Summer reading list for early-career high achievers, according to top CEOs

Not a fan of fiction? Top CEOs have shared their favorite reads that help them navigate the world.

From Bill Gates‘ fascination with memoirs to Citadel founder Ken Griffin‘s suggestion that you may have chosen the wrong career if you don’t enjoy reading about your own field, literature could serve as your compass, especially during an era that may be less than friendly to fresh graduates.

Business leaders from across the industry have emphasized the value of deep reading and have recommended a range of books, many aimed specifically at those just starting their careers.

Here is your summer reading guide, according to business leaders who have reached the peak of their careers.

‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins

In a recent interview with S&P Global, Citadel founder Ken Griffin recommended “Good to Great,” which outlines the keys to running a business, such as building a good team.

The book lays out what separates good companies from truly great ones, highlighting the importance of humility in leadership and the importance of getting the right people on board with the “First Who, Then What” concept. Collins argues that great companies prioritize building a strong team first, because who you work with matters more than having the perfect plan from the start.

‘Business Adventures’ by John Brooks

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates once wrote in his personal blog that Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, sent him a copy of “Business Adventures” as his favorite book, which features a collection of 12 essays about financial and corporate life in the US.

The book dives into classic cases from Wall Street and corporate America — like the rise and fall of Xerox and the Ford Edsel disaster — showing how companies succeed or stumble based on leadership decisions, market forces, and human behavior.

‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries

LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman appeared on Eric Ries’ podcast to recommend “The Lean Startup,” a book about entrepreneurship and building a resilient business.

The book teaches lessons on real-world experimentation, rapid iteration, and launching quickly with a “minimum viable product” instead of starting out with a very elaborate product.

‘Chasing Hope’ by Nicholas Kristof

In a personal blog called Gates Notes, cofounder and former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates called “Chasing Hope” a “terrific memoir” and credited veteran journalist Nicholas Kristof for inspiring his philanthropic work.

Blending personal storytelling with a deep sense of purpose and resilience, Kristoff shares his experiences as a journalist covering global crises and injustices. The book teaches valuable lessons on how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact in the face of overwhelming circumstances, and how to maintain a sense of hope in difficult moments.

‘Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World’ By Adam Grant

Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd recommended “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” during her appearance on “The Tim Ferriss Show” podcast in June  2018. The book focuses on how people can drive change without conforming to the status quo.

For someone starting out, the book provides practical advice on how to express new ideas, challenge the existing standards without burning bridges, and build influence among peers who are similarly new to the field.

‘High Output Management’ by Andy Grove

Recommended by Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky in September 2024 during his keynote at a Y Combinator event in San Francisco, “High Output Management” is where Andy Grove, the former CEO of Intel, shares his experiences on how to build and run a successful company.

The book breaks down the fundamentals of effective management in clear, actionable terms and provides a practical toolkit for those new to leadership roles. Grove’s approach emphasizes output over effort, which could be crucial for young entrepreneurs aiming to grow fast without losing focus or quality.

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