A curated collection of insights, summaries, and key takeaways from world-class books across business, technology, leadership, and strategy. Not a bookstore — a knowledge repository built from years of reading.
Named after the ancient Greek institution of learning, this is a personal knowledge repository — containing summaries, key insights, and critical takeaways from each book I've studied. This is not a bookstore or piracy site. Every entry represents distilled knowledge from my reading journey.
83
Total Books
35
Tier 1 Must-Reads
10
Knowledge Domains
26,436
Total Pages
Adam Brotman, Andy Sack
Bleeding EdgePlaybook for building AI-first organizations. Covers job design, skills development, and customer expectations in the AI era. Features direct insights from Sam Altman, Bill Gates, and Reid Hoffman on the future of AI in business.
Thomas H. Davenport, Nitin Mittal
Recent50+ company case studies on AI implementation showing how companies achieve AI ROI and competitive advantage. Builds on Davenports legacy of analytics leadership with an AI-era update.
G. Richard Shell
TimelessCombines psychology, strategy, and practical tools for effective negotiation. Unique approach of starting with self-assessment of negotiation style, then building strategies that leverage personal strengths. Emphasizes preparation and information-based bargaining.
Donald Miller
Recent7-part framework for clear messaging positioning the customer as hero and brand as guide. Transforms websites, marketing, and communications immediately with a story-based approach.
Ethan Mollick
RecentPractical guide to human-AI collaboration. Treats AI as co-worker, co-teacher, and coach. Based on Wharton research and viral student experiments with ChatGPT.
Marco Iansiti, Karim R. Lakhani
Modern ClassicAI and digital networks fundamentally transform the nature of firms by moving software, data, and algorithms to the core of operations, enabling unprecedented digital scale, scope, and learning that eclipses traditional business models. Introduces the AI Factory as the scalable decision engine at the core of digital firms, analyzes strategic collision dynamics between digital and traditional firms, and provides frameworks for value network analysis, AI readiness assessment, and operating architecture transformation. Features deep case studies of Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, Ant Financial, Ocado, Peloton, and Fidelity. Based on 10+ years HBS research across 350+ enterprises.
Teresa Torres
RecentA practical system for continuous product discovery. Introduces the opportunity solution tree framework for connecting business outcomes to customer opportunities to solutions. Shows how to make discovery a sustained habit, not a one-time activity.
Geoffrey A. Moore
TimelessThe classic guide to bringing disruptive technology products to mainstream markets. Introduces the technology adoption lifecycle and the critical chasm between early adopters and the early majority, with strategies for crossing it.
Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory
RecentFramework for navigating high-stakes conversations where opinions vary and emotions run strong. Provides tools for staying in dialogue, making it safe for all, and moving to action on any topic.
Brene Brown
RecentCourage-building skills for leaders: embracing vulnerability, rumbling with tough conversations, building trust, and rising strong after failure. Research-backed leadership transformation grounded in 20 years of data.
Daniel H. Pink
Modern ClassicTraditional carrot-and-stick motivation is obsolete for knowledge work. True performance comes from intrinsic motivation: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. Bridges what science knows and what business does about motivation.
Marty Cagan, Chris Jones
RecentHow to transform from feature teams to empowered product teams. Covers the leadership models, coaching techniques, and organizational structures needed to create teams that deliver extraordinary products.
Marcus Buckingham, Curt Coffman
Timeless12 questions to measure employee engagement distilled from interviewing 80,000 managers. Champions strengths-based management over weakness-fixing, fundamentally changing how we think about great management.
William Ury
TimelessAddresses the hardest negotiation challenge: what to do when the other side says no. Introduces breakthrough negotiation strategy for dealing with difficult people, stonewalling, attacks, and dirty tricks. A five-step process for turning adversaries into partners.
Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton
TimelessIntroduces principled negotiation as an alternative to positional bargaining. The BATNA framework and interest-based negotiation approach that revolutionized how the world thinks about negotiation. Shows how to reach agreements that satisfy both sides.
Elisa Farri, Gabriele Rosani
Bleeding EdgeGenerative AI transforms management by evolving machines from tools into active collaborators through two distinct modes—Co-Pilot for execution and Co-Thinker for strategic dialogue—requiring managers to develop new skills, mindsets, and workflows. Covers 35 managerial tasks enhanced by gen AI across managing yourself, teams, business, and change. Features 7 major frameworks: Human-Machine Collaboration Evolution, Co-Pilot vs Co-Thinker Dual Mode Model, Gen AI Mindset (Conversational/Experimental/Responsible), 35 Managerial Tasks Taxonomy, Effective Prompting Principles, Dialogue Outline Structure, and Four-Step Transformation Journey.
Byron Sharp
TimelessEvidence-based marketing laws that upend conventional wisdom. Mental and physical availability matter more than loyalty. Reach beats targeting. Distinctive brand assets drive growth, not differentiation.
Reid Hoffman, GPT-4
RecentThe first major book WRITTEN WITH GPT-4 as co-author. Explores human-AI collaboration philosophy through real-time dialogue. Available as a free ebook, demonstrating AI partnership potential.
Robert B. Cialdini
Recent7 universal principles of persuasion: Reciprocity, Commitment/Consistency, Social Proof, Authority, Liking, Scarcity, and the new Unity principle. The expanded 2021 edition adds Unity as the 7th weapon of influence.
Marty Cagan
Modern ClassicThe definitive guide to building tech products. Covers product discovery, product teams, product vision, and the principles behind the best product companies. Shows why most companies do product wrong and provides the Silicon Valley model for doing it right.
Joshua Rosenbaum, Joshua Pearl
Modern ClassicThe practitioner's guide to investment banking. Step-by-step coverage of comparable companies analysis, precedent transactions, DCF, LBO modeling, and M&A processes. Updated with current market data and new case studies.
Josh Bersin
Recent7 practices of employee-focused organizations: meaningful work, great management, positive workplace, growth mindset, trust, flexibility, and inclusive culture. Data-driven approach to employee experience from studying thousands of companies.
Chip Heath, Dan Heath
TimelessExplores why some ideas stick while others are forgotten. Introduces the SUCCESs framework (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories) for making any message memorable and persuasive. Draws on research in psychology and real-world case studies.
Philip Kotler, Hermawan Kartajaya, Iwan Setiawan
Modern ClassicEvolution from traditional to digital marketing by the father of modern marketing. Covers the new customer path (5As), digital-traditional integration, and marketing in the connected era.
Rasmus Hougaard, Jacqueline Carter
Bleeding EdgeCounter-argument to the AI-efficiency-only approach. Advocates for awareness, wisdom, and compassion amplified by AI rather than replaced. Provides strategies for balancing technology advancement with humanity in leadership.
Deepak Malhotra, Max Bazerman
Modern ClassicGoes beyond Getting to Yes with advanced negotiation strategies. Covers cognitive biases in negotiation, dealing with lies and threats, negotiating from positions of weakness, and creating value in complex multi-party negotiations.
Chris Voss, Tahl Raz
RecentFBI hostage negotiation techniques applied to business. Tactical empathy, mirroring, labeling emotions, calibrated questions, and the accusation audit. The most practical negotiation book ever written.
Reed Hastings, Erin Meyer
RecentNetflix built a culture where removing rules drives innovation. The formula: maximize talent density, increase candor, then remove controls. Features the Keeper Test, 4A feedback, and Freedom & Responsibility framework.
Al Ries, Jack Trout
TimelessThe book that created positioning as a marketing concept. How to occupy a distinct position in the customers mind through simplicity, focus, and owning a word. The foundation of all modern brand strategy.
Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb
Modern ClassicAI reframed as a prediction technology that reduces the cost of prediction. Provides an economic framework for AI decisions including when to use AI, when not to, and the prediction + judgment model.
Richard A. Brealey, Stewart C. Myers, Franklin Allen
TimelessThe foundational textbook of corporate finance. Covers time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, options, and corporate governance. Known for its clarity and practical approach to financial theory.
Kim Scott
RecentThe Radical Candor framework: Care Personally + Challenge Directly. Provides a practical model for giving feedback that improves performance while building relationships. Maps four feedback quadrants for managers.
Neil Rackham
TimelessThe SPIN framework (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff) based on analysis of 35,000 sales calls. Proves that asking the right questions matters more than presenting features in complex sales.
Karen Beaven
RecentTechnical AND personal aspects of talent management, workforce planning, and leveraging new technologies including AI. Uniquely addresses self-care for HR professionals and redefines HR from managing capital to directing people experience.
Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Modern ClassicThree-part framework for driving change: Direct the Rider (rational mind), Motivate the Elephant (emotional mind), and Shape the Path (environment). Uses the rider-elephant-path metaphor to make change management practical.
Eric Siegel
RecentThe definitive playbook for ML deployment. Introduces BizML—a 6-step business discipline for running ML projects from conception to operational deployment. Covers the complete lifecycle: establishing deployment goals via backward planning, defining precise prediction targets, setting business-relevant evaluation metrics (not just "accuracy"), data preparation and feature engineering, algorithm selection, and production launch with change management. Includes detailed case studies (UPS $350M+ savings, EduPay +25% response rate), project staffing models, ML ethics frameworks, and model maintenance strategies.
David De Cremer
RecentAddresses the core paradox of AI adoption: 87% of AI projects fail NOT due to technology but LEADERSHIP failures. Provides 9 human-centered leadership behaviors (Learning, Purpose, Inclusion, Communication, Vision, Balance, Empathy, Mission, EI) that transform leaders from technology managers into AI-savvy strategists.
Matthew Dixon, Brent Adamson
Modern ClassicBased on study of 6,000+ sales reps identifying 5 seller profiles. The Challenger profile outperforms all others by teaching customers new insights, tailoring messages, and taking control of the sale.
Mustafa Suleyman
RecentAI and synthetic biology convergence explored by DeepMind co-founder. Covers existential risks and opportunities, the path to AGI, and governance challenges from a true AI insider perspective.
Daniel Coyle
Recent3 core skills for building successful cultures: building safety, sharing vulnerability, and establishing purpose. Based on case studies from elite organizations including Pixar, Navy SEALs, San Antonio Spurs, and Zappos.
Warren E. Buffett, Lawrence A. Cunningham
TimelessCurated collection of Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letters organized by topic. Covers corporate governance, finance and investing, mergers and acquisitions, accounting, and tax policy. Distills decades of wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha.
Sharon Armstrong, Barbara Mitchell
RecentComplete HR fundamentals covering recruitment, retention, training, development, employee relations, and legal compliance. Practical, checklist-style approach updated for 2024 laws and practices.
Amy C. Edmondson
RecentDefinitive work on psychological safety in the workplace. Shows how creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up drives learning, innovation, and growth. Validated by Googles Project Aristotle.
Patrick Lencioni
TimelessIdentifies 5 team dysfunctions in a compelling fable format: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. The most influential team-building book ever written.
Mark Roberge
Modern ClassicData-driven approach to building and scaling a sales team. Covers hiring formula, training formula, demand generation formula, and technology integration. How HubSpot scaled from 0 to $100M.
Seth Godin
RecentMarketing is about making change happen by serving the smallest viable audience. Permission marketing, status roles, and creating tension that drives action. Distills Seth Godins 30 years of marketing wisdom.
Ian Murrin, Rajesh Jethwa, Mike Wright
Bleeding Edge14 leadership behaviors amplified by Gen AI for driving transformation. Features real transformation case studies from 2023-2025 and addresses how AI changes leadership requirements fundamentally.
McKinsey & Company Inc., Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, David Wessels
Modern ClassicThe definitive guide to corporate valuation from McKinsey. Covers DCF analysis, multiples, value creation frameworks, and advanced topics like valuing flexibility, cross-border valuation, and M&A. Updated with modern case studies and frameworks.
Laszlo Bock
Modern ClassicGoogles people practices revealed from the inside. Data-driven HR covering innovative hiring, performance management, culture building, and creating autonomy and freedom for knowledge workers.
Linda Babcock, Sara Laschever
Modern ClassicResearch-based guide to understanding and overcoming gender-related negotiation challenges. Sequel to Women Don't Ask, this book provides a practical four-phase program for developing negotiation skills, with specific strategies for navigating gender dynamics.
Rhodes Perry
RecentPractical everyday actions for cultivating inclusive organizations where everyone belongs. Focuses on actionable steps rather than theory, with frameworks for measuring and improving belonging.
Pierre Vernimmen, Pascal Quiry, Maurizio Dallocchio, Yann Le Fur, Antonio Salvi
Modern ClassicComprehensive corporate finance text with a European/global perspective. Known for integrating theory with practice through its companion website (vernimmen.com) and annual newsletter. Covers all aspects of corporate finance from fundamentals to advanced topics.
Ichak Kalderon Adizes
TimelessPresents the Adizes Corporate Lifecycle model showing how organizations move through predictable stages from courtship through bureaucracy and death. Provides diagnostic tools and interventions for each stage, helping leaders understand where their organization is and what to do about it.
Russell Brunson
Modern ClassicSales funnel strategies for online businesses. Covers value ladders, attractive character framework, and funnel architecture. The playbook behind ClickFunnels success and thousands of online businesses.
Melissa Perri
RecentShows how companies fall into the "build trap" of shipping features without creating value, and provides a framework for outcome-driven product management. Covers product strategy, organizational structure, and the role of product managers.
Ann Handley
RecentComprehensive guide to business writing and content creation updated for the AI era. Covers writing fundamentals, content strategy, and how to use AI writing tools effectively without losing your voice.
Jeb Blount
Modern ClassicComprehensive prospecting guide covering phone, email, social, and in-person outreach. Addresses the mental game of prospecting including rejection management and pipeline discipline.
Karen Berman, Joe Knight
Modern ClassicMakes financial concepts accessible to non-finance managers. Explains income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, ROI, and financial ratios in plain language. Shows how to use financial intelligence to make better business decisions.
Keenan
RecentProblem-centric selling methodology focused on the gap between where customers are and where they want to be. Shifts focus from product features to customer problems and desired outcomes.
Bernard Marr
RecentAccessible guide to Gen AI for business leaders covering use cases across industries, implementation roadmaps, and ROI considerations. Non-technical approach designed for executives.
Multiple Contributors
RecentTechnical deep dive into Large Language Models covering how they work, how to use them, and practical implementation strategies. Essential for understanding the technology behind the AI revolution.
Eitel-Porter et al.
Bleeding EdgeComprehensive AI governance frameworks covering risk management, compliance with emerging regulations, and ethical AI implementation. Addresses EU AI Act, liability issues, and enterprise deployment safety.
Lucy Adams
Modern ClassicChallenges traditional HR practices and proposes treating employees as adults, consumers, and human beings. Quick read with practical frameworks for modernizing HR departments.
Paul R. Daugherty, H. James Wilson
Modern ClassicHuman-AI collaboration in work with six new emerging job categories. Focuses on augmentation over replacement with a 2024 update adding Gen AI context. Based on 1500+ company case studies.
Dan De Cremer
Recent9 specific actions for effective leadership in the AI transformation era. Addresses the unique challenges of remote work, AI adoption, and team engagement with evidence-based approaches.
Matt LeMay
RecentA practical, honest guide to the day-to-day realities of product management. Focuses on the connective, communicative nature of the PM role rather than idealized frameworks. Emphasizes working with real organizational constraints.
Gustavo Razzetti
RecentBuilding culture remotely with frameworks for psychological safety, connection, and belonging in hybrid teams. Addresses the post-pandemic reality with the Culture Design Canvas methodology.
Adam Clarke
RecentComprehensive SEO guide updated annually for current algorithms. Covers technical SEO, content optimization, link building, and AI-era search strategies including SGE and AI overviews.
Ryan Singer
RecentBasecamp's alternative to agile sprints. Introduces the concept of shaping work before building, using 6-week cycles with 2-week cooldowns, and giving teams full autonomy within fixed time and variable scope. Free to read online.
Barry Nalebuff
RecentIntroduces a principled, game-theory-based approach to dividing value in negotiations. The core insight: focus on what the negotiation creates (the pie) and split it equally, rather than arguing about positions. Provides mathematical and practical frameworks for fair division.
Carmine Gallo
Modern ClassicAnalyzes the most popular TED talks to extract nine secrets of exceptional public speaking. Covers passion, storytelling, novelty, humor, memorable moments, brevity, multi-sensory experiences, authenticity, and emotional connection.
Jay Heinrichs
Modern ClassicMakes classical rhetoric accessible and entertaining for modern readers. Covers Aristotle's three appeals (ethos, pathos, logos), rhetorical devices, argument strategies, and persuasion techniques using examples from politics, pop culture, and everyday life.
Dan Olsen
Modern ClassicA step-by-step guide to achieving product-market fit using lean principles. Introduces the Product-Market Fit Pyramid and provides practical tools for defining target customers, identifying underserved needs, and iterating toward winning products.
Steven M. Bragg
RecentComprehensive guide for the modern CFO role. Covers financial reporting, treasury management, fundraising, budgeting, M&A, risk management, and the strategic partnership role of the CFO. Practical, handbook-style reference.
Jerry Acuff, Jeremy Miner
RecentModern selling approach for todays skeptical buyers. Addresses changes in buyer behavior, trust-building in low-trust environments, and NEPQ (Neuro-Emotional Persuasion Questions) methodology.
Erica Keswin
RecentModern retention strategies for the post-pandemic workplace addressing the Great Resignation aftermath. Practical frameworks for keeping top talent engaged and committed in hybrid and remote environments.
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Modern ClassicData-driven approach to talent management that debunks common HR myths. Uses evidence-based methods for talent decisions, predictive analytics, and scientific measurement frameworks.
AI Profit Playbook Series
Bleeding EdgeStep-by-step playbook for building a $5K-$19K/month digital product business on Etsy using AI-generated designs (Midjourney, Canva), print-on-demand automation (Printify, HelloCustom), and data-driven niche validation (EverBee). Introduces the DPC Framework (Validate → Create → Open → Sell → Promote) and Pareto Revenue Pattern showing top 2-5 products generate 55-75% of revenue across all case studies.
Frank Somma
RecentReframes B2B as person-to-person (P2P) selling. Emphasizes human relationships, personal branding, and high-touch strategies in an increasingly digital and automated sales world.
Victor Antonio Rodriguez
RecentPractical guide to using Gen AI in B2B sales processes. Covers AI-powered prospecting, personalization at scale, content generation for sales, and AI-enhanced customer intelligence.
Mark J. Mayberry
Bleeding EdgeA practical guide for finance professionals aspiring to or newly in the CFO role. Covers the transition from technical finance expert to strategic business leader, including stakeholder management, board relations, and leading transformation.
Damali Peterman
Bleeding EdgeExplores how race, identity, and systemic biases affect negotiation dynamics. Provides strategies for negotiating effectively while navigating identity-based challenges. Addresses the gap in traditional negotiation literature that assumes a level playing field.
Jason Duff
Bleeding EdgeExplores the gap between initial product success and sustained growth momentum. Provides frameworks for understanding why products stall after early success and how to reignite growth through strategic product decisions.