Summer is in full swing and while CMOs are busy juggling all year round, many executives are trying to make time for reading this season. We spoke with numerous CMOs about what is on their summer reading list. Titles ranged from business books to fiction and sci-fi and fantasy. Are you a CMO with a book on your summer reading list that you’d like to share? Let us know and we will add your recommendations to our list!
James Whitemore, Chief Marketing Officer, Indeed
The Figurine by Victoria Hislop
“Summertime adventure and Greek history lesson,” said Whitemore.
Lisa Vortsman, Chief Marketing Officer, The Magnum Ice Cream Co.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Start With Yourself by Emma Grede
Sarah Larsen, Chief Marketing Officer, Hisense USA
“My reading list is huge since I tend to go through a book a week – I use reading as escapism from the mundane frustrations in life and as creative inspiration to change my perspective and think about things differently,” said Larsen. “I love historical fiction because I enjoy learning about the past from a first person’s point of view. I find stories of resilience and perseverance in the face of tragedy and hardship very motivating. My go-to authors are Philippa Gregory, Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. Give me a cup of tea and a cozy corner to curl up in with a good book, and I am happy as can be!”
Joy Howard, Chief Marketing Officer, Back Market
The Red and the Black by Stendhal
The Antidote by Karen Russell
Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe by Katja Hoyer
Stay True by Hua Hsu
Unpaid: The Past, Present and Future of Wage Theft by Matthew Cole
A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Non-things by Byung-Chul Han
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Michael Kirtman, Chief Brand Officer, Valvoline
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith by Charles Soule
“Darth Vader is one of my favorite sci-fi characters, although I am biased as a proud Star Wars superfan. This series is like a behind-the-scenes look into the making of one of the best characters created. He endured so much on his journey and, in the end, proved Luke right, he was a father who loved his son, not a heartless villain,” said Kirtman.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
“I wish everyone had a platform to tell people about their lives in such an impactful and reflective way. We are all on amazing, personal journeys, and this book is a reminder to take the time to learn from those around you,” said Kirtman.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
“This book is a guide for what it takes to be great. Malcom Gladwell perfectly highlights how those who sit far outside the ‘norm’ are uniquely positioned to achieve something unprecedented. His message that success is a culmination of experiences, bravery to take chances, commitment, and sometimes luck,” said Kirtman.
Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
“In my view, staying humble is a core competency and one that requires constant focus. This book provides practical advice for identifying ego traps and their antidotes that anyone can use to navigate life so you can remain humble and gracious when achieving, and stay resilient through failure,” said Kirtman.
Dune by Frank Herbert
“For sci-fi super fans, this is the epitome of a hero’s journey in that genre. In my story, my father is my hero, and this story was one of his favorites – he read it 12 times, maybe more. To me this book stands out as a one of the great stories, navigating all sides – even the dark ones – of themes or preparedness, respect, arrogance, power, and leadership – and how the ultimate heroes are those who learn to adapt while staying true to themselves,” said Kirtman.
Nick Street, Chief Marketing Officer, Marshall
Superteams by Ron Friedman
“This book while maybe not sharing the most new groundbreaking ideas does have some of the latest stats and the impact of working as a team since covid and hybrid remote teams. It strips away the ‘great people, great vibes’ myth of teamwork and shows what the highest performing teams actually do with their time, feedback, and energy,” said Street. “What I got: a working model and reminder for why your team’s habits matter.”
Obvious Adams by Robert Updegraff
“A hundred year old advertising parable about a man who wins not by being the cleverest voice in the room but by seeing the plain, obvious truth and having the guts to act on it,” said Street. “A fifty page reminder that most brand problems don’t need a clever idea, they need honesty and conviction.”
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
“Rubin’s account of decades producing across every genre, distilled into short reflections on trusting process over outcome and staying open rather than forcing the work,” said Street. “A different vocabulary for creativity, useful for leading or judging creative work rather than just making it. And especially relevant in the discussions around the value of creative with the influx of AI.”
Dark Days by Randy Blythe
“The Lamb of God frontman’s account of being jailed in Prague after a fan’s death at one of his shows, and choosing to go back and face trial rather than run,” said Street. “A great lesson in Stoicism: he couldn’t control the accusation, the legal system, or the outcome, only how he showed up to it. It’s a real, unglamorous example of focusing entirely on what’s in your control when everything else is not. An if you are into Heavy Metal, Lamb of God is a must!”
Bonus pick:
Uncommon People by David Hepworth
“Forty defining moments in the life of rock stardom, from Little Richard to Kurt Cobain, tracing how mystique and myth got built,” said Street. “Super entertaining to hear all the stories and some great case studies in brand mythology, told through the lens of how rock stars became larger than life.”
