What Our Leaders Are Reading: 6 Books to Add to Your Reading List

Renee DeSantis
Aug 9, 2017 · 3 min read

What’s the difference between you and the world’s most successful business leaders?

The answer lies not within their wallets…but their libraries.

Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, and many other extremely successful business leaders and entrepreneurs have attributed a regular habit of reading to their overall professional and personal growth.

According to a 2015 Pew study, the typical American read a total of 4 books in the past 12 months. In comparison, Bill Gates has said he reads about 50 books a year.

If you’re like me and have some catching up to do, here’s a list of books that have inspired some of our own successful leaders at Comcast:

Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less by Joseph McCormack

Lean communication is in high-demand for anyone who wants to succeed in their career. It’s the new competitive advantage. Joseph McCormack outlines insightful and practical suggestions that I have used and frequently share with my teams regarding the importance of respecting your audience, and their limited time and attention, by delivering clear, concise and powerful messages

Marge Jackson, Vice President, Comcast Call Center Sales

Your First Leadership Job: How Catalyst Leaders Bring Out the Best in Others by Tacy Byham and Richard Wellins

I would recommend this book for new leaders or for people that are on track to becoming leaders. I met Tacy at a conference and we had a great conversation. She provided so much insight for me that I wanted to read her book

LaShonda Rahming, Executive Director, Talent Acquisition Infrastructure

Cable Cowboy: John Malone and the Rise of the Modern Cable Business by Mark Robichaux

This is a great book on our [cable] industry — it’s beginnings, the players, and the historical background behind the success we are seeing today.

Grow: How Ideals Power Growth and Profit at the World’s Greatest Companies by Jim Stengel

A book on consumer purchase behavior and how companies need to perform to build customer engagement, loyalty and advocacy.

Todd Arata, Senior Vice President, Comcast Brand Marketing

#AskGaryVee: One Entrepreneur’s Take on Leadership, Social Media, and Self-Awareness by Gary Vaynerchuk

This is a great book for anyone looking for insight on the latest trends in social media, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business. It is in an easy-to-read Q&A format filled with the most interesting questions from his YouTube podcast.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan

Despite my faith as a Christian, I sometimes struggle with fully understanding the depth and scale of God’s love and the relationship He is yearning to have with me. Francis Chan, one of my favorite pastors, provides a challenging perspective about what it means to love God and be loved by Him.

Antonio Ramos, Senior Director, Comcast Talent Attraction Marketing

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