As a lover of books, I am often asked for recommendations on what to read next. Over the years, I have compiled a list of books that I believe everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. These books have stayed with me long after I’ve finished reading them and have had a profound impact on my life and my thinking. In this article, I will share with you my top recommendations and why I believe they are worth reading.
“Inspired”, Marty Cagan
About the author
Marty Kagan is a writer, coach, and founder of Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG), which helps people create breakthrough products. A graduate of Stanford University Executive Institute, Kagan has worked as a top executive at many well-known technology companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Netscape Communications, and eBay.
What the book is about
Kagan talks about how successful technology companies build products. The author details how to assemble the right team, build processes, and create a culture within the company that will launch a successful and in-demand product.
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers”, Ben Horowitz
About the author
Ben Horowitz is an American businessman, investor, and author. Co-founder of one of the most famous venture capital funds, Andreessen Horowitz. Co-founder of Opsware, which was acquired by HP in 2007 for $1.65 billion.
Author of two bestsellers: The Hard Thing About Hard Things and What You Do Is Who You Are.
What the book is about
The author shares insights on building a startup and growing a business.
Horowitz talks honestly about his experiences as a funder and executive and focuses a lot on how to make tough business decisions: like how to fire your friends or how to pick the right moments to sell the company
“The Innovator’s Dilemma”, Clayton Christensen
About the author
Clayton Christensen is known as a scholar, business consultant, lecturer in management at Harvard Business School, author of the theory of ‘disruptive innovations’ and several books. His most famous work is The Innovator’s Dilemma. He is one of the authors of the Jobs to be Done methodology.
Christensen’s ideas had an enormous influence on modern approaches to business management. Forbes and The Economist magazines named Christensen one of the most influential people in business management in recent decades.
About the book
The book’s main message boils down to the phenomenon of how big, successful businesses go bust because they give customers what they want. Other companies take their place. They start small and serve a lower segment of the market, but through innovation, they eventually achieve a breakthrough quality product that takes over the entire market.
In the book, Christensen gives his reasoning and advice on what businesses should do to avoid falling by the wayside.
