For many executives, reading is more than just a pastime; This is a performance habit. IBM Chief Commercial Officer Rob Thomastold me recently He believes it is a subject worth mastering early in your career. Most mornings, he spends two to three hours reading before his workday begins, delving into biography, history, technology and sports to understand “what makes people and systems successful.”
He is not alone. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett estimates that he spends 80% of his day reading, a habit he credits with sharpening his judgment over decades. His long-time collaborator Charlie Munger once put it bluntly: “In my entire life, I don’t know any intelligent person… who hasn’t been reading — none, zero.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg launched a personal book club in 2015, promising to publish a new book every two weeks on topics ranging from globalization to belief systems. “Books allow you to fully explore a subject and immerse yourself more deeply,” he said at the time. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon starts his day before dawn, poring through five newspapers to keep up with global developments. He often emphasizes Read history books and different perspectives Become a more thoughtful leader.
Bottom line: Great leaders read not just to learn more; think Better.
In conversations with some of the executives I’ve interviewed this year, three clear patterns of reading emerged. Many people tend to read books on strategy and systems thinking, which enhance foresight and enhance decision-making. Others favor research in leadership and psychology to better understand how people think and behave. Nearly all contain biographical and narrative nonfiction, connecting business to the broader human experience.
When it comes to reading time, many people think of it as training: 30 to 60 minutes of focused reading before the day starts; two to three hours of in-depth reading per week (schedule your time like a meeting); save flights and commutes for longer, more reflective material.
As for what I’m reading now? Occupy Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America Author: Russell Shorto.
Editor’s Note: The deadline to apply for Wealth’s Next Leaders List is Monday, December 1, 2025. For more information or to submit a nomination, Apply here.
Ruth Ulmer
ruth.umoh@fortune.com
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