A dozen lessons for entrepreneurs

The title of this book sells itself short. This massive collection of 30-plus interviews delivers myriad lessons from the world's foremost innovators. Presenting highlights from personal interviews, Griffin notes key ideas and shares stories and tips in a conversational style. He begins with founder coaches, who he describes as those who help entrepreneurs develop as individuals. The remainder of the text focuses on venture capitalists. Each one has a different take based on the company's focus, but, fundamentally, each says that entrepreneurs need to continually focus on the process of creating, learning, and getting feedback, and to be pioneers. Interviewees include Rich Barton, who has interests in Expedia, Glassdoor, and Zillow, as well as Doug Leone, of Sequoia Capital, with interest in Rackspace. Griffin makes a point to include female entrepreneurs, such as Kirsten Green, founder of Forerunner Ventures, whose portfolio includes Dollar Shave Club and Warby Parker. In addition, the book features a glossary and a concept map.With the continued technology boom and a nation of innovators, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom that delivers a blueprint across the entrepreneurial spectrum.--Adams, Jennifer Copyright 2018 Booklist

Griffin (Charlie Munger: The Complete Investor), a business writer who formerly worked in private equity, offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in this astute compilation of best practices. Griffin identifies and interviews 12 successful venture capitalists and business coaches worthy of providing singular advice, including Steve Blank, founder of Epiphany and Convergent Technologies; Marc Andreessen, cofounder of Netscape; and Mary Meeker, a partner at venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers. Griffin quotes a dozen pearls of entrepreneurial wisdom from each and offers short explanations to provide context. Lessons include "recruit the best person you can who knows how to create an innovation culture" (from Bill Campbell, who transitioned from football coach at Columbia to Apple marketing v-p) and "the best entrepreneurs don't know what they don't know so they attempt the impossible" (from venture capitalist John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers). Griffin himself prizes the contrarian approach to investing, which means going "where other investors and business founders are not looking." This perceptive guide captures instrumental advice that serious entrepreneurs would do well to adopt. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.