Books Recommended by Theresa Evanoff

As a first-time entrepreneur, I have to say “The Lean Start-Up”, by Eric Ries. It taught me a lot about the need to constantly test one’s vision and to adapt and adjust before it's too late. This was extremely helpful because as a perfectionist, my propensity was to launch the Gift-It-Forward platform only when it was “perfect” (which we know never happens!). The book convinced me to launch with a Beta or Most Viable Product (MVP) that was good enough for launch, allowing me to validate my concept and site early with real users, which was invaluable.

It’s hard to choose a favourite, as I love to read. One that recently stands out is “Tools of Titans” by Tim Ferris – a combination of business, personal stories, and philosophies. It’s an interesting read as the author summarizes some of the lessons he learned through his own work and life trials, as well as from many successful people he has met along the way. A memorable quote for me was, “You always have three options. You can change it, you can accept it, or you can leave it. What is not a good option is to sit around wishing you would change it but not changing it, wishing you would leave it but not leaving it, and not accepting it.” No truer words!

I’ve been an avid reader all my life, but one book that stands out on a very personal level is “Heaven is Real”, by Lynn Vincent and Todd Burpo. While the story and writing style might not be Pulitzer material, I read this right after my mother passed away and it really moved me. It gave me a strange sense of comfort that she is in a better place, and that she would be looking down on me and my children in the future (I had also just learned I was pregnant not long before that).