When it comes to understanding today’s biggest ideas—AI, leadership, global trade—it pays to get multiple perspectives. That’s why we’ve paired ten standout books from “What to read next: McKinsey’s 2025 annual book recommendations” with thought-provoking McKinsey podcasts on related themes.
Whether you’re into economic strategy, workplace culture, or the brilliance of Taylor Swift, these curated combos offer fresh takes to read, hear, and think through. Turn up the volume, and learn something new.
The new tariff reality: From risk to resilience
Tariffs and trade policies are driving organizations to rethink strategies. Learn how companies are adjusting, and how changemakers can lead with both agility and foresight.
- Book: Leading Through Disruption: A Changemaker’s Guide to Twenty-First Century Leadership by Andrew N. Liveris
How to prepare for the CEO role
Get practical advice from today’s CEOs, then go deep with one of history’s most influential business leaders.
- Book: Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
Approaching generative AI with a beginner’s mindset
“Explain this to me like you would to a 5-year-old!” Take a page out of this book and approach gen AI as a beginner with a growth mindset. Perfect for those eager to explore the tech’s potential without preconceived notions.
- Book: A Kids Book About AI Bias by Avriel Epps
From the C-suite to the Eras Tour: Hear how companies (and pop icons) keep innovating and scaling without playing it safe.
- Book: There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers
Why so many bad bosses still rise to the top
Narcissism, overconfidence, and low EQ. Why do traits that hamper organizational progress propel leaders to the top? This pairing explores the psychology of power and the math of kindness.
- Book: Red Helicopter—a Parable for Our Times: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math) by James Rhee
Don’t get stuck in a rut—update how you operate
We update our devices’ operating systems all the time. What if we applied that same kind of polishing and bug fixing to ourselves? Update your personal operating system and take time to assess and reflect on what makes you, you.
- Book: Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison
When the career ladder breaks for women—and how to succeed anyway
Learn how to climb over the broken rung through experience capital, and journey with Zarna Garg, who fled—literally—societal expectations to embark on a journey that led her to become an award-winning stand-up comedian.
- Book: This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir by Zarna Garg
The future of real estate in a hybrid world
What’s next for commercial and residential real estate? Explore the potential of mixed-use neighborhoods, secret strategies to rental property investing, and the science of a successful office space.
- Book: The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth with Intelligent Buy & Hold Real Estate Investing by Brandon Turner
Technology alone is never enough for true productivity
Can AI be ethical, or even empathetic? Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a future-forward thinker, explore this duo for reflections on AI governance, productivity, ethics, and more.
- Book: Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It by Christopher DiCarlo
It’s cool to be kind: The value of empathy at work
Empathy isn’t fluff; it’s strategy. Learn how it works across cultures and how it can drive better business outcomes.
- Book: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer