What CEOs Are Reading in the Early Hours

Long before meetings begin and decisions are made, many CEOs are turning pages. Reading in the early hours is more than a morning ritual — it’s a competitive advantage.

This blog explores the morning reading habits of top executives, the types of books they prioritise, and how daily learning fuels better thinking and leadership. You’ll also discover how to build your own CEO book routines, creating powerful success reading habits to guide your growth.

Why Reading Is a Morning Priority for CEOs

High performers know that calm, focused mornings lead to smarter decisions. Reading in the early hours helps them think more clearly, learn continuously, and lead more effectively.

Key Benefits:

• Sharpens focus before distractions hit
• Stimulates creativity and new ideas
• Strengthens long-term thinking
• Reinforces leadership values and mindset
• Provides calm reflection before chaos begins

It’s not about speed-reading — it’s about steady learning, one page at a time.

Which CEOs Prioritise Morning Reading?

Across industries, influential leaders credit reading with fuelling their performance, wisdom, and innovation.

Bill Gates – Co-founder, Microsoft

Reads about 50 books a year. Dedicates time each morning to thoughtful, focused reading.

Warren Buffett – Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway

Spends up to 80% of his day reading — starting early. He says knowledge builds like compound interest.

Barack Obama – Former U.S. President

Read daily, especially in the mornings, to escape noise and deepen perspective.

Howard Schultz – Former CEO, Starbucks

Uses early hours for reading business case studies, leadership books, and biographies for insight and reflection.

Jeff Bezos – Founder, Amazon

Has spoken about his reading habits as core to long-term thinking. Often reads before work or during early solo hours.

These CEO book routines aren’t just hobbies — they’re frameworks for daily growth and smarter leadership.

What CEOs Tend to Read in the Morning

Their libraries might be diverse, but their focus is clear: ideas that shape behaviour, sharpen thinking, and stretch perspective.

Common Categories:

• Business strategy and innovation
• Behavioural psychology and decision-making
• Biographies of successful leaders
• Economics and technology
• Philosophy and personal growth

Reading in the morning primes their mindset — and gives them fresh thinking before the world interrupts.

Popular Books on CEO Morning Reading Lists

If you’re building your own success reading habits, these books are strong additions to your shelf.

1. “Principles” by Ray Dalio

A go-to for understanding decision frameworks and leadership discipline.

2. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen

Frequently cited by tech CEOs for insight on disruption and sustained growth.

3. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius

A timeless read for perspective, emotional control, and resilient thinking.

4. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

Explores how we think, decide, and judge — and how to do it better.

5. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

Used by founders and executives to guide real-world leadership challenges.

These aren’t “feel-good” books. They’re tools for thinking better — exactly what CEOs want from their mornings.

How Morning Reading Supports Leadership

It’s not just what you read — it’s when and how you absorb it.

Morning Reading Helps You:

• Start from reflection, not reaction
• Focus your thoughts before task lists hit
• Develop strategic insight without urgency
• Slow down and think long-term
• Enter the day mentally engaged and centred

This gives you a clearer lens through which to view problems, plans, and people.

How to Build Your Own Morning Reading Habit

You don’t need 90 minutes. Even 10 minutes of focused reading can reset your mind and sharpen your leadership.

1. Choose a Time You Can Protect

Block off 10–20 minutes. Ideally before emails, calls, or meetings.

2. Keep Your Book Visible

Place it on your desk or next to your coffee — visual cues matter.

3. Read with Purpose

Choose topics that align with your role, goals, or values.

4. Reflect Briefly

Note one key idea. Ask: “How does this apply today?”

5. Be Consistent, Not Perfect

Even five pages a day adds up. Stick with it.

Reading vs. Scrolling: Why It Matters

Starting your day with a book, not a screen, offers deeper focus and less mental clutter.

Books Provide:

• Thoughtful structure
• Long-form thinking
• Deep context
• No dopamine-driven distractions

Phones Provide:

• Alerts
• Opinions
• Overwhelm
• Comparison

Choose the tool that prepares you to lead — not react.

Pair Reading with Other Morning Rituals

Reading can be part of a wider morning system that prepares your body and mind.

Try This 20-Minute CEO Morning Flow:

1. Stretch or walk (5 mins)
2. Read (10 mins)
3. Write down a key insight (2 mins)
4. Set a leadership intention (3 mins)

This blend activates the body, brain, and mindset — before work even begins.

Success Reading Habits You Can Adopt Today

If you’re not sure where to begin, start small. Build rituals that last.

1. Keep a CEO reading list

Track titles mentioned by leaders you admire. Add one per month.

2. Start a reading log

Write the date, pages read, and one lesson per session.

3. Use margin time

Read while commuting, waiting, or during coffee — minutes matter.

4. Read physical books

Less distraction, more retention.

5. Read early, not late

Morning absorption is sharper, before fatigue sets in.

How Reading Builds Thought Leadership

Informed leaders don’t just manage — they guide.

By reading deeply and consistently, you gain:

• Broader insight
• Better communication
• Thoughtful opinions
• Creative solutions
• Confidence in your ideas

These traits make you more valuable — not just as a manager, but as a strategist and leader.

Lead with What You Learn

Top CEOs aren’t just leading people — they’re leading ideas. Their mornings begin with stillness, focus, and information that stretches their thinking.

By building your own morning reading habits, you prepare to solve problems more calmly, lead more intentionally, and grow more steadily.

Start with one book. Read for 10 minutes. Capture one idea.

That’s how CEO book routines are born. That’s how successful reading habits begin.