Recommended Reading & Resources
Explore hand-picked books, articles, and other materials to reinforce our new workflows, culture shifts, and continuous improvement mindset.
Why a Reading List?
Real change doesn’t happen overnight. While our in-person training covers immediate fixes to “the suck,” deeper transformation often comes from fresh ideas, time-tested methods, and new mental models. Each resource here focuses on helping you think differently about problems—be it operational bottlenecks, cultural alignment, or personal productivity.
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The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
A classic on process bottlenecks and continuous improvement. Though it’s set in a manufacturing plant, many of the insights apply directly to our "batch" concept.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
A candid look at the struggles of building a business and making tough decisions. Great for understanding the challenges of leadership and change.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney
4DX offers a proven method for focusing on wildly important goals, tracking lead measures, and creating a cadence of accountability.
Smarter, Faster, Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Duhigg explores the science of productivity and why some people and companies get more done than others. Great for personal and team productivity.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull shares insights on creativity, leadership, and innovation. Great for understanding how to foster a creative culture.
Made in America by Sam Walton
The story of Walmart’s rise from a small-town five-and-dime to the world’s largest retailer. Great for understanding the power of customer focus.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and how habits can be changed. Great for understanding personal and organizational change.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
The story of Nike’s founding and growth, told by its founder. Great for understanding the power of vision, perseverance, and innovation.
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard shares his story and the company’s unique approach to business. Great for understanding the power of values and sustainability.
Managers, Can You Hear Me Now?: Hard-Hitting Lessons on How to Get Real Results by Denny F. Strigl
Former Verizon CEO Denny Strigl shares his leadership lessons and the importance of clear communication. Great for understanding the power of listening and feedback.
The Price Advantage by Walter L. Baker and Michael V. Marn
A comprehensive guide to pricing strategy and tactics. Great for understanding the power of pricing and value.
In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides
The true story of the USS Jeannette’s ill-fated Arctic expedition. Great for understanding the power of leadership, resilience, and survival.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
David Allen shares his system for personal productivity and stress reduction. Great for understanding the power of organization and focus.
The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang
Slowing down outside of work is as important as being productive at work. This book offers a philosophical approach to life outside of office hours.
Reader Friendly Reports: A No-nonsense Guide to Effective Writing for MBAs, Consultants, and Other Professionals by Carter A. Daniel
A practical guide to writing clear, concise, and effective business reports. Great for understanding the power of communication and persuasion.
Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being by Shawn Anchor
Shawn Anchor shares his research on the power of social connections and positive psychology. Great for understanding the power of relationships and community.
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Bob Iger
Bob Iger shares his leadership lessons and the challenges of running a global entertainment company. Great for understanding the power of vision and strategy.
Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Don Norman shares his insights on design, usability, and human-centered products. Great for understanding the power of user experience and innovation.
26 Marathons: What I Learned About Faith, Identity, Running, and Life from My Marathon Career by Meb Keflezighi
Meb Keflezighi shares his journey from Eritrea to America and his career as a professional marathon runner. Great for understanding the power of perseverance and resilience.
Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz
Howard Schultz shares his story of returning to Starbucks as CEO and leading the company through a period of crisis and transformation. Great for understanding the power of values and culture.
Leading Change by John P. Kotter
John Kotter shares his eight-step process for leading change in organizations. Great for understanding the power of vision and communication.
The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
Brad Stone shares the story of Amazon’s rise from an online bookstore to a global e-commerce giant. Great for understanding the power of innovation and customer focus.
The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer by Jeffrey K. Liker
Jeffrey Liker shares the principles behind Toyota’s success and the Toyota Production System. Great for understanding the power of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Daniel Kahneman shares his research on cognitive biases and decision-making. Great for understanding the power of critical thinking and mental models.
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury
Roger Fisher and William Ury share their method for principled negotiation and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Great for understanding the power of negotiation and conflict resolution.
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
Adam Grant shares his research on the power of giving and the benefits of helping others. Great for understanding the power of generosity and reciprocity.
Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet
David Marquet shares his experience as a submarine captain and his leadership lessons on empowerment and decision-making. Great for understanding the power of leadership and trust.
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
David Goggins shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete. Great for understanding the power of mental toughness and resilience.