8 Must-Read Business Books for CIOs in 2025

In the wake of AI and other technological advancements, these books highlight communication, storytelling and collaboration as core competencies for CIOs.

By Ava McCartney | December 18, 2024

Business books are as much about so-called soft skills as hard skills

CIOs are responsible for building value-driving, enterprisewide IT strategies and models. But delivering on this mandate isn’t just about technical know-how. Successful CIOs prioritize building strong executive partnerships and help their peers apply a technology lens to business. This enables CxOs to build solutions in partnership with IT — and the C-suite — to deliver strong business outcomes and foster a culture of innovation across the enterprise.

The Gartner experts who develop research for and advise CIOs agree. In their annual list of recommended reads for CIOs, they largely suggest books, both fiction and nonfiction, that lean into effective communication, building influence and navigating change.

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    CIOs, build your must-read list with these business books

    For both your professional development and personal enjoyment, consider picking up one of the eight books Gartner CIO-focused experts find great value in.

    The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu

    “This collection of short stories and novellas will give technology leaders a different path into the decisions they face related to the human and cultural implications of AI and other innovations. It’s not exactly a business book, but it is a book that will get thinkers thinking in fresh ways without glossy covers and endless data.” — Chris Howard, Global Chief of Research

    A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Best Investment Guide That Money Can Buy by Burton G. Malkiels

    “Want to understand market bubbles from tulips to crypto? Need to understand the difference between castles in the air and firm foundations investing? Wondering what the heck a meme stock is? If you want the answers to these questions, to understand markets and to save an investment guide for the future, this is a must-read.” — Gene Alvarez, Distinguished VP Analyst

    Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs by John Doerr

    “It’s got real-world examples and presents the power of objectives and key results (OKRs). The book is especially relevant when thinking about AI projects, which are on everyone’s minds.” — Avivah Litan, Distinguished VP Analyst

    How Minds Change by David McRaney

    This book is a masterclass in understanding why people cling to their beliefs — and how to gently nudge them toward new perspectives without starting a war. Packed with science and stories, it's like a blueprint for influencing even the most stubborn minds, making it perfect for navigating the politics of change. — Ed Gabrys, Managing VP

    Appliance by J. O. Morgan

    “This work of fiction speaks to how technology advancements irreversibly change our lives. We know this, of course, but I enjoyed how Morgen tells the story through the different characters.” — Mbula Schoen, Senior Director Analyst

    Wiser: Getting Beyond Groupthink to Make Groups Smarter by Cass R. Sunstein and Reid Hastie

    “This is an older book, but it contains essential advice to improve collaborative decision making.  Whether leveraging AI or not, applying sound decision practices is more important than ever.  Wiser will help you avoid pitfalls to improve any collaborative decision.” — Hank Barnes, Chief of Research, Tech and Service Providers

    Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg

    “So much of our technology leaders' success depends on their ability to teach, communicate and influence others. This book gives very practical guidance on how to build skills for navigating the subtle complexities for successful communication.” — Rita Sallam, Distinguished VP Analyst

    The Best Story Wins by Matthew Luhn

    “This is a great book about how to use storytelling to persuade stakeholders. I've used some of the insights in my own presentations.” — Jose Ramirez, Director Analyst

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