1
2
3
4
5
We’ve all looked at certain people, past or present, and wondered, “How did they manage to lead so well?” The truth is, great leaders aren’t born with all the answers. They learn through experience, mistakes, and the courage to keep going. The books on this list dive into the lives of some remarkable leaders and pull out lessons we can actually use in our own lives. Whether you’re trying to guide a team, start a project, or simply become a little better at inspiring others, these reads are full of down-to-earth wisdom you’ll connect with.
1
This book dives into the life of Julius Caesar, showing not just how he became one of history’s most powerful leaders, but also the lessons his story can teach us today. It looks at how his boldness, clever strategies, and ability to inspire others helped him rise to the top. It also explores how his ambition and risky choices eventually led to his downfall. What makes it really interesting is how Caesar’s story is linked to modern leadership. The book pulls out practical lessons about influencing people, making tough decisions and leading with confidence. Whether you’re managing a team, building a career, or just trying to understand what makes great leaders tick, anyone can apply the lessons in this book. More than a history book, it’s a guide for learning from someone who achieved incredible success, stumbled, and left behind lessons that are still relevant today.
2
Leadership From Great Leaders is a practical guide for anyone looking to step up as a manager or leader, especially if you feel unsure where to start. In this concise book, Joe Powell breaks down the essential skills, knowledge, and habits that make leaders effective. You’ll find out the 10 key “Do’s and Don’ts” that distinguish great leaders, as well as tips for advancing your career and moving up the corporate ladder. Packed with straightforward advice, the book is designed to give aspiring leaders a strong foundation while also offering useful reminders for experienced managers. It emphasises learning from proven practices but also encourages readers to develop their own style with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your leadership approach, this book offers practical guidance to help you lead effectively and achieve success.
3
8 Keys to Becoming a Great Leader by Steven B. Howard shows that leadership isn’t just about giving orders - it’s about inspiring people and achieving results together. Steven breaks it down into eight practical areas, including developing your own leadership style, guiding teams, supporting others’ growth, driving results, and communicating effectively. To make it fun and relatable, he uses three pop-culture characters - Special Agent Gibbs, Jedi Master Yoda, and Captain Jack Sparrow - to show different ways leadership can look in action. Seeing how they deal with challenges helps you figure out your own approach. Whether you’re new to leading or have been at it a while, this book is full of tips and examples you can actually use. It’s a practical, down-to-earth guide to becoming a leader people want to follow.
4
Liquid Leadership is a friendly, practical guide to becoming a better leader without drowning in complicated jargon or stiff theories. Damian Hughes brings together examples from all walks of life - from everyday leaders like Kim England at Unilever, to historical figures like Shackleton and Eisenhower, to well-known personalities like John Lennon and Walt Disney - to show the many ways people can lead successfully. The book is packed with fun pop-culture references, from The Wizard of Oz to Superman, alongside real-life leadership stories from coaches and business leaders, making the lessons easy to relate to and remember. It also includes practical exercises to help you think about your own leadership style and spot ways to grow. With its energetic, down-to-earth style, Liquid Leadership inspires readers to step up, make a difference, and lead in a way that’s true to who they are.
5
Great leaders know the power of a good story. They use stories to inspire, persuade, and make change happen - but most of us never get a peek behind the curtain. In this engaging guide, journalist Gavin Esler draws on over thirty years of experience interviewing world-famous figures - from Bill Clinton to Angelina Jolie - to show how the best leaders use stories to succeed. Esler explains the key questions every leader should answer and the elements that make a story truly compelling. He shows how crafting your own leadership story can help you succeed in all kinds of situations - whether it’s running a team, applying for a university place, or even aiming for something as big as the presidency. With real-world examples and practical tips, this book makes it easy to see how storytelling can be one of your most powerful leadership tools.
1
This book dives into the life of Julius Caesar, showing not just how he became one of history’s most powerful leaders, but also the lessons his story can teach us today. It looks at how his boldness, clever strategies, and ability to inspire others helped him rise to the top. It also explores how his ambition and risky choices eventually led to his downfall. What makes it really interesting is how Caesar’s story is linked to modern leadership. The book pulls out practical lessons about influencing people, making tough decisions and leading with confidence. Whether you’re managing a team, building a career, or just trying to understand what makes great leaders tick, anyone can apply the lessons in this book. More than a history book, it’s a guide for learning from someone who achieved incredible success, stumbled, and left behind lessons that are still relevant today.
2
Leadership From Great Leaders is a practical guide for anyone looking to step up as a manager or leader, especially if you feel unsure where to start. In this concise book, Joe Powell breaks down the essential skills, knowledge, and habits that make leaders effective. You’ll find out the 10 key “Do’s and Don’ts” that distinguish great leaders, as well as tips for advancing your career and moving up the corporate ladder. Packed with straightforward advice, the book is designed to give aspiring leaders a strong foundation while also offering useful reminders for experienced managers. It emphasises learning from proven practices but also encourages readers to develop their own style with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your leadership approach, this book offers practical guidance to help you lead effectively and achieve success.
3
8 Keys to Becoming a Great Leader by Steven B. Howard shows that leadership isn’t just about giving orders - it’s about inspiring people and achieving results together. Steven breaks it down into eight practical areas, including developing your own leadership style, guiding teams, supporting others’ growth, driving results, and communicating effectively. To make it fun and relatable, he uses three pop-culture characters - Special Agent Gibbs, Jedi Master Yoda, and Captain Jack Sparrow - to show different ways leadership can look in action. Seeing how they deal with challenges helps you figure out your own approach. Whether you’re new to leading or have been at it a while, this book is full of tips and examples you can actually use. It’s a practical, down-to-earth guide to becoming a leader people want to follow.
4
Liquid Leadership is a friendly, practical guide to becoming a better leader without drowning in complicated jargon or stiff theories. Damian Hughes brings together examples from all walks of life - from everyday leaders like Kim England at Unilever, to historical figures like Shackleton and Eisenhower, to well-known personalities like John Lennon and Walt Disney - to show the many ways people can lead successfully. The book is packed with fun pop-culture references, from The Wizard of Oz to Superman, alongside real-life leadership stories from coaches and business leaders, making the lessons easy to relate to and remember. It also includes practical exercises to help you think about your own leadership style and spot ways to grow. With its energetic, down-to-earth style, Liquid Leadership inspires readers to step up, make a difference, and lead in a way that’s true to who they are.
5
Great leaders know the power of a good story. They use stories to inspire, persuade, and make change happen - but most of us never get a peek behind the curtain. In this engaging guide, journalist Gavin Esler draws on over thirty years of experience interviewing world-famous figures - from Bill Clinton to Angelina Jolie - to show how the best leaders use stories to succeed. Esler explains the key questions every leader should answer and the elements that make a story truly compelling. He shows how crafting your own leadership story can help you succeed in all kinds of situations - whether it’s running a team, applying for a university place, or even aiming for something as big as the presidency. With real-world examples and practical tips, this book makes it easy to see how storytelling can be one of your most powerful leadership tools.
© Five Books 2025
