This Is The Escapee Insider is a weekly-ish newsletter focused on helping folks transition from corporate to solopreneurship
Just a quick reminder: You're getting this because you downloaded something from The Corporate Escapee at some point (and it could have been months ago).
If this isn't your thing anymore, no hard feelings, just hit unsubscribe at the bottom.
One question I get all the time: "What should I read?"
Not "what's popular" or "what everyone's reading."
What books actually help you escape corporate and build on your own terms?
I've read a lot over the past 5+ years. Probably well over 100. Some were helpful. Some weren't.
Here are the ones that actually changed how I think about work, life, and building something that matters.
I've organized them by stage: Getting Started, Executing, and Advanced.
Honestly, this list could be twice as long, but these are a great starting point!
GETTING STARTED
These are for people still in corporate (or recently out) trying to figure out what's next.
The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity
Authors: Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott
Why it matters:
You're going to live longer than you think. Which means the old playbook (work 40 years, retire at 65) doesn't work anymore.
This book explores how increased life expectancy changes career planning, financial security, and personal development—and offers strategies for building a fulfilling, adaptable life.
Key takeaway: Your career isn't one chapter. It's multiple stages. Plan accordingly.
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Author: Arthur C. Brooks
Why it matters:
If you've been in corporate for 20+ years and feel like something's missing, this book explains why.
Brooks explores how professionals can transition from career-driven success to a life of deeper purpose.
Key takeaway: The skills that got you here won't fulfill you there. It's time to shift.
The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
Author: Michael Easter
Why it matters:
Modern comfort breeds dissatisfaction. Corporate keeps you comfortable—and miserable.
Easter argues that embracing challenges and discomfort leads to growth and fulfillment.
Key takeaway: Escaping corporate is uncomfortable. That's the point.
Hardwired for Happiness
Author: Ashish Kothari
Why it matters:
Presents nine proven practices to increase happiness and reduce stress.
If you've been grinding in corporate for years and don't remember what happiness feels like, start here.
Key takeaway: Happiness is a skill. You can learn it.
The Go-Giver
Authors: Bob Burg and John David Mann
Why it matters:
A business parable that emphasizes the power of giving as a way to achieve success.
This book rewired how I think about networking, relationships, and building a business.
Key takeaway: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Why it matters:
A fable about following your dreams and personal legend.
It's not a business book. But it's the book that reminds you why you're doing this in the first place.
Key takeaway: The treasure is in the journey, not the destination.
EXECUTING
You've decided to escape. Now what? These books help you actually build.
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork
Authors: Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why it matters:
Corporate trains you to figure everything out yourself. That's the wrong approach.
This book shifts your thinking from "How do I do this?" to "Who can help me achieve this?"
Key takeaway: Stop trying to do it all. Start building a team (even as a solopreneur).
The Process Is the Product
Author: Paul Shirley
Why it matters:
Most people obsess about outcomes. This book argues that valuing the process is what actually leads to results.
Key takeaway: Focus on the system, not the goal.
Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life
Author: Steve Glaveski
Why it matters:
Offers strategies to maximize efficiency, reclaim time, and focus on meaningful work.
As a solopreneur, time is your most valuable asset. This book shows you how to protect it.
Key takeaway: Productivity isn't about doing more. It's about doing what matters.
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months
Authors: Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
Why it matters:
Introduces a system for achieving goals faster by focusing on shorter execution cycles.
Instead of annual goals, you work in 12-week sprints. This keeps you focused and accountable.
Key takeaway: Urgency creates momentum. 12 weeks is enough time to make real progress.
They Ask You Answer
Author: Marcus Sheridan
Why it matters:
Advocates for transparency and customer education as key marketing strategies.
If you don't know how to market yourself as a solopreneur, start here.
Key takeaway: Answer the questions your customers are already asking. That's your content strategy.
ADVANCED
You're building. You're growing. Now you're ready to scale and think bigger.
10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less
Authors: Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why it matters:
Challenges conventional thinking. Argues that aiming for 10x growth simplifies decision-making and maximizes impact.
Key takeaway: Stop incremental thinking. Ask "What would 10x look like?" and work backward.
Day Trading Attention
Author: Gary Vaynerchuk
Why it matters:
Explains how to leverage social media and personal branding to capture audience attention.
If you're building in public (TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.), this book shows you how to win.
Key takeaway: Content is currency. Attention is everything.
Where to Start
Pick one book from the "Getting Started" section.
Read it. Apply it.
Then move to the next.
You don't need to read all of them. You just need to read the right one at the right time.
What books changed how you think about work? Reply and let me know. I read every response.
In Case You Missed It:
Corporate used to promise stability and a clear path if you just worked hard and played the game.
Now it’s layoffs, RTO mandates, endless reorganizations, and that feeling that you’re always one bad (or good) quarter away from someone else deciding your future.
More and more people are quietly building solo businesses instead—choosing work that actually fits their life, not the other way around.
The Escapee life isn’t about becoming some hustle hero. It’s about getting out of a system that burned you out and finding a village that actually has your back….
Check out the entire post here: Corporate is Broken: The Escapee Village Is Rising!
This Week's Featured Podcast Episode
What if scaling your business didn’t require hiring, hustling harder, or stacking endless clients?
In this episode, Brett sits down with Pia Silva (No BS Mastery) to break down a simple model for building a highly profitable solo business — built around intensives, clear boundaries, and pricing for outcomes (not hours).
