5 Great Resources to Grow as a Leader

In 2025, strong leadership will require a proactive approach to learning, adapting, and staying ahead of industry trends.

To help you build your leadership skills and navigate the challenges of the year ahead, here are five practical actions you can take right now. Let’s jump in.

1. Subscribe to the newsletter of Peter Diamandis. He’s a lifeline to the future.

We’re experiencing seismic shifts: globalization, staffing challenges, digitization, remote work, generational dynamics, and geopolitical tensions. To stay ahead as a leader, you must actively systematize your learning about a primary driver: technologies driving change.

And no, it’s not all about artificial intelligence. A full spectrum of technologies—quantum computing, sensor technology, and renewable energy are shifting industries and economies. Dedicating time to daily learning will sharpen your ability to anticipate trends and connect the dots between your industry and your clients’ evolving needs.

Subscribe to the Diamandis newsletter, Futureloop, to keep up with the latest.

2. Download and listen to the classic book, The Leadership Challenge

Listen to The Leadership Challenge (7th Edition) by Kouzes and Posner during your commute or work-out. In 2024, I listened to the most recent edition, and it’s fantastic. This timeless classic distills 40 years of research into actionable steps you can implement immediately.

The best leaders know when to act boldly and when to pause. They recognize that what you don’t do is as important as what you do. This book offers the clarity and tools you need to navigate the complexities of modern leadership while inspiring those around you.

3. Read A Leader’s Framework for Decision-Making

The ability to discern complexity and act decisively is paramount in today’s business environment. Enter Snowden and Boone’s classic Harvard Business Review article, A Leader’s Framework for Decision-Making. This piece offers a powerful guide for navigating complex adaptive challenges in an unpredictable world.

If you find this article illuminating, let me know—I’d be happy to share complementary resources to deepen your understanding.

4. Get Really Good at Listening & Setting the Right Tone

Leading a team to tackle complex adaptive challenges requires you to be good. Really good. Not only do you know what great leaders do (see Leadership Challenge above), but you communicate in a way that gets the most out of individuals and the team. Tape a sticky note on your desk with the mantra: “Listen More.” True listening is deeper than hearing words—it’s about attuning yourself to non-verbals, emotional undercurrents, and what’s being left unsaid.

• Is a contentious issue not being debated? Red flag.
• Are you the only one speaking during an important decision? Red flag.
• Are team members hesitating to share honest perspectives? Red flag.

Active listening is an underrated superpower in leadership. It creates trust, diffuses tension, and sparks genuine collaboration. Want to up your game? Read this insightful blog post by Megan Reitz: You’re Not as Good a Listener as You Think. Also, take a page from Jeff Bezos—master the art of speaking last. Check out this article about his approach.

5. Sign Up for Practical Wisdom for Leaders

Time is a precious commodity for senior leaders, so I curate Practical Wisdom for Leaders. I deliver four high-value weekly resources that cut through the noise and spotlight what truly matters. Think of it as your weekly leadership cheat sheet. Skim the headlines, dive deeper where it resonates, and walk away with actionable insights to stay sharp and ahead of the curve.

To sum up, leadership in 2025 will require more than resilience—it will demand a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and relentless growth. Embrace these tips to future-proof your leadership and empower your team to confidently tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.