All guides
The shelf, by the jobs a founder does.
13 guides and 98 picks across 6 shelves. Start with the job that feels heaviest.
Lead & Learn · Build the Org · Run the Work · Show Up Well · Back to Work · Workspace
Lead & Learn · 4 guides · 26 picks
Lead & Learn
Leadership, purpose, and the stories that keep you going.
Leadership, Purpose & Inner-Work Books for Founders and Leaders
Books on leadership, purpose, and inner work for founders, coaches, and leaders rebuilding their lives: Man's Search for Meaning, Dare to Lead, Inner Mastery Outer Impact, and more.
02 — Men's Growth & FatherhoodBooks on Men's Growth, Healing & Fatherhood
Books for men on growth, vulnerability, healing, and fatherhood: The Mask of Masculinity, Wild at Heart, Fathered by God, Strong Fathers Strong Daughters, The Intentional Father, and King, Warrior, Magician, Lover.
03 — Journals & Contemplative PracticeGuided Journals & Contemplative Practice for Leaders
Guided journals and contemplative practice for founders and leaders: The Five Minute Journal, The Daily Stoic and its journal, mindfulness, and The Artist's Way.
04 — Watch & Read for BuildersWatch & Read for Builders
Films and books for founders and justice-impacted leaders, anchored by Richard Mireles's first pick: Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.
Build the Org · 4 guides · 28 picks
Build the Org
The nonprofit shelf, mapped to THE BUILD LIST: message, board, strategy, and funding.
The Best Books for Nonprofit Founders
Seven books for nonprofit founders who need a clear origin story, a sharp message, and a case people remember.
06 — Structure & GovernanceBoard & Governance Books Every Nonprofit Leader Should Own
The essential nonprofit board and governance books, from Governance as Leadership to Robert's Rules and the California nonprofit formation guide.
07 — Strategy & ModelNonprofit Strategy Books
Strategy books for nonprofit leaders: theory of change, logic models, OKRs, and lean impact.
08 — Funding EngineThe Best Grant-Writing & Fundraising Books for Nonprofits
The grant-writing and fundraising books that help nonprofits build a grant calendar, a case for support, and a board that asks.
Run the Work · 1 guide · 10 picks
Run the Work
AI and productivity tech that gives a small team its hours back.
Show Up Well · 2 guides · 20 picks
Show Up Well
Podcast, speaking, video, and the room where programs happen.
Podcast, Speaking & Video Gear for Founders and Coaches
Podcast, speaking, and video gear for founders, coaches, and speakers: Shure MV7+ mic, DJI Mic Mini, Logitech webcams, Elgato Key Light, teleprompter, presentation remote, and the Bose S1 Pro+ PA speaker.
11 — Execution & GrowthTools for Running Programs, Trainings & Events
Tools for nonprofit programs, trainings, cohorts, and community events: conference speakerphone, portable projector, easel pads, label printer, visual timer, and facilitation books.
Back to Work · 1 guide · 8 picks
Back to Work
An affordable starter kit for job seekers and people coming home.
Workspace · 1 guide · 6 picks
Workspace
A small, sensible home-office setup.
Field Notes · monthly
One email a month. What's worth building next.
Field Notes is Richard's monthly letter for founders and nonprofit leaders: one Build List item, one tool or book worth your time, and one story from the field. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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