5 Business Books for the Working Professional

The growth of a working individual is directly tied to the success of the company, business, or organization for which they work. Growth is not pursued solely for external rewards, but for internal fulfillment. But where can you start? We’ve got just the books to help; each one is backed by the extensive research and experience of the authors in their respective and diverse fields. Whether you’re looking to improve your workspaces, strengthen your leadership skills, or deepen your knowledge in a service-oriented field, there’s something on this list that will pique the interest of budding and seasoned professionals alike! 

Workplace Well-being in the Philippines: A Guidebook, edited by Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, Emerald Jay D. Ilac, and Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go

Do you want to create a safer and more supportive workplace environment? Workplace Well-being in the Philippines: A Guidebook emphasizes the importance of centering employee mental health in the systems and structures of organizations. In this book, you will find an overview of the current status of workplace mental health in the country, as well as well-being initiatives and policies that will undoubtedly aid in the development of healthy mental health practices. 

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

Evolving HR: Knowledge and Stories from Philippine Organizations, edited by Mendiola Teng-Calleja, Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go, Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, and Ma. Regina M. Hechanova

The workplace is a space that constantly meets challenges and changes. Evolving HR: Knowledge and Stories from Philippine Organizations paints a colorful picture of insights, experiences, and wisdom gathered from decades of human resource management (HRM) practice and scholarship in the Philippines. The book highlights the importance of contextualizing HRM within specific sociocultural, economic, and organizational landscapes. It is an invaluable resource for human resource practitioners and organization leaders so that they can appropriately navigate and meet the obstacles of a borderless and technology-driven world. 

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

The Call to Lead by Jake de Guzman

What does it take to become a better leader? In The Call to Lead, an integral part of this journey is deepening self-awareness. By doing this, one can discern their true purpose. This book offers a rich interdisciplinary approach to the connection between leadership and purpose, utilizing the Enneagram, Family and Personal History, The Hero’s Journey, and various business models as tools for discovering how one can lead in one's specific field of expertise. The Call to Lead seeks to empower readers to transform their personal lives and broader landscapes of work, society, and culture. 

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises: Stories of Social Innovation, edited by Maria Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, Raquel Cementina-Olpoc, and Ana Marina A. Tan

It takes a lot of heart and grit to pursue social entrepreneurship, especially in a developing country. However, Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises: Stories of Social Innovation collects narratives of hope and determination from founders who dedicated themselves to missions of innovation and service for various communities. This book provides an in-depth and holistic look into the world of social entrepreneurship—its evolution and development—through the sustainable business models and service-oriented philosophies of certain organizations. It’s a definite must-read for all aspiring social entrepreneurs!  

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

Social Enterprise Stories of Resilience and Innovation by Raquel Cementina-Olpoc, Raquel Cementina-Olpoc, and Ana Marina A. Tan

Being a social entrepreneur is not easy; it’s a pursuit that requires constant learning and adaptation amidst difficulties. Social Enterprise Stories of Resilience and Innovation is a sequel to the book Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises: Stories of Social Innovation, which spotlights more social enterprises and their steadfast commitment to their missions of alleviating poverty, empowering persons and communities, and supporting the dignity of the marginalized. The book further deepens our understanding of the inner workings of social enterprises and the crucial part they play in the betterment of our society. 

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

The working world can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. However, we hope that the expertise of these authors offers you some guidance and comfort as you embark on the next step of your professional journey, and perhaps, you can share what you learned with others on the way!