From Bill Gates to Elon Musk, many leaders point to books as a major contributor to their professional success. Unfortunately, they don’t always specify which books have been most transformative for their lives and careers.
So we’re here to provide a bit more direct guidance. If you’re hoping to step into a leadership role one day, or maximize your effectiveness in the leadership role you have, the five books below are sure to set you on the right path.
Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning
By Mike Hayes
A former Commander of SEAL Team TWO recounts dramatic stories and offers battle- and boardroom-tested advice that will motivate readers to do work of value, live lives of purpose, and stretch themselves to reach their highest potential. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
The Art of Business Wars: Battle-Tested Lessons for Leaders and Entrepreneurs from History’s Greatest Rivalries
By David Brown
Acclaimed Business Wars podcast host David Brown uses Chinese military genius Sun Tzu’s strategies as a guide to examine why some companies triumph while others crumble. View Our “Book Bite” Summary (mobile only)
The Six New Rules of Business: Creating Real Value in a Changing World
By Judy Samuelson
The Aspen Institute’s Judy Samuelson describes the profound shifts in attitudes and mindsets that are redefining our notions of what constitutes business success. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon
By Colin Bryar and Bill Carr
A detailed breakdown of Amazon’s approach to culture, leadership, and best practices from two long-time Amazon executives―with lessons and techniques you can apply to your own company, and career, right now. View Our “Book Bite” Summary
The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make or Break All Leaders
By Adam Bryant and Kevin Sharer
The CEO Test is the authoritative, no-nonsense insider’s guide to navigating leadership’s toughest challenges, brought to you by authors uniquely qualified to tell the stories. View Our “Book Bite” Summary (mobile only)
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