Leadership Books to Gift, Grow, and Guide Your Journey
Looking for the perfect read to inspire your leadership—and maybe the perfect gift? Check out our hand-picked book list, featuring personalized recommendations from Catapult’s own experts! Whether you’re looking to grow yourself or find the perfect gift for a colleague or your team, these selections are designed to motivate, empower, and elevate.
Our top picks to inspire greatness!
Recommended by Siobhan Smith, Co-President & John Koelmel, Senior Advisor:
- Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Twenty-five years after the publication of his groundbreaking first book, Malcolm Gladwell returns with a brand-new volume that reframes the lessons of The Tipping Point in a startling and revealing light.
Recommended by Marsha Koelmel, Co-President
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Discover the hidden power of introverts and the unique perspectives they bring to the workplace. - Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Geoffrey L. Cohen
A timely exploration of how leaders can build inclusive environments that foster connection and understanding.
Recommended by Siobhan Smith, Co-President
- Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman
This inspiring book advocates for a people-centric approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of caring for employees as family and empowering them to thrive both professionally and personally.
Recommended by Julia Culkin-Jacobia, Practice Leader, Compensation Consulting
- Exposing Pay: Pay Transparency and What It Means for Employees, Employers, and Public Policy by Peter Bamberger
Gain an in-depth understanding of pay transparency and its impact on organizational performance. Julia recommends this essential read for anyone interested in creating equitable compensation systems.
Recommended by Tasha LeFevre, Vice President of Development
- Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
This empowering and motivational book encourages leaders to embrace their unique strengths and overcome self-doubt—a refreshing read for anyone in a high-stakes role.
Recommended by Sarah Gilson, Vice President of Organizational Development
- BE 2.0: Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier
Discover what it takes to build and scale a successful business with this ambitious upgrade of Beyond Entrepreneurship featuring all-new findings and world-changing insights. - Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America’s Future by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
Explore how generational differences shape today’s workforce dynamics—a must-read for leaders seeking to bridge generational gaps. - Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin
A strategic playbook for leaders who want to set their organizations on a winning path.
Recommended by Julia Culkin-Jacobia, Practice Leader, Compensation Consulting & Krista Temlitz, Director of Project Management and Continuous Improvement
- Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs by John Doerr
Legendary venture capitalist John Doerr reveals how the goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) has helped tech giants from Intel to Google achieve explosive growth—and how it can help any organization thrive.
These thoughtfully curated books offer inspiration and practical strategies for growth, both for you and your colleagues. Whether you’re reading them yourself or giving them as holiday gifts, these titles are sure to make a lasting impact on professional development and team success.
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