re craving structure but not rigidity.
  
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
  A beautiful guide to observing your thoughts without getting pulled under by them. It’s one of those books that meets you differently each time you pick it up.
  
• Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
  This one’s for anyone wanting to understand their relationship patterns. It breaks down attachment styles in an accessible way and is often a game-changer for people navigating intimacy.
  
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
  A spiritual classic that reminds us the present moment is the only place real peace exists. It pairs beautifully with coaching work that focuses on awareness and presence.
  
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
  This book explores the lasting impact of trauma and how the body holds what the mind often forgets. Essential reading if you’re learning to feel safe in your body again.
  
• No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
  An introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a compassionate approach to healing inner conflict. You’ll begin to see your inner critic, avoider, or perfectionist not as problems, but as parts that are trying to help.
  
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
  If shame and vulnerability have felt like heavy territory, this book will gently help you reframe them as sources of strength. A deeply human and hopeful read.
  
• Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
  This one blends neuroscience, quantum physics, and practical tools for rewiring the mind. If you’re curious about shifting deep-seated beliefs and patterns, it’s a powerful place to start.

Further Reading Recommendations

Dive into this list of books I recommend to inspire and empower you in your self-discovery

Mindset and Personal Growth

• Mindset The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Explores the power of a growth mindset and how it impacts personal and professional success.

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

A guide to personal freedom through practical wisdom and self-awareness.

• The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma

A framework for reclaiming your morning to maximize productivity and personal development.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

• Emotional Agility by Susan David

Tools for managing thoughts and emotions to achieve meaningful change.

• How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera

A holistic approach to healing past wounds and creating self-awareness.

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Focuses on embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and self-compassion.

Relationships and Communication

• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg

A guide to empathic and effective communication.

• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Practical advice on establishing healthy boundaries.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

• Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
  An introduction to mindfulness and meditation practices.
• Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
  A blend of mindfulness and self-compassion to overcome feelings of unworthiness.

Healing and Transformation

• Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
  Techniques for being kinder to yourself and fostering resilience.
• No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
  Explores the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model to work with inner parts and heal past wounds.

Leadership and Authenticity

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
  How to focus on what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary distractions.
• The Leader’s Guide to Mindfulness by Audrey Tang
  Practical mindfulness strategies for leadership and stress management.

These books don’t hold all the answers, but they do offer insight, validation, and language for the inner work you can explore in coaching. Allow these to support you in between sessions, or serve as inspiration when you’re walking your own path.

If one of these titles speaks to you, follow that thread of thought. Sometimes a sentence, a story, or a single idea can shift everything.