At 35, Damola Adamolekun is the youngest CEO of Red Lobster of all time. The former Goldman Sachs investment banker and Harvard Business School alum was appointed CEO in August, just months after the seafood chain filed for bankruptcy.
Investors are likely hoping Adamolekun will recreate the restaurant resurgence he accomplished during his tenure as CEO of P.F. Changs from 2019 to 2023, during which he helped the struggling chain generate an estimated $1 billion in revenue a year.
The Nigerian-American businessman shared with Business Insider the three books that helped him navigate his career in 2024.
Business Insider: What three books have shaped your career and leadership this year?
1. “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
Damola Adamolekun: “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara is a masterclass in creating memorable experiences through relentless care and attention to detail.
Guidara’s approach to hospitality isn’t just about service — it’s about going above and beyond to make people feel valued. The idea of “over-delivering” resonated deeply with me, reminding me that exceptional hospitality, like exceptional leadership, often lies in the thoughtful, unexpected gestures that leave a lasting impact.
Whether in a restaurant or the boardroom, this book is a compelling reminder that relationships and culture are built on doing the little things with great intention.
2. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius is a timeless guide to leading with wisdom, resilience, and humility.
Marcus’s reflections on discipline and self-mastery have shaped how I approach challenges — focusing on what I can control and letting go of what I can’t. His emphasis on serving the greater good is a powerful reminder that leadership is ultimately about responsibility, not power.
This book’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to ground leaders in principles that foster clarity and purpose, even amid chaos.
3. “The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players” by Pat Riley
“The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players” by Pat Riley is a motivational book that shares leadership lessons and teamwork strategies, using stories from his NBA coaching career to inspire individuals and organizations to achieve success through unity, resilience, and continuous improvement.
As a former college athlete at Brown University, this book’s story of perseverance, adaptability, and ambition echoes the mantra that I’ve carried from the football field into the boardroom as a CEO.
This story is part of an end-of-year reading list series that seeks to highlight the best books influential CEOs and business leaders read in 2024.
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