The Diary of a CEO Book: Lessons in Life, Business, and Self-Mastery by Steven Bartlett
The Diary of a CEO: Steven Bartlett’s Guide to Life, Business, and Self-Mastery
Let’s be real—half the time, people think “leader” just means you’ve got a fancy job title or a bunch of Insta followers. Steven Bartlett’s “The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life” honestly smacks that idea right in the face. It’s not just another motivational fluff-piece. Nope. This book actually hits home with raw stories, sharp advice, and the kind of wisdom you pick up falling on your face (which, let’s be honest, is where the real learning happens).
Steven pulls straight from his own mess-ups and wins, plus all the gold nuggets he’s scooped up from his mega-hit podcast. Doesn’t matter if you’re hustling at your own startup, leading a team, creating stuff, or just trying to make your 9-to-5 suck less—there’s something in here for you. He blends deep psychology, clear strategy, and, honestly, a level of realness you rarely see in these “life manual” books. It’s like… self-help, but with actual guts.
About Steven Bartlett
Alright, let’s talk Steven Bartlett. This guy isn’t just another British entrepreneur—he’s basically the poster child for hustling your way up. Born in Botswana, raised in the UK, and then—bam—by his early twenties, he co-founds Social Chain, which just snowballs into this social media marketing behemoth. Millions in the bank, all before most of us have figured out how taxes work.
But that’s not even the end of it. Steven waltzes onto BBC’s Dragon’s Den and grabs the title of youngest ever investor, making all the other Dragons look like they’re collecting their pensions.
Then he drops The Diary of a CEO podcast. If you haven’t heard of it, honestly, where’ve you been? It’s massive—like, “your mum’s probably listening to it” level massive. He sits down with everyone from global celebrities to scientists and just gets them to spill the actual tea on what makes people successful (and messy, and human, and all that good stuff).
Now, he’s bottled all those hard-won insights into the Diary of a CEO book—33 rules that aren’t just about business, but about life, ambition, failure, and figuring out what actually matters. If you’re hunting for a British entrepreneur book with some bite, “Diary of a CEO Steven Bartlett” is your ticket. No boring business jargon, just the real stuff.
What Is The Diary of a CEO Book About?
Forget those cookie-cutter business books obsessed with quick fixes and “life hacks.” The Diary of a CEO actually goes for the jugular. That subtitle? “33 Laws of Business and Life.” Nailed it. It’s not just about making bank or climbing the ladder—it’s about leveling up as a human being, too.
Every law here hits you with something real, not just fluff. There’s research, juicy personal stories, and those uncomfortable psychological truths nobody wants to admit. It’s not just a checklist for doing more stuff. It’s about actually waking up, getting intentional, and—shocker—finding a bit of happiness while chasing success. Who knew?
Key Takeaways from The Diary of a CEO
1. The Law of Self-Awareness
True leadership begins with knowing yourself. Bartlett argues that your internal world creates your external reality. Without self-awareness, you’re simply reacting to life instead of shaping it.
2. The Law of Emotional Control
In a society driven by instant gratification, learning to regulate your emotions is a superpower. Emotional intelligence, according to Bartlett, is a core component of long-term leadership and decision-making.
3. The Law of Unfiltered Truth
Facing hard truths—about your habits, your motivations, and your patterns—is uncomfortable but necessary. Growth starts when you stop lying to yourself.
4. The Law of Energy over Time
Bartlett encourages readers to manage energy, not time. Productivity skyrockets when you structure your day around peak energy zones instead of rigid time blocks.
5. The Law of Sustainable Success
What’s the point of building a successful company if you lose yourself in the process? Sustainable success is about aligning your goals with your values and well-being.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
🔹 No Filter, All Feels
Steven Bartlett? Guy’s an open book—literally and figuratively. He dives headfirst into the messy stuff nobody wants to talk about: depression, burnout, the dreaded imposter syndrome. He’s not sugarcoating anything. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing to see a business author drop the mask for once.
🔹 Backed Up, Not Made Up
And look, he’s not just pulling “laws” out of thin air. There’s real science behind this stuff—think psychology labs, brain scans, all that nerdy behavioral economics jazz. It’s not just fluff to fill pages. You can actually use this in real life, which is rare for “best business books 2024” territory.
🔹 Not Just for the Suit-and-Tie Crowd
Oh, and don’t think this is some CEO-only club. Whether you’re hustling through college, stuck in a 9-to-5, or freelancing in your pajamas, these principles stick. Universal is a big word, but yeah, it fits. It’s the kind of self-help book for leaders—or, honestly, anyone with a pulse—that doesn’t care about your job title.
If you’re hunting for books on leadership and mental health that don’t just regurgitate the same old clichés, this one’s got some bite.
Who Should Read The Diary of a CEO?
This book is perfect for:
- Entrepreneurs and founders
- Corporate professionals and managers
- Creatives and freelancers
- Students and young professionals
- Anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and a conscious path to success
If you feel burned out, directionless, or disconnected from your ambitions, this book offers a reset button for your mindset.
Where to Buy The Diary of a CEO
You can purchase The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett in various formats including hardcover, eBook, and audiobook.
- Amazon (global)
- Waterstones (UK)
- Barnes & Noble (US)
- Audible – narrated by Steven Bartlett himself
The audiobook is a standout, as Bartlett delivers the same compelling storytelling style fans love from his podcast.
Final Thoughts: Why The Diary of a CEO Matters
Man, in this age where everyone’s out here showing off their “rise and grind” routines and pretending their lives are all sunshine, The Diary of a CEO feels like a breath of actual, honest air. Steven Bartlett isn’t just tossing out the usual motivational fluff—he’s basically calling BS on the idea that you’ve gotta burn yourself out to “make it.” His 33 laws? They aren’t just catchy phrases; they actually push you to cut through the noise, get real with yourself, and move with some actual purpose.
Honestly, doesn’t matter if you’re hustling to build a business empire, trying to not be a terrible boss, or just attempting to figure out what the heck you want out of life—this book’s got something that’ll hit home. It’s not one of those reads you toss after finishing. Nah, you’ll want to come back to it, especially during those “what am I even doing?” moments.
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