University of Kwazulu-Natal

First Look Leadership Books For April 2025 Open Association Of

Bonisiwe Shabane
-
first look leadership books for april 2025 open association of

One of the most common traits of high-performing leaders is that they are voracious readers. Why? Because leaders understand this timeless truth: books are mentors in print. You may never get the chance to have a face-to-face meeting with a well-known leader. B ut when you open their book, it is like sitting across from them at lunch — soaking in their wisdom, learning from their mistakes, and borrowing their courage for the journey ahead. Let me give you a real-life example.

This month, for just $21 plus tax, I get to be personally coached by Sahil Bloom — one of the brightest thought leaders of this generation. How? I bought his book. That is the incredible return on investment of reading. For the cost of a few cups of coffee, you get instant access to people who have already solved the problems you are currently facing — and they left the blueprint behind in their... Books make you smarter.

They expand your worldview. They give you confidence, language, tools, and the kind of mindset that moves the needle in your leadership. And that’s just scratching the surface. Great books move, connect, and improve people. That’s why leaders need to be readers. The more you read, digest, and apply, the more you’ll grow your leadership abilities.

More than that, you’ll be able to connect with others as you discuss the principles and ideas within the books you read. It’s one of the reasons I bring you a list of great leadership books to read every month. Here’s the books I’m suggesting you read in April 2025. Do you feel overwhelmed trying to run your own business? Or maybe you feel like you’re running the business but you work for someone else. Catherine Roe tackles the challenge of entrepreneurs (and the creep into working for someone else) in No More 24/7.

Roe discusses how to: What’s defining great leadership in 2025? These books are setting the tone. At The New Standard, we help leaders expand their impact in a world that won’t slow down. That means staying connected to the ideas, tools, and perspectives shaping what it means to lead right now. From sharper communication to sustainable performance, the best leadership books of 2025 deliver research-backed insight you can put to work immediately.

They’re showing up in boardrooms, team huddles, and coaching conversations, and pushing leaders toward greater clarity and confidence. Here’s our take on the year’s most essential new releases, plus a few timeless titles every serious leader should keep within reach. Duhigg shows what it takes to truly connect with teams, stakeholders, and clients by blending neuroscience, case studies, and memorable storytelling. This is your playbook for leading high-stakes conversations and building trust across difference. In an ever-evolving workforce, effective leadership remains the cornerstone of success. Our curated list blends time-tested principles with cutting-edge strategies to help leaders thrive in today’s dynamic environment.

Whether you’re navigating organizational change, building a resilient team, or mastering personal growth, these 25 books are your ultimate guide to becoming a more impactful leader in 2025. At Leadr, we use these resources daily to shape our leadership philosophy, spark innovation, and foster stronger connections with our teams. These titles aren’t just good reads—they’re trusted tools for transforming how you lead and inspire. Explore this list to find the inspiration and insights you need to elevate your leadership and make 2025 your most successful year yet. John Maxwell offers practical advice on leading with integrity, humility, and vision. He emphasizes the importance of character and creating an environment where teams feel empowered to excel together.

Jenni Catron provides a step-by-step guide to building a resilient team culture that not only survives challenges but thrives through them. The book is packed with practical advice and real-world examples for leaders at all levels. Simon Sinek delves into the biology of leadership, explaining how great leaders create environments of trust and cooperation. His powerful insights inspire leaders to prioritize the well-being of their teams for lasting impact. From refining strategy to reimagining leadership and member engagement, today’s association leaders are tackling complex challenges—and they’re finding insight and inspiration in the right books. We asked ten association executives and thought leaders—each of whom appeared on the Association Adviser podcast—to share one book that’s shaped their leadership, problem-solving, and change-driven approach.

These aren’t just good reads—they’re field-tested guides to modern leadership in the association space, shared without affiliate links or sales pitches—just genuine recommendations. Recommended by: Michael Reed, American Fence Association Recommended for: Associations looking to innovate with focus and intention In our conversation about leveraging AI and technology to modernize operations, Michael Reed emphasized the importance of structure, focus, and intentionality. That’s exactly where Measure What Matters delivers. The book explores how Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) create clarity around priorities—something Reed applied firsthand when transforming the American Fence Association’s back-office systems, education programs, and member engagement strategy. For any association looking to innovate without getting overwhelmed, this book offers a roadmap to ensure every tool and tactic aligns with measurable goals.

Recommended by: Michelle Mason, ASAE Recommended for: Associations working to build a resilient, inclusive culture

People Also Search

One Of The Most Common Traits Of High-performing Leaders Is

One of the most common traits of high-performing leaders is that they are voracious readers. Why? Because leaders understand this timeless truth: books are mentors in print. You may never get the chance to have a face-to-face meeting with a well-known leader. B ut when you open their book, it is like sitting across from them at lunch — soaking in their wisdom, learning from their mistakes, and bor...

This Month, For Just $21 Plus Tax, I Get To

This month, for just $21 plus tax, I get to be personally coached by Sahil Bloom — one of the brightest thought leaders of this generation. How? I bought his book. That is the incredible return on investment of reading. For the cost of a few cups of coffee, you get instant access to people who have already solved the problems you are currently facing — and they left the blueprint behind in their.....

They Expand Your Worldview. They Give You Confidence, Language, Tools,

They expand your worldview. They give you confidence, language, tools, and the kind of mindset that moves the needle in your leadership. And that’s just scratching the surface. Great books move, connect, and improve people. That’s why leaders need to be readers. The more you read, digest, and apply, the more you’ll grow your leadership abilities.

More Than That, You’ll Be Able To Connect With Others

More than that, you’ll be able to connect with others as you discuss the principles and ideas within the books you read. It’s one of the reasons I bring you a list of great leadership books to read every month. Here’s the books I’m suggesting you read in April 2025. Do you feel overwhelmed trying to run your own business? Or maybe you feel like you’re running the business but you work for someone ...

Roe Discusses How To: What’s Defining Great Leadership In 2025?

Roe discusses how to: What’s defining great leadership in 2025? These books are setting the tone. At The New Standard, we help leaders expand their impact in a world that won’t slow down. That means staying connected to the ideas, tools, and perspectives shaping what it means to lead right now. From sharper communication to sustainable performance, the best leadership books of 2025 deliver researc...