Product Description
For would-be entrepreneurs, innovation managers or just anyone fascinated by the special chemistry and drive that created some of the best technology companies in the world, this book offers both wisdom and engaging insights—straight from the source.— Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine, and author of The Long Tail”All the best things that I did at Apple came from (a) not having money and (b) not having done it before, ever.” —Steve Wozniak, Appl… More >>
Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days
Tags: Apple, best technology, chris anderson, Days, Early, Founders, innovation, insights, money, special chemistry, Startups', steve wozniak, Stories, technology companies, wisdom, work
#1 by Ken Lizotte on January 27, 2010 - 6:59 am
This book’s stories will reward anyone struggling with a start-up idea, especially whether or not to go for it. In combination with books that more straightforwardly tell the reader how to get up to speed (like my own book “The Expert’s Edge”) and outdistance the competition, “Founders At Work” will help you survive your ups and owns, i.e., doubts and emotions, as you battle your way through the process. Don’t give up the fight!
Rating: 3 / 5
#2 by A reader from Taos, NM on January 27, 2010 - 7:15 am
A newsletter I read recommended this book, and I bought it without reading any of the reviews or other text…and listed it for sale the day after I received it. It’s 500 pages of interviews with founders of technology companies. I was hoping it was more well-rounded and covered more industries. I tried to read a few of the interviews, but the ones I tried were just too dull. Some of the interviews are of founders of companies which are no longer in business. Others are with founders of companies I’ve never heard of (not being a tech, I guess). And others were with founders of companies that never made any money before they were bought out by larger firms (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but in the 21st century, I most admire companies that make money, not just those that had a good idea.)
If you’re going to start a tech company, by all means, get this. But if you’re looking for perspectives on other industries, I think you’ll find it lacking.
Rating: 3 / 5
#3 by Susan Lammers on January 27, 2010 - 8:19 am
I wrote the book twenty years ago entitled Programmers at WorkProgrammers at Work: Interviews With 19 Programmers Who Shaped the Computer Industry (Tempus) which interviewed the first generation of technologists who launched the pc software industry, including some featured in this Founders at Work book, Ray Ozzie, Dan Bricklin among others. The book explored what drives them and their creative processes. I’ve got to commend the author of Founders on coming up with a second act and a new slant on what was a successful approach twenty years ago. I wish I had done it!
The insights Livingston draws out from looking at the business side of the efforts of these innovators are definitely instructive, compelling to read, and valuable to anyone setting out on the start-up path. It’s a perfect companion to Programmers. Congrats.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Kurt Christensen on January 27, 2010 - 10:54 am
…then you should go buy this book right now. There simply is no better way to get a glimpse of what you’re in for.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Ron Atkins on January 27, 2010 - 11:48 am
Reading biographies about successful people is a great, and entertaining, way to learn about business. In this excellent set of interviews, Livingston delves into the early years of some household name companies, such as Apple, Hotmail, and Paypal. Entrepreneurs will learn how these young startups added value to various products or services in a unique way–often using emerging technologies–to start wildly successful organizations that we have benefitted from. I highly recommend this book.
If you are interested in acquiring wealth, or learning more about the business startup process, I suggest you look into any of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books by Mike Kiyosaki. You may also want to check out “The 17 Principles of Creating Wealth,” by Phillip Collinsworth.
Rating: 5 / 5