Top 10 Books for High-Performance Entrepreneurs & Leaders: Curated by Dr. Amanda Tobe
Build mental strength, focus, and resilience in high-pressure work.
Download High Performance Reading List
Many of the people who come to our practice seeking entrepreneur counselling, business counselling services, or guidance in navigating high-pressure roles are looking for practical ways to strengthen their mindset and stay grounded under stress.
Over time, in my work as an organizational psychologist, I’ve curated this High-Performance Reading List—a selection of books I frequently recommend to entrepreneurs, executives, and other leaders who want to improve focus, build resilience, and show up with confidence in demanding environments.
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High Performance Reading List
These research-backed titles offer tools you can apply immediately to elevate your performance and approach challenges with clarity and stability.
1. Dialed In — Dr. Dana Sinclair
Practical strategies for managing nerves, sharpening focus, and staying composed when the pressure spikes. Sinclair explains how high achievers stay “dialed in” during critical moments at work, in leadership, and in daily performance.
2. FOPO: The First Rule of Mastery — Dr. Michael Gervais
Gervais explores how the Fear of Other People’s Opinions (FOPO) limits performance and decision-making. A must-read for overcoming self-doubt, strengthening self-trust, and showing up authentically under pressure.
3. Perform Under Pressure — Dr. Ceri Evans
Evans breaks down why some people choke while others rise when stakes are high. He offers a clear framework for understanding pressure, managing internal responses, and performing with consistency in leadership, speaking, and decision-making.
4. Train Your Brain Like an Olympian — Jean François Ménard
A behind-the-scenes look at the mental training habits used by elite athletes. Ménard shares practical skills for improving focus, resilience, and composure during high-stakes or high-visibility challenges at work.
5. Called to Greatness: Peak Performance Psychology — Dr. Alex Auerbach
Auerbach blends science, meaning, and purpose-driven psychology to help readers build resilience and align values with high performance. A great resource for leaders seeking growth without burnout.
Have you discovered a book that’s been meaningful to you—one that isn’t on this list?
I’d love to know what’s resonated with you.
6. Peak Performance — Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness
A bestseller showing how balancing stress and recovery leads to sustainable success. This book combines neuroscience and psychology to help you improve long-term consistency, energy, and performance.
7. Grit — Angela Duckworth
Duckworth explains why perseverance and long-term commitment matter more than innate talent. Essential for anyone navigating career setbacks, building confidence, or moving through imposter syndrome.
8. The Inner Game of Tennis — W. Timothy Gallwey
A foundational classic in performance psychology. Gallwey teaches how to quiet self-doubt, overcome internal pressure, and enter a state of “flow”—applicable far beyond athletics, including leadership, public speaking, and high-pressure professional roles.
9. The Champion’s Mind — Dr. Jim Afremow
An accessible guide to building mental toughness, confidence, and focus. Afremow covers visualization and mindset strategies that translate directly into speaking, leadership, and professional performance.
10. Relentless — Tim S. Grover
Drawing from his work with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, Grover offers a powerful look at the mindset behind elite performance—consistency, discipline, and the fearlessness required to excel in competitive environments.
Explore More Psychology Reading Lists
Looking for related resources to support your confidence, performance, and clarity at work?
Career Purpose Reading Picks for Career Clarity & Direction (stay tuned)
Public Speaking Anxiety Reading List for Professionals (stay tuned)
These curated collections are part of our ongoing Reading List Series, designed to support clarity, confidence, and high performance at every stage of your career.
Prefer a downloadable PDF version?
Download the High Performance Reading List here.
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About Amanda Tobe & Associates
Amanda Tobe is a registered organizational psychologist who leads a team dedicated to helping professionals strengthen their confidence and thrive at work. Our services include career counselling, imposter syndrome counselling, public speaking anxiety support, and performance psychology for professionals across Ontario and Nova Scotia. We also provide entrepreneurial support and resources for business owners navigating self-doubt, decision-making, and mindset challenges as they grow their careers.
If you're ready to build confidence, navigate your career with clarity, and develop the skills to move forward, explore our services at amandatobe.com.
