The books, TV series, and podcasts CEOs are tuning into this holiday season to unwind and elevate their careers in 2026

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,...

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