Here are 100 books that H3 Leadership fans have personally recommended if you like H3 Leadership. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise

Ron Kitchens Author Of Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be

From my list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a dyslexic kid with teenage parents and losing my dad at four, I spent my life searching for role models who turned their unique stories into something impactful. I’ve had the privilege of meeting all these incredible authors, learning about their journeys, and even calling a few of them friends. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to being real and transparent in their leadership. They don’t just lead—they use their experiences to make life better for the people they serve and to create positive change in the world around them. Their stories are proof that true leadership comes from authenticity and purpose.

Ron's book list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul

Ron Kitchens Why Ron loves this book

This book is an inspiring and highly practical guide from one of the most respected leaders in the hospitality industry. As the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton, Schulze shares the secrets behind creating a culture of excellence that drives world-class service and lasting success.

He emphasizes the importance of a customer-first mindset, empowering employees to take ownership and setting uncompromising standards that everyone in the organization strives to meet. Schulze’s approach shows that excellence isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about consistently exceeding them in every detail. This book is a masterclass for leaders who want to build a high-performance organization that stands out and thrives through exceptional service and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In some ways, Horst Schulze invented modern hospitality in America. His leadership lessons can be seen in the way companies like Chick-fil-A interact with their customers. This is a journey of greatness that we can all emulate. 

By Horst Schulze , Dean Merrill ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Excellence Wins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Horst Schulze knows what it takes to win. In Excellence Wins, the cofounder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company lays out a blueprint for becoming the very best in a world of compromise. In his characteristic no-nonsense approach, Schulze shares the visionary and disruptive principles that have led to immense global success over the course of his still-prolific fifty-year career in the hospitality industry.

For over twenty years, Schulze fearlessly led the company to unprecedented multibillion dollar growth, setting the business vision and people-focused standards that made the Ritz-Carlton brand world renowned. In Excellence Wins, Schulze shares his…


If you love H3 Leadership...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Row the Boat: A Never-Give-Up Approach to Lead with Enthusiasm and Optimism and Improve Your Team and Culture

Ron Kitchens Author Of Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be

From my list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a dyslexic kid with teenage parents and losing my dad at four, I spent my life searching for role models who turned their unique stories into something impactful. I’ve had the privilege of meeting all these incredible authors, learning about their journeys, and even calling a few of them friends. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to being real and transparent in their leadership. They don’t just lead—they use their experiences to make life better for the people they serve and to create positive change in the world around them. Their stories are proof that true leadership comes from authenticity and purpose.

Ron's book list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul

Ron Kitchens Why Ron loves this book

This book is a powerful leadership manifesto that revolves around resilience and relentless positivity. Fleck’s philosophy is more than a slogan; it’s a mindset. He teaches leaders to embrace adversity, stay focused on the present, and keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Through deeply personal stories and proven strategies, Fleck shows how passion, sacrifice, and responsibility build success, not just in teams but in life. His approach challenges leaders to create a culture of enthusiasm and perseverance, motivating their people to pull together toward a common goal. If you’re looking to inspire your team and lead with a relentless, positive attitude, this book will give you the tools to do it.

P.J. Fleck uses his story of the pain and loss of a child to create a fundamentally new way of looking at a life philosophy that becomes a north star to those of us who more than occasionally…

By Jon Gordon , P.J. Fleck ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Row the Boat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn to live and lead with enthusiasm and optimism, impact your team, and transform your culture

In Row the Boat, Minnesota Golden Gophers Head Coach P.J. Fleck and bestselling author Jon Gordon deliver an inspiring message about what you can achieve when you approach life with a never-give-up philosophy. The book shows you how to choose enthusiasm and optimism as your guiding lights instead of being defined by circumstances and events outside of your control.

Discover how to put the three key components of row the boat into practice in your life:

The Oar: The energy. Only you can dictate…


Book cover of Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders

Ron Kitchens Author Of Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be

From my list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a dyslexic kid with teenage parents and losing my dad at four, I spent my life searching for role models who turned their unique stories into something impactful. I’ve had the privilege of meeting all these incredible authors, learning about their journeys, and even calling a few of them friends. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to being real and transparent in their leadership. They don’t just lead—they use their experiences to make life better for the people they serve and to create positive change in the world around them. Their stories are proof that true leadership comes from authenticity and purpose.

Ron's book list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul

Ron Kitchens Why Ron loves this book

This book is a profound and practical guide on how love can transform leadership. Manby, who’s spent decades in executive roles, argues that love isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a strategy for success. He shares seven principles of agape love, like patience, kindness, and honesty, which foster stronger relationships, deeper trust, and higher performance in the workplace. Manby shows that when leaders embrace these values, they create a culture where employees feel valued, morale soars, and productivity flourishes. His message is simple yet powerful: leading with love is not just good for people; it’s good for business, and it leads to sustainable success.

At a time when it seems everyone around us is lonely and sad, Joel not only gives us permission to tell people we love them but gives us the language to do it in a safe and affirming manner.

By Joel Manby ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Love Works as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Updated and Expanded Edition of the Leadership Bestseller

Harness the meaning of love, the verb, to improve your corporate culture and bottom line with the help of Joel Manby, former President and CEO of both SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Herschend Enterprises. Joel won the respect of America with his appearance on the CBS reality TV series Undercover Boss.

A highly successful corporate executive, Joel Manby is unlike most other CEOs. As the 18 million viewers of Undercover Boss witnessed, Manby has a unique style of leadership--servant leadership--which has a profound impact on his employees.

In this updated and expanded…


If you love Brad Lomenick...

Ad

Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Ron Kitchens Author Of Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be

From my list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a dyslexic kid with teenage parents and losing my dad at four, I spent my life searching for role models who turned their unique stories into something impactful. I’ve had the privilege of meeting all these incredible authors, learning about their journeys, and even calling a few of them friends. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to being real and transparent in their leadership. They don’t just lead—they use their experiences to make life better for the people they serve and to create positive change in the world around them. Their stories are proof that true leadership comes from authenticity and purpose.

Ron's book list on leadership books about leading with heart and soul

Ron Kitchens Why Ron loves this book

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is a fresh take on leadership that emphasizes the power of extraordinary customer service. Guidara, a renowned restaurateur, shares how going beyond what’s expected—by offering "unreasonable" levels of hospitality—can set any organization apart. He breaks down how genuine care, attention to detail, and surprise moments can turn ordinary customer interactions into unforgettable experiences. His lessons aren’t just for restaurants; they’re for any leader who wants to create a service-oriented culture that makes customers feel truly valued. Guidara shows how exceptional hospitality can build deep, lasting relationships with clients and create a culture of excellence within the team that leads to sustained success.

Will Guidara takes us through a journey of excellence that is neither straight nor easy, but his easy style of persistence is achievable in all our lives and organizations.  

By Will Guidara ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Unreasonable Hospitality as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Essential lessons in hospitality for every business, from the former co-owner of legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park.

Will Guidara was twenty-six when he took the helm of Eleven Madison Park, a struggling New York City two-star brasserie that had never quite lived up to its majestic room. Eleven years later, EMP was named the best restaurant in the world.

How did Guidara pull off this unprecedented transformation? Radical reinvention, a true partnership between the kitchen and the dining room-and memorable, over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara's team surprised a family who had never seen snow with a magical sledding trip to Central…


Book cover of Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Minds

Wanda T. Wallace Author Of You Can't Know It All: Leading in the Age of Deep Expertise

From my list on getting out of your comfort zone.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about helping people have the kinds of opportunities they want to have in their careers. I coach, teach, speak and write on how to do exactly that. The secret – it almost always involves getting out of your comfort zone, doing something that is a bit scary to you and that shakes your confidence a bit. However, you never want to be sitting alone trying to achieve something all by yourself. It takes a village to succeed. The art comes in knowing how to ask, getting over your fear of being vulnerable, building trust, knowing how to persuade each person you need, and much more. This is my life’s work. 

Wanda's book list on getting out of your comfort zone

Wanda T. Wallace Why Wanda loves this book

This book gives exactly the lift you need to believe you can do more. There are inspiring, short stories of things leaders have done and the impact it left on the author. I like the personal take on each chapter. It’s very readable and very relatable. Read a chapter, share a chapter with your team, talk about what you liked with others. It’s a great way to get a quick uplift without fretting over not finishing the book.  

By Scott Jeffrey Miller ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Master Mentors as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For busy professionals and lifelong learners seeking practical strategies for reaching new heights, Master Mentors distills 30 essential learnings from Seth Godin, Susan Cain, Trent Shelton, General Stanley McChrystal, and other top business minds and thought leaders of our time.

Mining the best and brightest revelations from FranklinCovey's global podcast, On Leadership with Scott Miller, Scott personally introduces you to 30 Master Mentors, featuring the single most transformative insight from each of them.

Depending on where you are in your journey, Master Mentors will:

Challenge your current mindset and beliefs, leading to what could be the most important career and…


Book cover of Mr. Happy

Eve Poole Author Of Leadersmithing: Revealing the Trade Secrets of Leadership

From my list on what you really need to know about leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

It is shocking how many leaders suffer from imposter syndrome, and how little practical advice is out there about how to help. It’s been my mission to identify not only precisely what leaders need to be able to do well, but also how can they learn these things in the most efficient and durable way. Leadersmithing sets out a practical path to mastery and provides the toolkit leaders will really need. After I wrote it, I took on some senior leadership roles of my own. Even before Covid I had stress-tested the wisdom of this book, and post-covid I am even more confident that this leadership book really helps.

Eve's book list on what you really need to know about leadership

Eve Poole Why Eve loves this book

The leader’s most important job is to set the right culture for their organization. People will copy what you do, not what you say. This simple little book shows you the truth of that: When Mr Miserable comes to stay, Mr Happy doesn’t give him pep talks. He just keeps on being happy until Mr Miserable is too. As a leader, you need to relentlessly role model the behavior you want, until it finally catches on.

By Roger Hargreaves ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mr. Happy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

The bestselling children's books series for over 50 years!

Mr Happy is from Happyland where everyone is happy! When he meets Mr Miserable, the most miserable person in the world, Mr Happy has an idea about how to make him happy too.

The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?


If you love H3 Leadership...

Ad

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Good to Great

John Mullins Author Of Break the Rules!: The Six Counter-Conventional Mindsets of Entrepreneurs That Can Help Anyone Change the World

From my list on enhanced success of your entrepreneurial journey.

Why am I passionate about this?

The world of entrepreneurship has been my driving passion for decades. Why? It is entrepreneurs, despite their many quirks, who make the world a better place. It’s entrepreneurs who create jobs in a world where jobs in many places are in short supply. It’s entrepreneurs who wake up every day with a passion to forge their own path with the freedom to do so. And it’s why I embarked at mid-life on a second career as a business-school professor. It’s why I teach and why I write. The books I suggest here will give you a fighting chance to deal effectively with the challenges you’ll surely find along your entrepreneurial journey.

John's book list on enhanced success of your entrepreneurial journey

John Mullins Why John loves this book

Jim Collins’ best book is the most pragmatic and most useful business book I’ve ever read. Period. From “getting the right people on the bus” to “the hedgehog concept” and more, the fundamentals entailed in creating a truly great business are all here. What more need I say? 

By Jim Collins ,

Why should I read it?

17 authors picked Good to Great as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

________________________________
Can a good company become a great one? If so, how?

After a five-year research project, Jim Collins concludes that good to great can and does happen. In this book, he uncovers the underlying variables that enable any type of organisation to make the leap from good to great while other organisations remain only good. Rigorously supported by evidence, his findings are surprising - at times even shocking - to the modern mind.

Good to Great achieves a rare distinction: a management book full of vital ideas that reads as well as a fast-paced novel. It is widely regarded…


Book cover of Leading with Noble Purpose: How to Create a Tribe of True Believers

Roberta Chinsky Matuson Author Of Can We Talk?: Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work

From my list on maximizing your talent.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m one of the world’s leading experts on the maximization of talent, who is the author of six books on leadership and talent. I’m also a LinkedIn Top Voice in Leadership and Workplace, and one of the few people who was a guest on The O’Reilly Factor, with Bill O’Reilly, who left the show unscathed.

Roberta's book list on maximizing your talent

Roberta Chinsky Matuson Why Roberta loves this book

All too often, managers try to motivate their employees with money and outrageous perks. If that stuff worked, these companies would have a fully engaged workforce. Leadership expert Lisa Earle McLeod tackles the employee engagement crisis by showing leaders how to put workplace meaning front and center. Lisa’s book includes plenty of examples of how to put her words into action. It’s an easy read, with a very important message.

By Lisa Earle McLeod ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Leading with Noble Purpose as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Profit doesn't drive purpose. Purpose drives profit. We made some incorrect assumptions about work and those assumptions are killing us. We allowed a narrative that is solely about earnings to replace what we know to be true about human motivation. Human beings are hardwired to seek purpose, but according to data, most people don't feel a sense of purpose in their work. Work has become a grind, an endless series of tasks that lack meaning. Building upon her bestseller Selling with Noble Purpose, leadership expert Lisa Earle McLeod tackles the employee engagement crisis by showing leaders how to put workplace…


Book cover of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

Roger Patterson Author Of Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

From my list on how to become the leader you want to be.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leader. I see things through leadership lenses. Everything rises and falls on leaders, so if we want to prosper, we must raise strong leaders. Having led for 30 years and taught leadership for 20, I know that if we want to improve our education systems, have great choices in politics, grow healthy organizations, and build strong families, we must have strong leaders. So, I wake up every day to be a better leader and help the leaders on my team grow in their leadership. For some it is easier than others, but everyone can grow their influence and their leadership capacity.

Roger's book list on how to become the leader you want to be

Roger Patterson Why Roger loves this book

As a young, emerging leader, I needed a framework and handles to help me understand the task of leadership. I devoured Dr. Maxwell’s book and began to memorize the one-sentence statement that accompanied each leadership law. For instance, the Law of Navigation says, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.”

If you don’t have this one, it is a must-read!

By John C. Maxwell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the life-changing principles of Influence, Empowerment, Intuition, Respect, and Legacy that will transform your leadership-and your life.

Leadership has become increasingly complex in recent years. The times are difficult, and it can be challenging to get people to work together. Businesses, government, families, communities, and teams are all crying out for good leaders to help them. This is where the principles outlined in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership can help.

Based on the revised and updated 25th anniversary edition of the bestselling book, this workbook uses case studies, self-evaluation, and group discussion questions to help you boost your…


If you love Brad Lomenick...

Ad

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different

Geoffrey Colon Author Of Disruptive Marketing: What Growth Hackers, Data Punks, and Other Hybrid Thinkers Can Teach Us about Navigating the New Normal

From my list on disruptive marketers in the 21st century.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since touching my first computer (the Apple IIC) in 1985, broadcasting a radio show in 1988, logging onto the world wide web in 1991, launching my first podcast in 2004 or producing the highly viewed YouTube show The Download in 2020 I've been interested in what Marshall McLuhan has dubbed, "The Medium is the Message." Not only how media and technology are used but how it intersects with humanity, education, entertainment, marketing and popular culture to drive word of mouth. To me, marketing isn't just about the technology or the quantified metrics but about how it shapes long lasting impressions on people and leads to sustained behavioral change.

Geoffrey's book list on disruptive marketers in the 21st century

Geoffrey Colon Why Geoffrey loves this book

If the Conceptual Age of marketing is here where imagination reigns supreme, will the same types of personalities in business from the Information Age be the ones to dominate? Nope. Authors Ashley and Sunny urge people to treat each one of our quirks as helpful virtues rather than harmful vices. Less logical and more emotional, things like fringe interests, strong personalities, and bold antics have their place in a creative and disruptive world. Applying your unique characteristics strategically could help you stand out, forge your path, and connect with others in ways that following rules just does not deliver. If you read this from the lens of a marketer, there are some great takeaways to apply to the personality of what brand it is you are trying to sell. Oh, and what profile am I of the 7 vices? A rebel of course.

By Sunny Bonnell , Ashleigh Hansberger ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rare Breed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An unconventional business book for the rebels and misfits--the Rare Breeds--who don't fit the traditional mold, offering an approach that's anything but business as usual.
What if your biggest weaknesses are actually your greatest strengths?

Sunny Bonnell and Ashleigh Hansberger, award-winning brand consultants and founders of Motto, bring their wisdom and insights to this radical "outside the box" business guide written specifically for the mavericks, oddballs, and visionaries they call Rare Breeds. While most advice guides encourage you to change your inherent characteristics to get the job, get the promotion, get the client, Bonnell and Hansberger identify a different approach:…


Book cover of Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise
Book cover of Row the Boat: A Never-Give-Up Approach to Lead with Enthusiasm and Optimism and Improve Your Team and Culture
Book cover of Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,211

readers submitted
so far, will you?