Gary Shapiro – Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World's Most Successful Businesses (William Morrow)

What is it that separates those companies that constantly remain on the cutting edge and leave in their wake a trail of successful products and are dominant not only in their product categories, but become dominant companies?

The names are familiar household brands known the world over; Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon among others. Gary Shapiro, who spent his career on the frontlines of innovation as the head of the Consumer Electronics Association offers up insights from that perspective in Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World's Most Successful Businesses.

There is a common thread that runs through the leaders of these companies; the late Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos’ of the world. They all bring a focused vision, the ability to adapt seemingly on the fly, a decisive nature determination and above all the limitless desire to win.

Are they strategic? Are they well planned? Do they innovate with a purpose? The answer to all three is clearly a resounding yes! But above all there is a bias towards action! Shapiro makes the case for the almost religious fervor with which these leaders/companies conduct business. There’s nothing laid back about these full throttle folks.

Douglas Edwards – I’m Feeling Lucky- Confessions of Google Employee #59

Based on the title, it might be easy to have some misperceptions about Douglas Edwards book, I’m Feeling Lucky- Confessions of Google Employee #59.

I can tell you this about the book:

It is not a business book that pontificates about the way things ought to be done if you want to succeed in business.


It is not a biography of a dot com business insider who struck gold, bought a Gulfstream and now spends his days trying to solve the world’s problems.

Despite the word confessions being included in the title, it is not a hatchet job; tell all about Google’s founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, penned by a disgruntled former employee.


What it is, is and interesting and entertaining ride through the flying by the seat of their pants start up of what would become one of the true titans of the tech world.


Edwards background was more of a traditional marketer, focused on product development, market share and how to grow a business. I’m Feeling Lucky focuses a lot on how he had to learn a new approach to marketing that was counter to all he had learned and done previously.


Edwards offers some interesting insights that will be very relatable to anyone who has ever been involved in a start up. The long hours, the wearing of multiple hats, the silliness that can overtake a sleep deprived, caffeine fueled existence of the start up workplace.


Edwards sprinkles enough insider tales throughout the book to keep the pace moving forward at a steady clip. The only quibble is the fact that at times the book gets chronologically challenged; bouncing back and forth between dates and events rather than a steady build forward through the development and growth of the Google behemoth.