The CEO Mindset: Developing Leadership Habits and Mental Models for Success | Build Strategic Thinking | Executive Leadership Skills | Business Growth & Decision-Making Tools

by Shiv Shivakumar

Being a CEO is high up on the list of most people’s career goals. Successful CEOs have a winning attitude, powerful habits and know how to ask the right questions to deliver the best results. But what does it really take to make it as a CEO? This book, penned by corporate leader and management guru Shiv Shivakumar, offers deep insights into the importance of prioritization, reflection, time management, relationships and the evolving landscape of leadership.

Through compelling stories and thorough analysis, Shiv shares invaluable lessons from his own career journey for the first time and brings in perspectives from thirteen leaders across industries like executive search, business, journalism, entrepreneurship, FMCG and education. The book also emphasizes collaboration and the importance of cultivating trust, shedding light on what employees seek from their leaders.

One does not become a CEO overnight—this book will set you on a journey of reflection, inculcating the right leadership values, and develop habits which will pave the way for a more meaningful and rewarding career.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Joan Jaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 The CEO Mindset by #ShivShivakumar

Some key leadership thoughts I noted from the book:

📚 Where is leadership going?
Leadership today is evolving. It is no longer just about authority or strategy, but about mindset and the ability to adapt.

📚 From humility to humiliation
In a transparent world, leaders who lose humility can quickly lose credibility and trust.

📚 What employees want from their CEO
More than power or position, employees want a People Person — someone who listens, connects, and genuinely understands people.

📚 The Legacy Test
A powerful reflection the book leaves us with:

At the end of your leadership journey, what is the one word people will remember you for?

Polite.
Inspiring.
Arrogant.
Fearful.
Or someone who helped others rise.

A simple but powerful reminder that leadership is not just about results, but about the impact we leave on people.

Thank you Mr. Adapa for recommending this insightful read.

#ShivShivakumar #Adapa #Leadership #CEOMindset #LeadershipLessons

[Chetan Mathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, especially chapter 20 entitled "Where is leadership going?"

The book is -

- easy to read. No jargon, nice and straight talk in first person.
- he uses bullet points, hence making it almost a self-help book.
- he names people whom he likes or was impressed by and uses titles for those who disappointed him.
- It is a great reference book for professional managers.

He has a wealth of knowledge to share, and he does it eloquently.

[Sunil Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only for aspiring CEOs but for everyone who is working.

This is about development mindset and habits required for success.

Performance + Perception + Politics : Everything needs to be managed.

[Yug · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many of the insights mentioned in the book are obvious, and lack the edge. Instead try the "The CEO's mindset" by Vinnie Fisher for some powerful insights for CEOs.

[Jeevan Koneti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with a lot of interesting topics. Foundational level

[Nameeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book for it's straightforwardness, was easy to relate to, and very actionable thoughts and ideas. Everybody in senior roles should read this and not just those aspiring to be a CEO/CxO.

[Hetal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy to read, but it gets pedantic often. I learnt a few tricks but nothing that made me think.