Overview:

If you’re interested in learning how startups work and think, either because you are planning to start one, or go to work for one, this book is a great way for you to prepare. Eric Reiss’ book “The Lean Startup” is a revolutionary perspective to help companies large and small. His credibility comes from being a successful entrepreneur and one of the founders of the video game company IMVU, and is an advisor to many startups in his consulting practice. He defines a startup as any organization focused on creating something new under extreme uncertainty.   

Here is what the book was about:

The book redefines what a startup actually is; not just for companies in silicon valley but also teams within larger organizations that are building something new under extreme uncertainty. Another key topic of the book is around what it really takes to be a successful startup. Eric’s view is that the true keys to success are not to be brilliant, have a great, idea, and good timing but rather execution. By following the “build, measure, learn” feedback loop over a shorter product release cycle, you will gain empirical evidence and validated learning earlier and less expensively than planning a product launch over a longer period of time. He also offers guidance and insights into pivoting out of a business into a different one.

Rating: (1 to 5)

I rated this book a 4 out of 5 because of its New York time best seller, / Wall Street Journal pedigree, unique perspective on business success, and that it provided concepts to shape my views on business. The book could have been more engaging had it offered more relatable examples and case studies.

Other Thoughts on The Book

The lean startup is more than just a book, it is a movement with a strong following of supporters. More information can be found on http://theleanstartup.com/

Link to book

Overview:

With the current situation we’re in with the Covid-19 global pandemic its hard not to notice this book from the New York Times best selling author Kenneth C. Davis. Another well researched work from Davis, this one in particular focuses on World War I and the Spanish flu. One thing that makes this book even more compelling is that it was written 2 years before the Covid-19 pandemic started. If you’re interested in drawing parallels from history to our current situation, this is one book you need to add to your list.

Here is what the book was about:

Davis uses historical accounts from many sources to tell the story of the Spanish Flu and World War I, and how they were connected events. He goes into the first cases of the disease on a military base in Kansas on March 11th 1918, outlines the global impact with estimates by the CDC of 500 million affected and 50 million deaths, and also briefly examines the relationship between disease and war throughout history. Rating: (1 to 5) This titled earned a solid 4.4 based on the engaging way the story was told. While there are a number of historical references, Davis manages to summarize the history, and put together a story that is factual, respectful of the parties involved, and put together in a cohesive accessible way. It was relatively short read and I had a hard time putting it down.

Other Thoughts on The Book

We’ve all learned many key facts about World War I however this book makes those facts come back to you, and tells an engaging story about the people impacted in a way that is relevant to our current time. Davis has a knack for making history relevant, and this book is one of his best; it will make you want to learn more about the topic.

Link to book