Sometimes, the most powerful insights come from books that haven’t hit the mainstream yet. This curated list of upcoming and underrated titles is tailored for CEOs and entrepreneurs who want to think differently, lead boldly, and stay ahead of the curve.
14 Upcoming or Lesser-Known Books That Will Be Essential Reading for CEOs in The Future
Discover fresh perspectives, untapped strategies, and the kind of wisdom that fuels next-level growth. We asked entrepreneurs about upcoming or lesser-known books they believe will be essential reading for CEOs in the future, and here are the responses.
1. “The Crux” by Richard Rumelt
Most CEOs read for affirmation. The smart ones read to sharpen. “The Crux” by Richard Rumelt will force leaders to cut through the noise and face the core problem of blocking growth. “Amp It Up” by Frank Slootman rejects comfort and demands speed, clarity, and intensity; three things most teams lack. “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen breaks growth into phases that every founder scaling a network-driven product should understand. If you’re not using what you read to change how you act, you’re wasting time.
Thanks to Steven Mitts. Steven Mitts Consulting!
2. “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen
The Cold Start Problem by Andrew Chen breaks growth into systems that CEOs often overlook: early traction, user behavior, and compounding momentum. Work Clean by Dan Charnas rewires how you think about time, process, and discipline, borrowing from the brutal precision of professional kitchens. Amp It Up by Frank Slootman hits harder than most leadership books because it rejects comfort and demands speed, clarity, and intensity. These books haven’t saturated LinkedIn feeds, but they force execution, not reflection. If you're building fast and leading harder, these are worth your time.
Thanks to Rob Evans, Magnetize!
3. “The Practice of Grounded Leadership” by Diana Chapman
Most leadership books ignore the inner work required to lead with clarity and integrity. “The Practice of Grounded Leadership” by Diana Chapman is different. It centers on self-awareness, emotional mastery, and taking full responsibility; skills every CEO needs but few prioritize. Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey is another essential read. It breaks the myth that nonstop work is productive. The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul connects cognition to the body and environment, a view long held in yoga. These books challenge external metrics and point leaders inward. That’s where real transformation begins.
Thanks to Timothy Burgin, Yoga Basics!
4. “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
For CEOs interested in being more aware of leadership and mental health, a couple of less-recommended books stand out. Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score provides an understanding of how trauma and stress affect teams and individuals, an absolute read in developing resilient work cultures. “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer releases leaders from constraints imposed by themselves and enables them to concentrate on what is important. Finally, “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown highlights vulnerability as a leadership benchmark, calling for authenticity and trust among teams.
Thanks to Steven Buchwald, Manhattan Mental Health Counseling!
5. “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
For those CEOs who want to stay ahead, “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott is a book that should be at the top of the list. It shows how having clear and direct communication, care, plus straightforward feedback matter in building trust and high-performance teams. “Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game” is concerned with lasting success more than fleeting triumph, and invites leaders to prioritize long-term growth over rivalry. “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo offers actionable insights on leadership in the area of people management with a focus on human-centered leadership.
Thanks to Steven Rodemer, The Law Offices of Steven Rodemer!
6. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
For CEOs-to-be, Radical Candor by Kim Scott is an absolute necessity, providing a robust leadership solution with honest and loving feedback. Another must-have is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, which urges leaders to accept creativity and shake off fear, which are essential behaviors of innovation. The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek shifts perspectives, helping CEOs see that leadership is an eternal game to be played for the long term and not one made up of winning. These books foster a leadership approach based on trust, imagination, and sustainability.
Thanks to Renata Lutz, The Portrait Mama!
7. “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen
One book that has been great for me, and I think will be essential, especially for the construction industry, is “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen. The book is written for the tech startup founder, but its insight on building momentum, networking, and scaling efficiently has been incredibly relevant for my business, especially with digital transformation. As any business integrates more technology into its operations, this book will challenge you on how you onboard clients, structure partnerships, and create value loops. This goes beyond just investing in software. The book will teach you about influence and traction and how these are built over time.
Thanks to Marco Manazzone, Zzone Homes!
8. “Working Backwards” by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr
“Working Backwards” by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr is a book I would recommend for any product-based business. The book gives an insightful behind-the-scenes look at Amazon’s leadership principles and operational strategies. It was very applicable to my business. The book emphasizes obsessing over customer experience and innovating through constraints. This is something every e-commerce business faces every day, as they try to optimize customer experience and logistics. This book is a practical blueprint for any business owner or leader who wants to scale smartly while focusing on creating value.
Thanks to Conrad Cranfield, Stand Desk Pty Ltd!
9. “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
For CEOs of the future, two books I would strongly suggest are The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel and The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. Housel's book is all about maintaining a long-term perspective in money and leadership choices, with pleas for patience and comprehension of how individuals behave with money. Sinek's The Infinite Game reframes leadership by prioritizing sustainability and intent rather than short-term victory. Both books provide critical insights that transcend conventional business strategies, calling on CEOs to lead with integrity, vision, and strength.
Thanks to Brandon Thor, Thor Metals Group!
10. “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier
The best CEO books don’t just teach you how to run a company; they help you lead with heart and make better choices every day. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier. This book taught me how to listen more and talk less. Quiet Leadership by David Rock. It helped me understand how small changes in how we speak and think can bring out the best in people. Company of One by Paul Jarvis. It argues that bigger isn’t always better, which really spoke to me. These books are not flashy, but they’ve helped me become a better thinker, a better listener, and a more mindful leader.
Thanks to Sunny Zheng, TY Cosmetic!
11. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
As a CEO, I particularly find “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek to be impactful in learning how to create a supportive, purpose-driven culture for employees and patients. And “Atomic Habits” by James Clear gives practical guidance on how to implement small, incremental changes that can drive significant change, essential to scaling a company in the fast-evolving healthcare sector. Eric Ries' The Lean Startup also presents useful methods of staying flexible, and as such, is an essential read for any leader who wants to change rapidly and build a business that survives on feedback.
Thanks to Aspen Noonan, Elevate Holistics!
12. “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen
CEOs need to read beyond the usual titles. “The Cold Start Problem” by Andrew Chen reveals why networks succeed or fail, offering actionable insights for scaling platforms. “Build the Life You Want” by Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey challenges CEOs to balance personal fulfillment with professional growth, using data-backed strategies for long-term success. “Working Backwards” by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr pulls back the curtain on Amazon's operational secrets, providing practical tools like six-pagers and customer obsession. Adam Grant’s “Hidden Potential” shows how companies can unlock growth by investing in systems, not just talent.
Thanks to Brandon Aversano, Alloy!
13. “The Long Game” by Dorie Clark
CEOs who want to future-proof themselves as leaders can look at reading “The Long Game” by Dorie Clark, learning how to marry short-term objectives with long-term vision, a necessity for growing a company in uncertain times. Simon Sinek's “The Infinite Game” challenges leaders to put sustainable growth ahead of short-term achievement, with a mindset that leads to long-term success. Besides that, Ben Horowitz's “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” is a no-holds-barred guide to surviving the difficult choices and stress of being a leader. They are the blueprints that CEOs are required to guide them through the new and tough business environment of the times.
Thanks to M. Kande Hein, SEOTA!
14. “Business is War” by JT Foxx
If you're a CEO and haven’t picked up Business is War by JT Foxx, you’re already losing ground. This isn’t another recycled playbook—it’s a brutal, brilliant blueprint for navigating business like a battlefield. Foxx has coached more entrepreneurs in more countries than most “gurus” have clients, and this book distils that real-world experience into raw, strategic truth. Every chapter hits like a wake-up call. The reviews aren’t hype—it’s #1 in 33 countries for a reason. CEOs who want sugar-coated advice should look elsewhere. This is for leaders who are done playing small.
Thanks to Jess Singh, VirtuallyCMO!