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Buying a book for a CEO isn’t just about picking any leadership manual off the shelf. It’s about finding something that speaks to their big-picture mindset, their hustle, and maybe even gives them a fresh spark of inspiration between board meetings.

Here are some top-notch book picks that CEOs will actually appreciate—books that bring wisdom, strategy, and a little bit of “aha” moments to their busy lives.

1. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins

This one’s basically the CEO Bible. It digs into what makes companies leap from “meh” to legendary—and what leaders need to do to get there. If your CEO loves diving into business success stories, this is gold.

2. “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr

OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are like the secret sauce for goal-setting in the biggest companies. This book breaks down how to focus on what truly moves the needle—perfect for a CEO who’s all about results.

3. “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight

A raw and honest memoir by the Nike founder. It’s full of grit, mistakes, wins, and the real behind-the-scenes story of building an empire. CEOs love this kind of straight-up storytelling.

4. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen

How do the biggest companies sometimes fail even when they do everything “right”? This classic explains why—and how CEOs can avoid those traps. A must-read if they’re into innovation.

5. “Principles” by Ray Dalio

Packed with practical life and work wisdom from one of the most successful investors ever. It’s a mix of mindset, strategy, and leadership philosophy that hits home for any CEO.

6. “No Rules Rules” by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer

Inside the wild and effective culture of Netflix. It’s a fresh take on how breaking traditional rules can lead to insane success—great if your CEO likes bold ideas.

7. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

No sugarcoating here. This book talks about the tough, messy parts of running a company—and how to survive and thrive. Real talk that CEOs appreciate.

8. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

A deep dive into how our brains make decisions. For CEOs juggling tons of choices daily, understanding how thinking works can be a game-changer.

9. “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bob Iger

The former Disney CEO spills lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and reinventing a giant. It’s engaging and full of juicy stories.

10. “Range” by David Epstein

Why specializing isn’t always the best way to win. This book argues that broad experience and adaptability often trump early focus—perfect for CEOs who wear many hats.