The Diary of a CEO: De 33 wetten van zakendoen en leven

by Steven Bartlett, Jonas de Vries (translator)

The Diary of a CEO is de bestseller van podcaster en Dragon’s Den-jurylid Steven Bartlett waarin hij zijn principes van succes deelt, zowel zakelijk als privé.

Steven Bartlett is een van de opvallendste ondernemers ter wereld en de host van de succesvolle podcast The Diary of a CEO. In dit gelijknamige boek presenteert hij zijn 33 fundamentele wetten op het gebied van zakendoen en het leven.

Geïnspireerd door zijn eigen succes én falen als ondernemer en door de gesprekken die hij in zijn podcast heeft gevoerd met succesvolle entrepreneurs, entertainers, artiesten, sporters en schrijvers, neemt Steven Bartlett je mee in zijn ontdekkingsreis naar zijn 33 wetten van succes. Het resultaat is een onmisbaar boek voor iedereen, of je nu in loondienst bent of ondernemer bent, met goed toepasbare adviezen om meer te bereiken in het leven, zowel privé als op professioneel vlak. Ben je er klaar voor?

‘Een must-read voor iedereen die ervan droomt iets gedurfds te doen.’ Jay Shetty

‘Waardevolle lessen over het volgen van een onconventioneel pad naar succes.’ Robert Greene

‘Essentieel leesvoer voor iedereen die aan zichzelf wil werken en ons naar de volgende generatie wil leiden.’ Simon Sinek

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Leadership, Audiobook, Psychology

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Liong · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are too many laws we should know and implement in our business and life.

I will keep and reread this book to remind myself from time to time.

Don't be afraid to be different and challenge the status quo.

What drives you and gives your work meaning?

Surround yourself with talented and like-minded people.

Always be curious and open to new ideas.

Develop the mental strength to bounce back from setbacks.

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Prioritize your health, well-being, and personal development.

Be true to yourself and your values.

Keep chasing your dreams, no matter what.

[Sandeep Bhasin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good if you are in your 20s. Ok if in 30s. Basic if in 40s. Not worth your time if you are in your 50s. Examples shared are powerful but the moment you use probabilities, you know it would not work for you. And, Yes, the author is a wonderful podcaster.

[Brittany (whatbritreads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did go in with preconceived notions of this that it was going to be complete nonsense and an absolute money grab, having been presented with a copy of this book I decided I’d be open minded and give it a go. Just in case I was wrong, in which case I would’ve happily sat down and given you a review on how great it surprisingly was. However, I can’t do that, because this book was exactly what I knew it would be - a load of waffling rubbish. A book written by a successful man to inspire other men that you can be just like him if you just start doing positive affirmations and being more disciplined in your gym routine or whatever else he was peddling as a key to success. Haha.

My favourite part of this book was actually in the very first pages, when he states that he’s written the book based on five core beliefs - one of them being that most books published nowadays are a lot longer than they need to be and so he has cut out the nonsense in his. Incorrect. If this was true, half of the pages in here wouldn’t be size 35 font generic inspirational throwaway quotes used as filler. It was so unintentionally funny. For someone aiming to condense this insanely motivational drivel to just the core elements and nothing else, he fails repeatedly. He actually just can’t stop talking. It was giving ‘live, laugh, love’ in grey sparkly letters on your moms kitchen wall.

It was honestly pointless as a book, and I’m baffled as to who this was supposed to be written for, and what they were supposed to be taking from it. It didn’t inspire or intrigue me at all, it was really dry and boring. Not a standout from anything in the market right now, and nothing you couldn’t just Google. In fact, there’s probably more inspiring and life changing posts on Reddit than what’s in here. The writing wasn’t the worst I’ll admit, but he had a very flat voice as a narrator. No sense of humour or snappy pacing to be found. And the grammatical and punctuation errors were driving me mad - has nobody around here ever heard of an Oxford comma?!

This is a book written by an egotistical, obnoxious man who wants you to look at him and everything he’s achieved and clap. Bow down to him. It was honestly just so slimy and it reeks of narcissism when every other sentence you need to name drop how many millions you’ve made or how many people work for you or every company you’ve got shares in. It just made my eyes roll. I feel like a very specific audience of people would adore this book, but it was not at all for me. And anyone who does enjoy it is probably also not for me. I’m glad I satisfied my curiosity though and can now hate freely.

I imagine Mr Barlett would tell me I’ve somehow given into some sort of confirmation bias by just confirming what I suspected about the book, but listen, I promise I did try and see the positives. I have very generously given it a two star, because there are some tiny complimentary thoughts I had. I did quite enjoy all of the psychology being discussed as that’s an area I studied in, so that captured my attention and was really interesting. On the other hand, one could argue that he’s filled a book with other people’s ideas and hasn’t actually had anything original to say…

[Lisa Guiry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book. Listened on Audible. Fantastic information and strategy. I learned a lot. Well worth a listen.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. Great valuable knowledge and perspectives. The book I'd extremely well researched with quotes from people at the top of their fields, from research, management, leaders, sports, entertainment, and more.

The writing style of the book is also great. It is to the point. No wastage. Also, the book does not come across as preaching but teaching and inspiring. This is the straight of the book it does not seem to be written from or for Steven's ego, but to genuinely help or advise others.

Though the chapters/laws in the book are quite short (yes, some are longer than others), there is a lot of knowledge to download in each. The best way I found to read through it was as soon fell my head getting full. I stopped to reflect and then continued reading a few hours later or the next day.

Also, keep reading to the there is a surprise at the end.

[Matt Lillywhite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some chapters are oddly named. For example, "create a cult mentality."

I'm sorry... but that's not something I ever want to read. Also, the author has a chapter named "p*ssing people off."

Seriously?

In the book, Steven acknowledged that people would skim some chapters. To me, that implies he already knows that some are way better than others.

Just remove them...

Two stars. Some good points but this book should've been a blog post.

[Lou Reckinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you see me eat 15 lollipops a day in the future, don't ask questions

[Pam Hutley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this new book ( had preordered it) from cover to cover . I wish I had spread it out more so there was more chance of remembering chapters important to me… will back track and re read some. It is well written and I like the chapter starts and ends- which tell you what the ‘law’ is then summarises it and stresses its importance. The meat of each chapter ( each law ) is based on info SB has gleaned from his impressive podcast guests or from his equally impressive business life. I sort of wanted to find him arrogant. But I don’t. He writes well and presents his findings with humility - he gives credit where it is due and openly acknowledges he is failings personally and his learning curves. He is an avid learner, he listens constantly to the advice and he surrounds himself with the best scientific and business understanding . It is impossible not to rate him and therefore rate his book. I especially liked the last chapter!

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Stephen’s podcast. But I feel like this book could’ve gotten a better structure. The boasting in the beginning is pretty off-putting, and the overwhelming feeling of this book just collecting other people’s advice doesn’t help the matter in any way. It gets better once his advice turns to marketing and things that actually support his statements from the beginning of the book.

[Sandra Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Diary of a CEO” is more than a business book; it’s a brutally honest, deeply human exploration of success, mindset, and self-awareness. Steven Bartlett opens the door to his journey from struggling entrepreneur to one of the most influential voices in modern business, offering insights that go far beyond strategy or money.

Steven Bartlett structures the book around a series of principles: 33 laws that blend psychology, philosophy, and real-world experience. Each chapter feels like a conversation: direct, reflective, and sometimes uncomfortably honest. He doesn’t just tell you how to “win” — he challenges how you define winning in the first place.

Through personal anecdotes, failures, and hard-earned lessons, he explores themes like self-discipline, emotional intelligence, purpose, and the cost of ambition. What makes it stand out is the vulnerability. He isn’t afraid to show the darker sides of success, from loneliness to burnout. His writing feels genuine and grounded, blending motivation with introspection in a way that resonates deeply and lingers.

Overall, “The Diary of a CEO” is a powerful, inspiring, and refreshingly candid account. Steven Bartlett’s voice is sharp yet empathetic, and his lessons resonate far beyond the world of entrepreneurship.

[Anwer Qureishi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author states the following in the introductory chapter:

“The design of this book is based on five core beliefs:

1. I believe most books are longer than they need to be.”

He is correct, applies to this one as well.

[John Mills · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t often describe a book that I have read as dangerous, but Steven Bartlett has written one of the most odious and manipulative books that I have ever read.

Bartlett is a snake oil salesman for the modern times. His advice is based on the individualisation and personal responsibility of issues that are more complex and social and societal. These issues are in part a consequence of the hyper late stage capitalistic world that he fetishises and encourages your active participation in throughout the book.

Bartlett divides his book into 33 laws. It would be remiss of me to say that there is no good advice in this book whatsoever. Bartlett has clearly researched and interviewed a plethora of sources and experts and gives molecules of advice that could be life changing. The biggest problem is that Bartlett warps and manipulates all of this advice to fit his exploitative and hierarchical world view. Law 26, for example, can be distilled to the concept of going into sectors that will pay you more for your skills. He illustrates this by saying that a friend went from working for smaller companies doing graphic design for flyers to working for a much more morally dubious company in the morally dubious Dubai but making more money. This is sold as success, and in a linear fashion that this is what YOU should be striving towards.

Bartlett is keen to remind us of his personal success whenever he can. There are constant referrals to companies that he has invested in that are nothing more than pseudo advertising for these brands, and more importantly to Bartlett, himself. The myths of his own success work as a backbone as to why he can package up and sell you this advice to embrace and strive towards the excesses of capitalism.

In one of the laws, Bartlett talks about how he does not like job titles and their limiting potential. From a man who has created an entire media presence and career from the concept of being this mythical ‘CEO’, Bartlett is more aware than most of his own story telling and mythological creation of this path to success. His hypocrisy is maddening, disliking job titles when it means that he can’t manipulate his workforce, but loving them when they elevate his position in the media landscape.

So why is this book so dangerous? It is all to do with the advice given. As stated, there is a lot of good advice within these 33 Laws. But this advice should be given holistically and under the guise of compassion rather than putting this pressure and weight on the individual. Of course Bartlett can’t critique the world that has bought him success. To do so would eat into his mythology and story. But in embracing it so much he is adding to the intense individualised pressure that corporate capitalism is intent on putting onto society to make up for their own ills and exploitation of the working class. It is dangerous because Bartlett is trying to make you take responsibility for a world that late stage capitalistic desire and intent has warped into a miserable and horrific place.

[Bryony Doran · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I bought this, I generally thought it was going to be Steven Bartletts' personal diary. 🤔 was a bit confused when all it did was talk about marketing the entire time but found out some cool facts and some interesting mind framing tools

[Joanna Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

Private Eye described this book as ‘a grisly minestrone of all the management books ever written’ which just about sums it up.

[Emily Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read - some things not relevant to me.

Key takeaways:
Work smart. Ask hard questions. Be disciplined. Sweat the small stuff. Fail. Pressure is a privilege. To master something - teach it.

[dmerey · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have concluded that i dont get along well with self-help books.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and interesting. Very easy to read and laid out logically.

[Jewel Magwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of the laws stood out to me:
- law 11 - avoid wallpaper at all costs - I found the psychology of habituation eye opening. It’s the idea that the “brain adjusts to repeated stimuli by ignoring or downgrading their significance.” In marketing, if your saying or asking the same things as everyone else, your not going to stand out in people’s minds. You need to be telling stories in a unique way to stand out.

- law 13 - shoot your psychological moonshots first - a psychological moonshot is a relatively small investment that drastically improved the perception of something. This chapter included a few interesting principles, operational transparency and reducing uncertainty anxiety. In one of the examples provided, a public transit company was rated as having low cleanliness when in fact they had cleaners go through multiple times per day. By simply creating matching, vibrant uniforms for the cleaning staff so people would notice them, the ratings increased - despite not increasing the number of cleanings happening per day. Relatively small value adds can increase customer ratings.

- law 21 - you must out-fail the competition - as someone who doesn’t particularly love to fail, this chapter was a challenging reality check. The companies that fail the most also grow the most. There are no such things as perfect decisions and procrastination will waste time. It also takes a safe team atmosphere for this to play out effectively.


There are more laws I could note! Overall a good read.

[Nikos Drosinos · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ - This book felt like it was trying to say a lot without really saying anything.

It reads like a repackaging of generic self-help advice, offering little in the way of original thought or meaningful depth. It attempts to blend advice on personal growth, business, and relationships, but in doing so, it left me questioning who the intended audience actually is. By trying to appeal to everyone, it ends up offering very little to anyone.

The structure—based around 33 “laws”—feels more like a checklist of pop-psychology mantras than a cohesive or well-developed guide. Most chapters are rushed and surface-level, relying on aphorisms and anecdotes without exploring the complexity behind them.

The tone is often self-congratulatory, filled with references to Mr. Bartlett’s various successes (“I did this,” “I built that,” “I made millions from this”). At times, the book reads more like a personal branding exercise than a sincere attempt to offer something of value. It’s unclear whether the aim is to inspire readers or simply showcase Steven’s achievements.

[Suzanne Kentish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, it's been my go-to book whilst editing, I have to wait to update, upload images during this process and it gives me bite size minutes to read. This book is perfect to fill those spaces, it's short to the point chapters take you on a journey of learning, best practices and fantastic insights all things business, management and life! Lots of simple explanations, examples makes for an easy interesting read. I made notes, added tabs to make sure I can find those nuggets of knowledge easily. I shared as I read to both my husband and friends. Would recommend to anyone, business owner or not.

[Slinkysnake · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been done better by other authors. Bartlett is a lunatic masquerading as a normal person. Across a written text like this it becomes clear that he's full of hot air. That's not to say this is useless, it actually has a generous amount of insight, it's just that for every good idea (treat your staff as unique players and help them to help you - sensible) it has at least one bizarre anecdote or reveal (why are you telling me that you couldn't swim until your twenties as if it impacts business)

[Yana Sybiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many business / self help books that offer you nothing in terms of value for your time spent reading the book. I’ve read many of those myself. I picked up this book on a recommendation from someone who said it was one of the best books of 2024 for them. It’s a great practical compilation of various advice ranging from personal to business. Each chapter is only a few pages long, which is perfect for people like me, who are going back into reading and need that dopamine hit from completing a chapter. I highlighted a lottt of stuff and now my work on implementing the advice begins. Highly recommend for other high achievement addicts like me :))

[lauramedley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Helena (helenareadsxx) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best business book I've read hands down!

[Maliha · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing read, but let's be clear—if you're looking for a hardcore business manual, you might want to manage your expectations. This book leans more towards the self-help genre rather than being a strictly business-focused book.

The author offers a candid look into the life of a CEO, sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. While these insights are valuable, they often delve into personal growth, mindset shifts, and overcoming adversity, rather than providing concrete business strategies or management techniques.

In essence, "Diary of a CEO" is more about navigating life's challenges with the mindset of a leader, rather than being a guide on how to run a company. For those who enjoy a blend of self-help and business with a personal touch, this book will likely resonate. However, if you're solely seeking business tactics and strategies, you might find it a bit lacking.

Overall, it's a decent read with some worthwhile takeaways, especially if you're interested in the personal development side of being a CEO.

[Cilla Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for three reasons: (1) It wasn't just based on personal opinion and has been well researched as evidenced by the hefty refernce list at the back of the book. (2) There wasn't any fluff. Under each law the right amount of information was shared. It told you what the law was about and gave solid examples. (3) While I definitely had mixed feelings about this, the 33rd law is a CTA to go to a website for more free educational resources. Such a great marketing ploy that I can fully appreciate as a marketer. A little less impressive (and somewhat annoying) as a reader. Nonetheless, I'd still rate this book five stars because I enjoyed it a lot! Now I've just got to go and implement what I've learned...

[Mihnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of good advice, mostly for business, occasionally for life.

Getting the cringey name from the name of his podcast, the author collected a series of advice combined with good storytelling, which makes the book an easier read than its counterparts from the same genre, like Tim Ferris' "Tools of Titans".

I do enjoy how the author declares early on that he was a reckless entrepreneur starting out, which gives him an aura of humbleness that is necessary, in my view, when reading advice from early successes.

Got some good, solid notes from this, a worthwhile read.

[LotteLeest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational! Especially the first of the four parts. After a while, the book gets a bit repetitive and even contradictory; first a law states that you should fail more, but in a next law you must ask yourself the question “Why will this fail?” to prevent your idea from collapsing😵‍💫 Still learned a lot though! Especially when knowing the references to the podcast Diary of a CEO

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good entry level book to personal and professional success principals, probably best suited to someone in their 20s. However, anything beyond that this book lacked value and depth as it covers "33 rules". A jack of all trades, but master of none.

[Patrick Sherriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff. My review and summary here: https://patricksherriff.com/2023/11/1...