The best leadership books about leading with heart and soul

This book is a profound and practical guide on how love can transform leadership. Manby, who’s spent decades in executive roles, argues that love isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a strategy for success. He shares seven principles of agape love, like patience, kindness, and honesty, which foster stronger relationships, deeper trust, and higher performance in the workplace. Manby shows that when leaders embrace these values, they create a culture where employees feel valued, morale soars, and productivity flourishes. His message is simple yet powerful: leading with love is not just good for people; it’s good for business, and it leads to sustainable success.

At a time when it seems everyone around us is lonely and sad, Joel not only gives us permission to tell people we love them but gives us the language to do it in a safe and affirming manner.

This book is a powerful leadership manifesto that revolves around resilience and relentless positivity. Fleck’s philosophy is more than a slogan; it’s a mindset. He teaches leaders to embrace adversity, stay focused on the present, and keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Through deeply personal stories and proven strategies, Fleck shows how passion, sacrifice, and responsibility build success, not just in teams but in life. His approach challenges leaders to create a culture of enthusiasm and perseverance, motivating their people to pull together toward a common goal. If you’re looking to inspire your team and lead with a relentless, positive attitude, this book will give you the tools to do it.

P.J. Fleck uses his story of the pain and loss of a child to create a fundamentally new way of looking at a life philosophy that becomes a north star to those of us who more than occasionally feel lost and directionless.

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is a fresh take on leadership that emphasizes the power of extraordinary customer service. Guidara, a renowned restaurateur, shares how going beyond what’s expected—by offering "unreasonable" levels of hospitality—can set any organization apart. He breaks down how genuine care, attention to detail, and surprise moments can turn ordinary customer interactions into unforgettable experiences. His lessons aren’t just for restaurants; they’re for any leader who wants to create a service-oriented culture that makes customers feel truly valued. Guidara shows how exceptional hospitality can build deep, lasting relationships with clients and create a culture of excellence within the team that leads to sustained success.

Will Guidara takes us through a journey of excellence that is neither straight nor easy, but his easy style of persistence is achievable in all our lives and organizations.  

This is a game-changing book for leaders looking to stay relevant, adaptable, and authentic in today’s fast-paced world. Lomenick distills leadership into three essential traits: Humble, Hungry, and Hustle. Through a combination of practical insights and personal stories, he provides actionable habits that leaders can adopt to improve themselves and their teams.

Lomenick encourages leaders to embrace humility, never lose their hunger for learning and growth, and maintain a relentless drive to get things done. This book offers a roadmap for becoming a leader who not only achieves results but also inspires and empowers others, making it a must-read for anyone serious about long-term leadership success.

H3—Humble, Hungary, and Hustle exemplifies Brad Lomenick’s life and commitment to lifting up everyone around him. After reading this book, you will understand why Brad is referred to as the most connected Christian leader in America. 

This book is an inspiring and highly practical guide from one of the most respected leaders in the hospitality industry. As the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton, Schulze shares the secrets behind creating a culture of excellence that drives world-class service and lasting success.

He emphasizes the importance of a customer-first mindset, empowering employees to take ownership and setting uncompromising standards that everyone in the organization strives to meet. Schulze’s approach shows that excellence isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about consistently exceeding them in every detail. This book is a masterclass for leaders who want to build a high-performance organization that stands out and thrives through exceptional service and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In some ways, Horst Schulze invented modern hospitality in America. His leadership lessons can be seen in the way companies like Chick-fil-A interact with their customers. This is a journey of greatness that we can all emulate.