Entrepreneurs are expert scavengers for the best sources of inspiration. Top of that list, regardless of which industry you’re dabbling in, are page-turners. Books are a beacon of ingenuity, creativity and innovation. Each page is a new horizon holding a heap of new stories to draw from. For this week’s WAYA Book Club, we find out what books Tarek Seif El Nasr, Head of Growth at Falak Startups is into.

Previously on Waya Book Club: Mirna Sleiman, Founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy

Lean Startup by Eric Ries

This concise yet elaborate book goes into describing Ries’ proposed learning strategy for startups. Ries developed the idea for the lean startup from his experiences as a startup advisor, employee and founder.

Principles by Ray Dalio

Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio based this great guide on principles he had developed while running Bridgewater Associates. These principles for success were also made available as an ultra-mini-series adventure by the author.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Sometimes the best business books aren’t just jargon-filled theories and tips. The best lessons often come from lived experiences. This memoir by Nike co-founder Phil Knight outlines the history of the company’s founding, how it overcame hurdles and evolved into one of the world’s most recognisable brands, and, amidst all the backstory, highlights how Knight’s life ties into it all.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

This non-fiction tale by journalist John Carreyrou covers the rise and fall of Theranos, the multibillion-dollar biotech startup headed by current news headline favourite, Elizabeth Holmes. The book received massive critical acclaim, winning the 2018 Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award.

The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Media juggernaut Bob Iger pens a memoir that offers a great insight and draws from his many years of experience as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Iger describes his elevation to fame and diving into the several corporate achievements he has accomplished throughout his life.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, provides an essential walkthrough building and running a startup. Horowitz bestows his practical wisdom for managing the most challenging tribulations entrepreneurs face, and nothing a business degree can really equip you for.