C-level leaders from 2024 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies share what book has influenced them the most.
By Real Leaders
Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big (2016)
Veteran journalist Bo Burlingham takes readers inside 14 companies that rejected the pressure of endless growth to focus on more satisfying business goals. Burlingham shows how the leaders of these small giants recognized their full range of choices and how we can all benefit by questioning the usual definitions of business success.
—Recommended by Adam Ryznar, CEO, Intex Solutions
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life (2013)
Business owner, motivational coach, and speaker Jen Sincero’s self-development book uses humor, irreverence, and the occasional curse word to help others transform their mindsets and lives.
—Recommended by Sara Jensen, Co-CEO and co-founder, Hugh & Grace
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action (2011)
Optimist Simon Sinek, a repeat Real Leaders Top 50 Keynote Speaker, shows that the leaders who have had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate in the same way — and it all starts with “why.”
—Recommended by Drew Payne, CEO, UpMetrics
The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level (2010)
Psychologist Gay Hendricks demonstrates how to go beyond your internal limits, release outdated fears, and learn a new set of skills and habits to take your life to the next level.
—Recommended by Natalie Nichols, co-founder, Concertina Team Services
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman (2006)
Yvon Chouinard — climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia — shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth.
—Recommended by Michael Stausholm, CEO and founder, SproutWorld
The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization (2006)
MIT professor Peter M. Senge unpacks the art and practice of building learning organizations — corporations that overcome inherent obstacles to learning and develop dynamic ways to pinpoint the threats that face them and to recognize new opportunities.
—Recommended by Steve Bilt, CEO and co-founder, Smile Brands
Managing in Turbulent Times (1980)
Management consultant Peter Drucker dives into strategies to turn the threat of rapid change into productive, profitable action that contributes positively to society, the economy, and the individual.
—Recommended by Matt Armanino, CEO and managing partner, Armanino
