9 Must-Read Business Books for 2026

The Last Human Job by Allison Pugh

“The title makes you think that it’s about the last job that is ‘safe’ from AI. But this book is actually a broader look at the impact of data and automation on jobs in care domains like health and education — where connection matters. Connection isn’t just about knowing who to reach out to — something AI can recommend — it’s about being and feeling seen. That ‘connective labor,’ per Pugh, is what makes societies thrive. This is an excellent book about how automation can support better relationships, rather than eroding the possibility of building and maintaining them. It presents a critical look at what’s possible with a sensible design principle in mind: automation in service of a relationship-focused culture.” — Helen Poitevin, Distinguished Vice President

Subtract by Leidy Klotz

“As a company grows, so does the need for processes to control the organization. With every passing year, steps get added and added, leading to processes that can actually hurt the organization. This book will help you flip your thinking by teaching you the art of subtraction for good. Give it a read and then see if you can actually do it.” — Gene Alvarez, Distinguished Vice President

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

“A modern take on the Buddhist and stoic principle of ‘radical acceptance,’ this book encourages leaders to control what they can and release the rest. For executives, it’s about letting go where appropriate while staying accountable when it matters. The Let Them Theory promotes sustainable leadership: less burnout, more emotional balance and healthier boundaries.” — Don Scheibenreif, Distinguished Vice President

Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan

“This book is prophetic. Written in 1964, McLuhan masterfully argues that technology doesn't just add to us, it also changes us. The wheel extends the foot, light extends the eye and AI extends the consciousness. Understanding Media is a blueprint for how we must design for human agency, or we risk becoming so mesmerized by the reflection of our own intelligence that we fail to see how the machine is quietly reshaping us.” — Tori Paulman, Vice President

Intelligence in Nature by Jeremy Narby

“A fascinating exploration of intelligence beyond humans and machines, this book reframes how we think about cognition and AI. It’s a refreshing perspective for leaders grappling with the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence.” — Chris Howard, Distinguished Vice President, Chief of Research

How Boards Work: And How They Can Work Better in a Chaotic World by Dambisa Moyo

“I thought I was savvy about how boards work, but alas! I recommend this book particularly as our clients — CIOs, CEOs, CTOs, CDOs and other C-Level executives — are interacting with boards more frequently than ever. The author explores a blind spot to, or a lack of information about, what exactly the board does, one that became apparent in her conversations with employees at the companies where she served on the board. Among other things, it explains why it's so challenging for boards to do a lot of what people think should be easy and straightforward.” — Mbula Schoen, Senior Director

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization by Peter Zeihan

“Zeihan is one of the most influential authors and demographers mapping the global decline in birth rates — a trend that has shaped Gartner insights in profound ways. His work underscores why we need AI to accelerate and compensate for the shortages of people already happening. It also raises critical questions about how the world will sustain and grow its economy as populations continue to decline, and why sustainability must include the stability of the human population. Zeihan briefs corporations and governments on these issues, and readers will find his work both illuminating and, as promised, a bit terrifying.” — Jorge Lopez, Distinguished Vice President

The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters by Diane Coyle

“This book makes a compelling case that while economies and businesses have evolved significantly over the past decade, the metrics and analytics we rely on to measure them (and to guide policy and behavior) remain outdated. Our most important measures still reflect an industrial-era mindset, which is why we haven’t fully realized the potential of a digital economy. For better decision making in both business and government, these measures must change.” —  Andrew White, Distinguished Vice President

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman

“This book ties the past, present and future of technology in a way that feels both grounded and urgent. With the right mix of caution and optimism, Suleyman lays out how AI can become a true transformation wave. It’s a powerful read for leaders who need to understand not just what’s coming, but how to navigate it responsibly.” — Deepak Seth, Director