Five of the best leadership Substack newsletters to follow
In a world in which leadership’s changing fast, these Substack newsletters offer sharp, practical tips and insights to help navigate change, build stronger teams, and lead with more purpose.
The Best Leadership Newsletter Ever by Jeff Matlow
What it’s about: (Well with a title like that, it had to be first.) A popular Substack blending humour and practical leadership lessons – essentially, what would happen if John Oliver and Simon Sinek had a lovechild. Here’s the place to come for advice on workplace challenges to insights such as “the wisdom in wombat poop” or “why orange juice is bad for leadership.”
Recent entries include: How to work smarter; The leadership shortcut you need to know about; The IKEA effect.
Why subscribe: Because you’re after leadership advice that doesn’t put you to sleep. Because you’ll be joining a devoted readership of over 13,000 subscribers (including leaders from Disney, Amazon and the US Navy) – many of whom get access to a private Slack community, exclusive webinars, coaching discounts, and more.
Subscribe to The Best Leadership Newsletter
Future Ready Leadership with Jacob Morgan
What it’s about: Practical leadership advice, fresh research and interviews with top CEOs and thinkers. Each week, the bestselling author and futurist Morgan unpacks topics such as adaptability, trust, people-first cultures, and how to lead with curiosity and empathy, via a mix of five-minute videos, considered articles, and expert guest insights. Very much designed for leaders who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving workplace.
Recent entries include: What CEOs really want from HR: What the Maginot Line teaches us about future ready leadership; Why great leaders surround themselves with people who disagree
Why subscribe: You want more than just buzzwords. A thoughtful, welcoming space for leaders who genuinely want to learn and grow. Perks for payers include weekly leadership hacks and interactive features.
Subscribe to Future Ready Leadership
The Charter Newsletter
What it’s about: Innovative, thought-provoking insights and research on workplace trends, and the future of work. It’s widely read by executives and HR leaders seeking to build resilient, high-performing teams, and who want to stay informed about the forces shaping the future of work. Articles on the likes of hybrid working AI, diversity, and inclusion.
Recent entries include: AI tip of the week: meetings; How one company is using company shares for retention and engagement; how work is different this summer
Why subscribe: You want a smart, forward-looking perspective on leadership and workplace change, twice weekly. You’re after relevant, actionable ideas that will help you lead with innovation and empathy in an evolving world.
Subscribe to the Charter Newsletter
The Clifton Strengths Insights Newsletter from Gallup
What it’s about: Rooted in over 50 years of Gallup research, each of these monthly issues delivers practical strategies, expert interviews, real-life success stories and personalised insights to help leaders discover, develop, and use their natural talents at work.
Recent entries include: Accelerate through leadership challenges with strengths; The power of meaningful recognition using Clifton Strengths; Culture boost: combining Clifton Strengths and engagement
Why subscribe: For concise, actionable tips for boosting team performance, communication, and personal growth – all in a quick, 10-minute read.
Subscribe to the Clifton Strengths Insights Newsletter
Culture Study by Anne Helen Petersen
What it’s about: Sharp, insightful essays exploring contemporary culture from the US writer and journalist. Topics range from work life, parenting, and friendship to celebrity, religion, and internet trends. All aspects of culture – whether high or ‘low brow’ – are taken equally seriously. Which is, obviously, a good thing.
Recent entries include: Teen mags, dead girls, cults, and calorie tracking; The peculiar legacy of ’90s/2000s culture; Your favourite part about being queer (in 2025).
Why subscribe: Petersen’s background in academia and journalism makes this one a valuable resource for anyone wishing to get their head around the nitty-gritty of modern culture – and it’s perfect for leaders who want to think more critically about a whole range of subjects. Plus, paid subscribers get exclusive bonus content and a front-row seat to smart, lively conversations you won’t find anywhere else.
Ali Catterall is an award-winning writer, journalist and filmmaker whose writing has featured in the Guardian, Time Out, GQ, Film4, Word magazine and the Big Issue, among many others. Ali is also the writer and director of the 2023 film Scala!!!