To lead others and make an impact you have to dedicate yourself to lifelong learning, something Nexford, a next-generation online university knows a thing or two about.

“Many people want to lead but few do”, says Dr Sheila Fournier-Bonilla, Chief Academic Officer at Nexford. “Leadership starts with having the right mindset. Don’t wait for permission. Act now, and start creating the story that you want people to tell about you.”

Dr Fournier-Bonilla’s team of experts offer would-be leaders recommended reading to inspire them to be set their vision, best their best selves and make their mark.

Grit: The Power Of Passion And Perseverance

By Angela Duckworth

Selected by: Dr Joe Cappa, Business Program Director

Think success is all about genius? Angela Duckworth is here to tell you otherwise. It’s less about innate talent, and all about passion and long-term perseverance. She’s got some personal credentials in this field; the daughter of a scientist who often pointed out her apparent ‘lack of genius’, she rejected that label to become a celebrated researcher and professor. She interviewed dozens of high-achievers, from JPMorgan Chase CEO and Chairman Jamie Dimon to Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, teachers working in the toughest schools to learn about what builds success. If you’re looking for a read to fire you up and inspire you to stick at a project, this is it.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And In Business

By Charles Duhigg

Selected by: Dr Debbie Wilson, Assistant Business Professor

We all have habits. But why do they exist, and how can they be changed? Taking his readers into the boardroom, the global political arena and the sports field, Pulitzer Prize-winning business writer Charles Duhigg investigates the science behind habits and how they’re formed. He argues that the key to unlocking success, in business and in life, is understanding how this habit-forming process, and learning how to change them. The book spent over 60 weeks on the New York Times’ bestseller list, and if you’re looking to make major changes in your own approach, this book could be the answer.

Leading With Soul: An Uncommon Journey of Spirit

By Lee G. Boleman and Terrence E. Deal

Selected by: Dr Robin Johnston, Director of Academic Innovation

Think that spirituality and business have no connection? Boleman and Deal are here to explain exactly why personal fulfilment is at the heart of great business leadership. In the wake of a global financial crisis, as the world faces existential challenges from climate change to extremist politics, business leaders with profound personal purpose and courage are more important than ever. And if you’ve got the sneaky feeling that your career should be less about the bottom line, and more about meaningful goals, you need to read this tale for our times.

The Pilgrimage

By Paulo Coelho

Selected by: Dr Joan Ilagan, Assistant Business Professor

This is the book that paved the way for his more famous novel, The Alchemist, and it charts Coelho’s personal pilgrimage from the south of France to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain in search of ancient wisdom. A personal journey into spiritual self-discovery, there’s on-the-road adventure, profound philosophy and wisdom to be found between its pages. It may not be the most obvious choice as a book for business students, but it might just help you discover more about the fabric of the universe, and your personal purpose within it.

Global Leaders Scholarship

Nexford is the world’s most affordable online university is offering 30 percent off its associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees to tomorrow’s business leaders.

The Global Leaders Scholarship marks Nexford’s first anniversary. In the 12 months since its inception, over 1,000 people have begun a course at the online university.

As part of its mission to make a first-class education available for all, regardless of location, background or gender, Nexford wants to spread the message to would-be leaders that talent doesn’t recognize social status or geography.