Build

by Tony Fadell

Book Reviews

  • Sketching User Experiences by Bill Buxton and William Buxton The Choice by Eliyahu M. Goldratt About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design by Alan Cooper, David Cronin, and Robert Reimann Outcomes Over Output by Josh Seiden Decode and Conquer by Lewis C. LinLink to Tweet
  • Other books mentioned by at least one person: Build by @tfadell Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll and Ben Yoskovitz Turning the Flywheel by Jim Collins Creative Selection from Ken Kocienda Switch by Chip and Dan Heath Decisive by Chip and Dan HeathLink to Tweet
  • I usually dislike the business-book genre, but there are exceptions. Endorse 'Build' by @tfadell. The lessons I already learned the hard (and expensive) way were worth re-iterating, and there's something novel for everyone. Learn the easy way: read. https://t.co/UESbiNm9zMLink to Tweet
  • One of my favorite moments in @tfadell’s book about SJ. “Virus of doubt” https://t.co/VkwVLp80UMLink to Tweet
  • @pmarca @sriramk @aarthir @GoodTimeShowAS @amazon Good example of an idea maze being followed is his journey to the iPod then iPhone from 15 years earlier described here by @tfadell https://t.co/cT4MVSoiIkLink to Tweet
  • Just ordered "Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making" by @tfadell. I can't imagine a better opportunity to read about Building from such an experienced master. https://t.co/V4ZUFDVZx8 https://t.co/O5tx8djfkzLink to Tweet

About Book

Tony Fadell led the teams that created the iPod, iPhone and Nest Learning Thermostat and learned enough in 30+ years in Silicon Valley about leadership, design, startups, Apple, Google, decision-making, mentorship, devastating failure and unbelievable success to fill an encyclopedia. So that's what this book is. An advice encyclopedia. A mentor in a box. Written for anyone who wants to grow at work--from young grads navigating their first jobs to CEOs deciding whether to sell their company--Build is full of personal stories, practical advice and fascinating insights into some of the most impactful products and people of the 20th century. Each quick 5-20 page entry builds on the previous one, charting Tony's personal journey from a product designer to a leader, from a startup founder to an executive to a mentor. Tony uses examples that are instantly captivating, like the process of building the very first iPod and iPhone. Every chapter is designed to help readers with a problem they're facing right now--how to get funding for their startup, whether to quit their job or not, or just how to deal with the jerk in the next cubicle. Tony forged his path to success alongside mentors like Steve Jobs and Bill Campbell, icons of Silicon Valley who succeeded time and time again. But Tony doesn't follow the Silicon Valley credo that you have to reinvent everything from scratch to make something great. His advice is unorthodox because it's old school. Because Tony's learned that human nature doesn't change. You don't have to reinvent how you lead and manage--just what you make. And Tony's ready to help everyone make things worth making.