Six must-reads for startup honchos

Ted Leonsis, a former executive at America Online, is co-founder and partner of Steve Case’s Revolution Growth Fund and, as founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, majority owner of three DC pro sports teams. Startup honchos who want to end up like him should spend time with their nose in these six works, all hand-selected by Leonsis as the essential works for every budding entrepreneur to read.

The Business of Happiness by Ted LeonsisLeonsis himself is proof: Want to be more successful? Contentment is job one.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed CatmullPixar co-founder expounds on the virtues of an inventive, original, enjoyable workplace. Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A MooreHow do you market high-tech products to lay consumers? This influential 2006 classic points the way forward.

Collective Geniusby Linda A Hill, Greg Brandeau, Emily Truelove and Kent Lineback True innovation comes not from a single inspired leader but an entire creative team. From the Other Side of the Worldby Elmira BayrasliWhy you’re as likely to find the next entrepreneurial genius in Peshawar as Palo Alto.

Stop Playing Safeby Margie WarrellWe’re all inherently risk-averse—but learning to embrace gambles might be the smartest thing you ever do.