Book: Happy Sexy Millionaire
By: Steven Bartlett
Reviewed by: Ashley Michael
The Premise: Steven Bartlett’s Happy Sexy Millionaire is a deeply personal and thought-provoking book that dismantles modern myths around success, happiness, and self-worth. Bartlett, best known as the founder of Social Chain and a host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, shares his journey from a struggling university dropout to a highly successful entrepreneur. However, instead of celebrating traditional success, he challenges the societal narratives that equate wealth, status, and external validation with happiness.
The book blends psychology, philosophy, personal stories, and research to explore key topics such as the illusion of social media perfection, the dangers of comparison, and the gap between what we think will make us happy and what actually does. Chapter titles like The Happiness Myth, The Identity Trap, and The Confidence Lie hint at Bartlett’s central message: success without self-awareness and emotional well-being is meaningless.
Bartlett’s writing style is engaging, informal, and refreshingly candid. He blends storytelling with research and actionable insights, making complex topics accessible. His tone is direct, often humorous, and sometimes brutally honest—challenging readers to rethink their aspirations and redefine their own versions of success. The book promises to leave readers with a fresh perspective on fulfillment, purpose, and personal growth.
The Bottomline: Happy Sexy Millionaire is an eye-opening read that resonates deeply, especially in a world where success is often measured in likes, followers, and material possessions. Bartlett’s ability to deconstruct these illusions made the book both insightful and liberating. Rather than providing a step-by-step guide to success, he offers a reality check—encouraging readers to focus on internal fulfillment rather than external validation.
As a leadership coach, I see many high-potential leaders caught in the relentless pursuit of more—more responsibility, recognition, success—only to find themselves burned out and questioning what it’s all for. They climb the ladder at full speed without stopping to ask, Do I even want to be on this ladder? Bartlett challenges the belief that ambition must be tied to external markers like promotions and wealth, arguing instead that self-worth should come from a deeper understanding of who we are beyond our work.
I would absolutely recommend this book to leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning the traditional pathways to success. It challenges assumptions and forces readers to think critically about what they’re truly working toward. While some sections might feel repetitive, the overall impact of the book is powerful. It successfully lives up to its promise of shifting how we view happiness and ambition.
Recommendation: Happy Sexy Millionaire is a must-read for anyone caught in the pursuit of success without a clear understanding of what truly fulfills them. Bartlett delivers a compelling argument for redefining happiness on our own terms, making this book an essential read for leaders, entrepreneurs, and personal growth enthusiasts alike.
