If you’re a CFO looking for a high-quality reads this summer, whether for a quiet moment on the beach or a delayed flight - we’ve rounded up five thought-provoking books to help you think differently about finance, corporate governance and negotiation.
This year’s shortlist includes two titles from the Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award, a classic that’s only grown more relevant, and new thinking around what companies - and the finance leaders behind them - should really stand for.
Here’s what’s worth packing in your bag this summer:
by Donald H. Chew (2025)
A sweeping look at how corporate finance evolved from a niche academic field into one of the most powerful forces in business. Drawing on decades of essays, interviews and case studies, Chew explores what actually drives long-term value, beyond quarterly earnings.
For CFOs, this is not just a history lesson. It’s a strategic manual for understanding capital allocation, private equity, governance, and risk - through the lens of those who shaped them.
Perfect for: A CFO looking to step back, see the bigger picture, and sharpen their capital allocation instincts.
Available at Waterstones and Amazon.
by John Kay (2024)
What’s the purpose of a company in today’s world? According to economist Sir John Kay, it’s not just profit. This book makes the case for a shift away from shareholder primacy and towards long-term value built through relationships with customers, employees, and society.
CFOs will find this book particularly timely, as ESG, stakeholder governance and ethical finance become central to boardroom conversations.
Perfect for: Anyone wrestling with how to measure and report “value” beyond financials - and where a CFO fits into that shift.
by Parmy Olson (2024) FT Business Book of the Year 2024
A gripping, behind-the-scenes look at the AI arms race between OpenAI and DeepMind, and what it means for the future of business, politics, and society.
This is not a technical book, it’s a story about ambition, innovation, and power. Olson’s reporting gets under the skin of the tech giants shaping tomorrow, and what it means for the rest of us trying to adapt.
For finance leaders, Supremacy is a wake-up call: the AI revolution isn’t coming… It’s already here.
Perfect for: CFOs looking to understand the wider AI landscape before making big decisions about automation, data strategy, or digital transformation.
by Chris Voss (2016)
Not new, but still unmissable.
Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book has become a favourite in boardrooms for good reason. Voss combines hard-won negotiation lessons with real-world business applications, from closing deals to handling high-stakes conversations with confidence.
It’s smart, readable, and immediately useful. And let’s face it - a CFO who can negotiate well saves time, money, and sleepless nights.
Perfect for: Those who want a fast, practical read that improves day-to-day impact.
If you’re after something a little lighter… Try The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s not new, but it’s still being passed around executive teams for a reason. Housel’s essays about behaviour, risk, and the emotional side of money are short, sharp and surprisingly profound.
Perfect for: A weekend read that gets you thinking about money in a more human, reflective way.
The role of the CFO is changing fast. The best leaders are staying ahead not just by mastering numbers but by sharpening their strategic thinking, broadening their perspectives, and staying curious.
These books are a great place to start.
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