After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul
After Steve by Tripp Mickle delves into the tumultuous period following Steve Jobs' passing, exploring how Apple navigated its transition from a visionary company under his leadership to a corporate behemoth. The book focuses on the contrasting approaches of Jony Ive, the renowned designer, and Tim Cook, the former COO turned CEO.
The book highlights the internal struggles and tensions within Apple as it sought to maintain its innovative edge without Jobs' guiding hand. Ive, initially driven by grief and a desire to uphold Jobs' legacy, gradually became disillusioned with the company's increasing focus on profit over innovation. Meanwhile, Cook, though respected for his operational skills, faced challenges in inspiring the same level of creativity and passion that Jobs had fostered.
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Unreasonable Hospitality' is more than just a business manual; it's a deeply personal narrative of ambition, setbacks, and ultimately, a profound discovery. Will Guidara doesn't shy away from sharing the challenges he faced building world-renowned restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, revealing the long hours, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the moments of doubt that shaped his understanding of true hospitality. This book charts his evolution from a driven restaurateur to a leader who understands that genuine human connection is the key ingredient to creating exceptional experiences. It's a story of transformation, demonstrating how focusing on 'unreasonable' generosity can not only elevate a business but also enrich one's life.
Sprint: How To Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
Three design partners at Google Ventures developed a five-day process called the "design sprint" for tackling tough problems through design, prototyping, and customer testing. This method, initially created by Jake Knapp during his time at Google, has been used successfully on various projects, including Google Search and Gmail. Collaborating with Braden Kowitz and John Zeratsky at Google Ventures, they have collectively conducted over 100 sprints with portfolio companies, spanning industries like healthcare, finance, and retail. "Sprint" is a practical guide suitable for businesses of all sizes, providing a quick and effective way to address crucial questions and test solutions, whether for startups or Fortune 100 companies.