Wherever you spend your festive break, take the opportunity to learn more about the future through the world’s top CEOs, with Fortune’s festive reading list.
We curated this year’s list from our Fortune CEO Agenda profile series, which provides unique insights into how leaders think, lead and what keeps them busy in a world of constant change. With influential global CEOs like IKEA’s Jesper Brodin and Sanofi’s Paul Hudson, there’s no better group of leaders to look to for inspirational reads this summer.
The Hydrogen Revolution by Marco Alvera
Recommended by Jesper Brodin, CEO of IKEA
Brodin recently finished The Hydrogen Revolution by Marco Alvera. He typically enjoys “a good old Steinbeck or Dostojevski” but describes Alvera’s manifesto for a world powered by hydrogen as one of the most educational books he’s read in a long time.
The Wizard and the Prophet by Charles Mann
Recommended by Christophe De Vusser, CEO of Bain & Company
For anyone interested in how we all got here and in the future of our species, The Wizard and the Prophet is an essential read. The book encourages leaders to consider the long-term consequences of their choices by highlighting how decisions today can have far-reaching impacts on future generations.
Managing My Life by Alex Ferguson
Recommended by Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi
Hudson’s summer pick is the autobiography of Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s iconic manager. Originally published in 2000 and revised in 2014, this timeless bestseller has been described by a reviewer at The Sunday Times as “the best football autobiography I’ve ever read.”
Open by Andre Agassi
Recommended by Nerio Alessandri, CEO of Technogym
It is no surprise that Alessandri, who started his billion-dollar gym company from his parents’ garage took inspiration from the autobiography of former professional tennis player Andre Agassi. Open explores Agassi’s personal struggles and challenges that ultimately led to his success.
The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart
Recommended by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management
Tangen pointed out a few favorite reads for this year, one being The Authority Gap written by Mary Ann Sieghart. The book provides a perspective on the unseen bias at work in women’s everyday lives and includes interviews with pioneering women such as Hillary Clinton and former Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
Young Forever by Dr. Mark Hyman
Recommended by Alejandro Reynal, CEO at The Four Seasons
Physical and mental wellness are critical to The Four Seasons’ Alejandro Reynal. More than ever, he recognizes the importance of dedicating time to yourself and maintaining a balanced life for personal and professional success. His pick for the summer by Dr. Mark Hyman is a must-read for any leader looking to put their health first.
Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford
Recommended by Tim Cadogan, CEO of GoFundMe
According to the GoFundMe CEO, this thriller novel by Francis Spufford is a ‘testament to what the human mind can do with nothing more than time and words.’ The book offers a tapestry of historical fiction that can help leaders think outside the box and better appreciate the complexities and uncertainties in their own industry.
Good To Great by Jim Collins
Recommended by Nicola Rosin, CEO of Colnago
Good to Great provides a useful model and framework for developing and creating a great business. Rosin recommends this book, which uses real-world examples of businesses that transitioned from ‘good’ to ‘great’. It is an essential read for C-suite executives looking to take their companies to the next level.
Breath by James Nestor
Recommended by Marco Alvera, CEO of Tree Energy Solutions and Zhero
Alvera believes in never underestimating the fundamentals and takes inspiration from James Nestor’s Breath, which delves into the science and history of breathing. Knowing how to breathe properly can help one boost performance, maintain focus, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being—the hallmark of every successful leader.
Deep Purpose by Ranjay Gulati
Recommended by Henkel CEO, Carsten Knobel
CEOs often wonder how to embed a deeper sense of purpose into a business—this book contains the answer. Gulati reveals how companies driven by a deep purpose can achieve high performance while also positively impacting society.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Recommended by Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta
Jeff Rowe did not shy away from revealing his favorite reads. The CEO enjoys reading a wide range of books from AI, quantum computing, soil health, and regenerative agriculture to timeless classics, including Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. By taking inspiration from this classic, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of human nature and uphold ethical standards to improve their leadership and organizational culture.
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Recommended by Christian Klein, CEO of SAP
“The Innovator’s Dilemma has been a great source of inspiration. It’s a book every CEO should read,” said Klein. The book looks into how companies must reinvent their businesses to stay relevant and successful over time.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Recommended by Matt Brittin, departing Google president, EMEA
Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep” helped Brittin establish a foundation for productivity, which is achievable only with a healthy sleep pattern. Walker explains how sleep impacts everything in one’s daily life, right from cognitive performance to physical and mental health.
