CEOs have a reputation for always being “on”; even when they’re off the clock, they’ll tune into business podcasts and leaf through biographies of the greats in search of wisdom.
But when the holiday season rolls around, it’s the perfect time to play catch-up on their must-read roster and guilty pleasure TV shows. This year, chief executives are still finding time for play while staying current on their favorite career-related entertainment.
Fortune got a sneak peek into what CEOs will be reading, watching, and listening to this holiday season:
Books
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
“I’ve been reading Elon Musk’s biography. It influenced how I think about being hands-on and staying close to the ground truth,” says Jonathan Siddharth, the CEO and founder of Turing.
All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
“All About Love is resonating right now because it mirrors the season I’m in—prioritizing grounded relationships, honest self-reflection, and exploring what love looks like in all its forms: romantic, familial, and the love we give ourselves. A friend passed it along at the perfect moment, as I’m getting clearer about what I truly want for my future, and it’s hitting in a way I didn’t expect,” says Rachel Liverman, the CEO and founder of Glowbar.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
“I was drawn to Pachinko for a few reasons, starting with pure curiosity. I’ve been eager to continue expanding my understanding of Asian heritage and traditions through literature, and I’ve always appreciated how books like Pachinko offer a personal glimpse into experiences that shape cultural identity. I recently read Peony in Love and poured over every page, so I’m excited to immerse myself in another richly told narrative.
Pachinko is also a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award finalist, which is a testament to its cultural resonance. I’ve always believed that understanding diverse perspectives is vital for effective leadership, and stories like these remind me of the importance of listening, learning, and connecting with others,” says Sarah Chavarria, the CEO and president of Delta Dental.
Italian American Forever: Classic Recipes for Everything You Want to Eat by Alex Guarnaschelli
“I can’t wait to read it. We’re partnering to feature her signature dishes in our Hilton Garden Inn restaurants, which has been a lot of fun. As a fellow Italian American, I love to cook for my large family—I’m one of six siblings and my wife and I have six daughters—so I’m always on the hunt for new recipes that feed a crowd,” says Chris Nassetta, the CEO and president of Hilton.
Movies/TV shows
Her
“I recently brought up Her when discussing a future where people have agentic AI systems that can take action on their behalf and operate continuously in the background. I described a world where you might have a kind of digital surrogate; an agent that talks to other agents, helps with discovery, and does things for you beyond the limits of your own time and attention,” Siddharth says.
Landman
“Well, Landman is back, so I’m very happy with that. I love it. Great show, amazing characters and Texas-based. What else can you ask for?” says Alvaro Luque, the CEO and president of Avocados from Mexico.
Yellowstone
“I’m intentional about balancing motivation with mental downtime. I know we’re late to the party, but my husband and I are obsessed with catching up on Yellowstone now, and very into Landman and Chad Powers, as a way to fully unplug.
We also recently watched Home Alone for the first time with our girls and loved seeing them laugh so hard!” says Loren Brill Castle, the CEO and founder of Sweet Loren’s.
Wicked: For Good
“I just saw the new Wicked movie with my family and we loved it,” says Seth Berkowitz, the CEO and founder of Insomnia Cookies.
Love Actually
“When it comes to entertainment, I love the classics, Love Actually is my must-watch. I watch it every year, put it on while I cook at home and really feel the holiday magic (though I always wish Emma Thompson’s character had a different experience),” Chavarria says.
Podcasts/YouTube series
Earn Your Leisure hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
“Earn Your Leisure has created an unmatched community where entrepreneurs at every stage can connect, learn, and grow together, ultimately providing free financial literacy to people of color worldwide while actively bridging the wealth gap for the African diaspora.
As a CEO who believes that ‘iron sharpens iron,’ I’m constantly inspired by the rising entrepreneurs on their platform and the powerful spaces they’ve built, from virtual forums to events like Invest Fest, where we can all collaborate and elevate each other,” says Derrick Hayes, the CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks.
Smart Girl Dumb Questions hosted by Nayeema Raza
“She asks simple, honest questions to big (unpredictable) thinkers, and it always leaves me with a fresh/human perspective,” says Julia Hartz, the CEO and cofounder of Eventbrite.
The Diary of a CEO hosted by Steven Bartlett
“I, like so many people, am totally infatuated with [The] Diary of a CEO podcast. Steven Bartlett’s voice is like ASMR to me and I love the depth in which he goes with each guest. There’s no surface-level conversation,” Liverman says.
Behind the Money hosted by the Financial Times
“Since it’s based in London, it has a bit of distance from the U.S. news cycle, and I find the perspective super refreshing. They go deep on big, complex topics but still make them feel understandable, even if you’re not a finance person. It’s become my go-to lately,” says Ryan Lupberger, the CEO and founder of Clean Cult.
The Mel Robbins Podcast hosted by Mel Robbins
“I gravitate towards podcasts that help keep my mindset grounded and energized. The Mel Robbins Podcast and The Skinny Confidential offer practical perspectives and advice on confidence, personal growth and wellness that I apply both in leadership and everyday life,” Castle says.
