Have you ever wanted to think like a leader? These are the books for you. From founders to CEOs to presidents, these are some books that real leaders recommend.

By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Recommended by former U.S. President Barack Obama, this book discusses a sharp rise in teen mental illness attributed to growing up with phones. It also outlines a plan for a healthier, freer childhood.

As a future leader, it is important for you to understand younger generations. Society changes fast – stay up to date! Being a leader spans generations, so make sure you understand your audience.

Good to Great by Jim Collins

This research-driven book identifies the key factors that allow companies to make the leap from average results to exceptional performance. Some companies are merely “good,” but following the advice in this book can take your company to the next step.

If you aspire to lead a company, you’ll need to have a toolbelt to maintain greatness. This book highlights conscious choices, discipline, and core values. Though a successful company can seem like pure luck, this book shows you how to make your own luck.

Read about some of the best coffee table books here.

Co-intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

This book was recommended by Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn. This book was published in 2024, and it provides a playbook for working, learning, and living in the new age of AI. Covering generative AI to ChatGPT to image generators, this book is the perfect guide to the new technological landscape.

As a leader, you will need to understand how to utilize new technology and stay up to date. Artificial intelligence is the most recent upgrade to the business landscape. Learn to lead the way with AI, and use every resource that is available to you.

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I AM LEADER by Chris Collins

This four-book set is the ultimate guide to becoming an elite leader. This book will teach you how to use history, psychology, and action to unlock your full potential.

It is captivating and impactful, a must-read for any aspiring leader.

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

This book is recommended by Kaitlin Christine, the founder and CEO of Gabbi. Gabbi is a company that partners with health systems, employers, and providers to assess the risk of breast cancer development by catching it sooner.

The book is an approach to gatherings that will create meaningful, memorable experiences. Though meeting with friends or coworkers can seem lackluster, this book will teach you how to change that.

If you are a future leader, the art of hosting a meeting is essential! You don’t want your employees to dread every work meeting. Make it engaging and productive.

Though these are great suggestions, if you have a leader that you look up to, read their biography! Many great leaders have autobiographies or biographies that will teach you how to embody them. Becoming a leader requires work. Start with these books!