10 New Books About Leadership to Inspire Your 2024

There’s something magical about this time of year. Yes, the holiday season is upon us, but I’m talking about what comes after — the fresh start of a new year. January is an opportunity to check in with yourself, take pride in last year’s accomplishments, and determine what you want to achieve in the next 365 days. It’s also a time of year when many of us are ripe for knowledge and inspiration, and ready to make positive change.

It’s no surprise that a host of business, leadership, and professional development books are published just before the start of a new year. In recent months, I’ve encountered dozens of new titles on problem-solving, confidence, and living a more fulfilling life. My growing to-be-read list includes books recommended by colleagues, titles excerpted in my favorite industry publications, highly anticipated follow-ups from some of the most well-known authors in the business space, and leadership books for women specifically. Below, I’ve shared 10 books from my 2024 reading list in hopes that you’ll join me in exploring new mindsets, leadership techniques, and perspectives this year.

1. “Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader’s Guide to Solving Hard Problems” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss

Frances Frei and Anne Morriss challenge the popular idea that in business, speed and progress come at the expense of care and excellence. Contrary to the “Move fast and break things” mentality popularized by Facebook, the authors argue that the trade-off between speed and excellence is a false dichotomy.

They present five crucial steps for leaders to move fast and fix problems while strengthening their organizations. These steps involve identifying core obstacles, fostering and rebuilding trust, nurturing a thriving organizational culture, effectively communicating, and empowering teams. The authors propose a one-week plan that addresses one of these steps per day and provide a roadmap for rapid problem-solving and transformative change.

2. “Outsmart Doubt: The Data-Driven Analysis of Confidence Erosion for Women at Work, and Breakthrough Techniques for Sustainable Career Confidence” by Marita Decker

Based on extensive research with hundreds of women, Outsmart Doubt is a quintessential guide to confidence in the workplace. The book offers practical techniques to empower women at all career stages plus advice on overcoming everyday challenges that undermine confidence. It’s touted as a great read for HR leaders seeking to prevent disengagement among female talent, business leaders looking for ways to foster women’s professional development, and executives aiming to create inclusive work environments. The book explores workplace patterns, identifies mindset shifts, and provides breakthrough techniques for sustained career confidence, making it an indispensable resource for navigating the corporate landscape.

3. “Wiring the Winning Organization: Liberating Our Collective Greatness through Slowification, Simplification, and Amplification” by Gene Kim and Steven J. Spear

Through extensive research of high-performing companies and employee surveys, Wiring the Winning Organization presents a revolutionary theory of organizational management. According to the authors, success lies in slowification (slow things down to make problem-solving easier), simplification (partition big problems into smaller ones that are simpler to solve), and amplification (vocalize problems so they’re addressed sooner and more often). Examining renowned organizations like Toyota, Apple, and NASA, the book illuminates how leaders establish social wiring for exceptional outcomes. Unlike some motivational texts, this data-driven playbook offers tangible tools, proven theories, and real-world examples — not clichés.

4. “In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership” by Jennifer McCollum

In Her Own Voice draws on 25 years of research to address the specific challenges hindering women’s progress in the business world. Authored by Jennifer McCollum, CEO of the global leadership development firm Linkage, the book provides sage advice and empowerment for women aiming to advance their careers and organizations committed to enhancing gender equity. McCollum delves into the unique obstacles women encounter, from battling inner critics to navigating negotiations, and offers actionable steps to help guide readers through building confidence, discarding biases, and gaining clarity about the future.

5. “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot” by Matt Abrahams

Think of this book as an accessible guide to mastering spontaneous communication. Stanford lecturer, communication expert, and podcast host Matt Abrahams equips individuals with life-changing skills to excel in scenarios like public speaking, interviews, and networking. While traditional public speaking advice often focuses on planned presentations, Abrahams addresses the more common and challenging realm of impromptu communication. As someone who is generally comfortable with public speaking based on preparation, I’m particularly interested in this more challenging type of communication, where you have to think quickly on your feet. Drawing on science-based strategies and real-world examples, he guides readers in managing anxiety, adapting to the room’s mood, and delivering concise, relevant, and compelling content. Whether they’re hit with unexpected questions in a meeting or being the center of attention at a social gathering, readers will gain the confidence to navigate situations with finesse.

6. “Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible” by Mike Massimino

Adopt the mindset of a NASA astronaut to tackle challenges, exhibit leadership in adversity, and persist in pursuing ambitious goals. Drawing from his space exploration experience, Mike Massimino shares stories and insights in a practical guide for achieving significant goals — on Earth. Through his mix of humor and sincerity, Massimino imparts ten lessons from spaceflight and life, including facing unfavorable odds, learning from mistakes, marveling at the universe, and adapting to change. Moonshot serves as a roadmap for navigating these scenarios to realize both personal and professional aspirations.

7. “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things” by Adam Grant

While society celebrates natural talents, we underestimate our capacity for growth and the breadth of skills we can acquire. Through compelling evidence and engaging stories, Hidden Potential takes readers on a journey from classrooms to boardrooms, playgrounds to the Olympics, unveiling that progress hinges more on effective learning than sheer effort. The book challenges the notion that success is solely tied to inherent genius and emphasizes the development of character. Grant explores how to build character skills, foster motivation, and create systems that open doors to the underrated and overlooked. Unlike tales of exceptional individuals, Hidden Potential reveals how anyone can rise to greatness.

8. “Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes” by Morgan Housel

In this book, Morgan Housel offers a master class on optimizing risk, seizing opportunities, and leading a fulfilling life. Through captivating storytelling, he demonstrates how understanding the unchanging elements allows us to navigate uncertainty. Rather than squinting at the ambiguous future, Housel advocates for a broad-sighted approach, focusing on what remains permanently true. This perspective helps us anticipate significant developments and achieve not only financial success but, more importantly, a well-lived life.

9. “Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results” by Shane Parrish

Clear thinking often falters under pressure, leading to actions that deviate from our desired outcomes. Shane Parrish contends that recognizing these pivotal opportunities and harnessing our cognitive abilities are essential for achieving life goals whether they involve love, belonging, success, wealth, or victory.

Clear Thinking advocates for intervention and the application of reasoning and rationality in critical moments. Through narratives, mental models, and practical insights, Parrish bridges the gap between behavioral science and tangible outcomes. This manual becomes indispensable for optimizing decision-making, gaining a competitive edge, and leading a more intentional and fulfilling life.

10) “The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset that Drives Extraordinary Results” by Andrew McAfee

Described as a “handbook for disruptors,” The Geek Way celebrates the essence of being geeky — a perpetual curiosity and a fearless attitude toward challenging problems and unconventional solutions. Andrew McAfee outlines a new culture fostered by geeks, grounded in science, ownership, speed, and openness. Contrary to conventional approaches, the geek way thrives on non-deference to experts, a lack of obsession with planning, an acceptance of mistakes, and a deviation from an obsession with “winning.” When these norms come together, a dynamic culture emerges — one that’s freewheeling, fast-moving, egalitarian, evidence-driven, argumentative, and autonomous.

Finding personal development books to inspire your leadership goals

Beyond this list of leadership resources, I’ve also shared nine incredible books written by and for women in my recent blog post, 9 Book Club Books for Women Leaders — Plus the Benefits of Reading Books Alone and Together. You can also keep current on the latest leadership books by checking out the New York Times Best Sellers List and GoodReads’ Leadership Shelf. Your favorite media outlets may also publish reading lists that align with the type of content you like to consume. McKinsey’s Summer Reading Guide is one I like to explore each year.

For more thought leadership content on storytelling, brand building, and women in leadership, visit my website, dararoyer.com.