The focus & productivity books recommended on Diary of a CEO’s podcast

#1 · Man's Search for Meaning

The endorsement here comes from Tony Robbins, on Tony Robbins: No One Is Ready For What's Coming (The truth about AI). in 2026. Tony is The world's best-known life and business strategist, author and philanthropist who has coached presidents, athletes and CEOs, runs a group of 100+ companies, and built a global self-help empire from a poverty-stricken childhood. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Man's Search for Meaning is one of my favorite books. Have you read it?” — Tony Robbins 01:22:23

#2 · Meditations

Recommended by Ivanka Trump on Ivanka Trump: Most People Can’t Tell Signal From Noise. Ivanka is Businesswoman, former real estate and fashion executive, and ex-White House senior advisor. Daughter of Donald Trump, she built a fashion line doing close to $800M in annual sales before shutting it down to serve in government. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 5 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“I think like Marcus Aurelius's meditations is so informative on so many levels.” — Ivanka Trump 00:26:38

What it is: Meditations is a collection of personal reflections and notes by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161 to 180 AD), offering a profound look into the philosophy of Stoicism. It was never intended for publication, making it a raw and intimate self-help manual for the emperor during his campaigns and rule. The central theme revolves around living a good, rational, and virtuous life in harmony with nature and the cosmos. Aurelius continually reminds himself that everything in the universe is constantly changing and fleeting, urging the reader to accept the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.

#3 · Why We Sleep

Christian Angermayer brought this up on A Billionaire’s Guide To Healing Your Mind And Extending Your Life: Christian An (2021-03-15). Christian is German entrepreneur and investor; biggest backer of the psychedelics industry, co-founder of Compass Pathways and atai Life Sciences, and founder of investment firm Apeiron, active in longevity, biotech, AI, space and crypto. In total it earned 13 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I don't know the exact number but read why we sleep from Matthew Walker like I think if you sleep two three hours less than you should” — Christian Angermayer 01:33:57

What it is: "The first sleep book by a leading scientific expert--Professor Matthew Walker, Director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab--reveals his groundbreaking exploration of sleep, explaining how we can harness its transformative power to change our lives for the better. Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don't sleep.

#4 · The Real Anthony Fauci

The endorsement here comes from Bret Weinstein, on The Professor Banned From Speaking Out: "We Need To Start Preparing” - Dr Bret W in 2024. Bret is Evolutionary biologist and former professor at The Evergreen State College who became a public intellectual after a 2017 campus controversy. Co-author with his wife Heather Heying of 'A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century' and host of the DarkHorse Podcast. In total it earned 12 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“it is also Al worth reading the book he wrote before that the real Anthony fouchy when one comes to understand” — Bret Weinstein 02:02:51

#5 · Outlive

Recommended by Vanessa Van Edwards on Body Language Expert Explains Why People Dislike You. Vanessa is Behavioral investigator, communication coach, and bestselling author (Captivate) who has taught over 400,000 students to decode body language and become better communicators. A self-described 'recovering awkward person.'. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“Oh my gosh, yes, Peter Aia's book outlive so good. Did you like it? What was your biggest takeaway from that?” — Vanessa Van Edwards 00:35:32

#6 · Essentialism

Chris Williamson brought this up on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity (2023-04-17). Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“in terms of books to read um essentialism by Greg McEwen way of the superior man by uh David data Atomic Habits by James Clear” — Chris Williamson 01:00:33

What it is: Essentialism isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people's agendas? If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist. Essentialism is more than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique.

#7 · Four Thousand Weeks

The endorsement here comes from Matthew Hussey, on Matthew Hussey: The Secret To Building A Perfect Relationship | E142 in 2022. Matthew is New York Times best-selling author and dating coach who runs the world's number one YouTube channel for dating advice. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“oliver burkman his book for anyone who's struggling with being ready for commitment is a really powerful book you could read that book as a dating book” — Matthew Hussey 01:23:23

What it is: The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief: if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody needs telling that there isn't enough time. We're obsessed by our lengthening to-do lists, our overfilled inboxes, the struggle against distraction, and the sense that our attention spans are shrivelling. Yet we rarely make the conscious connection that these problems only trouble us in the first place thanks to the ultimate time-management problem: the challenge of how best to use our four thousand weeks.

#8 · Lost Connections

Recommended by Michael Acton Smith on Calm App Founder: From $0 To $2 Billion By Making The World Meditate: Michael Ac. Michael is British entrepreneur, billionaire co-founder of the meditation and sleep app Calm, and earlier founder of Firebox, Mind Candy, Perplex City and Moshi Monsters. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“Johann Hari talks about in his book. Lost Connections is one of my favorite books. We're disconnected from what made us human” — Michael Acton Smith 01:05:24

What it is: "Across the world, Hari found social scientists who were uncovering evidence that depression and anxiety are not caused by a chemical imbalance in our brains. In fact, they [believe they] are largely caused by key problems with the way we live today. Hari's journey took him from a ... series of experiments in Baltimore, to an Amish community in Indiana, to an uprising in Berlin. Once he had uncovered [what he argues are] nine real causes of depression and anxiety, they led him to scientists who are discovering seven very different solutions"--Amazon.com.

#9 · How to Win Friends and Influence People

Oz Pearlman brought this up on Oz Pearlman (Mentalist): This Small Mistake Makes People Dislike You! They Do Th (2025-10-23). Oz is World-leading mentalist and Dragons' Den (USA) regular who walked away from a Merrill Lynch Wall Street job to perform. He has appeared dozens of times on CNBC and headlines for corporate and celebrity audiences, and is author of the book Read Your Mind. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“It's like How to Win Friends and Influence People. It's a book I've read over and over and over.” — Oz Pearlman 00:39:47

What it is: Available for the first time ever in trade paperback, Dale Carnegie's enduring classic, the inspirational personal development guide that shows how to achieve lifelong success. One of the top-selling books of all time, "How to Win Friends & Influence People" has sold more than 15 million copies in all its editions.

#10 · Antifragile

The endorsement here comes from Harley Finkelstein, on Shopify President: How To Become A Millionaire For The Price Of A Starbucks Coff in 2023. Harley is President of Shopify, the e-commerce platform worth over $60 billion; former COO, self-described entrepreneur and chief storyteller. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“there's a great book by Nissim tele called anti-fragile are you familiar with that I love that book” — Harley Finkelstein 00:48:40

What it is: "The acclaimed author of the influential bestseller The Black Swan, Nicholas Nassim Taleb takes a next big step with a deceptively simple concept: the "antifragile." Like the Greek hydra that grows two heads for each one it loses, people, systems, and institutions that are antifragile not only withstand shocks, they benefit from them. In a modern world dominated by chaos and uncertainty, Antifragile is a revolutionary vision from one of the most subversive and important thinkers of our time. Praise for Nicholas Nassim Taleb "[This] is the lesson of Taleb. and also the lesson of our volatile times.

#11 · The Lessons of History

Recommended by Ray Dalio on Ray Dalio: We’re Heading Into Very, Very Dark Times! America & The UK’s Decline . Ray is Billionaire investor who founded Bridgewater Associates, which he built into the world's largest hedge fund managing about $150 billion. He is known for studying 500 years of history to predict economic and geopolitical cycles, and for his books on principles. In total it earned 4 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“a book by Will and Ariel Durant, which are the maybe the greatest historians in time, and it's called Lessons from History” — Ray Dalio 01:29:05

What it is: Written by the authors of the 10 volume The Story of Civilization, this short (fewer than 120 pages) work notes "events and comments that might illuminate present affairs, future probabilities, the nature of man, and the conduct of states." Its 13 chapters discuss historiography (what is history), history and the earth, history and biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, growth and decay. The final chapter asks, "Is progress real?"

#12 · Atomic Habits

Chris Williamson brought this up on Chris Williamson: Fix This One Habit And 2026 Will Be Your Best Year! (2025-12-29). Chris is British podcaster and host of Modern Wisdom, one of the world's biggest podcasts and a former nightclub promoter turned personal-development thinker now based in the US. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“James Cle has been on my show. I think he's been on your show too. Uh best habit book of all time, Atomic Habits.” — Chris Williamson 00:44:37

What it is: No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Atomic Habits pdf

#13 · Good to Great

The endorsement here comes from James Watt, on Brewdog Founder: The Untold Story Of One Britain’s Fastest Growing Companies: Ja in 2022. James is Co-founder and CEO of BrewDog, the Scottish craft beer company he started in 2007 with friend Martin Dickie and a dog. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“it's actually in the book good to see by jim collins which is a fantastic business book” — James Watt 00:10:56

#14 · The Anxious Generation

Recommended by Scott Galloway on Scott Galloway: We’re Raising The Most Unhappy Generation In History! Hard Work . Scott is NYU Stern marketing professor, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Algebra of Wealth. A leading voice on business, finance, and the economic struggles of young men. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“My colleague at NYU wrote this book that's This is the book we wish we'd written. The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt.” — Scott Galloway 00:55:17

What it is: After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on many measures. Why? In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt (pronounced "height") lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.

#15 · The Chimp Paradox

Steven Bartlett brought this up on Romesh Ranganathan: There's A Dark Voice In My Head That I've Learnt To Control (2023-02-09). That episode features Romesh Ranganathan, British stand-up comedian, writer and TV presenter, former teacher; one of the UK's most popular comedians. It has been genuinely recommended 3 times on the show.

“Steve Peters who wrote The Chimp Paradox. And he talks about Have you read it? It's a great book.” — Steven Bartlett 00:29:28

#16 · Built to Move

The endorsement here comes from Chris Williamson, on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity in 2023. Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“the Align method by Aaron Alexander Kelly starrett's new built to move Peter attia's new outlive” — Chris Williamson 01:01:04

#17 · The Status Game

Recommended by Steven Bartlett on The More Successful You Are The Longer You'll Live! Will Storr. That episode features Will Storr, Award-winning British author of six books including Selfie, The Science of Storytelling, and The Status Game; former journalist exploring psychology, status, and the self. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan).

“of all these books, I love them all, but this one in particular is my favorite... So, I highly recommend everybody checks it out.” — Steven Bartlett 01:42:18

#18 · Attached

Paul Brunson brought this up on World’s No.1 Matchmaker: How To FIND And KEEP Real Love!: Paul Brunson | E187 (2022-10-17). Paul is Relationship scientist and matchmaker who built one of the largest matchmaking agencies in the US, became the first full-time black matchmaker, and co-hosts dating TV shows including Married at First Sight UK after being discovered by Oprah. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman).

“Dr. Lavine wrote a phenomenal book called attached right on this and I recommend for for everyone” — Paul Brunson 00:15:09

What it is: Introduces the theory of adult attachment as an advanced relationship science that can enable individuals to find and sustain love, offering insight into the roles of genetics and early family life in how people approach relationships.

#19 · Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

The endorsement here comes from Robert Greene, on We Are Making Dangerous, Lonely & Broken Men! - Manipulation Expert, Robert Gree in 2025. Robert is Author of bestselling books on power and human psychology, including The 48 Laws of Power, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature. One of the most influential modern writers on strategy and manipulation. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO).

“once you know that it gives you a sense of direction... and I always recommend people reading this book because it's very very important” — Robert Greene 00:46:25

What it is: Explores the development of the theory of multiple intelligences over the last decade.

#20 · Getting Things Done

Recommended by Chris Williamson on Chris Williamson: Fix This One Habit And 2026 Will Be Your Best Year!. Chris is British podcaster and host of Modern Wisdom, one of the world's biggest podcasts and a former nightclub promoter turned personal-development thinker now based in the US. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“People want a really really great productivity strategy. Getting things done by David Allen is is about as good as you can get.” — Chris Williamson 00:54:24

What it is: In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential.

#21 · The Alchemist

Chris Williamson brought this up on 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Iman Gadzhi & Body Positivity (2023-04-17). Chris is Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast, former club promoter and Love Island contestant turned long-form interviewer known for evolutionary-psychology and self-development conversations. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“The Alchemist by Paulo coella got like one and a half right Alchemist would probably be in there” — Chris Williamson 01:14:36

What it is: Offers an adaptation in graphic novel format of a modern classic about the globe-trotting spiritual journey of a humble shepherd boy.

#22 · The Artist's Way

The endorsement here comes from Fearne Cotton, on Fearne Cotton: THIS Is How To Build Confidence & Set Yourself Free | E116 in 2022. Fearne is British TV and radio presenter who started on Disney/ITV at 15 and spent years at BBC Radio 1; now an author and founder of the Happy Place podcast, festival and publishing brand. In total it earned 3 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“i've just re-read the artist's way you do your pages every morning you just write what comes to mind you're getting to know yourself” — Fearne Cotton 01:01:11

What it is: The Artist's Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist's life. Still as vital today-or perhaps even more so-than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist's Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist's Way for a new century.

#23 · The 4-Hour Workweek

Recommended by James Smith on James Smith: Become Confident In 100 Minutes | E174. James is British personal trainer turned online fitness entrepreneur and author of Not a Diet Book, Not a Life Coach, and a new book on confidence; returning Diary of a CEO guest. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“he recommended the book four hour by week and i got home and i read through it and there were some things that just didn't apply” — James Smith 01:25:42

What it is: The New York Times bestselling how-to and why-to guide to throwing out the old tools and methods for success and replacing them with a whole new way of living Tim Ferriss has trouble defining what he does for a living.

#24 · Happy Sexy Millionaire

Ali Abdaal brought this up on Productivity Expert: How To Finally Stay Productive: Ali Abdaal | E93 (2021-08-16). Ali is Doctor-turned-YouTuber, entrepreneur, and productivity expert; a Cambridge medicine graduate with millions of subscribers who teaches productivity and self-improvement. It has been genuinely recommended 2 times on the show.

“And if anyone's listening to this who hasn't read the book, would recommend. Or the audiobook in particular, which is narrated by you.” — Ali Abdaal 01:35:27

#25 · Steve Jobs

The endorsement here comes from Codie Sanchez, on Codie Sanchez: They're Lying To You About How To Get Rich! How To Turn $0 Into $ in 2024. Codie is Former 15-year Wall Street finance investor (Goldman Sachs, First Trust) turned multimillionaire owner of 26+ businesses via Contrarian Thinking. She teaches millions how to buy 'boring businesses' like laundromats and car washes and is launching the marketplace BizScout. In total it earned 2 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“who's the guy that wrote Steve Jobs book is it abramof Walter Ison Walter Isaacson yeah Incredible Book to even listen to to see that reality Distortion field” — Codie Sanchez 00:57:17

What it is: Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years -- as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues -- Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.