Surprising Books to Make You a More Strategic Creative

Another listicle is probably not what the internet needs more of. And yet this might prove otherwise. 

I get asked for book recommendations on brand strategy and creativity so often that I created this book list last year that I still send people to.

The interesting part about both these lists is that the books I tend to recommend aren’t specifically on brand strategy or brand building.

But they will most definitely improve your strategic decision-making ability. 

Brand strategy as a skill lies somewhere between critical thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving, intuition, and business know-how. 

And the books below cover a selection of these topics so that you can dive deeper into and improve your brand strategy game.

Rather than promoting my Amazon affiliate links with you to try and make a few bucks, I’d much rather you find the most accessible way to access these books yourself. 

If you do want to support me (and as always, get something of value in return), there are ways to do that at the end of this post.

Six books don’t seem like a long list. But believe me, each one will open a new perspective, a new way of looking at things, and a whole new ‘multiverse’ for you to pursue.

Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite by Paul Arden

A short, but punchy book to show you that there’s always a different way to look at things. In part, thanks to this book, I always aim to show different and unexpected perspectives on all things branding with my content creation.

Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono

My fascination with how humans capture and develop their creativity began with this book and many others by Edward de Bono. Learn how creativity works and become a master strategist.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

A classic read on how to master the art of strategising. The vital concepts covered here apply to participating in price negotiations, launching a business, or building a winning brand.

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

One of the key men behind Ogilvy & Mather, Rory is a brilliant creative thinker, and this book will give you a glimpse of a different perspective on branding, advertising, business, and creativity.

Problem Solved by Michael Johnson

Practical examples are one of the best ways to see how something works, and Michael covers many of the communication challenges here we all face as brand builders.

Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

One of the key concepts I learned from this book (something that deeply impacted how I approach brand building in general) is the ability to stay agile and not getting locked into tunnel vision.

Bonus recommendations

If you’ve devoured these already, and need another helping, many of my colleagues and peers whom I trust have shared additional recommendations that are worth checking out. 

• The Crux by Richard Rumelt, shared by Paul Lewis
• Net Positive by Paul Polman, shared by Nick Budden
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, shared by Michael Janda
• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, shared by James Eccleston
• Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull, shared by Paul Oxborrow

In summary

• Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono
• Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite by Paul Arden
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
• Problem Solved by Michael Johnson
• Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
• The Crux by Richard Rumelt
• Net Positive by Paul Polman
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
• Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

Which ones have you already read? Which will you add to the list or read now?

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