12 Best Books to read in 2023 as a Product Leader

As a product leader, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in your field. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the top books to read in 2023, or still in the Christmas break in 2022, that are essential for product leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. From practical guides to cutting-edge research, these books offer valuable insights and strategies for driving innovation and delivering results in the fast-paced world of product management.

• “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book covers the principles of the lean startup methodology, which emphasizes rapid experimentation and iteration in order to learn what works and what doesn’t quickly.
• “The Product Manager’s Desk Reference” by Steven Haines: This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of product management, from ideation and development to launch and marketing.
• “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen: This book examines the challenges that companies face when trying to stay ahead of the curve and introduces the concept of “disruptive innovation.”
• “Crossing the Chasm” by Geoffrey A. Moore: This book is focused on the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers and offers strategies for successfully “crossing the chasm” between early adopters and the mass market.
• “Product Leadership”: How Top Product Managers Create and Launch Successful Products by Richard Banfield, Martin Eriksson, and Nate Walkingshaw is an essential read for anyone looking to succeed in product management. The authors draw on their extensive experience in the field to provide practical guidance on all aspects of the product development process, from defining the product vision to gathering customer feedback and driving product launches.
• “Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual”: is a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to effectively navigate challenges and achieve their goals. The book covers topics ranging from developing a clear vision and mission to building strong teams and managing conflict. By exploring key leadership qualities and tactics, this book provides practical guidance for leaders at all levels.
• “INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love”: offers practical guidance for tech product managers and entrepreneurs looking to create products that customers will love. It covers topics such as how to validate product ideas, how to build a strong product team, and how to develop a product roadmap. By following the principles outlined in this book, tech professionals can create products that are not only successful, but also truly innovative and valuable to customers.
• “EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products” explores the stories of ordinary people who have created extraordinary products that have changed the world. It highlights the unique challenges and triumphs of these individuals and the strategies they used to bring their ideas to fruition. Whether you are an entrepreneur, product manager, or simply someone with a great idea, this book will inspire you to turn your vision into reality and make a lasting impact.
• “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” shares the secrets of the world’s top public speakers, including TED Talk speakers. It offers practical tips and techniques for giving powerful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences. By following the advice in “Talk Like TED,” you can learn how to craft and deliver compelling speeches that communicate your ideas effectively and leave a lasting impression.
• “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” is a leadership philosophy that encourages open and honest communication, while also showing empathy and caring for team members. It’s a way to be a strong and effective leader while also maintaining your humanity and building strong relationships with your team. By practicing Radical Candor, you can create a work environment that is both challenging and supportive, fostering growth and success for both individual team members and the organization as a whole.
• “The Art of Statistics: Learning from Data” is a book that teaches readers how to understand and analyze data, helping them make informed decisions and draw accurate conclusions from complex information. Through a combination of clear explanations and practical examples, the book helps readers develop the skills and knowledge needed to approach data with confidence and precision. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply curious about the world around you, “The Art of Statistics” is an essential guide to learning from data and making better decisions.
• “Move: How Decisive Leaders Execute Strategy Despite Obstacles, Setbacks, and Stalls” is a book that helps leaders overcome obstacles, setbacks, and stalls in order to successfully execute strategy and achieve their goals. It offers practical tools and techniques for making decisive moves, even in the face of uncertainty or resistance. By following the advice in “Move,” leaders can learn how to navigate complex challenges and make progress towards their objectives, no matter what challenges they may face.

Overall, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for product leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve and achieve success in their roles. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, these books are sure to provide valuable insights and strategies for driving innovation and delivering results in the fast-paced world of product management.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, love, and all of your favorite things!

Lehel