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Gravity: The invisible force behind the companies that thrive.
Gravity offers a fresh and deeply practical framework for leaders navigating the chaos of transforming or scaling businesses. Drawing on real-world experience and grounded in vivid storytelling, Gravity reveals the unseen force that holds successful organizations a clearly defined and actively maintained center of purpose.
Through the journey of a fictional CEO named Jordan, you’ll witness the familiar tensions leaders face. Customer demands, team burnout, investor expectations, compliance hurdles, and personal ambition and learn how to hold the center when everything else pulls at the edges.
Whether you’re leading a startup, scaling a growth-stage company, or stewarding a mature business through change, this book will help
Define a purpose that truly anchors your team.Balance competing stakeholder pressures without losing your core.Spot early signs of collapse or drift before it’s too late.Empower leaders at every level without becoming the bottleneck.
Gravity is not a traditional business book. It’s a candid, story-driven exploration of what it takes to build organizations that thrive. Written not to impress, but to equip. If you’re a founder, CEO, operator, or leader of any kind, this book will help you create stability through clarity, and alignment through purpose.
Through the journey of a fictional CEO named Jordan, you’ll witness the familiar tensions leaders face. Customer demands, team burnout, investor expectations, compliance hurdles, and personal ambition and learn how to hold the center when everything else pulls at the edges.
Whether you’re leading a startup, scaling a growth-stage company, or stewarding a mature business through change, this book will help
Define a purpose that truly anchors your team.Balance competing stakeholder pressures without losing your core.Spot early signs of collapse or drift before it’s too late.Empower leaders at every level without becoming the bottleneck.
Gravity is not a traditional business book. It’s a candid, story-driven exploration of what it takes to build organizations that thrive. Written not to impress, but to equip. If you’re a founder, CEO, operator, or leader of any kind, this book will help you create stability through clarity, and alignment through purpose.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
7 people are currently reading
About the author
Karlheinz Toni
1 bookI’ve failed, I’ve built, I’ve sold, and I’ve started over. Each chapter taught me something new about what makes companies thrive… and what makes them stall. The pattern is clear: vision only matters when it’s executed, data only matters when it improves outcomes, and leadership only matters when it sustains both culture and results. Everything else is overhead.
I bring over 20 years of executive experience across CEO, CTO, and board advisory roles in VC- and PE-backed businesses. As CEO of Tinka, I led the carve-out of a 65-year-old consumer finance arm into a market-leading FinTech with over EUR 1bn in annual underwriting, driving growth, negotiating ABS structures, lifting both customer and employee NPS, and steering the company through heavy regulatory change. As Group CTO of Netherland's largest retailer, I delivered profitable transformation aligning technology, AI adoption, and culture to business strategy. Earlier, I advised multinational boards, executed M&A integrations, and scaled ventures from idea to exit.
Alongside, I authored Gravity: The Invisible Force Behind Companies That Thrive; a candid, story-driven framework for leadership and strategy developed from first-hand experience in high-growth and high-pressure environments. Written not to impress, but to equip. Today, as founder and CEO of .kyb group B.V., we are building the infrastructure to solve one of the largest inefficiencies in global compliance: fragmented and redundant KYB verification.
I bring over 20 years of executive experience across CEO, CTO, and board advisory roles in VC- and PE-backed businesses. As CEO of Tinka, I led the carve-out of a 65-year-old consumer finance arm into a market-leading FinTech with over EUR 1bn in annual underwriting, driving growth, negotiating ABS structures, lifting both customer and employee NPS, and steering the company through heavy regulatory change. As Group CTO of Netherland's largest retailer, I delivered profitable transformation aligning technology, AI adoption, and culture to business strategy. Earlier, I advised multinational boards, executed M&A integrations, and scaled ventures from idea to exit.
Alongside, I authored Gravity: The Invisible Force Behind Companies That Thrive; a candid, story-driven framework for leadership and strategy developed from first-hand experience in high-growth and high-pressure environments. Written not to impress, but to equip. Today, as founder and CEO of .kyb group B.V., we are building the infrastructure to solve one of the largest inefficiencies in global compliance: fragmented and redundant KYB verification.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 19, 2025
Having a core energetic source of direction, motivation and energy is key to great performance in an organization. Having people focus on that core guiding, energized goal instead of each other and the minutia of the moment can bring about next level, higher level performance of an organization. This is a similar concept to what I taught for how to practice, learn and perform in chamber music to great performance levels instead of getting bogged down in the drudgerous, disharmonious, mechanical, looking low, wait for someone's physical cue, lower mind based trudging through learning a piece of music all the way to a painful, laborious performance - focus on the "energetic ball" that is hovering above our chamber group and play into that. Many intuitively knew how to do that. The "gravity" "energetic ball" in this case was related to making an epic performance that would stun listeners and or melt their hearts into a puddle of emotion. When my groups focused on that "energetic ball of gravity" that pulled us all together, done in dynamic trust, we performed epically. All timing, cues, phrasing, dynamics, energetics/emotions etc. aligned amongst the group members in amazing and perfect ways.
The gravity core, the core purpose and value of a business must be more than mere words on a piece of paper, it must have energy and conviction. There must be a driving force that pulls people into the business as employees and as customers. There must be a resonance, a vibe that drives the company to epic success.
Speaking of which, I would say from my experience as a customer since 1998, Amazon seems to have this core gravity concept down pat based on making sure their customers have a positive emotional experience; they look out for their customers as priority #1. They look out for others. How many people look out for others? And since everyone is a customer of someone somewhere, employees can relate and relate with conviction in harmony with Amazon's gravity core. This "gravity" force at Amazon's core seems to be to me what has driven them to be one of the top companies in the world. I've watched and experienced this since 1998. They've been so consistent in top level business performance to customer experience and that has impressed me profoundly as a customer.
This book will give you a picture of how to create and harness the power of a gravity core for your business, or, any other team based endeavor. It's a very interesting concept to start learning about. If you don't get it right away, at least your subconscious mind can go on to start figuring it out for you over time.
The gravity core, the core purpose and value of a business must be more than mere words on a piece of paper, it must have energy and conviction. There must be a driving force that pulls people into the business as employees and as customers. There must be a resonance, a vibe that drives the company to epic success.
Speaking of which, I would say from my experience as a customer since 1998, Amazon seems to have this core gravity concept down pat based on making sure their customers have a positive emotional experience; they look out for their customers as priority #1. They look out for others. How many people look out for others? And since everyone is a customer of someone somewhere, employees can relate and relate with conviction in harmony with Amazon's gravity core. This "gravity" force at Amazon's core seems to be to me what has driven them to be one of the top companies in the world. I've watched and experienced this since 1998. They've been so consistent in top level business performance to customer experience and that has impressed me profoundly as a customer.
This book will give you a picture of how to create and harness the power of a gravity core for your business, or, any other team based endeavor. It's a very interesting concept to start learning about. If you don't get it right away, at least your subconscious mind can go on to start figuring it out for you over time.
September 20, 2025
In a world where business is often defined by frantic scaling and competing demands, Karlheinz Toni’s Gravity offers a refreshing and deeply practical framework for leadership. This isn't your typical business book filled with dry theory; it's a compelling, story-driven guide that reveals the "invisible force" holding successful organizations together: a strong, unwavering core of purpose.
Through the journey of a fictional CEO, the book provides a relatable and candid look at the chaos every leader faces—from team burnout and investor pressures to personal ambition. It teaches you how to define a purpose that truly anchors your team and how to balance competing stakeholder demands without losing your core identity. This book is a vital resource for spotting early signs of organizational drift and empowers leaders at every level to act with clarity and confidence.
Gravity is an essential read for founders, CEOs, and operators of any business size who want to build an organization that doesn’t just grow, but truly thrives. It provides the tools to create stability through clarity and alignment through purpose, turning volatility into a strategic advantage.
Through the journey of a fictional CEO, the book provides a relatable and candid look at the chaos every leader faces—from team burnout and investor pressures to personal ambition. It teaches you how to define a purpose that truly anchors your team and how to balance competing stakeholder demands without losing your core identity. This book is a vital resource for spotting early signs of organizational drift and empowers leaders at every level to act with clarity and confidence.
Gravity is an essential read for founders, CEOs, and operators of any business size who want to build an organization that doesn’t just grow, but truly thrives. It provides the tools to create stability through clarity and alignment through purpose, turning volatility into a strategic advantage.
September 27, 2025
This book stuck with me in a way very few business books do. Gravity goes beyond the usual buzzwords and frameworks—it dives into the real (and often messy) emotional and strategic tensions leaders face, especially during growth or transformation.
The fictional CEO storyline is brilliant—it makes everything feel relatable, and I saw myself (and my team) in so many of Jordan’s struggles. Whether it's managing burnout, holding your vision through investor pressure, or realizing when your company is starting to drift, this book provides powerful clarity without sounding like a textbook.
Toni’s concept of “holding the center” through a defined purpose is both simple and deeply profound. It’s helped me refocus not just my org chart, but my leadership approach. And best of all—it’s written to equip, not impress. No fluff, no ego. Just deeply actionable insight grounded in real-world experience.
If you’re building or leading something meaningful—and want it to not just grow but thrive with integrity—this belongs on your shelf.
The fictional CEO storyline is brilliant—it makes everything feel relatable, and I saw myself (and my team) in so many of Jordan’s struggles. Whether it's managing burnout, holding your vision through investor pressure, or realizing when your company is starting to drift, this book provides powerful clarity without sounding like a textbook.
Toni’s concept of “holding the center” through a defined purpose is both simple and deeply profound. It’s helped me refocus not just my org chart, but my leadership approach. And best of all—it’s written to equip, not impress. No fluff, no ego. Just deeply actionable insight grounded in real-world experience.
If you’re building or leading something meaningful—and want it to not just grow but thrive with integrity—this belongs on your shelf.
September 22, 2025
Karlheinz Toni delivers a masterful blend of practical wisdom and compelling storytelling that cuts through typical business book noise. "Gravity" introduces a deceptively simple yet profound concept: successful organizations need a clearly defined center of purpose that acts as an invisible force holding everything together.
The fictional CEO Jordan's journey provides an authentic lens for exploring real leadership challenges—customer demands, team burnout, investor pressure, and competing priorities. What sets this book apart is its focus on the unseen forces that make or break companies during transformation and scaling.
The framework for defining anchoring purpose, balancing stakeholder pressures, and spotting early warning signs offers immediately applicable tools. This isn't academic theory—it's hard-won wisdom presented with clarity and honesty. Essential reading for anyone leading through change.
The fictional CEO Jordan's journey provides an authentic lens for exploring real leadership challenges—customer demands, team burnout, investor pressure, and competing priorities. What sets this book apart is its focus on the unseen forces that make or break companies during transformation and scaling.
The framework for defining anchoring purpose, balancing stakeholder pressures, and spotting early warning signs offers immediately applicable tools. This isn't academic theory—it's hard-won wisdom presented with clarity and honesty. Essential reading for anyone leading through change.
October 2, 2025
I appreciated this book because it doesn’t just throw around buzzwords — it actually gives a clear framework leaders can use when their company feels pulled in too many directions. The “gravity” metaphor works well: defining a strong center of purpose, aligning the team around it, and maintaining it over time. The fictional CEO story makes it more engaging than a typical dry business book.
At the same time, parts of it repeat ideas I’ve seen in other leadership books, just told with a different angle. It’s not full of brand-new insights, but it is practical and accessible. I liked how the examples showed real tensions leaders face — customer pressure, investor demands, team burnout — and how easily a company can drift without clarity.
Overall, it’s a helpful read if you’re leading a growing business or just trying to keep a team focused during change. Not flashy, but solid advice that’s easy to apply.
At the same time, parts of it repeat ideas I’ve seen in other leadership books, just told with a different angle. It’s not full of brand-new insights, but it is practical and accessible. I liked how the examples showed real tensions leaders face — customer pressure, investor demands, team burnout — and how easily a company can drift without clarity.
Overall, it’s a helpful read if you’re leading a growing business or just trying to keep a team focused during change. Not flashy, but solid advice that’s easy to apply.
October 19, 2025
The Power Behind the Purpose
This book stirred something deep in me. After serving 20 years in the Marines and another 20 teaching high school, I’ve seen how invisible forces like purpose, culture, and unspoken power structures can make or break people and institutions. I entered both careers as one of the few people of color, driven by a need to serve and mentor those overlooked by the system. But navigating those spaces came at a personal cost. Now in retirement, I’ve wrestled with turning my life’s work into something that still serves and sustains a different purpose for living.
This book helped me put words to that struggle. It made me rethink how “gravity” in business and leadership isn’t always seen but always felt. The narration brought a calm strength to the message, guiding me to think strategically, not just emotionally. If you’ve ever led quietly, served loudly, or searched for your post-retirement identity, this one will speak to you.
This book stirred something deep in me. After serving 20 years in the Marines and another 20 teaching high school, I’ve seen how invisible forces like purpose, culture, and unspoken power structures can make or break people and institutions. I entered both careers as one of the few people of color, driven by a need to serve and mentor those overlooked by the system. But navigating those spaces came at a personal cost. Now in retirement, I’ve wrestled with turning my life’s work into something that still serves and sustains a different purpose for living.
This book helped me put words to that struggle. It made me rethink how “gravity” in business and leadership isn’t always seen but always felt. The narration brought a calm strength to the message, guiding me to think strategically, not just emotionally. If you’ve ever led quietly, served loudly, or searched for your post-retirement identity, this one will speak to you.
September 20, 2025
What I really like about this book is that it tries to use a metaphor that everyone can understand - gravity - to explain the various forces that affect our leadership teams and businesses. For example, a lot of the work I do involves work with stakeholders, and what this book does really well is give some examples of how various stakeholders can pull a company in different ways (even the pull of the CEO themselves in the example given in the book). This is a great book if narrative example is helpful for you but it may be a bit light on data and evidence (if you need that). There's also red flags within the book that you can watch out for that can lead to unhealthy leadership behaviors. Overall, it's a great book if you need practical strategies to make decisions on your leadership team.
September 24, 2025
I picked this up on a whim and was completely surprised by how insightful and well-written it is. The gravity metaphor isn't just clever - it's genuinely useful for understanding why some companies succeed while others struggle despite having similar resources. Toni's writing is clear and straightforward, making complex organizational concepts easy to grasp. The formatting is excellent with memorable quotes and key takeaways that I keep referring back to. The decision-making chapter alone changed how I approach strategic choices at my company. What sets this apart from other business books is how it addresses the invisible, often unconscious forces that shape organizational culture. Highly recommend for leaders at any level who want to understand the deeper dynamics at play in their organizations.
September 26, 2025
This is easily one of the best and most engaging business books I have ever read. The author's choice to teach critical leadership concepts through the journey of a fictional CEO is brilliant. It reads more like a compelling novel than a dry business manual, which made it impossible to put down. The central idea of "Gravity", a clearly defined purpose that holds a company together, is brought to life through the relatable struggles of the main character. You see firsthand how to balance stakeholder demands and prevent burnout amidst the chaos of scaling a business. While this book is a goldmine for any leader, it feels especially invaluable for those at the helm of startups and small businesses trying to navigate rapid growth. I cannot recommend it enough for a dose of practical wisdom presented in a refreshingly human way.
October 14, 2025
This is easily one of the best and most engaging business books I have ever read. The author's choice to teach critical leadership concepts through the journey of a fictional CEO is brilliant. It reads more like a compelling novel than a dry business manual, which made it impossible to put down. The central idea of "Gravity", a clearly defined purpose that holds a company together, is brought to life through the relatable struggles of the main character. You see firsthand how to balance stakeholder demands and prevent burnout amidst the chaos of scaling a business. While this book is a goldmine for any leader, it feels especially invaluable for those at the helm of startups and small businesses trying to navigate rapid growth. I cannot recommend it enough for a dose of practical wisdom presented in a refreshingly human way.
October 6, 2025
I liked this business novel. The author clearly presents his ideas through the main character, Jordan. He considers the concept of gravity as the foundation of the company's development. Communication with customers, teams, investors, regulators, and the CEO is built around this.
In this book, practical advice on how to build such a system (gravity) is presented as ideas expressed by Jordan, which are discussed by her colleagues at work. The attraction to the center mustn't become a formality. The author also outlines the signs when the company begins to drift or collapse, and explains how to overcome this.
Such a book will be handy for managers, especially those at the top level and business owners.
In this book, practical advice on how to build such a system (gravity) is presented as ideas expressed by Jordan, which are discussed by her colleagues at work. The attraction to the center mustn't become a formality. The author also outlines the signs when the company begins to drift or collapse, and explains how to overcome this.
Such a book will be handy for managers, especially those at the top level and business owners.
September 16, 2025
This leadership guide is a compelling, practical gem that uses a fictional CEO’s journey to make complex challenges relatable and actionable. The concept of “gravity”—a core purpose anchoring teams and goals—is both simple and transformative, offering clarity for navigating business turbulence. I loved the engaging storytelling, vivid examples, and clear framework that made lessons immediately applicable to real-world leadership. The balance of candid insights and practical tips feels refreshing and relevant. Highly recommend for founders, leaders, or anyone seeking to strengthen their organization’s stability and growth!
October 21, 2025
Gravity is an insightful and refreshingly honest guide to what truly holds great companies together — purpose. Through the engaging story of CEO Jordan, the author brings complex leadership challenges to life in a way that’s relatable, practical, and deeply thought-provoking.
Rather than offering quick fixes, this book delivers timeless lessons on balance, clarity, and leading with intention. It’s perfect for founders, executives, or anyone guiding a team through growth or change. Gravity doesn’t just teach leadership — it helps you feel and understand it. A brilliant, empowering read for today’s business world.
Rather than offering quick fixes, this book delivers timeless lessons on balance, clarity, and leading with intention. It’s perfect for founders, executives, or anyone guiding a team through growth or change. Gravity doesn’t just teach leadership — it helps you feel and understand it. A brilliant, empowering read for today’s business world.
October 27, 2025
As a guy who has spent 25 years consulting with businesses to help them find their purpose, I thought this offered a clear and compelling central metaphor with solid strategies and tips for putting the ideas into action. I found the discussions toward the end of the book about how to avoid weaponizing a company's purpose very thoughtful and useful as well. Framing the lessons of the book through the perspective of a fictional CEO, struggling with defining the center of her growing business made for entertaining reading. I would have liked to see a real-world case study or two included to cement the utility of the metaphor and toolset though.
September 27, 2025
“Gravity” is one of the most insightful business books I’ve read in years. It combines practical leadership strategies with vivid storytelling, showing how purpose anchors successful organizations even when everything else is chaotic. The fictional CEO journey makes the lessons incredibly relatable, while the frameworks on balancing stakeholders, avoiding burnout, and spotting early warning signs are pure gold. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a large company, this book gives you clarity and confidence. It’s both deeply human and sharply strategic—highly recommended!
October 22, 2025
What makes this book stand out is its realism. You can feel the tension of juggling customer demands, investor pressures, and team burnout while trying to keep the mission intact. The lessons aren’t abstract—they’re drawn from the trenches, showing how to define a purpose that anchors your team, balance competing priorities, and detect when your organization begins to drift. Unlike many business books filled with buzzwords or motivational fluff, Gravity delivers practical clarity. It equips lead
November 25, 2025
Relating the concept of gravity to the purpose of a business is genius! Obviously, we can't live without gravity, and businesses cannot thrive without a unifying purpose. This is a powerful way to help business leaders discover and focus on their purpose. The 3-step framework (find your purpose, align around it, and maintain the focus) feels doable and smart. With a whole company working with a crystal-clear focus, your business can thrive. This is a continuous process to relentlessly reinforce the purpose of your business and to keep everyone and everything aligned. Great Book!!
September 23, 2025
This doesn't read like your typical business book with buzzwords and frameworks, it's more like sitting down with a seasoned CEO over coffee for real advice. Filled with real stories; the messy one's, the wins, the near-disasters, and lessons learned the hard way. My favorite part of this book is how grounded it is. It's not preachy. The writing is candid, the examples are vivid, and the advice is refreshingly human.
November 22, 2025
A useful book
A practical book about leadership. Through the story of a CEO, the author reveals real-life challenges, such as team burnout and pressure from clients and investors. The central idea is simple and powerful: a company must have a clear, compelling purpose that holds everything together. The book is clearly written, without unnecessary theory, and provides useful tools for creating stability and focus. An excellent read for executives and entrepreneurs.
A practical book about leadership. Through the story of a CEO, the author reveals real-life challenges, such as team burnout and pressure from clients and investors. The central idea is simple and powerful: a company must have a clear, compelling purpose that holds everything together. The book is clearly written, without unnecessary theory, and provides useful tools for creating stability and focus. An excellent read for executives and entrepreneurs.
September 11, 2025
Gravity framework
The concept of gravity describes the invisible force to strengthen company’s success and the core purpose and values as the author describes it. Without it, even the hardest working teams can drift off course, and with it, company gains stability. The book provides good tips for businesses to find its center and maintain the gravitational pull over time and adjust as needed.
The concept of gravity describes the invisible force to strengthen company’s success and the core purpose and values as the author describes it. Without it, even the hardest working teams can drift off course, and with it, company gains stability. The book provides good tips for businesses to find its center and maintain the gravitational pull over time and adjust as needed.
September 12, 2025
I really enjoyed how this book uses a story to show what leadership struggles actually look like in real life. Following the fictional CEO, Jordan, made the lessons feel relatable and not just theory. It’s less about buzzwords and more about finding clarity and purpose when everything feels chaotic.
September 12, 2025
This book offers clear, realistic, and practical explanations of leadership challenges and solutions. I especially liked how the lessons were told through the story of a fictional CEO; it made the concepts easier to connect with and understand. The framework around “gravity” feels applicable to real-world situations, making it a valuable read for anyone in leadership. An easy 5 stars.
September 15, 2025
Reading Gravity was eye-opening. Karlheinz Toni shows with clarity why some companies thrive while others stumble, highlighting the hidden “gravity” of purpose and culture. The mix of vivid examples and actionable insights makes this book invaluable for leaders seeking sustainable growth and transformation.
September 22, 2025
"Gravity" is a refreshing and practical book that shows what truly holds companies together. Through the story of a fictional CEO, it illustrates real challenges like burnout, compliance, and investor pressure while offering clear solutions. A must-read for founders, leaders, and anyone who wants to build stable and thriving organizations.
September 23, 2025
Gravity offers a refreshing and highly practical framework for leaders dealing with the chaos of growth and transformation. Through the story of fictional CEO Jordan, it captures the real struggles leaders face: demanding customers, investor pressure, team burnout, and compliance hurdles; while showing how to hold onto a clear center of purpose.
September 25, 2025
This book felt refreshingly real and practical. The story format made the lessons easy to connect with, and I could see my own leadership challenges in Jordan’s journey. It’s not just theory—it gives clear, useful ways to stay grounded while leading through change. A great read for anyone trying to grow or stabilize a business.
October 4, 2025
Karlheinz Toni has delivered a masterclass in strategic thinking. Gravity is a powerful, paradigm-shifting read that forces leaders to stop looking at what makes a company grow fast, and start examining what keeps it from falling apart. Mark your calendars for August 2025—this is required reading for anyone serious about building a business designed for the long haul.
October 11, 2025
This book has an unique approach to provide business, leadership and management insights. Instead of giving you instructions or prompts, it takes the longer, but most effective (at least when it's done this good), way of showing fictionally what can work practically. I don't think it was easy to achieve such a good result, so congrats to the author for this.
November 27, 2025
A fascinating and insightful look at what truly drives successful companies. The author explains complex business forces through simple stories, real examples, and sharp analysis. It reads fast but leaves a lasting impact, especially on how you view strategy, culture, and market behavior. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the unseen principles behind growth and long-term success.
September 17, 2025
Gravity offers a fresh framework for leaders navigating transformation or rapid growth. It doesn’t just talk theory—it gives practical tools to build momentum, foster adaptability, and create clarity amid chaos. An invaluable read for anyone involved in scaling businesses or leading through change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews