Tom Rath author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Tom Rath

Tom Rath is an American author, researcher, and speaker whose work focuses on strengths-based psychology, employee engagement, leadership, and well-being. Best known for the #1 New York Times bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0 and How Full Is Your Bucket?, his books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide and significantly influenced workplace and personal development practices.

Biography & Author's Journey

Tom Rath was born and raised in the Midwest, where he developed an early curiosity about human behavior and its underlying drivers. His path was shaped in part by personal experience—Rath was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that heightened his awareness of life’s fragility and deepened his interest in well-being. This focus led him to pursue degrees in psychology at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, cultivating expertise that would underpin his career-long research in the fields of business, health, and organizational behavior.

Show More

Quotes

quote
You cannot be anything you want to be - but you can be a whole lot more of who you already are
-Strengths Finder 2.0
quote
If you spend your life trying to be good at everything, you will never be great at anything
-Strengths Based Leadership
quote
From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to our shortcomings than to our strengths
-Strengths Finder 2.0
quote
Wellbeing is about the combination of our love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, the vibrancy of our physical health, and the pride we take in what we have contributed to our communities. Most importantly, it’s about how these five elements interact
-Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements
quote
The key to human development is building on who you already are
-Strengths Finder 2.0
quote
Making better choices takes work. There is a daily give and take, but it is worth the effort
-Lib Quotes
quote
The key to creating collective well-being is to start by improving the life of another person, not your own
-It's Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life
quote
You create meaning when your motivators, abilities, and purpose meet to serve the world
-Life's Great Question
quote
Greatness is not a destination; it's a journey
-Bookey Quotes Compilation
quote
Success is not about winning; it's about becoming the best version of yourself
-Bookey Quotes Compilation

Discover more

Books Recommended by Tom Bilyeu
BOOKS

Books Recommended by Tom Bilyeu

Unlock your potential with top non-fiction books Tom Bilyeu recommends—build discipline, master mindset, and level up your life.

BeFreed team

Thrive: Life, Work & Performance with ADHD

Thrive: Life, Work & Performance with ADHD

LEARNING PLAN

Thrive: Life, Work & Performance with ADHD

This plan is essential for professionals and individuals looking to stop fighting their ADHD and start working with it. It provides a roadmap to transform neurological differences into high-performance tools through practical systems and strength-based strategies.

1 h 42 m4 Sections
Master Self, Health, Tech & Human Connection

Master Self, Health, Tech & Human Connection

LEARNING PLAN

Master Self, Health, Tech & Human Connection

In an era of rapid technological change and burnout, this plan offers a holistic blueprint for modern resilience. It is designed for high-performers seeking to balance peak physical health and technical edge with deep emotional intelligence.

2 h 37 m4 Sections
Self-Improvement, Wellness & Leadership Bio

Self-Improvement, Wellness & Leadership Bio

LEARNING PLAN

Self-Improvement, Wellness & Leadership Bio

In today’s high-pressure environment, true leadership requires a balance of internal resilience and external influence. This plan is designed for aspiring leaders and professionals who want to master their mental well-being while sharpening their ability to lead and communicate effectively.

2 h 38 m4 Sections
Lead well and motivate everyone I meet

Lead well and motivate everyone I meet

LEARNING PLAN

Lead well and motivate everyone I meet

In today's interconnected world, the ability to inspire others is the ultimate competitive advantage. This plan is designed for aspiring and established leaders who want to move beyond management to master the psychological and strategic arts of influence and team excellence.

2 h 47 m4 Sections
Shift Mindset, Build Strength & Grow self

Shift Mindset, Build Strength & Grow self

LEARNING PLAN

Shift Mindset, Build Strength & Grow self

This plan is essential for professionals and aspiring leaders looking to break through mental plateaus and build lasting psychological strength. It combines cognitive behavioral shifts with practical leadership strategies to help individuals command respect and drive personal growth.

2 h 48 m4 Sections
Build Stronger Relationships

Build Stronger Relationships

LEARNING PLAN

Build Stronger Relationships

Strong relationships are the foundation of personal fulfillment and professional success. This plan is designed for anyone looking to bridge communication gaps and build deeper, more resilient bonds with those around them.

2 h 43 m4 Sections
Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Growth

Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Growth

LEARNING PLAN

Mind, Habits & Philosophy for Growth

This plan bridges the gap between psychological science and practical philosophy to build a foundation for high performance. It is ideal for individuals seeking to master their internal world and create lasting behavioral change through structured systems rather than temporary motivation.

3 h 18 m4 Sections

Community Voices

"Tom Rath is considered one of the most influential authors of the last decade, focused on human behavior in health, business, and economics"

Psychology Today

"Tom Rath is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, known for How Full Is Your Bucket?"

BetterWorldBooks

"Tom Rath and Barry Conchie reveal results of their research in Strengths Based Leadership"

Audible

"Tom Rath's books have sold more than five million copies and have been translated into 16 languages"

Wikipedia

"Tom Rath’s StrengthsFinder 2.0 was listed as the top worldwide business bestseller by The Economist in 2011"

Wikipedia

"Tom Rath's book Eat Move Sleep was recognized as one of the best nonfiction books of 2013 by iTunes"

Wikipedia

"Tom Rath is a senior scientist and advisor to Gallup, leading research on employee engagement, strengths, and well-being"

Psychology Today

"Tom Rath served as vice chairman of the VHL cancer research organization"

Psychology Today

"Tom Rath’s books have made more than 250 appearances on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list"

Psychology Today

FAQs about this page

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
Start your learning journey, now