Leadership Books
1. A Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
Social Chain founder and host of one of the world’s most downloaded podcasts, Steven Bartlett, presents his raw lessons learned in creating a business empire to becoming one of the youngest publicly traded company board members.
Bartlett’s observations in A Diary of a CEO are priceless for CEOS finding their way through the new normal of hybrid work environments, worldwide competition, and the focus on being agile. He offers advice on how to build a business while focusing on individual wellness and staff relationships. The book is a must-read for future leaders who desire to make a lasting difference in the corporate space.
Key Takeaway: Leadership is all about balance between the head and heart. Adaptability and authenticity are essential to thriving today.
2. Lead Remote Teams Like a Pro (Recommended Supplementary Read)
Remote and hybrid work is not disappearing anytime soon. While A Diary of a CEO offers a stellar starting point, executives needing further specialized advice on how to lead distributed teams successfully should include Lead Remote Teams Like a Pro on their reading list. This handbook addresses communication, team building, and getting things done across borders and time zones.
Books on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
3. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
World-renowned speaker and best-selling author Simon Sinek contends that effective leaders prioritise their teams’ needs, establish trust, and develop cooperation. Based on military leadership theory, Leaders Eat Last offers practical advice for forming bonds and becoming servant leaders.
This book focuses on empathy, understanding people’s needs, and applying emotional intelligence as a leadership strength. With these skills, leaders can inspire loyalty and stimulate creativity even in stressful situations.
Key Takeaway: Leaders thrive when they prioritise people. A solid team foundation is rooted in trust and empathy.
4. Originals by Adam Grant
Adam Grant disrupts traditional thinking and promotes uniqueness and creativity in leadership. Originals explores how leaders can create spaces inviting innovation, daring ideas, and free expression and sustain harmony among teams.
This is the ideal read for leaders who want to excel in highly competitive sectors by creating workplaces where people feel comfortable speaking out against the norm.
Key Takeaway: Emotional intelligence and creativity go hand in hand. By knowing your team members, you can unleash their full potential.
Books on Diversity, Inclusion, and Ethical Leadership
5. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Though not exclusively about leadership, Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit is essential for leaders working toward creating inclusive and ethical workplaces. This book explores how habits shape individual and group behaviour, providing a framework for fostering positive change in teams and organisations.
Leaders can apply lessons from this book to dismantle unhealthy power dynamics, foster inclusivity, and build habits that drive long-term success while upholding ethical standards.
Key Takeaway: Ethical leadership begins with self-awareness and leading by example. Once recognized and formed, habits can bring about deep growth in any team or organization.
Books on Innovation and Tech Leadership
6. Deep Work by Cal Newport
A personal favorite year after year, Deep Work is all about productivity in a world that’s becoming increasingly distracted. Leaders today have to deal with getting work done by teams despite constant digital distractions. Cal Newport provides solutions for working deeply while instilling the same intensity and commitment within teams.
For digital transformation leaders, this book is a must-have roadmap for productivity use of technology instead of letting technology overwhelm them.
Key Takeaway: Focus is necessary for innovation. Leaders need to embody intense, undistracted work to create creativity and momentum throughout their organizations.
How These Books Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders
Being an exceptional leader in 2025 and beyond requires a broad range of skills—from managing remote teams to fostering inclusion. Each of these leadership books to read offers unique insights into the qualities and habits that define great leaders.
Here’s why these books should be on your list:
- They teach adaptability and empathy in leadership (A Diary of a CEO, Leaders Eat Last).
- They explore the importance of innovation and focused productivity (Originals, Deep Work).
- They emphasize ethical leadership and positive change through habits (The Power of Habit).
Leadership is a continuous learning process, and these books will guide you on your way to leading with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
Leadership is not a destination; it is a dynamic, evolving path where continuous learning and self-improvement are essential. Great leaders inspire, innovate, and influence others, but none of these qualities are innate—they are cultivated through education, experience, and introspection. Books on leadership serve as powerful tools to help individuals harness these qualities, providing actionable insights, diverse perspectives, and strategies that prepare leaders to face challenges head-on.
Exploring Key Themes in Leadership Books
A significant theme in many leadership books is adaptability. The best leaders are those who can pivot in the face of uncertainty and guide their teams through change. For example, in A Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett offers real-world anecdotes on how to remain flexible while managing a business in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. This adaptability goes hand in hand with empathy, which is a hallmark of effective leadership. Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last underscores the idea that putting people first builds trust and loyalty within teams, ultimately leading to organizational success.
Another critical aspect of leadership that many books tackle is the balance between creativity and focused productivity. Adam Grant’s Originals encourages leaders to challenge the status quo and approach problems with innovative solutions. Innovation, however, requires focus, and that’s where Deep Work by Cal Newport shines. Newport emphasizes the importance of eliminating distractions and dedicating time to deep, meaningful tasks—a discipline that leaders must master to stay ahead in a competitive environment.
Ethical leadership is another recurring theme. Leaders wield influence, and their decisions have far-reaching consequences. Books such as The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg highlight how small, consistent efforts can transform personal habits and ripple outward to create a culture of integrity and positive change. Ethical leadership fosters stronger relationships, builds credibility, and sustains long-term success.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders
Beyond offering theoretical insight, leadership books provide practical tips and frameworks that can be implemented immediately. For instance, they teach leaders how to communicate effectively, delegate responsibly, and inspire their teams toward a shared vision. They encourage self-awareness—a critical element of leadership—by helping readers reflect on their values, strengths, and weaknesses.
Additionally, many books stress the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. Leaders who are open to feedback and view challenges as opportunities to grow are better equipped to innovate and foster resilience in themselves and their teams. Carol Dweck’s Mindset is an influential resource in this area, urging leaders to adopt a perspective that celebrates effort, learning, and perseverance over fixed abilities.
Why Reading is a Leadership Skill
Reading is, in itself, a practice of leadership. It demonstrates curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the humility to seek guidance from experts and thought leaders. Leaders who prioritize reading are better equipped to make informed decisions, empathize with diverse perspectives, and connect with others through shared understanding. Furthermore, reading sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as it exposes the mind to new ideas, frameworks, and scenarios.
Building Your Leadership Library
If you’re just starting your leadership library, consider selecting books that align with both your personal values and leadership goals. While titles like A Diary of a CEO or Leaders Eat Last are excellent for understanding modern leadership dynamics.
The classics, such as Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, are invaluable for mastering the art of interpersonal relationships. For leaders in specialized fields, look for industry-specific books that address unique challenges and trends relevant to your domain.