Person
Gavin Newsom's book recommendations
Across 2 podcasts. Every show Gavin Newsom appears on, in one place — not just one.
Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman serving since 2019 as the 40th governor of California. A member of the Democratic Party, he served from 2011 to 2019 as the 49th lieutenant governor of California and from 2004 to 2011 as the 42nd mayor of San Francisco. In his podcast appearances, Newsom has frequently discussed books that shaped his leadership style and worldview. When speaking on The Ezra Klein Show, he highlighted James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras's "Built to Last" as one of the most influential books in his life. He explained that the study on what makes companies endure changed his mindset in both business and politics, specifically by introducing concepts like being a clock builder versus a timekeeper. On the same program, Newsom also recommended Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations," noting how prominent stoic philosophy is for podcasters and leaders alike. Later, during an appearance on The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, Newsom brought up Tom Peters' book "The Pursuit of Wow!," explaining how it hit him in the core and helped express everything he wanted to become in his approach to leadership and core business philosophy. These literary choices reflect his ongoing interest in organizational longevity, personal discipline, and effective modern management strategies.
Books recommended by Gavin Newsom
-
Built to Last
Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I.
Recommended“I said look my favorite book one of the most influential books interesting in my life is called built to last.”
Where to get it
-
Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal journals and philosophical notes written by the Roman emperor during his military campaigns, offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and personal endurance.
Recommended“Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. And I'm like, Where the hell have I been or where's that book? Get into podcasting and immediately the Stoics. I'm telling you, can't can't be can't be a podcaster and not get into the Stoics. How could you not?”
Where to get it
-
The Pursuit of Wow!
The Pursuit of Wow! by Tom Peters is a high-energy business and management book published in 1994 that urges professionals and organizations to embrace radical innovation, passionate leadership, and customer-centric excellence in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Discussed“I remember there was a book Tom Peters wrote called The Pursuit of Wow. I mean, if there was one book that just just hit me in the core that sort of expressed everything I wanted to become”
Where to get it
Books by Gavin Newsom
Appearances
Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
“And the thing that great gift for me was I mentioned earlier wanting to say thank you to my mom, which I never got a chance to do, but I did by writing a children's book called Ben and Emma's Big Hit.”
“and ultimately struck a chord in the chief justice the California Supreme Court Ron George who was across the street where his office was and he said his book he said years later says I was just looking outside and hearing these roars of applause as every couple would come out and these throngs of supporters would cheer and hug”
“and ultimately struck a chord in the chief justice the California Supreme Court Ron George who was across the street where his office was and he said his book he said years later says I was just looking outside and hearing these roars of applause as every couple would come out and these throngs of supporters would cheer and hug”