10 Must-Read Books on Innovation for C-Suite Executives

Published on: 03/03/2025

For C-suite executives, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to sustaining growth and relevance in a fast-evolving business landscape As Richard Kearsey described, gaining knowledge from experts in the field is one of the most effective ways to foster innovative thinking within an organization. Here are 10 must-read books on innovation that every executive should consider to sharpen their strategic vision

"The Innovator’s Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen

This classic explains why even the best companies can fail by ignoring disruptive technologies Christensen offers invaluable insights on how leaders can create an environment where innovation thrives

"Blue Ocean Strategy" by W Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

Kim and Mauborgne explore how companies can break out of fiercely competitive markets and create new, uncontested market spaces or "blue oceans" where innovation drives growth.

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

This book provides a methodology for building startups that focuses on fast innovation cycles, creating minimum viable products, and continuously learning from market feedback.

"Creative Confidence" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley

The Kelley brothers from IDEO delve into the importance of creativity and how leaders can foster an innovative mindset within teams to drive breakthrough solutions

"Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

Thiel offers insights on building startups that create truly unique products. This book challenges executives to think about creating new industries and revolutionizing existing ones through innovation

"Disrupt Yourself" by Whitney Johnson

Johnson focuses on personal innovation, urging leaders to apply the principles of disruptive innovation to their own careers and leadership practices

"The Innovator’s Solution" by Clayton Christensen and Michael E. Raynor

Following "The Innovator’s Dilemma," this book offers strategies for executives to execute innovation within their companies and successfully avoid common pitfalls

"Exponential Organizations" by Salim Ismail

Ismail examines how companies can harness the power of exponential technologies to scale quickly and disrupt industries, offering actionable insights for C-suite leaders

"Competing Against Luck" by Clayton Christensen

This book reveals how successful companies create products and services based on a deep understanding of customer "jobs to be done," offering a new approach to innovation

"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz

Horowitz shares hard-earned lessons about entrepreneurship and the challenges of leading a company through rapid innovation and growth periods

These books will provide C-suite executives with the tools and perspectives to drive sustainable innovation, foster creative solutions, and secure their company’s future success