30 Must-Read Books for CEOs

In this captivating memoir, the author takes us on an exhilarating journey through the ups and downs of building one of the world's most iconic brands. From humble beginnings and countless obstacles, he shares the story of how Nike came to be, revealing the relentless determination, risks, and sacrifices that shaped its success. With raw honesty and inspiring anecdotes, this book offers a rare glimpse into the mind of the visionary behind the swoosh.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking inspiration from the journey of Nike's creator.

• Sports enthusiasts interested in the behind-the-scenes story of Nike's success.

• Business students and professionals looking for valuable insights into building a global brand.

In this insightful memoir, the author shares his remarkable journey as the CEO of one of the world's most iconic companies, the Walt Disney Company. From his early days at ABC to the acquisition of Pixar and Marvel, Robert Iger provides valuable lessons and leadership principles he learned during his 15-year tenure. With captivating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, this book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of leading a global entertainment empire.

• Aspiring business leaders seeking insights from a successful CEO.

• Disney enthusiasts curious about the inner workings of the company.

• Anyone interested in learning valuable lessons from a corporate titan.

"No Filter" by Sarah Frier delves into the captivating journey of Instagram, the popular social media platform. Frier uncovers the behind-the-scenes story of its creation, growth, and eventual acquisition by Facebook. Exploring the impact of Instagram on society, she reveals the struggles, triumphs, and controversies faced by its founders. This insightful book provides a comprehensive look at the rise of a cultural phenomenon that forever changed the way we share and experience visual content online.

• Social media enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of Instagram's evolution.

• Entrepreneurs and marketers looking to leverage Instagram's success for business.

• Technology enthusiasts curious about the behind-the-scenes workings of Instagram.

"Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber" by Mike Isaac is a gripping non-fiction account that delves into the rise and tumultuous journey of one of the most disruptive companies of our time. With unprecedented access to insiders, Isaac uncovers the cutthroat world of Uber, exploring the power struggles, scandals, and relentless ambition that shaped the company's explosive growth. This captivating narrative sheds light on the complex personalities and high-stakes battles that defined Uber's journey from startup to global phenomenon.

• Entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts interested in the rise and fall of Uber.

• Tech industry insiders curious about the behind-the-scenes drama at Uber.

• Anyone fascinated by the disruptive nature of the gig economy.

In this insightful guide, a successful self-made billionaire shares his no-nonsense advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from his own experiences, the author provides practical strategies and valuable insights on how to build a thriving business from scratch. With a focus on practicality and determination, this book offers a roadmap for those looking to achieve entrepreneurial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and strategic decision-making.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical advice from self-made billionaires.

• Small business owners looking for strategies to scale their ventures.

• Individuals interested in personal development and success stories.

"The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins is a comprehensive guide that offers proven strategies for professionals transitioning into new roles. This updated and expanded edition provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to navigate the critical first three months of a new job, ensuring a successful transition. With a focus on accelerating learning, building relationships, and delivering results, this book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to start off on the right foot in a new position.

• New executives looking for a comprehensive guide to navigate their first 90 days in a leadership role.

• Professionals transitioning into a new job or industry seeking effective strategies to accelerate their learning curve.

• Managers and HR professionals interested in supporting their employees' successful onboarding and integration into the organization.

"Invent & Wander" is a captivating collection of writings by a visionary entrepreneur and business magnate. Through a series of insightful essays and interviews, the author shares his thoughts on innovation, leadership, and the future of technology. With anecdotes from his own experiences, this book offers valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the relentless pursuit of groundbreaking ideas.

• Entrepreneurs seeking insights and inspiration from Jeff Bezos' journey.

• Business leaders interested in understanding Amazon's unprecedented success.

• Innovators and dreamers looking for unconventional thinking and strategies.

"The Great CEO Within" is a comprehensive guide to building and leading successful companies, written by an experienced entrepreneur and executive coach. This tactical guide offers valuable insights and practical advice on various aspects of company building, including leadership, team management, culture development, and decision-making. With real-life examples and actionable strategies, this book equips aspiring and current CEOs with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of running a company and achieve long-term success.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical strategies for building successful companies.

• Current CEOs looking for tactical guidance to enhance their leadership skills.

• Business professionals interested in understanding the intricacies of company building.

"Get A Grip" is a practical guide for entrepreneurs seeking to take their business to the next level. Written by Gino Wickman and Mike Paton, this book offers a step-by-step approach to help entrepreneurs gain clarity, focus, and control over their business. With actionable strategies and real-life examples, it provides valuable insights on how to overcome common challenges, build a strong leadership team, and achieve success in the entrepreneurial world.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance on achieving success in their business ventures.

• Small business owners looking to improve their management and leadership skills.

• Individuals interested in learning effective strategies for growing their entrepreneurial businesses.

"The Cult of We" delves into the rise and fall of WeWork, the co-working startup that captivated the business world. Authors Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell expose the captivating story of WeWork's charismatic founder, Adam Neumann, and the company's meteoric ascent, followed by its spectacular downfall. This gripping account unravels the delusions and questionable practices that fueled WeWork's rapid growth, ultimately leading to its dramatic unraveling and the unraveling of Neumann's grand vision.

• Entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders seeking insights into WeWork's rise and fall.

• Investors and financial analysts interested in understanding the dynamics of the startup ecosystem.

• Business enthusiasts curious about the captivating story behind WeWork's controversial journey.

In this insightful business guide, the author explores the key factors that separate successful companies from the rest. Verne Harnish reveals the strategies and practices employed by a select few companies that have managed to scale up and achieve remarkable growth. Packed with practical advice and real-life examples, this book offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to take their organizations to the next level.

• Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking strategies for rapid growth.

• Executives and managers looking to scale their organizations effectively.

• Start-up founders and leaders aiming to avoid common growth pitfalls.

"In Search of Excellence" offers valuable insights into the practices and strategies employed by some of America's most successful companies. Written by Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, this book delves into the secrets behind the exceptional performance of these organizations. Through extensive research and case studies, the authors identify key principles that contribute to excellence, providing readers with practical lessons and inspiration to apply in their own business ventures.

• Business leaders and managers seeking insights into successful company practices.

• Entrepreneurs looking for inspiration and strategies to improve their businesses.

• Students and academics studying organizational management and leadership.

"Masters of Scale" offers a captivating exploration into the minds of the world's most accomplished entrepreneurs. Authored by a trio of experts, this book unveils the surprising truths behind their remarkable success stories. Packed with invaluable insights and practical advice, it delves into the strategies, mindset, and principles that have propelled these individuals to the top. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this book is a must-read for unlocking the secrets of scaling and achieving extraordinary growth.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking insights from successful business leaders.

• Business professionals looking to scale their ventures and achieve growth.

• Individuals interested in the strategies and stories of renowned entrepreneurs.

"Billion Dollar Loser" is a gripping account of the meteoric rise and catastrophic downfall of a charismatic entrepreneur, Adam Neumann, and his company, WeWork. Reeves Wiedeman delves into the captivating story behind the creation of the shared workspace giant, exposing the excessive ambition, questionable business practices, and unchecked hubris that ultimately led to its spectacular collapse. This riveting narrative sheds light on the high-stakes world of startups and the perils of unchecked ambition.

• Entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts seeking insights into the rise and fall of WeWork and its charismatic founder

• Adam Neumann.

• Investors and financial professionals interested in understanding the factors behind WeWork's dramatic downfall and its impact on the market.

• Anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most notorious business failures in recent history

• offering a cautionary tale for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Trillion Dollar Coach" is a compelling guide to leadership, drawing inspiration from the legendary Bill Campbell, a renowned coach in Silicon Valley. Written by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle, this book unveils the invaluable lessons and strategies that Campbell employed to mentor some of the biggest names in tech, including Steve Jobs and Larry Page. With insightful anecdotes and practical advice, it offers a playbook for effective leadership in the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley.

• Aspiring leaders seeking insights from Silicon Valley's legendary coach.

• Entrepreneurs and executives looking to enhance their leadership skills.

• Tech enthusiasts interested in the secrets behind Silicon Valley's success.

In this insightful book, the author shares his personal journey and the valuable lessons he learned while striving for excellence. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to becoming a prominent figure in the business world, Schwarzman provides practical advice and strategies for achieving success. With a focus on leadership, decision-making, and perseverance, this book offers a compelling narrative that inspires readers to pursue their own path to greatness.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking insights and strategies for achieving success.

• Business leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills and decision-making.

• Individuals interested in personal development and achieving excellence in life.

"The Four" delves into the inner workings of four tech giants - Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google - and explores the factors that have propelled them to become dominant forces in the modern world. Scott Galloway uncovers the hidden DNA that drives their success, examining their strategies, innovations, and impact on society. With insightful analysis and captivating storytelling, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of the power and influence wielded by these tech titans.

• Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking insights into the success of Amazon

• Apple

• Facebook

• and Google.

• Tech enthusiasts interested in understanding the inner workings of these tech giants.

• Marketing professionals looking to gain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.

In this insightful guide, Ryan Daniel Moran shares his proven strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve financial success. Moran provides a step-by-step roadmap, outlining how to identify profitable products, build a thriving business, and ultimately become a seven-figure entrepreneur within a year. Packed with practical advice and real-life examples, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to turn their business dreams into a lucrative reality.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a step-by-step guide to building a successful business.

• Small business owners looking to scale their ventures and increase profits.

• Individuals interested in learning strategies to become financially independent.

In this thought-provoking book, two renowned authors challenge conventional wisdom about work and leadership. They expose nine common lies that hinder productivity and engagement in the workplace, offering practical insights and strategies for leaders to create a more effective and fulfilling work environment. Through compelling stories and research-backed evidence, the authors empower readers to question traditional practices and embrace a freethinking approach to leadership in the real world.

• Managers and leaders seeking to challenge conventional workplace beliefs.

• HR professionals looking to gain insights into effective leadership practices.

• Individuals interested in understanding the truth behind common work myths.

"One Up On Wall Street" by Peter Lynch is a comprehensive guide that teaches readers how to leverage their existing knowledge to achieve financial success in the stock market. Lynch, a renowned investor, shares his strategies and insights on how to identify lucrative investment opportunities, analyze companies, and make informed decisions. With practical advice and real-life examples, this book empowers readers to take control of their investments and potentially earn significant profits.

• Aspiring investors looking to learn how to leverage their existing knowledge to make money in the stock market.

• Beginner investors seeking practical advice on using their everyday experiences to make profitable investment decisions.

• Individuals interested in understanding how to capitalize on their own insights and observations to achieve financial success in the stock market.