This year’s list features 16 books covering everything including cultivating mental toughness, AI’s coexistence with humans, and the EV revolution. Perhaps surprisingly, it even features coffee table books like Michael Petry’s MirrorMirror, showcasing reflective surfaces in art; Ian Wardropper’s The Fricks Collect exploring the gilded age homes; and Mars, which compiled photographs from NASA’s archives.
JPMorgan’s selection also explores themes of fulfilling careers, the future of the U.S. dollar, and how to break from deep-rooted work habits. Books from Melinda French Gates, “Iron Cowboy” athlete James Lawrence, and G9 Ventures’ Amy Griffin also pick the brains of successful people, offering up leadership lessons to readers.
The Wall Street giant has been running the list since 1999, compiling more than 1,000 recommendations from its client advisors annually, before a special committee whittles it down to the crème de la crème of literature.
And while anyone can enjoy JPMorgan’s list of good reads, this year Gen Alpha and Gen Z were taken into account, after wealthy patrons from its private investment arm said they craved guidance for their children who will eventually step into their shoes.
“From our family office survey, what we heard loud and clear was that values are very important to the next generation,” Oduyoye said.
“As they’re thinking about the adult leadership of the next generation for the family operating committee or business, they want to make sure these people are prepared.”
It’s why self-improvement books dominate this year’s list. Oduyoye explained that these reads will help Gen Z and Gen Alpha navigate the moment they step into money and power.
“It’s about how to think about that from a psychological perspective as well, to make sure you’re balancing, not just the prosperity of wealth, but also the things that you can do to make impact both within your community and within your business,” he continued.
