20+ emails from top CEOs like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and more

Peek Inside the Inbox of Top CEOs

When people think about CEOs they admire and the skillset you need to get there, they probably think it was their networking skills, presentation skills or maybe they’re ability to persuade which got them the top job.

And sure those skills are important. But the reality is, that just like you and I, CEOs spend a big chunk of their day sending and receiving emails — so while it might not be the most visible skill, it's still one of the most critical skills they flex.

That’s why I’ve gathered a collection of emails from top CEOs to offer a glimpse into their communication styles and to show you why email writing is such an important skill to refine. 

Why These CEO Emails Are Pure Gold

CEO emails are like treasure troves of insights. They reveal how these leaders communicate their vision, make critical decisions, and motivate their teams. By reading these emails, you'll pick up tips and tricks that can help you in your own career and leadership journey.

• Leadership Lessons: See how CEOs articulate their vision and steer their companies.
• Decision Insights: Learn how big business decisions are made and what factors are considered.
• Inspiration: Feel motivated by the words of some of the most influential leaders in the world.

And... as I mentioned above, it's a helpful reminder of why it's important to be a killer at communicating over email. Even as the CEO of the world's largest companies.

Ready to Dive In?

Click on the links below to read their emails and soak up some serious wisdom:

Mark Zuckerberg

• Mark sends staff the famous “Please Resign” email
• Mark emails staff about his perspective on the perks
• Mark emails execs about what Facebook could do to move faster

Apple - Steve Jobs / Tim Cook

• Steve emails the CEO of Adobe about poaching talent
• Steve emails the CEO of Google about poaching talent
• Steve discussing the need to force Amazon to use Apple’s payment system
• Steve responds to “you are being a jerk” email
• Tim Cook emails employees about confidential information leak

Microsoft - Bill Gates / Satya Nadella

• Satya and CTO discuss OpenAI
• Satya emails Microsoft employees the day he is announced as CEO

‍Elon Musk

• Elon emails the Tesla executives about remote work
• Elon emails staff about the “delivery hell” they’re in

Google

• Sergey Brin emails Google executives about angry email from Steve Jobs
• Larry Page talks about acquiring YouTube
• Eric Schmidt tells the team to proceed with making YouTube an offer

Other

• Travis Kalanick apologizes to Uber employees about his behavior‍
• Howard emails his 190k Starbucks employees about customer care
• Sam Altman emails Elon about the early vision for OpenAI
• Barry Diller emails the Tinder founder about what his boat crew thinks about the app
• Peloton's new CEO emails staff about his plans to turnaround the company