Top Must Read Books for Senior Hospitality Leaders
- Bertran Moreno
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
A curated collection of the most insightful books for modern hospitality leadership
In today’s fast-changing hospitality landscape, great leadership demands more than operational expertise. It calls for vision, emotional intelligence, commercial insight, and a deep understanding of the evolving expectations of both guests and teams.
The following books have been carefully selected to support senior professionals—whether you’re leading a hotel, managing assets, growing a brand, or shaping culture from the top. These are books that challenge assumptions, spark new thinking, and offer practical frameworks for delivering lasting impact in hospitality.
Jump to your preferred section:
Operations, Experience, and Innovation in Hospitality
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Part memoir, part manifesto. Guidara recounts how he transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world’s best restaurant by going far beyond guest expectations. This is essential reading for any hospitality professional who believes in the transformative power of service.
The Heart of Hospitality by Micah Solomon
A practical, thoughtful book that examines the details that make great guest experiences. Ideal for leaders in both independent and branded environments who want to revisit their service philosophy with fresh eyes.
The New Gold Standard by Joseph Michelli
This deep dive into the Ritz-Carlton’s service culture outlines how to build exceptional customer experiences through values, training, and systems. A great reference for senior teams aiming to align brand promise with daily delivery.
Leadership, Culture, and Organisational Performance
Be a People Leader by Eugenio Pirri
One of the most relevant titles in the hospitality space today. Pirri— C-Suite Leader and Culture Champion —offers a sustainable framework for leadership grounded in authenticity, culture, and people-first thinking. This book is essential for hospitality professionals committed to building organisations where people thrive.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
A masterclass in leading with empathy, trust, and long-term thinking. Sinek’s exploration of what drives high-performing teams offers powerful lessons for senior hospitality leaders navigating complex, people-driven environments.
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
This book explores how the most effective leaders amplify the intelligence and capability of those around them. An invaluable resource for GMs, regional directors, and C-suite executives looking to elevate performance without burning out teams.
Legacy by James Kerr
A beautifully written reflection on leadership and culture, drawing lessons from the All Blacks rugby team. Its insights into humility, discipline, and collective purpose are highly applicable to hospitality leaders seeking to build world-class teams.
Strategy, Commercial Acumen, and Asset Thinking
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
This book presents a framework for creating uncontested market space—ideal for senior executives developing new concepts or rethinking their value proposition in a crowded landscape.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
A modern classic. Collins’ research into why some companies outperform others over the long term offers sharp insights into disciplined leadership, people decisions, and the flywheel effect—all essential for driving sustained excellence.
Hotel Asset Management: Principes & Practices by Greg Denton, Lori E. Raleigh & A.J. Singh
A must-read for hospitality executives looking to strengthen their commercial and strategic acumen. This book offers a comprehensive look at asset management from an owner’s perspective—covering valuation, performance benchmarking, capex planning, contract structuring, and operator relationships. Ideal for leaders navigating owner-operator dynamics or preparing for senior corporate roles.
Mindset, Performance, and Influence
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
A profound exploration of how we think, decide, and act. Kahneman’s work helps leaders become more aware of bias, blind spots, and the mental shortcuts that often shape strategic decisions in high-pressure environments.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
While often viewed as a personal development book, Clear’s insights into habit-building, performance systems, and behavioural design are directly applicable to leading high-performing hospitality teams.
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander
A beautifully written book that invites readers to reframe challenges, unlock creativity, and lead with generosity. This is a favourite among senior leaders looking for a more human, expansive perspective on leadership and change.
Closing Reflections
Leadership in hospitality is not static. It evolves through reflection, exposure to new ideas, and the courage to challenge the status quo. The books above offer inspiration, frameworks, and hard-earned wisdom to help you navigate your own leadership journey with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
If you're building your team or rethinking your leadership pipeline, XpertHost is here to support you.
Let’s continue shaping a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking hospitality industry—one great leader at a time.
