Best Business Leadership Books of 2025

The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral McRaven is a short and inspirational book of advice and leadership lessons that he collected over his four decades as a Navy SEAL. The book draws on countless experiences from Admiral McRaven's incredible life, including crisis situations, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas, to provide readers with the most important leadership lessons he has learned. Each chapter provides a Make Your Bed-like parable, rich with insights, about the specific leadership traits required to be at the top of your game. Overall, this book is a clear-eyed treatise on the leadership qualities that separate the good from the truly great, making it a must-read for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition is a timeless classic that has transformed the lives of millions of people of all ages and occupations. With modern additions from Sean Covey, this book presents a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems. The book includes seven habits that have become famous and integrated into everyday thinking by millions of people worldwide. The wisdom of the 7 Habits is more relevant than ever, and the emphasis on self-renewal is exactly what people need now. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton is a comprehensive guide that offers 23 techniques to relieve stress, stop negative spirals, declutter your mind, and focus on the present. Trenton, who has a background in economics and behavioral psychology, provides readers with proven methods to overcome stress attacks and identify their inner anxieties. The book also includes scientific approaches to help readers change their mental habits and thought patterns. Overall, Stop Overthinking is an excellent resource for those looking to break free from their self-imposed mental prisons and live a worry-free life.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a #1 New York Times bestseller that teaches us how to be daring leaders in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty. Brown shows us that leadership is not about titles and wielding power, but about recognizing potential in people and ideas and having the courage to develop that potential. The book is based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters. Brown's insights on empathy, connection, and courage make this book unique and a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate braver, more daring leaders.

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition) by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin is a groundbreaking leadership book that teaches how to apply principles from the battlefield to business and life. The authors share their firsthand accounts of heroism, tragic loss, and hard-won victories, revealing that leadership is the most important factor in whether a team succeeds or fails. They also offer SEAL leadership training to pass on their lessons of self-discipline, mental toughness, and self-defense to help forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills and create high-performance teams.

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect is a national bestseller that offers essential lessons in hospitality for every business. Written by Will Guidara, former co-owner of legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park, the book explores how to transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences through over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara’s insights on leadership and entrepreneurship are applicable to all industries, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their business. Overall, Unreasonable Hospitality is a refreshing and inspiring read that highlights the power of going above and beyond for your customers and team.

The book "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition" focuses on effective communication skills, especially in difficult situations. It provides readers with techniques to be persuasive instead of abrasive, navigate high-stakes conversations, and handle digital communication. Written in an engaging style, the third edition includes modern-day issues and challenges. The authors, Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory, are international corporate consultants and leaders at Crucial Learning. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and build better relationships, whether at work or home.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a thought-provoking book that explains why some individuals and organizations are more successful than others. The author introduces the concept of the Golden Circle, which illustrates how great leaders think, act, and communicate differently. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to inspire others and create a lasting impact. The reviews from William Ury, General Chuck Horner, and Mokhtar Lamani show how powerful and useful the book is for readers. Start with Why is an excellent book that can help individuals and organizations find their purpose and make a difference.

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman is a practical guide that offers a solution to the common frustrations faced by entrepreneurs and business leaders. The Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS) outlined in the book helps to strengthen the six key components of a business, providing simple yet powerful ways to run a company with more focus, growth, and enjoyment. With over 1 million copies sold, the book has received positive reviews from readers who have implemented the EOS method and seen significant improvements in their business productivity and operations. Overall, Traction is a must-read for anyone seeking practical solutions to achieve business success.

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker is a must-read for hosts and anyone who wants to transform the way they spend their time together. Parker argues that our gatherings lack distinctiveness and productivity due to our reliance on routine and convention. Drawing on her experience as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings, Parker provides a human-centered approach to create meaningful and memorable experiences for work and play. This book is a transformative manifesto that will forever change the way you host and attend gatherings.