Photo via Fast Company
As summer approaches, Charlotte business leaders looking to sharpen their strategic thinking have a curated reading list from some of the nation's top executives. The selections range from industry memoirs to books on organizational innovation, offering practical lessons for managing teams and driving growth. These recommendations reflect what today's leaders see as critical to navigating an increasingly complex business landscape.
Several executives emphasize books focused on organizational culture and innovation. Steven Tepper, President of Hamilton College, returns repeatedly to "The Game Changer" by A.G. Lafley and Ram Charan, which examines how P&G built a culture where every employee contributes creatively to innovation. For Charlotte companies seeking to strengthen their competitive position, Tepper's insight highlights the importance of designing organizations that deliberately cultivate and reward new ideas at all levels. Similarly, Sam Zussman's recommendation of "Connections" by James Burke underscores how breakthrough innovation emerges from recombining existing concepts in novel ways.
Beyond strategy, several leaders recommend books addressing the human side of business—particularly resilience and well-being. Corey duBrowa, CEO of Burson, suggests "Tailwind" by James T. Olson, a book on converting setbacks into comebacks, while television producer Lindsay Shookus recommends "The Book of Joy," which addresses the importance of gratitude and presence amid relentless achievement pressure. These selections reflect growing recognition among Charlotte's business community that sustainable leadership requires attention to mental health and perspective.
The reading recommendations align with broader workplace challenges facing Charlotte employers. Recent research from the Adecco Group reveals that only 22% of business leaders are confident they're developing future-ready digital capabilities in their workforce, and just 36% communicate how AI will create job opportunities. Building employee trust requires intentional investment in upskilling and helping staff understand their role in organizational success—a theme that connects many of these book selections and speaks directly to Charlotte's talent retention challenges.
