Unlocking Wisdom: How the Right Books Can Transform Your Work and Life

In his new book, 100 Best Books for Work and Life: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You, author and publisher Todd Sattersten distills decades of reading, publishing, and advising authors into a carefully curated list of self-improvement titles.

Unlike typical summaries or “listicles,” 100 Best Books for Work and Life dives deeper, offering practical guidance on why each selection matters and how readers can apply its lessons today.

Todd’s recommendations include well-known volumes and far less-well-known titles. And you might be surprised at which books he decided to leave out. 

Divided into 25 chapters, each featuring three to five books, Todd covers topics such as Purpose, Relationships, Teams, Mindfulness, and Influence.

One of the most striking aspects of Todd’s approach is his belief that professional development cannot be separated from personal growth. A book on building better relationships, for instance, is just as valuable at home as it is in the office. 

Todd is the publisher of Bard Press, the boutique publishing house — founded by the incomparable Ray Bard — best known for business classics such as The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan and Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Red Book of Selling. 

Since taking the reins in 2021, Todd has continued Bard’s tradition of releasing one (sometimes two) carefully chosen books each year. His expertise bridges both the editorial and business sides of publishing, giving him a unique vantage point on what makes a book impactful.

Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart.

Photo: Todd Sattersten, Bard Press
Posted: October 13, 2025
Monday Morning Run Time: 42:20
Episode: 14.19

RECOMMENDED BARD PRESS BOOKS:

• Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to Build your Business and Career

• When Everyone Leads the Toughest Challenges Get Seen and Solved

• The Gift of Struggle: Life-Changing Lessons About Leading

• Fired Up! Selling: Great Quotes to Inspire, Energize, Succeed

• The Wizard of Ads: Turning Words into Magic and Dreamers into Millionaires