In the fast-paced world of business and technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. Leaders who are able to navigate hypergrowth, drive innovation, build strong cultures, and improve processes are the ones who will thrive in today’s competitive landscape. In this article, we will explore a selection of recommended books that can help leaders amp up their skills and lead their organizations to new heights.
### Amp It Up: Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity
Written by Frank Slootman, the CEO of Snowflake, „Amp It Up“ is a playbook for building a successful company in the hypergrowth phase. Slootman, who led Snowflake to the biggest software IPO ever, emphasizes the importance of speed, focus, and setting high expectations for both yourself and your team. Barr Moses, CEO and co-founder of Monte Carlo, praises Slootman’s tactical advice and insights on reaching unprecedented scale. This book is a must-read for leaders looking to drive hypergrowth in their organizations.
### On Technology and Innovation
#### Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
For those looking to understand AI and its impact, „Co-Intelligence“ by Ethan Mollick is a recommended read. Gaurav Banga, CEO and founder of Balbix, praises Mollick’s approach to AI as a collaborator and partner, offering tangible examples of AI in action. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to demystify AI for themselves or others.
#### The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman
Mustafa Suleyman, the founder of Deep Mind, offers insights into the future of AI in „The Coming Wave.“ Ken Englund, technology sector growth leader at EY, highlights Suleyman’s critical eye on Big Tech and his perspective on the transformative power of AI. This book is a valuable resource for understanding the impact of AI on our society and economy.
#### Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader’s Guide to Solving Hard Problems by Frances Frei
Frances Frei’s book, „Move Fast and Fix Things,“ offers a refreshing take on problem-solving in the tech space. Beth Scagnoli, vice president of product management at Redpoint Global, recommends this book for its focus on radical candor, prioritization, and inclusivity in organizations. If you’re looking to solve hard problems while fostering trust and empathy in your team, this book is a must-read.
#### Age of Invisible Machines: A Practical Guide to Creating a Hyperautomated Ecosystem of Intelligent Digital Workers by Robb Wilson
Sherry Comes, former CTO at IBM Watson, recommends „Age of Invisible Machines“ for business and technology leaders. This book provides a roadmap for navigating the future of digital automation and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in technology and its impact on business. Robb Wilson’s expertise in AI and automation makes this book a valuable resource for understanding the future of work.
#### The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross
Alec Ross‘ book, „The Industries of the Future,“ offers a comprehensive look at the trends shaping our global economy. Vaidyanathan, from Duck Creek, recommends this book for its insights into robotics, AI, cybercrime, genomics, and more. Ross‘ exploration of the forces driving global transformation makes this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.
### For Building Culture and Motivation
#### What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture by Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz’s book, „What You Do Is Who You Are,“ delves into the importance of company culture and leadership. Andrey Ivashin, CIO at Dyninno, recommends this book for its insights into creating a strong company culture and inspiring high performance. Horowitz’s examination of leadership and culture-building makes this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to foster a healthy work environment.
#### Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow by Manuel Pais and Matt Skelton
Peter Kreslins Jr., CTO and co-founder of Digibee, recommends „Team Topologies“ for CTOs and CIOs struggling to deliver value sustainably. This book offers a step-by-step guide to designing high-functioning organizations and understanding team dynamics. By defining team types and interactions, this book provides practical guidance for building high-performing teams.
#### Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Daniel H. Pink’s book, „Drive,“ explores the science of motivation and offers insights into what truly drives people. Ivashin recommends this book for its exploration of autonomy, mastery, and purpose as key motivators. Pink’s research-based approach to motivation makes this book a valuable resource for leaders looking to inspire and motivate their teams.
#### Do/Disrupt: Change the Status Quo. Or Become It by Mark Shayler
Mark Shayler’s book, „Do/Disrupt,“ offers practical tips and advice on how to drive change and innovation. Bragg, from SymphonyAI, recommends this book for its bold and strategic approach to transforming ideas into reality. If you’re looking to disrupt the status quo and drive innovation in your organization, this book is a must-read.
### For Better Process
#### The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Eliyahu M. Goldratt’s book, „The Goal,“ offers a novel approach to modern economic theory and process improvement. Ivashin recommends this book for its engaging storytelling and practical solutions for resolving corporate issues. If you’re looking to enhance your organization’s processes and drive success, this book is a valuable resource.
#### Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High Performing Technology Organizations by Dr. Nicole Forsgren, Gene Kim, and Jez Humble
Rajesh Jethwa, CTO of Digiterre, suggests „Accelerate“ for technology leaders looking to drive business value through technology. This book provides data-driven insights and practical guidance on improving technology delivery capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. If you’re looking to build high-performing teams and drive innovation through technology, this book is a must-read.
### Bonus: Novels that Entertain and Teach
In addition to the above recommendations, Peter Kreslins Jr. also suggests two novels by Gene Kim that offer valuable insights into modern software delivery.
„The Unicorn Project: A Novel About Developers, Digital Disruption, and Thriving in the Age of Data“ and „The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win“ provide a unique perspective on the challenges of modern software development. These novels shed light on the obstacles faced by organizations and offer practical solutions for delivering value and driving success.
In conclusion, the books recommended in this article offer valuable insights into leadership, technology, culture-building, process improvement, and innovation. Whether you’re a CEO, CTO, or aspiring leader, these books can help you amp up your skills and lead your organization to new heights in today’s fast-paced business environment.