Top Podcasts & Newsletters to Refuel Your Leadership in 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s become something of a tradition here at Ellivate to reflect on the resources that have inspired and challenged us most throughout the year.
In previous Decembers, we’ve curated lists of our favourite leadership and sales books. But this year, we’re switching gears.
We’ve spent more time listening and reading digitally, and so have our clients. From weekly newsletters that cut through noise, to podcast conversations that offer rare insight into the minds of world-class leaders, these formats have become daily learning tools for modern professionals.
So, whether you’re travelling over the holidays, planning your 2026 strategy, or simply looking to think differently – we’ve got your inspiration covered.
Here are five standout podcasts and newsletters we believe every leader should bookmark heading into the new year.
🎙 Our Top Podcast Picks for 2025
1. Leadership Next – by Fortune
What it is:
A weekly podcast exploring how CEOs and executives are navigating leadership, transformation, and purpose in the modern era.
Why we love it:
Leadership Next dives straight into the real issues leaders face today, from tech disruption and ESG, to talent strategy and stakeholder capitalism. Each episode is an interview with a C-suite leader from a global brand, offering unfiltered perspectives and practical wisdom.
Ellivate’s take:
If you’re leading change, influencing at the executive level, or shaping your organisation’s next chapter this podcast is pure gold.
2. Leading – with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart
What it is:
An offshoot of “The Rest is Politics”, this podcast features long-form interviews with notable leaders from politics, business, sport, and culture.
Why we love it:
Campbell and Stewart bring contrasting backgrounds, deep curiosity, and political candour to every conversation. Their guests range from former prime ministers to tech founders, and the tone is equal parts intellectual and accessible.
Ellivate’s take:
This is a must-listen if you enjoy leadership through a global, human lens. It’s reflective, wide-ranging, and always makes you think.
🗞 Top Newsletters to Follow in 2026
3. Mindstream
What it is:
A daily email briefing that breaks down the latest developments in AI, tech, and innovation into clear, insightful takeaways.
Why we love it:
Mindstream manages to distil a complex and fast-moving field—artificial intelligence—into something human, relevant, and action-oriented. Whether it’s regulation, enterprise use cases, or emerging capabilities like Claude in Microsoft 365, each edition keeps you informed and intellectually curious.
Ellivate’s take:
Ideal for time-poor leaders who want a smart, steady pulse on where AI is headed, without the hype or overwhelm. A few minutes each day, with a lot of payoff over time.
4. CEO Daily – from Fortune
What it is:
A weekday digest covering global business news, executive moves, economic shifts, and political trends.
Why we love it:
CEO Daily keeps you sharp. It offers a global perspective with just the right amount of detail. From boardroom shakeups to macroeconomic movements, this newsletter is built for decision-makers.
Ellivate’s take:
This is our go-to for staying informed and context-aware. A five-minute daily read that sparks powerful thinking.
5. The Hustle
What it is:
A witty, business-and-tech-focused newsletter that covers innovation, startups, trends, and unexpected stories shaping the modern world.
Why we love it:
It’s smart, punchy, and often just plain fun. The Hustle helps you stay culturally relevant while delivering sharp insights into tech and growth.
Ellivate’s take:
We recommend it for emerging leaders, marketing teams, or anyone who wants to stay on the pulse of business innovation with a side of sass.
🎧 What You Consume Shapes How You Lead
The best leaders are learners. And in a world where noise is everywhere, the right content matters more than ever.
We hope this curated list gives you a reason to pause, reflect, and maybe even subscribe to something new this December.
Have a favourite podcast or newsletter we should check out?
We’d love to hear from you.
