Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader: 41 Principles to Build an Enduring Business

NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER and #15 USA TODAY BEST SELLER!

Becoming a Purpose-Driven Leader reveals the timeless ideas and proven strategies that turned Koch Industries into a global powerhouse—offering a practical blueprint for anyone who wants to create lasting value through principled leadership.

Ever wonder how Koch became one of the largest private companies in the world? It was by continually transforming itself for more than six decades. Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader tells that story through a powerful, two-generation lens.

In this deeply practical and personal book, Charles and Chase Koch reveal the proven principles that helped turn Koch Inc. into one of the world's most enduring private companies. They offer a practical blueprint for anyone who aspires to lead in business, their community, or any aspect of their life.

In this deeply practical and personal book, they share 41 proven Principles of Human Progress that powered Koch's 9,000-fold growth, shaped their philanthropy, and transformed their own lives and leadership.

Tested over 60 years of experimentation, failure, discovery, and continual learning, these principles show how anyone can turn setbacks into success by empowering others and accomplish more than they thought possible. Father and son illustrate this by using real stories from business turnarounds to personal transformation.

Whatever your situation or path, Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader offers a clear and effective framework for turning obstacles into opportunities, unlocking your potential, and applying proven principles to create enduring success.

CHARLES KOCH, Chairman and Co-CEO

By the time Charles graduated from high school, he had attended eight schools (“but only got kicked out of one”). Despite earning three engineering degrees from MIT, he claims he is “a lousy engineer but excels at making mistakes—“lots and lots of them.”

By learning from those mistakes and implementing a principle-based framework, the company he leads has grown 9,000-fold since 1960. Utterly rejecting retirement, even at the age of ninety, Charles continues to push for a principle-based approach to life, business, and society. His wife of fifty-plus years and their two children are on board with this passion, and his three grandchildren are well on their way.

“In a world full of noise, the ability to make sound decisions is a leader's greatest advantage. Chase and Charles Koch provide a clear and practical framework for leading with principles and long-term vision. This book offers lessons that can strengthen both your leadership and your ability to create value.”

—Tony Robbins, #1 Life & Business Strategist

“Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader has the power to reshape not only companies, but entire societies. It is the most practical and effective guide available for learning and applying the principles of progress—drawn from two lifetimes of wisdom, responsibility, and innovation.”

—Tyler Cowen, “America’s Hottest Economist” according to Bloomberg

“Two leaders. One family. Zero spin. Charles and Chase Koch open the vault on what really happened—mistakes, near-bankruptcy, hard calls, and the mindset shifts that changed everything, fueling extraordinary success. They take you inside the unfiltered story of how crisis reshaped their character—and transformed their company. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your hardest moments into your greatest breakthroughs, this book is essential.”

—Brian Grazer, Cofounder, Imagine Entertainment

“Here’s the how-to book for the ages. What makes it so powerful and helpful is that the principles discussed here come from the authors’s real word experiences with both success and failure combined with their genuine understanding of human history. The principles apply not only to commerce but also to finding and leading a meaningful life.”

—Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes

“It is no accident that Koch Inc. has become one of America's most successful and enduring businesses. In an ever-transforming world, Charles and Chase share extraordinary stories from their business and personal lives, highlighting the key principles that have enabled their success. A surprisingly entertaining and accessible page turner, the book provides direct insights that can help anyone realize what they want from their career, their business, their relationships, or their life.

—David Friedberg, Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Host of All-In Podcast

“Winning is temporary, but principles last. When your life is rooted in the right principles, they guide your decisions, strengthen your character, and impact every area of your life. A principle-driven leader doesn’t just chase success—they build people, endure adversity, and leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the game.”

—Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints Linebacker and Team Captain

“Improvisation in life, like music, needs a solid foundation. Since my friend Chase shared the book with me, it has become such a useful insight on my journey in business and community service. Having evolved over the years from life experience, Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader provides a solid foundation with proven principles that guide how we listen, lead, and create something that endures.”

—Jon Baptiste, Grammy Award–Winning Musician and Composer

“Without a college degree or a conventional career path, I found my way by applying principles, learning, and contributing wherever I could. The principles covered in this book helped me grow into leadership roles and support others in their success. Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader truly reflects this experience —it’s a practical guide for turning challenges into opportunities for growth.”

—Jarrod Benson, Chief Information Officer, Koch