5 Books to Read by Startup Boston Week Speakers
- Stephanie Roulic
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when startup wisdom jumps off the stage and into a book, look no further. Some of the most accomplished voices joining us for Startup Boston Week 2025 have captured their insights in print - offering practical playbooks, leadership frameworks, and personal philosophies that continue to shape founders, product leaders, and investors across the startup ecosystem.
Here are five must-read books written by this year’s SBW speakers:
1. How We Make Stuff Now by Jules Pieri
VC Investor, Adjunct Professor, and Co-Founder at XFactor Ventures
This is the guidebook for makers, inventors, and first-time founders. Jules Pieri distills her experience into a clear step-by-step manual for launching new products - from ideation to manufacturing to marketing. Whether you're building your first prototype or planning a production run, How We Make Stuff Now is a trusted companion to help you bring your vision to life - and into the hands of customers.
2. Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders by Melissa Appel
Fractional Head of Product, Exec PM Coach, Author, Speaker
Great product management isn’t just about roadmaps and releases - it’s about relationships. In Aligned, Melissa Appel breaks down the often-overlooked skill of stakeholder management into actionable frameworks. Learn how to build trust, tailor your communication, navigate tough conversations, and turn internal stakeholders into champions. A must-read for product leaders aiming to level up their impact and influence.
3. Engagement Marketing by Gail Goodman
Former CEO, Constant Contact & Current Board Chair, EforAll
Before "customer obsession" became a buzzword, Gail Goodman was helping small businesses build real relationships with their customers. In Engagement Marketing, she shares how businesses can turn happy customers into vocal advocates using email, social media, and word-of-mouth. Full of tactical insights and real-world examples, this is a powerful resource for founders looking to grow sustainably through community-driven marketing.
4. The Quality Lever by John Zilch
Product Leader at Breakthrough Ventures
Want to build a product you’re proud of? The Quality Lever explores how product teams can create work that stands the test of time - even under pressure. John Zilch draws from his own experiences and weaves in stories from Apple to Michelangelo to help readers understand the mindset, discipline, and leadership required to build with intention. A practical and inspiring guide for anyone leading a product or team.
5. Higher Purpose Venture Capital by Ron Levin
Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures
Venture capital with values. In Higher Purpose Venture Capital, Ron Levin explores how investors can channel capital toward solving some of society’s most urgent problems - poverty, education, healthcare, housing, and more. Through compelling storytelling and a pragmatic lens, this book invites readers to imagine a future where purpose-driven investing isn't just possible, but profitable.
Catch them September 8 - 12 at Startup Boston Week 2025
These authors aren’t just sharing knowledge, they’re helping build the startup ecosystem from every angle: product, fundraising, growth, and purpose. Whether you’re heading into Startup Boston Week with a notebook full of questions or years of experience behind you, these books offer valuable lessons you can take with you long after the sessions end.
Catch them in real life at Suffolk University for the 9th Annual Startup Boston Week. You can register (for free) right here. And, if you can’t make it in-person, sessions will be available virtually as well!
