Leadership
Leadership books teach strategies, mindsets, and skills for inspiring and guiding others.
The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul
by Phil Jackson
In 'The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul,' legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson takes readers behind the scenes of the Los Angeles Lakers' tumultuous 2003-2004 season. Jackson chronicles the challenges faced by the team, from internal conflicts to external pressures, as they strive for one last shot at glory. Through insightful reflections and candid anecdotes, Jackson delves into themes of leadership, teamwork, and resilience, providing a unique perspective on the dynamics of professional basketball. This book offers a compelling narrative that goes beyond the game, exploring the human elements that define a team's spirit and success.
Making It So
In this heartfelt memoir, legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart reflects on his life, from a humble Yorkshire upbringing to iconic roles in Star Trek and X-Men. With warmth, wit, and candor, Stewart shares behind-the-scenes stories, personal struggles, and the transformative power of theater and storytelling. Making It So is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love of performance by one of the most beloved figures in entertainment.
Mandela's Way: Lessons for an Uncertain Age
Written by journalist and Mandela confidant Richard Stengel, Mandela’s Way distills 15 life lessons from Nelson Mandela’s leadership, resilience, and humanity. Through intimate stories and reflections, the book explores how Mandela navigated forgiveness, courage, discipline, and compassion. Stengel reveals Mandela’s thoughtfulness, emotional control, and moral strength in the face of injustice. It’s a guide for living with purpose and dignity, especially in turbulent times. Accessible yet profound, the book offers timeless insights not just on politics or activism, but on how to lead with humility, integrity, and unshakeable conviction.
Creativity, Inc.
by Ed Catmull
Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, offers an insider’s guide to building a creative culture. Through stories from the making of beloved films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, Catmull reveals how Pixar nurtures innovation while maintaining excellence. He discusses leadership, collaboration, and the importance of candor in creative work. Central to the book is the idea that protecting creativity requires careful management of failure and feedback. Creativity, Inc. is not just a memoir—it’s a manual for leading with purpose, whether you’re in animation, tech, or any field requiring bold ideas and inventive teams.
Dare To Lead
by Brene Brown
In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown draws on two decades of research to explore what it means to lead with courage in the workplace. She argues that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength essential for innovation, trust, and resilience. Brown outlines practical strategies for building brave cultures, giving and receiving feedback, and leading with empathy and integrity. With a focus on emotional intelligence and authenticity, the book is a guide for anyone seeking to cultivate leadership rooted in values and human connection.
Wooden on Leadership
by John Wooden
In 'Wooden on Leadership,' legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden shares his insights on leadership, success, and personal development. Drawing from his experience coaching some of the greatest basketball players, Wooden emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and integrity. Through a series of anecdotes and lessons, he articulates his 'Pyramid of Success,' a framework for achieving greatness in any pursuit. Readers will be inspired by Wooden's timeless wisdom and practical advice on building winning teams, fostering a winning attitude, and leading with integrity. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and achieve lasting success.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
by Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz delivers a brutally honest, no-nonsense account of what it truly takes to build and run a startup. Drawing from his own experience as co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and CEO of Opsware, Horowitz outlines the often-overlooked struggles: firing friends, managing morale, surviving downturns, and making impossible decisions. Rather than generic leadership tips, he offers hard-earned wisdom on navigating chaos and building a strong, resilient company. Larry Page praised the book for its candor and realism. It’s an essential read for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and managers who want insight into the harsh realities of leadership and long-term survival.
Daring Greatly
by Brene Brown
In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown challenges conventional beliefs about vulnerability, arguing that it is not a weakness but a powerful source of courage, creativity, and connection. Drawing from years of research, she explores how the fear of shame and failure holds us back in relationships, parenting, work, and leadership. Brown encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as the path to a more authentic and wholehearted life. The book is a compelling call to show up fully and engage with the world, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s a guide to building resilience, trust, and true belonging through emotional honesty.
My Years with General Motors
In My Years with General Motors, Alfred P. Sloan recounts his leadership of one of America’s most iconic corporations during its rise to industry dominance. Serving as GM’s president, then chairman, Sloan details how he transformed the company through decentralized management, financial discipline, and strategic innovation. His memoir provides deep insight into corporate governance, organizational structure, and long-term planning. More than a personal narrative, the book is a blueprint for modern business practices and executive leadership. It has been widely studied by business schools and executives, offering timeless lessons on scale, efficiency, and adapting to change in a competitive marketplace.
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities
In 'The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities,' Patrick Lencioni delves into the high-stakes world of leadership and explores the reasons behind leaders failing to prioritize their responsibilities effectively. Through a compelling narrative, Lencioni unpacks the true motive that drives leaders, emphasizing the crucial distinction between leading for self-interest and leading for the collective good. With insightful anecdotes and practical advice, the author challenges conventional notions of leadership and prompts readers to reflect on their own motives. This book serves as a wake-up call for leaders at all levels, urging them to reassess their priorities and align their actions with the true essence of leadership.
Principles
by Ray Dalio
In Principles, billionaire investor Ray Dalio shares the core life and work principles that guided him in building Bridgewater Associates into one of the world’s largest hedge funds. The book is split into three sections: a personal journey, life principles, and work principles. Dalio emphasizes radical transparency, meritocracy, and continuous learning. He advocates for clear decision-making frameworks and a systematic approach to solving problems. Combining autobiography, management philosophy, and practical advice, Principles serves as a handbook for both personal growth and organizational excellence. It's especially relevant for leaders, investors, and anyone seeking to improve decision-making through reflection and structure.
New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World
by Jeremy Heimans, Henry Timms
New Power explores how influence, leadership, and engagement have evolved in the digital age. The authors contrast "old power"—top-down, closed, and leader-driven—with "new power"—open, participatory, and crowd-sourced. Through case studies like #MeToo, Airbnb, and TED, they show how modern movements and brands leverage community and transparency. The book offers tools for leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs to harness this shift effectively. Branson and other innovators have praised New Power for its relevance in today’s hyperconnected world, where collaboration and authenticity often matter more than hierarchy or control.
Zero to One
by Peter Thiel
In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, challenges conventional wisdom and offers valuable insights on building successful startups. Thiel emphasizes the importance of innovation and creating something unique (going from 'zero to one') rather than imitating existing models. He delves into the concept of monopoly power, highlighting how businesses can thrive by dominating a niche market. Thiel's entrepreneurial advice is both provocative and practical, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to envision the future and disrupt industries. This book is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Only the Paranoid Survive
In this business classic, Intel co-founder Andy Grove shares insights into managing “strategic inflection points”—critical moments that can make or break a company. Drawing from his experience leading Intel through seismic shifts in the tech industry, Grove emphasizes the importance of adaptability, vigilance, and courage. His core idea: constant change demands a mindset of healthy paranoia. Companies and leaders must be ready to pivot when conditions shift. Part memoir, part management manual, the book offers practical strategies for staying competitive, fostering innovation, and leading through uncertainty. It remains a must-read for entrepreneurs, executives, and strategic thinkers.
The Making of a Manager
by Julie Zhuo
In 'The Making of a Manager' by Julie Zhuo, readers are taken on a insightful journey through the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into a management role. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Zhuo delves into key principles like effective communication, team building, and decision-making. She highlights the importance of empathy, learning from failures, and fostering a positive work culture. This book serves as a valuable guide for both new and experienced managers, offering actionable strategies and valuable insights to navigate the complexities of leadership. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, Zhuo provides a refreshing perspective on the nuances of management in the modern workplace.
Sam Walton: Made in America
In Made in America, Walmart founder Sam Walton shares the story of building the world’s largest retail empire from a single store in Arkansas. Written in Walton’s own words, the memoir reveals his relentless work ethic, frugality, and obsession with customer satisfaction. He reflects on the principles that drove Walmart’s success, including employee empowerment, aggressive expansion, and constant innovation. Candid and down-to-earth, the book also touches on mistakes and challenges. Beyond a business biography, Made in America is an inspiring account of entrepreneurial vision, small-town values, and the competitive drive that revolutionized American retail.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
In 'The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership' by John C. Maxwell, readers are taken on a transformative journey through the fundamental principles that govern effective leadership. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, eloquently presents 21 laws that are essential for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and influence. Each law is illustrated with insightful anecdotes, real-world examples, and practical tips that readers can apply in their own lives and organizations. From 'The Law of Influence' to 'The Law of Navigation,' this book offers a roadmap for aspiring and seasoned leaders alike to reach their full potential. Through engaging storytelling and expert guidance, Maxwell equips readers with the tools they need to become successful and respected leaders.
Thrive
In Thrive, Arianna Huffington redefines success beyond wealth and power, proposing a third metric rooted in well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving. Drawing from research and her own life, she argues that burnout and stress are not badges of honor but symptoms of a misguided culture. The book explores mindfulness, sleep, gratitude, and compassion as essential to living a fulfilling life. Huffington weaves personal anecdotes with scientific insights to promote a more holistic vision of success—one that nurtures both the self and the community. Thrive serves as a call to prioritize what truly matters in a fast-paced world.
Wise Guy: Lessons from a Life
by Guy Kawasaki
In Wise Guy, tech evangelist and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki shares personal stories and lessons from his life and career, spanning Apple, venture capital, and startup advising. Rather than a traditional memoir, the book is structured as a series of life lessons—on humility, resilience, work ethic, and innovation. Kawasaki writes with humor, authenticity, and an open heart, offering guidance to entrepreneurs and professionals at all stages. With anecdotes ranging from job interviews at Apple to parenting insights, Wise Guy is a practical and inspiring read filled with wisdom on navigating both business and life.
The Lean Startup
by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup presents a framework for building startups through continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback. Eric Ries introduces concepts like the Build-Measure-Learn loop, minimum viable product (MVP), and validated learning to help entrepreneurs reduce waste and improve decision-making. Rather than perfecting a product before launch, Ries advocates iterative development and pivoting based on real-world data. This approach enables startups to adapt quickly and succeed in uncertain markets. With practical tools and real examples, The Lean Startup has become a foundational guide for modern entrepreneurship, influencing startups, tech companies, and corporate innovation programs around the world.
The Ride of a Lifetime
by Robert Iger
In this candid memoir, former Disney CEO Robert Iger shares lessons learned over 15 years leading one of the world’s most iconic companies. From acquiring Pixar and Marvel to steering Disney through digital transformation, Iger emphasizes leadership rooted in integrity, curiosity, and courage. The Ride of a Lifetime offers practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insight into modern business, creativity, and decision-making.
Built to Last
Built to Last explores what makes companies endure over decades, based on a six-year research project studying 18 visionary firms. Collins and Porras identify key traits shared by long-lasting companies, such as core values, bold missions, and a relentless drive for progress. The book challenges the idea that great leadership or market timing is the key to success, instead emphasizing organizational culture and consistency. Concepts like “clock building” versus “time telling” illustrate how lasting companies focus on systems, not individuals. With timeless lessons and real-world examples, Built to Last is a blueprint for sustainable, principle-driven business success.
Measure What Matters
by John Doerr
This influential business book introduces the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework, a goal-setting system used by major companies like Google, Intel, and Bono’s ONE campaign. John Doerr, a legendary venture capitalist, outlines how OKRs help organizations focus effort, track progress, and foster alignment and accountability. Through detailed case studies from Google, YouTube, and the Gates Foundation, Doerr shows how this method has transformed productivity and performance. Larry Page has praised the book, saying he wished he had it at the beginning of Google’s journey. “Measure What Matters” is a practical blueprint for building goal-driven, agile organizations.
The E-Myth Revisited
The E-Myth Revisited challenges the assumption that most small businesses are started by entrepreneurs. Michael E. Gerber argues that many founders are actually “technicians” who struggle with running a business. The book offers a clear framework for building a business that can scale and function independently of the owner. Gerber emphasizes the importance of systems, standardization, and working “on” the business rather than just “in” it. Through the fictional story of a struggling bakery owner, he illustrates common pitfalls and provides actionable solutions. This book is a foundational read for anyone seeking to grow a sustainable, replicable business.