From fiction as a mental escape to deep dives into leadership, health, and emerging technologies, CFOs featured on the CFO Thought Leader podcast in September shared a diverse range of book recommendations. Their selections offer valuable perspectives on balancing business demands with personal growth.
ADP CFO Don McGuire recommends Getting Things Done by David Allen, a classic guide to productivity and stress management. McGuire finds the book especially helpful during busy times, such as year-end closings or strategic planning periods. He appreciates how the book offers practical techniques to organize tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain focus. McGuire has even introduced it to his children, encouraging them to apply its principles to their studies. For him, the book serves as a valuable tool to stay balanced amidst competing demands.
CFO Scott Blackley of Oscar Health enjoys reading fiction as a way to unwind from the demands of his professional life. A fan of Stephen King and Jack Reacher novels, Blackley emphasizes the importance of switching off from business challenges to recharge. While he finds value in business books, he believes that engaging with fiction provides a mental escape, helping him return to work with renewed focus. His reading habit reflects his balanced approach to leadership and personal well-being.
CFO Zane Rowe of Workday enjoys balancing his business reading with books that explore other fields, particularly those related to nutrition, longevity, and personal well-being. He shared that he’s currently reading Outlive, a book that dives into the science of living a longer, healthier life. Rowe appreciates learning about how to better manage stress, sleep, and overall health, recognizing the importance of maintaining well-being in demanding roles. While he admits most of his reading is through audiobooks, he values insights beyond business management.
CFO Regi Vengalil of Trax Retail recommends The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike. The book explores how eight visionary CEOs, including Warren Buffett and John Malone, achieved extraordinary results by prioritizing capital allocation over traditional management strategies. These leaders defied conventional wisdom, focusing on long-term value creation, efficient cash management, and strategic investments. Vengalil finds the book insightful for its focus on disciplined decision-making and the importance of thoughtful, rational leadership in driving sustainable growth.
CFO Deanna Strable of Principal Financial recommends Good to Great by Jim Collins, a business classic that explores how companies can transition from being good to becoming great. The book emphasizes key principles such as disciplined people, thought, and action, supported by the “Hedgehog Concept”—focusing on what a company can be the best at. For finance leaders, Strable highlights the importance of understanding what drives long-term business success beyond just the numbers, making this a valuable resource for strategic financial thinking.
CFO Daniel Welch of Kate Farms recommends Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter, a thought-provoking book that explores how our brains, evolved to seek scarce resources, struggle to adapt in today’s world of abundance. Easter examines how excess in areas like information, food, and relationships can overwhelm us, offering insights on how to regain control. With practical applications for both personal and business life, the book encourages readers to identify and manage these impulses for a more balanced and intentional life.
CFO Ben Averis of Yoto recommends Exponential Organizations by Salim Ismail, a business book that explores how companies can achieve exponential growth by leveraging innovative strategies. The book highlights examples like Airbnb, showing how businesses can scale rapidly by outsourcing non-core operations while focusing on their strengths. Ismail emphasizes breaking free from traditional linear growth models and adopting agile structures to unlock exponential potential. Ben finds the book insightful for leaders looking to rethink business models and drive scalable, sustainable growth in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
CFO Patrick Fleury of Terawulf recommends The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous, highlighting it as an essential read for understanding Bitcoin’s purpose and value. Fleury appreciates the book’s concise, 225-page exploration of Bitcoin’s role as a decentralized monetary system. He found it particularly insightful during his deep dive into digital assets, emphasizing its effectiveness in simplifying complex concepts. For those seeking a clear introduction to Bitcoin’s economic significance, The Bitcoin Standard serves as a valuable resource.