Celebrated on April 23rd, World Book Day is more than just a tribute to literature; it's an invitation to reflect on the transformative power of reading. In the corporate world, it becomes a strategic ally, helping leaders make more assertive decisions, stimulate creativity, and build more innovative business visions.
For many executives, reading is part of a routine of continuous development, as is the case with Bill Gates, who has stated that he reads about 50 books a year, a habit he considers essential for his personal and professional growth. On this special date, we have gathered the titles that have shaped the way of thinking, leading, and undertaking ventures of some of the biggest names in the market. These are works that go beyond theory and offer practical lessons on management, organizational behavior, innovation, and purposeful leadership. Check out the recommendations:
João Victorino is the founder of the YouTube channel A Hora do Dinheiro (The Money Hour), a business administrator, an MBA professor at Ibmec, and a financial educator.
"The book Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman, opened my eyes to how often our decisions are influenced by external factors and could be better. It dismantles the belief that humans are purely rational animals. Sometimes, small situations can create biases that profoundly impact us."
Maria Fernanda Antunes Junqueira is the founder of CUPONATION, the largest platform for deals, savings, and shopping inspiration in Brazil.
“The book *The Power of Habit*, by Charles Duhigg, profoundly impacted me by showing how small daily choices shape big results—both in personal and professional life. As a company leader, a woman, and a mother, I have an intense and demanding routine. I learned that creating good habits and consistent routines is the key to balancing priorities, leading with focus, and still having space for what matters most. The book helped me understand that real change happens in the details of everyday life—and that's what I strive to apply to my leadership style.”
Pedro Signorelli is the founder of Pragmática and one of Brazil's leading experts in management, with an emphasis on OKRs.
“A book that changed my perspective was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleby Stephen Covey, which I read in 2001 when I was in my final year of college. There's a chapter that addresses the spheres of control, that is, what is within and what is outside your control, what you can or cannot influence, and the level of concern you place on each of these issues. This was very important to me! And I've suggested to several people that they also consider these topics, as it would be very helpful.”
Rafael Rojas is the co-founder and CTO of Budz, a Brazilian pet tech company that uses artificial intelligence to empower pet owners.
“Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Skin in the Game, explores the importance of taking real risks when making decisions that affect other people. In my view, this means that it’s not enough to lead; you need to be exposed to the consequences of your own choices. Having ‘skin in the game’ aligns interests, generates more responsibility, and strengthens the company’s long-term vision. This reading helped me build this vision about business: those who lead need to be willing to truly commit to the impact of strategic decisions.”
Rodrigo Vitor is the founder and CEO of Fito, an agency specializing in events and live marketing.
“I chose the book Reinventing Organizations, by Frederic Laloux, because it presents a profoundly innovative approach to how companies can be more human, evolutionary, and purpose-driven. At a time when Fito is experiencing a cycle of expansion and consolidation, the lessons from the book resonate directly with what we seek to build: a collaborative organization with autonomous teams and a strong culture. Reading it made me rethink the role of leadership, more as a facilitator than a director, and reinforced the importance of active listening, a sense of ownership, and freedom with responsibility. Since then, strategic decisions have been guided by this more organic perspective, connected to the essence of who we are: a brand that creates memorable experiences with meaning.”
