Did you know that the average CEO reads about 60 books a year? That’s roughly five every month! Reading isn’t just a pastime for leaders; it’s a powerful tool for growth. The right books sharpen business acumen, enhance emotional intelligence, and even help reduce stress. When it comes to leadership, learning never stops, and books are the ultimate source of timeless wisdom. Let’s dive into what CEOs are reading and why. If you’ve ever wondered which business books or leadership books deserve a place on your shelf, this curated list is your shortcut to CEO-level insight.
Why Leaders Turn to Books
Books provide what no meeting or memo can – perspective. They help leaders step back, think big, and understand people better. Reading also develops the ability to balance logic with empathy, a quality that defines strong leadership. Whether it’s tackling a high-stakes decision or inspiring a team, reading equips leaders with both clarity and calm.
What CEOs Are Reading: Top Business & Leadership Books the C-Suite Swears By
So, let’s explore the titles that have helped the world’s most successful CEOs stay ahead of the curve.
by Peter Thiel
What makes innovation truly groundbreaking? Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, argues that real progress happens when we create something new — not just copy what already exists. Zero to One is a call to think boldly, challenge norms, and build the future rather than compete in the present. Elon Musk himself praises it, saying, “Peter Thiel has built multiple breakthrough companies and Zero to One shows how.” A must-read for anyone serious about entrepreneurship and innovation.
by Simon Sinek
Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about trust. Simon Sinek reveals how great leaders create environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to give their best. Using real-world examples from the military and corporate life, Sinek explains why empathy is a competitive advantage. His central message – leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge – resonates with CEOs across industries.
In this modern classic, Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive human thought: the fast, instinctive mind and the slow, deliberate one. He unpacks how these systems influence every decision we make, from investing to hiring. CEOs like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates have often cited Kahneman’s insights as essential for understanding bias, improving judgment, and making smarter decisions under pressure.
by Ed Catmull
What happens when art meets leadership? Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull pulls back the curtain on how creative cultures thrive. Creativity, Inc. blends personal stories with management lessons, revealing how Pixar’s teams maintained innovation while scaling up success. The book shows that true leadership means protecting creativity, even when mistakes happen. A favourite among leaders in design, media, and tech.
by Jim Collins
What separates good companies from truly great ones? Jim Collins and his team analysed years of data to identify the key traits of enduring success. The result: a blueprint that’s become a staple on every CEO’s reading list. From disciplined leadership to focused strategy, Good to Great explains how purpose-driven companies outperform competitors in the long run. The book continues to redefine corporate excellence.
Often overlooked, mid-level managers are the backbone of any organisation. This insightful book argues that empowering this tier can unlock massive potential. The authors offer research-backed strategies on hiring, training, and rewarding managers to build stronger companies. Forward-thinking CEOs are already using its principles to bridge the gap between leadership vision and ground-level execution.
In a world of uncertainty, how do leaders stay grounded? This book blends neuroscience and psychology to show how to respond – not react – to change. Through practical frameworks, the authors teach leaders to pause, assess, and make mindful decisions under stress. Many CEOs have embraced Deliberate Calm as a modern leadership manual for the post-pandemic era.
From creative leadership to decision science, these books reveal a powerful truth: the best leaders never stop learning. They read widely not just to gain knowledge, but to understand people, systems, and themselves better.
If you’ve ever wondered what CEOs are reading, let this list be your starting point. Build your own library of leadership wisdom.
