Wealth Isn’t Just a Number - It’s a Mindset
As an executive, you’re constantly in motion.
But if you’re like me, summer may be your edge.
It’s a rare window to slow down, reflect, and gain the clarity that gets buried during Q1 sprints and Q4 deadlines.
Whether you’re navigating stock options, succession planning, or next-chapter goals, your next breakthrough might not come from a spreadsheet…
It might come from a book.
Here are five high-impact reads (plus one bonus pick) that will challenge your thinking, sharpen your decisions, and expand how you define success.
1. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Why It Belongs on Your List
Most executives don’t fail because of bad spreadsheets. They fail because of emotional decisions, poor timing, or too much complexity.
This book is the antidote.
Key Takeaway
Wealth isn’t about how smart you are.
It’s about how you behave when things get uncertain.
If you’ve ever second-guessed a financial move - or overcomplicated your plan - this one teaches restraint, simplicity, and peace of mind.
2. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Why It Belongs
I often talk about there being two types of leadership – Temperature leaders that walk in the room and see how everyone is doing, sort of get everyone’s temperature before making any decisions. Then, there are Thermostat Leaders – the people who walk in the room, jack the heat up to 80 and set the tone for everyone.
This is the field manual for high-stakes leadership.
No fluff. No buzzwords. Just principles forged under fire.
Key Takeaway
If your name is on the outcome - you own it.
Whether you’re building a team, managing RSUs, or prepping for a liquidity event, this book rewires how you think about responsibility, communication, and execution.
3. Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
Why It Belongs
On paper, your equity comp might look incredible.
But what’s the point if you never actually enjoy it?
This book flips the script on “someday.”
Key Takeaway
Maximize life experiences, not account balances.
It’s especially relevant if you’re approaching retirement, selling a business, or contemplating a pivot toward purpose.
Money is a tool. This book shows you how to use it with intention.
4. CEO Excellenceby Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vikram Malhotra (McKinsey)
Why It Belongs
Based on interviews with 67 high-performing CEOs, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how the best leaders think, act, and structure their days.
Key Takeaway
Charisma doesn’t drive excellence - systems do.
If you’re prepping for a board review, scaling your leadership, or trying to create more leverage in your role, this book delivers practical frameworks that actually work.
5. 10x Is Easier Than 2xby Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why It Belongs
Feeling stuck in incremental growth? This book is a mind-expander.
It challenges you to stop tweaking your current plan - and start reimagining your entire approach.
Key Takeaway
Let go of 80% of what’s holding you back.
Then use the best 20% to scale, simplify, and elevate everything - your wealth, your team, your legacy.
Bonus Pick: The Gap and the Gainby Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why It’s a Must-Read
Even top-performing execs wrestle with feeling like they’re falling behind - no matter how much they’ve accomplished.
This book rewires that mindset.
Key Takeaway
Track your progress based on how far you’ve come - not how far you still have to go.
That shift in perspective is more powerful than any spreadsheet.
Books Are Tools - But Action Builds Wealth
Reading expands perspective.
Acting on what you learn is how you build your legacy.
Whether you’re planning a business exit, managing equity comp, or redefining what success looks like - these books can stretch your thinking.
But if you want real clarity?
You need a personalized strategy.
Let’s Build Your Plan Together
Book a 20-minute call to talk through your goals, your timeline, and the next smart move.
You’ve done the work.
Now let’s make sure your wealth does, too.
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If you would like to discuss your current situation schedule a free 20-minute call with the link below.
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