How I Built This

May 25, 2020
NPR host Raz bundles insights from over 200 entrepreneurs into a breezy if not fully convincing compendium of advice. Drawing on interviews with successful businesspeople conducted for his podcast (from which this book gets its name), Raz distills lessons for aspiring founders, including tips on how to nurture an idea and win funding, and dispels some myths. For instance, despite the widespread fascination with lone-wolf geniuses, Raz finds that partnerships are the rule, not the exception, as demonstrated by such success stories as luggage company Away, the beauty product company Carol’s Daughter, or Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Unfortunately, apparent contradictions abound. Among them, Raz finds that Shopify’s founder defied advice by resisting Silicon Valley’s allure and instead building his e-commerce platform from offices in Ottawa; however, Stitch Fix’s founder did the opposite, moving from Boston to California to be near the engineers that could help her improve the company’s technology. Perhaps acknowledging the futility of understanding what precisely separates a successful business from the vast majority of failure, Raz titles the final chapter “What You Do with Your Luck.” Those with an entrepreneurial bent will be entertained by the shoptalk, but those hoping for concrete advice may have to look elsewhere. Agent: Byrd Leavell, United Talent.

August 1, 2020
The book version of the popular NPR podcast. As Raz explains it, his titular radio show, which features in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs from across the business landscape, is less a how-to-succeed-in-business program than a storytelling hour. Lectures have their place, but a good story will keep listeners tuned in. Featuring his probing yet welcoming narrative voice, Raz presents stories that serve as solid lessons in entrepreneurship. While the syntheses of the lessons are useful, it is the learning curve--the story-by-story building of business acumen--that imparts the most wisdom. The comments from the entrepreneurs are consistently candid and practical. For example, begin with a concrete, unique idea that lies "at the intersection of personal passion and problem solving." From dozens of on-the-ground stories, Raz gathers countless business pearls: Don't quit your day job; do your homework; find a co-founder since humans thrive when we work together; prioritize the funding of the business, whether through bootstrapping or other people's money, such as a relative's or venture capitalist's. The narrative then moves on to business-building--all the tests that you will have to confront and overcome with a new business--and Raz introduces new characters and continues to follow entrepreneurs we have met in the earlier chapters, thus enabling readers to grasp the path to their success. In the concluding part of the book, the author tackles what he feels most profoundly about: passion and decency. Kindness, generosity, and respect are critical to a long-lasting business (plus a shared purpose and values); without passion--"it's about finding and fulfilling a deeper purpose"--look forward to a lifetime of disgruntlement. Among the businesses included in the book: Dell Computer Corporation, Boston Beer Company, FUBU, Method cleaning products, Chicken Salad Chick, Allbirds, Stacy's Pita Chips, and Carol's Daughters. Years of business wisdom distilled into an entertaining and useful narrative.

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.