Principled Leader

Leading through a life of meaning

A photograph of Charles Koch in his office wearing a white shirt and patterned tie, seated in front of a bookshelf.

Driving Success Through Mutual Benefit

Charles’ North Star is a society of equal rights and mutual benefit, where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of meaning and succeed by benefiting others. His business, philanthropic organizations and partnerships continue to advance the principles he holds dear, breaking barriers and empowering millions of people to contribute to society’s progress.

Charles Koch engaging in conversation with a group of summer interns at Koch, Inc. as they listen attentively.

Building a Framework for Fulfillment

Charles continually learns and applies principles that enable people to improve their lives, developing Market-Based Management®, later Principle Based Management®, to enable individuals and organizations to unleash their potential. Many, including himself, often call him the “Chief Philosophy Officer.”

A neatly stacked pile of four books authored by Charles Koch on a wooden desk, with a blurred outdoor background.

Sharing Valuable Insights with Bestselling Books

Authoring numerous bestselling books has enabled Charles to share his story, as well as to introduce a range of useful ideas, including principles of human progress, to a broad audience. 

A hardcover copy of Believe in People, co-authored by Charles Koch and Brian Hooks, standing upright against a neutral gradient background.

Believe in People

A collection of inspiring stories of individuals making change from the bottom up.

A hardcover copy of Continually Transforming Koch Industries Through Virtuous Cycles of Mutual Benefit by Charles Koch.

Continually Transforming Koch Industries Through Virtuous Cycles of Mutual Benefit

Charles Koch shares how we can better ourselves by bettering others — at work, at home and in our communities.

A hardcover copy of Good Profit by Charles Koch, standing upright against a neutral gradient background.

Good Profit

Charles Koch explains how creating value for others built one of the world's most successful companies.

A hardcover copy of The Science of Success by Charles Koch, standing upright against a neutral gradient background.

Science of Success

Charles outlines his management philosophy, Market-Based Management® (now known as Principle Based Management®).

Charles on Books:

“I read a lot of things I don’t agree with. I need to understand their point of view.”

Watch Charles discuss his lifelong relationship with books, learning and spirituality.

Charles’ Top Four Favorite Reads

 “These books are the ones where I learned how the world works.”

Human Action

Hear Charles discuss the importance of this book on his life.

Personal Knowledge

Charles discusses this book’s profound influence on his business.

Bonfire of the Vanities

Charles explains what makes Tom Wolfe compelling reading.

In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government

Charles reads a passage and explores his affinity for the author.

Virtuous Cycles of Mutual Benefit and the Dimensions of Real Education

Hear Charles discuss the concept of virtuous cycles of mutual benefit with host Bill Bennett.