I do like a book that offers a list. I find the simple structure appeals to me, so a book that offers 33 laws boded well. Steven Bartlett, the British entrepreneur and podcast host of The Diary of a CEO, put together a great mix of business and life philosophies in his book, The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life. The book takes the lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey and podcast interviews and distils them into 33 actionable principles to help you live a purposeful life, build a business that matters, and lead effectively. I listened to it on audiobook, which the author narrates which added to it’s energy and engagement.
Takeaways
1. A Meaningful Life Starts With You at the Centre
Bartlett says to prioritise purpose and health and keep mortality in mind to appreciate life fully. For personal growth and fulfilment, he says to pursue your authentic goals, not societal expectations.
2. Build on Your Skills Before Seeking Resources
Bartlett advises would-be entrepreneurs to focus on gaining knowledge and skills before seeking connections, capital or reputation. Success is not just about networking but about providing real solutions in spaces where your skills meet demand.
3. Turn Stress into Strength
One of the foundations in the book is Bartlett’s view of stress as a positive challenge when chosen meaningfully. This is in line with Kelly McGonigal’s view in her book The Upside of Stress, which states that stress can be growth fuel when it deepens its purpose.
4. Create Systems for Long-Term Success
For business leaders, Bartlett says:
- Experiment and innovate, and welcome mistakes as opportunities to grow.
- Improve constantly through tiny, consistent changes; small wins add up to big results over time.
- Use “premortems” to proactively identify and mitigate risks early.
5. Build a Winning Team Culture
Bartlett says to shape your business culture early. Founders should align the team by promoting core values, removing cultural misfits, and adapting leadership styles to individual team members’ personalities and needs. By customising your coaching and hiring people who complement your skills, you can unlock team potential and grow faster.
6. Master Marketing Through Connection and Creativity
Building a brand is not just about having a product; it’s about showing it in a way that resonates with your audience. Bartlett says to use social media strategically to blend relationship-building content (“jabs”) with sales-focused pitches (“right hooks”) following Gary Vaynerchuk’s model. He also talks about creating value-driven and visually striking presentations to establish an irresistible brand.
Who’s This For?
This book is for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to integrate personal growth with business success. Full of practical advice, it’s a great read for both employers and employees who want tools to solve strategic and leadership challenges.
My Review
I found this quite a solid book with a lot of energy without being over the top. I think that is because it is British, so it lacks the American aggressiveness for me. While Bartlett’s entrepreneurial insights draw from his personal journey, his measured approach to success principles feels refreshingly grounded in real-world experience rather than motivational hyperbole.
The Diary of a CEO has great insights and delivers its ideas with energy and clarity. Bartlett’s practical advice is based on his own experience and expert interviews so it’s an engaging and thoughtful audiobook for business professionals.
Some of the points may be familiar to business book readers, but Bartlett’s storytelling and actionable advice make it a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf. If you’re ready to think bigger about life and business, then this book will leave you feeling inspired and with actionable ideas.
