Five books every CEO should read in 2020
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be a consummate bookworm (provided you haven’t already forgotten your resolutions for the year!), then you’re probably looking for at least a few books that will help you become a better collaborator and innovator in the workplace. This week, we pulled some top picks from LionTree CEO Aryeh Bourkoff’s 2019 year-end letter.
1. Scale: The Universal Laws of Life and Death in Organisms, Cities and Companies by Geoffrey West
If you’re rules-oriented, you’ll appreciate Scale. Physicist Geoffrey West explores the natural laws of physics and biology to showcase the unifying principles that drive our bodies, communities, financial markets, and corporations. More importantly, West shows how we can use scale to build a more sustainable future.
Over the last 15 years, Disney has transformed the media landscape at various moments, whether through the acquisition of Marvel and Lucasfilm or the development of the new Disney+ streaming service. Robert Iger gives readers a personal, inside look at Disney’s work culture and explores the principles that are necessary for leaders on all paths.
Born in politically divided Kashmir, Farooq Kathwari survived many traumas during his youth. As a refugee, he journeyed to the United States and worked his way up to an NYU graduate degree, eventually becoming the beloved president and CEO who transformed Ethan Allen. Inspired by deep personal loss, Kathwari has become a global advocate for peace in the Middle East. This riveting autobiography captures the wisdom of an effective and exceptional leader who has done it all in the face of trauma.
4. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Steven A. Schwartzman
This long-awaited book from The Blackstone Group’s chairman and CEO is both a personal memoir and a guide that shows readers how to build, transform, and lead thriving organizations in an ever-changing market landscape. His words and wisdom provide a practical blueprint for success.
5. The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley
From Finland to South Korea, Ripley observes what it’s for children to grow up in countries considered the world’s “new education superpowers.” Though primarily marketed to parents and educators, The Smartest Kids in the World offers any reader deep insights on how different cultures are raising the next generation of leaders.
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If you loved this list and want to learn more, listen to the KindredCast 2020 Outlook, embedded below, and available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For more great content from the conference, check out our new podcast, “Conversations From Media 2.0,” wherever you listen.
