Central Theme
Business Insider surveyed ten top partners at Goldman Sachs, including CEO David Solomon, to discover the media that shaped their thinking in 2025. The central theme explores how high-level financial executives look beyond traditional finance textbooks—turning instead to biographies, history, and technology podcasts—to refine their leadership skills, understand global trends, and build resilience.
Key Recommendations and Insights
The recommendations fell into three distinct categories: Technology/Innovation, Resilience/Character, and Strategic Leadership.
Technology, AI, and Future Trends
- David Solomon (CEO) recommended the article “How to Thrive in the AI Era of Work” by Marco Argenti. He focuses on the necessity of combining human judgment and wisdom with AI to create a competitive edge in the hybrid workforce.
- Mahesh Saireddy cited Walter Isaacson’s “Elon Musk,” drawing lessons on “leading from the front,” cutting bureaucratic layers, and the drive behind bold engineering.
- Kevin Sneader chose “Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,” highlighting China’s shift toward an engineering state and the massive scale of its infrastructure projects.
- Brittany Boals Moeller relies on podcasts like “20VC,” “The a16z Show,” and “No Priors” to stay current on venture capital and technological advancements in Silicon Valley.
Resilience and Human Potential
- Anthony Gutman recommended Sir Chris Hoy’s memoir “All That Matters.” The book details the Olympian’s terminal cancer diagnosis, offering lessons on mindfulness and making every moment count.
- Matt Gibson selected “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, using the story of WWII POW Louis Zamperini to illustrate the sheer strength of the human spirit under extreme duress.
- Jacqueline Arthur picked Adam Grant’s “Hidden Potential,” emphasizing that career success is often driven by character skills like resilience and determination rather than just raw talent or pedigree.
Leadership and Policy
- Kunal Shah recommended “Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, which critiques how excessive regulation and process hinder economic growth and affordability.
- Nicole Pullen Ross chose “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles, noting the parallels between raising a high-achieving family and cultivating talent in corporate teams.
- Ling Pong recommended the podcast “In Good Company,” specifically episodes featuring investors like Stanley Druckenmiller, to understand how capital and strategy work at scale.
Conclusion
The collective reading list suggests that Goldman Sachs leaders are prioritizing adaptability and psychological fortitude. Whether analyzing the rapid rise of AI, understanding the geopolitical implications of China’s engineering, or learning from personal stories of survival, these executives are seeking diverse perspectives to navigate a complex global market in 2025.
Mentoring question
Reflecting on the mix of recommendations—ranging from emotional resilience to technical foresight—which specific area of your own professional development has been neglected recently, and what resource could you engage with this month to address it?