Books, Movies, or Shows That Have Motivated Entrepreneurs
We tell ourselves stories in order to live. — Joan Didion, “The White Album” (1979)
Here at Mandel Marketing, we really believe in the power of storytelling. This goes for advertising and marketing, but also in one’s career, business, and in life in general.
Behind every great entrepreneur is a story—or ten—that fuels their drive, sharpens their focus, and reminds them why they keep showing up. While spreadsheets and strategy sessions might power the day-to-day, it’s often the unexpected sources of inspiration—films, books, podcasts, even productivity hacks—that help leaders push through resistance, stay grounded, and find renewed purpose. These stories don’t just entertain; they reframe mindsets, shift perspectives, and offer practical lessons that show up in boardrooms and brainstorms alike.
In this collection of quotes from around the business world, ten leaders and founders reflect on the media that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys. From the calculated discipline of The Lean Startup to the gut-wrenching endurance of Shackleton’s Voyage, from Covey’s timeless productivity wisdom to the raw grit of David Goggins, these resources became more than passive content—they became active companions in the messy, exhilarating, and often overwhelming process of building something meaningful.
So whether you’re stuck in a slump or just need a dose of inspiration, this list offers a fresh lens on what it takes to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Because sometimes, the right book, movie, or podcast doesn’t just help you escape your reality—it helps you remake it. And if you’re looking for help with professional communication and writing, always feel free to contact us for a free sample of our founder’s book, An MFA For Your MBA (2024).
Lean Startup Principles Transform Tech Business Growth
I was greatly influenced by Eric Ries’ book titled The Lean Startup. Its structure helped me to view the business growth differently, particularly when managing tech startups. It is concerned with the development of a minimum viable product (MVP) and testing of the assumptions. I applied this in the case of Roof Quotes when we were still starting up. We did not invest too many resources in changing the product, which could have failed, since we first received the feedback of actual customers.
Todd Stephenson, Co-founder, Roof Quotes
Extreme Challenges Podcast Offers Fresh Life Perspective
I am drawn to the podcast “Inspiration for the Nation.”
The podcast is an interview with people that have dealt with incredibly challenging life events. The events are out of control compared to the challenges that I deal with daily. For example, one executive was convicted of 318 years in prison for minor financial crimes.
The two aspects that inspire me are about the podcast is the absurdity of the ordeals, these are literally things I would never imagine being subjected to.
It shakes me up and I am pulled to start imagine what I would do in these situations. In the example of the executive, I really enjoy seeing myself and my family, thinking of how we would deal with the lawyers and prison sentence. It gives me a big boost and puts my ‘normal’ life challenges into perspective, my life is so much easier, and I can handle things!
The second aspect is that I like to think of solutions to these insane problems. Honestly, in the heat of the moment, I would probably freeze up, but hearing the problem from the side gives me a chance to perculate and drum up a brilliant solution. This type of thinking inspires me in my daily life, and helps me not freeze up and keep thinking constructively.
Menachem Shemtov, Owner, Director, Rabbi, Jluxury
Covey’s 7 Habits Empowers Proactive Leadership Decisions
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is my go to when I need a little motivation. One of the lessons that closely apply to me as a leader is that the book addresses personal development and emphasizes the importance of being proactive. It educates on how to craft a life that you are the boss and that your decisions are in line with what you believe. The greatest lesson is that you do not need to wait until everything is perfect to start. Rather, you need to take the situation and make your future.
Emily Demirdonder, Director of Operations & Marketing, Proximity Plumbing
Shawshank Redemption Teaches Perseverance Against All Odds
My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. It’s one I often revisit when my team and I need to gain a little perspective. Not only is it a movie about prison, but it’s also a story of perseverance against insurmountable odds, resilience in the face of impossible barriers, and maintaining dignity while the system is seemingly stacked against you.
As a leader, it reminds me that no matter how difficult things may look, determination with a dose of purpose will quietly prevail. My favorite line of the entire movie is “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Whenever I hear it, it always recalibrates me.
Eric Sornoso, Co-founder, Mealfan
Pomodoro Technique Boosts Productivity Without Burnout
Pomodoro Technique has brought about a whole shift in my working style. Working with clients under NativePath helped me realize that I will not produce any results by working continuously. The idea to divide my day into 25-minute periods did not seem to me at once, but the effects were so tangible. It helped me stay motivated and at the same time avoid a burnout. No more being exhausted and swept by the massive to-do list. When I divided tasks into components that were small and easy-to-control, I was able to accomplish more on less time, and even with a better outcome. This is not a gimmick this will work. I have recommended it to clients and witnessed energy spike up in terms of output. Have it during a week and see how it is if you are having trouble or feeling overwhelmed. Your productivity is going to amaze you considering how many tasks you can complete within brief but concentrated work sessions.
Dr. Chad Walding, Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer, NativePath
War of Art Conquers Resistance to Action
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is the book that changed my way of going through pressure. Most book discusses productivity or mindset in a manner that seems either abstract or filled with tips I cannot actually utilize. This one did not beat around the bush. It called resistance and pointed out that indecisiveness is not an individual vice. It is simply part of the procedure, and it appears every time you want to do something important.
I used to delay some pages when I was writing about the products education and revamping our hair care routines according to various curl types, and I would keep delaying it because I thought the page had to be perfect. That took away our visibility on those subjects. Since reading that book, I no longer edit in circles and started publishing finished and usable content more often. It was not perfect, but it was active. After a couple of weeks, our readers were spending more time, clicking more, and subscribing to our email list. It was not the radical turn or large-scale change of strategy that made it happen. It occurred because I kept appearing and delivering the work. The book enabled me to get into the pressure without waiting until everything becomes easy.
Kira Byrd, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Curl Centric
Goggins’ Mental Toughness Book Eliminates Excuses
One book that really moved me is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. It’s not just a business or sales book, it’s about mental toughness and pushing past your limits, no matter what life throws at you. Reading about everything Goggins went through, and how he turned pain into motivation, honestly made my own challenges feel way more manageable.
Whenever I hit a wall, I think back to some of his stories and remind myself that we’re all capable of way more than we think. This book pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and take action, both in business and in my personal life. If you need motivation to stop making excuses and just get after it, this is the book.
Raphael Larouche, Founder & SEO Specialist, seomontreal.io
Morning Focus Transforms Goals Into Reality
The book “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” says that some people are great at getting the whirlwind of the day done – but they never end up achieving the important things that change their lives. This shook me, as I related to this. So every morning now, I spend the first 1.5 hours of my day, working towards my goals.
Sari Schmidt, Co-Founder, Nala Talent
Shackleton’s Leadership Saves Lives Against Impossible Odds
Endurance: Shackleton Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing is one of the books that has inspired me a lot, and one which I have shared with my team. Although it is not a typical business book, its teachings about leadership, endurance, and how to solve problems in the face of the crushing odds are priceless. It documents the disastrous 1914 expedition by the Antarctic led by Ernest Shackleton during which his ship was smashed and twenty eight of his men were stranded in the hostile climate for nearly two years.
I am inspired by the fact that Shackleton never gave up on the survival of his crew and by the fact that he led them under impossible circumstances. He always placed the morale and well-being of his men first when it came to his decision making, saving all the lives. An example is that he left behind thousands of pounds of scientific gear to help them reduce weight and all they concentrated on were survival gear. He carefully controlled food allowances even when there was acute shortage when each man was allowed a few ounces of seal meat per day. He was a very strong man himself; he guided a small crew on an eight hundred nautical mile journey in an open boat to find rescue, a journey of survival and navigation now studied in schools.
Adam Bushell, Director/Electrician, AB Electrical & Communications
Start With Why Creates Purposeful Business Mission
Start with Why by Simon Sinek is one of the books that have influenced me greatly. It is not only leadership or business strategy, but it is about knowing the deeper meaning of what we are doing. The concept of the importance of asking why and not only how or what actually appeals to me. It transformed how I conducted my marketing activities at PSS International Removals. The realization that we provide the best service to families relocating to other countries made our mission more concrete and provided the whole team with a better sense of purpose. This stronger sense of belonging to the core values of the company has enabled everyone to go the extra mile in their respective positions, and it is a philosophy that I keep on sharing with my team.
The thing that inspires me is the fact that when you are doing something with a higher purpose in mind, it not only makes you more productive but also passionate. When the world around us is full of routine and the same things to do every day, it is important to remember the purpose of everything we do and keep it at the centre of our attention. Reminding myself and my team about the bigger picture helps us to stay motivated and find meaning in our work, even in difficult times.
Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals
Remember You’re Not Alone In This Journey
Entrepreneurship is never just a numbers game—it’s an emotional marathon. These books, films, and podcasts serve as mile markers and motivation, offering insight, wisdom, and the occasional wake-up call when it’s needed most. Whether it’s to spark a team conversation or guide personal growth, the stories we absorb shape the stories we tell through our work. So take a page (or a scene) from these leaders—your next breakthrough might just start with pressing play or turning the page.