Elevate Your Leadership, Strategy, and Personal Development

Business success requires more than maintaining the status quo; it demands continuous learning and growth. Reading books is one of the most effective ways for executives to gain insights and win essential skills. But with countless books out there, which ones should you prioritize? What books are top CEOs reading? Which business strategy books should every executive read?

We’ve got you covered.

This curated list of must-read books for executives is organized by key themes such as leadership, strategy, innovation, personal development, culture, and memoirs. Each book offers valuable lessons and insights to help you excel professionally. Whether you want to refine your leadership style, craft effective strategies, foster innovation, or enhance personal growth, this booklist is your roadmap to success. Use this reading list as your guide to your top leadership books that should be on every executive’s reading list.

Leadership

‍

1. "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek

Fostering a solid organizational culture is crucial for any leader, whether new CEOs or seasoned vet. Simon Sinek's 'Leaders Eat Last,' a New York Times bestseller, explores the importance of trust, teamwork, and prioritizing the well-being of your team to build a resilient and high-performing organization. In today's competitive business environment, leaders must recognize that their primary role is to serve their team. Business leaders can inspire loyalty and dedication by creating a culture where employees feel valued and trusted. Sinek's insights are particularly relevant for executives aiming to cultivate a supportive and motivated workforce. If you enjoy Simon Sinek’s work, he also has his own podcast titled A Bit of Optimism.

‍

2. "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni’s leadership fable highlights common challenges teams face, such as lack of trust and commitment. This book provides practical solutions for building cohesive, effective teams tackling any challenge. Lencioni identifies five key dysfunctions—an absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results—and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. Executives will find this book invaluable for understanding team dynamics, emotional intelligence and fostering a collaborative environment. And if you want to keep learning from Patrick Lencioni’s work, he also shares real conversations and practical advice for leaders on his podcast, At The Table.

‍

3. "The Leader’s Greatest Return" by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell emphasizes the importance of developing other leaders. This book offers strategies for investing in your team’s growth, maximizing your influence, and ensuring long-term success. Maxwell argues that the true measure of a leader is not how many followers they have, but how many great leaders they develop. Executives can create a sustainable leadership pipeline that drives organizational success by focusing on mentorship and leadership skills development.

‍

4. "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz

Ben Horowitz provides no-nonsense advice on navigating the toughest challenges in business. This book is a must-read for any executive facing the complexities of scaling and leading a company. Horowitz draws from his experience as a CEO to offer practical insights on dealing with difficult decisions, managing through crises, and maintaining morale in the face of adversity. His candid and realistic approach makes this book an essential guide for leaders at all levels.

‍

Strategy

5. "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

Jim Collins investigates why some companies make the leap from good to great and identifies the key principles and strategies behind sustained success. This book is a cornerstone for understanding business excellence. Collins' research highlights the importance of disciplined people, thought, and action. He introduces concepts such as the Hedgehog Principle and the Flywheel Effect, providing a roadmap for executives aiming to transform their organizations from good to great. Additionally, Collins emphasizes the role of embracing new technologies as a catalyst for innovation and growth, demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to drive a company’s transformation and maintain a competitive edge.

‍

6. "Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

In today’s competitive market, finding uncontested spaces is vital. Kim and Mauborgne offer a strategic blueprint for creating new market spaces and making competition irrelevant. They argue that companies can succeed not by battling competitors but by creating "blue oceans" of untapped market space as a form of competitive advantage. This book provides practical tools and frameworks for identifying and seizing new opportunities, making reading essential for successful CEOs and executives looking to drive innovation and growth.

‍

7. "The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins

Transitioning into a new role can be daunting. Watkins provides a practical guide for executives to get up to speed quickly and make a significant impact in their first 90 days. This book outlines a clear, step-by-step approach for navigating the transition period, including assessing the organization, aligning expectations, and building a supportive network. Executives can use this guide to start strong and set the stage for long-term success in their new roles.

‍

Innovation

8. "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen

Christensen explores how disruptive innovations can topple established companies. This book offers essential insights into managing innovation within your organization. He introduces the concept of "disruptive innovation"—how smaller, agile companies can unseat industry giants by introducing simpler, more affordable products and services. Christensen's analysis helps executives understand the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and staying ahead of market changes.

‍

9. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, emphasizes the importance of creating new things rather than just improving existing ones. This book provides a fresh perspective on entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship and innovation. Thiel argues that the most successful companies create entirely new markets and monopolies rather than competing in crowded spaces. He shares his insights on building the future, making this book a valuable resource for any effective executive looking to drive groundbreaking innovation.

‍

10. "The Creative Act: A Way Of Being" by Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin offers deep insights into the creative process and how executives can harness creativity in any field. This book is a valuable resource for fostering innovation within your organization. Rubin's unique perspective on creativity—viewing it as a way of being rather than just a skill—helps great leaders tap into their creative potential and inspire innovation in their teams.

‍

Personal Development

11. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

James Clear is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits. The book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 60 languages. It provides practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. This book is essential for any C-suite executive looking to optimize their personal and professional life. Clear's approach to habit formation—focusing on small, incremental changes—makes it accessible and actionable. Executives can use these strategies to improve productivity, achieve their goals, and lead by example.

‍

12. "Mindset" by Carol S. Dweck

Carol Dweck explores the power of a growth mindset. Understanding this concept can lead to greater achievement, success, and emotional intelligence, making this book a must-read for personal development. Dweck's research shows that individuals with a growth mindset—who believe that abilities can be developed through effort and learning—are more likely to succeed. Executives can apply these principles to foster a culture of continuous improvement and resilience in their organizations.

‍

13. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman delves into the dual systems of thinking that drive our decisions. This book offers profound insights into decision-making and problem-solving. He distinguishes between fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate thinking, highlighting the strengths and pitfalls of each. Executives can use this understanding to make better decisions, avoid cognitive biases, and enhance strategic thinking.

‍

14. "Deep Work" by Cal Newport

Cal Newport emphasizes the importance of deep, focused work in achieving extraordinary results. His strategies for cultivating this habit are invaluable for busy executives. Newport argues that the ability to focus deeply on cognitively demanding tasks is becoming increasingly rare and valuable. His practical advice on eliminating distractions and prioritizing deep work can help make more effective executives that achieve higher levels of productivity and creativity.

‍

15. "Outlive: The Science And Art Of Longevity" by Peter Attia

Peter Attia explores strategies for extending healthspan and improving longevity, highlighting the importance of physical and mental health for sustained success. Attia provides evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes that can enhance well-being and performance. Executives can benefit from these insights to maintain their health and vitality, ensuring they can lead effectively over the long term.

‍

Culture

16. "Drive" by Daniel H. Pink

Daniel Pink examines the science of motivation, emphasizing intrinsic motivators such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose. This book provides insights into creating a motivated and high-performing team. Pink's research challenges traditional notions of motivation, showing that people are more driven by internal factors than external rewards. Executives can apply these principles to design work environments that foster engagement and productivity.

‍

17. "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle

Coyle delves into the dynamics of highly successful groups and the key elements contributing to a strong and productive organizational culture. He identifies three key skills—building safety, sharing vulnerability, and establishing purpose—essential for creating a cohesive and innovative team. This book offers practical advice for leaders building a positive and high-performing culture. Coyle also explores how integrating new technologies can enhance communication, collaboration, and overall team performance, making it a vital read for leaders who want to leverage technology to build and sustain a thriving workplace culture.

‍

18. "What You Do Is Who You Are" by Ben Horowitz

Horowitz examines how to create and sustain an effective company culture. His insights are invaluable for any executive building a strong organizational identity. Drawing on historical examples and his own experiences, Horowitz shows how culture is shaped by actions and behaviours, not just words and values. This book provides a roadmap for leaders to create a culture that aligns with their strategic goals.

‍

Memoir / Inspirational Must-Reads

19. "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight

Phil Knight’s memoir details the challenges and triumphs in building Nike. This book offers lessons on leadership, perseverance, and innovation. Knight's candid account of his journey from startup to global powerhouse provides inspiration and practical insights for any executive. His story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to your vision.

‍

20. "A Promised Land" by Barack Obama

Obama’s memoir chronicles his early political career and first term in office. It offers insights into real-world leadership, governance, and the complexities of leading a nation. Obama's reflective and detailed account provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of his presidency. Executives can learn from his approach to decision-making, vision, and resilience in adversity.

‍

Must-Reads

This list offers a treasure trove of knowledge and insights from the best books for executives aiming to elevate their leadership, strategy, and personal development skills. Embracing these pages' wisdom and practical advice can significantly impact your journey to success. Each book presents unique lessons that apply to various facets of executive leadership, from fostering innovation to emotional intelligence to building strong teams and cultures.

While reading these books requires dedication and time, the long-term benefits are immeasurable. Investing in your growth as a leader enhances your capabilities and sets a powerful example for your organization. Dive in, explore, and let these books guide you toward becoming a more effective and inspiring leader.

Explore our blog and join our community of forward-thinking leaders for more resources and articles on leadership and personal development.

‍