The 3 Best Business Books I Read in 2022

This is the time of year I reflect back on 2022 and think about what worked well and what didn’t. I love belonging to my Smart Boss Business Book group. It is composed of amazing women who share their experiences and how they are applying what they learned from the books we are reading.

Atomic Habits by James Clear.

His theory on making small changes that have big results was really applicable to every part of my life. He presents the Four Laws of Behavior Change as a simple set of rules that we can use to build better habits. They are: 


  1. Make it obvious 
  2. Make it attractive
  3. Make it easy 
  4. Make it satisfying


He also suggested stacking habits to make them more ‘sticky’. I had been wanting to start some type of exercise program to improve my skiing and tennis game. I also wanted to watch more YouTube videos on ways firms like mine were using QuickBooks Online (QBO) in different industries. 


Boom! Thanks to habit stacking, I was watching videos while I walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes every morning. Even the walking and watching started small, I picked short videos, first five minutes and then made them longer every day to increase the amount of time I was walking. I was consistently walking 30 minutes a day in no time and ready to do any sport. I also learned a lot about QBO in different industries.


I love that he really goes away from the norm of setting goals and focuses on the system and who you wish to become. We are always setting goals for ourselves and I haven’t stopped doing that but I do it with a system that will help achieve who I want to be. Look out world!

The Power of What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

Adam Grant has an interesting way of looking at situations and providing alternative views for you to consider, using humility and skill, like a scientist. He points out that we typically have three mindsets.


“As we think and talk, we often slip into the mindsets of three different professions: preachers, prosecutors, and politicians. In each of these modes, we take on a particular identity and use a distinct set of tools. We go into preacher mode when our sacred beliefs are in jeopardy: we deliver sermons to protect and promote our ideals. We enter prosecutor mode when we recognize flaws in other people’s reasoning: we marshal arguments to prove them wrong and win our case. We shift into politician mode when we’re seeking to win over an audience: we campaign and lobby for the approval of our constituents.”


Instead, he puts forth that we should be thinking like scientists, being actively open-minded, searching for reasons why we might be wrong – not looking for things to reinforce what we already know- then revising our views based on what we learn.


Grant also provides ways to help others see new possibilities using ‘motivational interviewing’. He suggests that you do this by asking open-ended questions, using reflective listening and affirming the person’s desire and ability to change.


I once again found this book applicable in all areas of my life. I was able to practice thinking like a scientist when my team would bring situations to me and I wanted to go down one of the 3 mindsets. This book also made me think more about communications with family members and how I could improve those conversations too.

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

I was a little hesitant to read this book. I thought it would not be as useful as other books that I had read. As a group we were used to books that gave us clear paths to action. This was more of how to change your attitude and get a healthy relationship with money and use it to create a successful life. I loved her definition of Rich: “Able to afford all the things and experiences required to fully experience your most authentic life” That started me thinking differently about my life and what my current mindset was.

The walls of your comfort zone are lovingly decorated with your lifelong collection of favorite excuses.

I felt like I had a good relationship with money and I think I still do but this definitely made me realize I had put up walls for no reason. I put boundaries on my thinking about how much money I could make and what it took to do it. I told myself stories (excuses) about why I couldn’t make unlimited money.I have 6 kids and my focus is on them (true..but…) and I wanted more than just money, I want a life of interactions with my kids, travel,and fun. I realized I can have all three so why limit my dreams to only what I have decided is possible? 


My three main takeaways:


  1. Money isn’t evil and if you have an adversarial relationship with it, you will keep from realizing your full potential.
  2. Putting positive energy out into the universe, especially about finances, will do wonders to improve your situation.
  3. To make your money goals become reality, get specific about the amount of money you want to have and how you will use it.


She really pushes you to think beyond what you have in front of you and to ask the universe for help. When she starts to talk about the ‘universe’ I wanted to shut down my thoughts, as it sounds very intangible and admittedly a little too out there for me. But having read The Power of What You Don’t Know, I tried to use my scientist mode to lean into this and wrap my head around it. 


It is a different way of thinking and then again it isn’t. She likened it to the voice in your head, a spiritual guide or knowing that there is something bigger than you at work here. Ok, I can get on board with that and delve deeper into changing my attitude to fit with this new outlook on making money. This is an easy read – she is funny and very authentically herself. I really enjoyed reading about someone else’s journey and taking tips from her experiences and applying them to my life.


While we read several books in 2022, these three really made an impact on the way I work, lead my team and my life. I highly recommend them and if you want to continue the conversation or join our women’s Smart Boss Business Book club, email me (Alisa@firststepsfinancial.com) and I will get you on our list!

Our Latest Insight

When Should I Add a Controller to My Accounting Team: The Financial Controller Readiness Checklist

By Alisa McCabe • June 29, 2026
As your service business grows, there comes a point where basic bookkeeping no longer gives you the full financial picture you need. Knowing when to bring in a financial controller can be the difference between scaling confidently and flying blind. What a Financial Controller Actually Does A financial controller is essentially your company's chief accountant. They oversee accounting operations , ensure your financial statements are accurate, manage budgets, reconcile accounts, and translate complex financial data into clear insights for leadership. Unlike a bookkeeper who records transactions, a controller interprets what those numbers mean for your business. They also oversee accounts payable and receivable, coordinate audits, and set financial performance benchmarks. For service businesses specifically, this means someone who understands utilization rates, WIP for unbilled hours, project profitability, and realization rates. These are the levers that actually move the needle in a people-driven business. The Financial Controller Readiness Checklist How do you know you're ready? Run through these signs: Your revenue has crossed $1M and is growing fast. More revenue means more complexity. A bookkeeper handles the past. A controller helps you manage the present and prepare for the future. Your financial reports feel reactive, not proactive. If you're only looking at numbers after decisions are already made, that's a gap a controller fills. Cash flow surprises keep happening. Unexpected shortfalls often signal that AR management, billing cycles, and WIP tracking aren't being monitored closely enough. You're losing visibility into project profitability. If you can't tell which clients or projects are making you money, you need controller-level oversight, not just a P&L. You're preparing for growth, a credit line, or an audit. Lenders and auditors want clean, well-structured financials. A controller makes sure you're ready. Month-end close takes too long or keeps having errors. This is a process and oversight problem, and it's exactly what a controller is built to solve. You are still doing financial reviews. If you, or a partner, are spending hours reconciling reports or questioning numbers, your time is not being optimized. Financial Controller vs. Bookkeeper: Understanding the Gap Many growing service businesses assume that hiring a bookkeeper is enough. Here's where the roles diverge:

The Transparency Trap: When Sharing Too Much Undermines Leadership

By Alisa McCabe • June 15, 2026
Transparency has become a popular leadership principle in modern organizations. Many leaders believe that openness builds trust, strengthens collaboration, and encourages accountability across teams. In many cases, that instinct is correct. Problems can arise, however, when transparency becomes excessive or poorly timed. Effective financial strategies require a balance between honesty and thoughtful discretion. Sharing every concern, uncertainty, or early-stage idea can sometimes create confusion rather than clarity.  Understanding where transparency helps and where it may unintentionally harm morale allows leaders to communicate in ways that support stability, confidence, and thoughtful decision making.

From Scrappy to Strategic: Evolving Your Leadership Style as Your Company Scales

By Alisa McCabe • June 1, 2026
Many entrepreneurs begin their journey with relentless energy and determination. Early-stage companies often rely on fast decisions, constant experimentation, and founders who personally handle countless responsibilities. As companies grow, however, the same approach can begin to create friction. Teams expand, operations become more complex, and expectations shift. Effective leadership styles must evolve to match the changing needs of the organization.  Scaling a company does not mean abandoning what made a founder successful. It requires refining those strengths while developing new leadership capabilities that support sustainable growth.

CONTACT US

Contact Us