What I’m Reading Now: The Diary of a CEO
Since I was little, I’ve always found peace in putting pen to paper. Whether I was journaling about my day or scribbling down a quick poem, writing was my safe space – the place where I could sort through feelings, find my rhythm, and just be.
When I wasn’t writing, you could almost always find me tucked away with a book in hand, lost in another world. Books like Charlotte’s Web and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe sparked my imagination, while The Baby-Sitters Club became my faithful escape – a world I could count on no matter what was happening in my own.
These days, my reading list looks a little different. I’m drawn to self-development books that stretch my thinking and remind me that growth never really ends. (We’ll dive into that list later!) But I still find myself reaching for stories that offer gentle guidance – where someone else’s hard-earned wisdom meets me right where I am.
So, here’s a peek at what’s on my nightstand right now and the words I’m leaning on as I write my next chapter.
Book Review: The Diary of a CEO – The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett
Some books motivate you for a week. Others change the way you think about business, life, and even yourself. The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett falls squarely into the second category.
If the name sounds familiar, you might know Bartlett from his hit podcast The Diary of a CEO or his story of going from a broke college dropout to the founder of Social Chain, a multi-million-dollar media company.
In this book, he distills everything he’s learned along that journey into 33 “laws” – not rules in the traditional sense, but mindset shifts that shape success from the inside out.
What Makes This Book Different
Unlike the typical business book filled with formulas and buzzwords, Bartlett takes a deeply personal approach. He shares the messy, emotional parts of entrepreneurship: loneliness, self-doubt, and burnout that rarely make it into highlight reels.
His writing feels less like reading a manual and more like sitting down with a brutally honest mentor who’s walked through both failure and fame. Each law is rooted in psychology, experience, and reflection, making the book equally valuable for leaders, creators, or anyone chasing growth.
The Four Pillars of the Book
Bartlett structures his 33 laws around four core pillars, the foundations of a fulfilled and successful life:
The Self – Understanding who you are and how your beliefs, habits, and self-perception shape your reality.
The Story – Rewriting the narratives that hold you back and learning to tell a truer, more empowering version of your own.
The Philosophy – Building a personal code of values that guide how you work, lead, and live.
The Team – Recognizing that lasting success is never built alone; it’s about the relationships, trust, and culture you create along the way.
Each pillar builds on the next, forming a framework for personal and professional transformation – not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone determined to live with intention.
Why It’s Worth Reading
This isn’t a “how to get rich” guide. It’s a “how to build a life that matters” guide. Bartlett seamlessly blends business strategy with emotional intelligence, showing that success without self-awareness isn’t really success at all.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure of your next move, The Diary of a CEO offers a grounded yet inspiring reminder that growth begins within. It’s equal parts personal development, business wisdom, and emotional storytelling, all wrapped in a voice that feels refreshingly human.
What about you?
What books or words are helping you grow, heal, or dream a little bigger these days? Share your favorites – I’d love to add them to my list.
