Summer Reads for CEOs: Navigating Leadership with Wisdom and Wit
As I work closely with CEOs navigating today’s tumultuous geopolitical, organizational, and economic landscape, I recognize the need for wisdom from various sources to address our challenges with hope and ample doses of critical thinking. Inspired by The Economist’s recommendations for new CEOs, here is a summer reading list that blends timeless classics, business insights, and leadership wisdom.
Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness offers a profound exploration of power and morality. Marlow’s journey through bureaucratic chaos mirrors modern corporate struggles, providing valuable lessons on maintaining integrity and strength in the face of adversity. Similarly, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart reflects on leadership amidst change. Okonkwo’s battles with shifting norms highlight the resilience needed to navigate today’s challenges, offering important lessons in adaptability and presence.
Shakespeare is often considered a font of wisdom—even more by The Economist—particularly regarding what to avoid in leadership. Richard III and Macbeth illustrate the perils of hubris and over-confidence, respectively. Richard’s arrogance and Macbeth’s misplaced certainty lead to their downfalls, reminding us of the dangers inherent in excessive ambition. King Lear stresses the importance of succession planning, while Othello emphasizes the need for careful selection of personal assistants.
For a practical take on the hidden forces shaping our lives, Tim Harford’s The Undercover Economist is a jewel. Harford makes economics accessible and engaging, offering insights into how market dynamics influence everything from our morning coffee to business decisions.
Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer adds a touch of humor with its clever take on motivation. Tom’s inventive ways of making mundane tasks appealing serve as a brilliant example for leaders on how to inspire and engage their teams through creativity and enthusiasm.
Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein tackle existential and ethical dilemmas. Beckett’s exploration of waiting and monotony resonates with the often repetitive nature of corporate life, while Shelley’s classic examines the moral complexities of innovation and leadership—prompting us to consider how many "Frankensteins" we’re willing to create in today’s tech-driven world.
Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity offers a refreshing antidote to modern work burnout. Newport advocates for a more deliberate and focused approach, aligning with the principles of presence and gravitas essential for effective leadership.
I have also included W.B. Yeats’ The Collected Poems, which offers profound insights into ambition and identity, providing moments of introspection and deeper self-awareness.
For Spanish-speaking readers—because we deserve this—Gabriel García Márquez’s Cien años de soledad explores power and ambition through a rich narrative, while Mario Vargas Llosa’s La ciudad y los perros provides sharp insights into authority and organizational behavior. Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote de la Mancha delivers timeless commentary on idealism and leadership, though it might be ambitious for summer reading—perhaps we might tackle a few chapters. Isabel Allende’s La casa de los espíritus delves into themes of power and legacy, particularly relevant for family-owned businesses. Lastly, Pablo Neruda’s Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada offers a passionate poetic escape from the business grind.
These extraordinary books are more than just summer reading; they are sophisticated tools for navigating extraordinary times. I am particularly reassured that gravitas and presence seem to be gaining renewed emphasis—perhaps because they are increasingly scarce. As I discuss in my book Shine—which, with a hint of shameless self-promotion, I dare to also recommend—everything starts with cultivating our presence. In today’s chaotic world, where everything else can seem like just another commodity, mastering your presence is the true game-changer.
Last but not least, do not forget that summer is for enjoying life: good food, good wine, beautiful places, nature, and wonderful people. Please make sure that you savor life’s pleasures to avoid becoming unbearable in the fall.
May these readings and your summer offer you the wisdom, humor, and insight to navigate complexity with both grace and irreverence.
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