As creative professionals grow into leadership roles, the ability to design is only part of the equation. To lead effectively, you must also learn how to think like a strategist, communicate with stakeholders from all backgrounds, and advocate for design in the language of business.
At DolFinContent, we help elevate design leaders by arming them with strategic frameworks and the tools to scale creative impact. One of the most powerful tools? Books.
We curated this list from conversations with leading creatives, including Adam Morgan, and compiled 10 essential reads that expand your business fluency, leadership mindset, and creative resilience.
1. Creative Strategy and the Business of Design
Douglas Davis
Design school teaches design. But leadership roles require fluency in business. Davis offers a crash course in how to translate creative decisions into business value—bridging the gap between design thinking and business strategy.
Why read it: Because understanding business strategy is no longer optional—it’s a core design leadership skill.
2. The Discipline of Market Leaders
Michael Treacy & Fred Wiersema
This classic Harvard Business Review-backed book outlines how companies succeed by focusing on one of three value disciplines: operational excellence, customer intimacy, or product leadership.
Why read it: To understand how focusing on one differentiator can give your creative strategy sharper impact.
3. Herding Tigers
Todd Henry
Creative leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating the conditions for bold work to thrive. Henry explores how to manage, coach, and inspire creative people without stifling them.
Why read it: Because leading creative teams requires a different kind of leadership playbook.
4. The Infinite Game
Simon Sinek
Sinek makes a powerful argument that the best companies play a long-term game built on purpose, trust, and adaptability. Business isn’t chess—it’s infinite.
Why read it: To reset your leadership lens around sustainability and meaning, not short-term wins.
5. Play Bigger
Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead & Kevin Maney
Great companies don’t just compete—they create new categories. This book unpacks the strategies behind category design and how businesses can shape markets, not chase them.
Why read it: Because building a legendary brand starts with defining the game, not just playing it better.
6. Pocket Full of Do
Chris Do
This is a book about mindset. Written by designer and coach Chris Do, it covers creativity, pricing, negotiation, leadership, and confidence—in digestible, actionable insights.
Why read it: For practical, motivational insights that speak directly to creative professionals trying to build businesses or lead teams.
7. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
Al Ries & Jack Trout
A foundational book in marketing strategy. It explains why the real battleground for your brand is inside your audience’s mind, and how to create a position that sticks.
Why read it: Because no matter how good your design is, your audience needs to understand what space you own.
8. Radical Candor
Kim Scott
Being a good boss means giving clear feedback—without losing your humanity. Scott shares how to build trust through honesty and care.
Why read it: To develop the communication style every creative leader needs, especially when giving (or receiving) feedback.
9. Strategy Is Your Words
Mark Pollard
Strategy doesn’t live in jargon—it lives in clear, bold, truthful language. Pollard argues that strategy is a writing discipline, and every strategist is a writer at heart.
Why read it: Because strategy is only useful if you can articulate it clearly, concisely, and meaningfully.
10. A Time to Think
Nancy Kline
Leadership isn’t about speaking—it’s about creating space for others to think. Kline lays out the 10 components of a "thinking environment" where creativity and clarity thrive.
Why read it: To become a better listener, and build teams that solve problems through deeper reflection, not louder voices.
Bonus Book: Sorry Spock, Emotions Drive Business
Adam Morgan
Based on neuroscience and real-world campaigns, this book makes a compelling case for why emotionally charged creative ideas deliver better business outcomes. If you need to prove the value of creativity to executives—this is your data-backed weapon.
Why read it: Because great ideas need great advocates. This book teaches you how to prove your creative intuition with science.
Want More?
At DolFinContent, we champion the creative leaders shaping tomorrow’s brands. Whether you’re heading into your first leadership role or guiding a full creative org, we believe in learning as a lifelong advantage.
Explore more:
- Connect with authors and fellow creatives on LinkedIn
- Follow DolFinContent to get first access to expert insights and events
- Download our free design leadership guide
- Attend our live workshops and summits focused on design, strategy, and creative operations
- Check out bonus lists:
- 7 Books Every Creative Should Read
- 6 Business Books for Creative Directors
- Mark Pollard’s Best Books on Writing (aka Strategy)
Design leadership isn’t just about pixels—it’s about people, purpose, and persuasion. Ready to level up your creative impact?
Let’s Chat.
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