Books

The Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future
Sebastian Mallaby

This is the one book every founder should read twice. The first time before starting a startup, the second time after closing a startup. It inspired me to write this essay, "The Short History of Venture Capital That Every Founder Needs to Know."

Atomic Habits
James Clear

I read the book once, listened to it twice. Every single time picking up on a new habit. Building and reinforcing positive habits compounds like interest, YoY. I attribute my ability to complete my first Ironman to this book. It's a must-read for every individual who wants to achieve more.

The 5 AM Club
Robin Sharma

Not really sure where to start. I got lost somewhere between the 2nd and the 3rd chapter. The benefits of getting your day started at 5 AM are insane, and the writing style of the book doesn't do justice to those.

Catch-22
Joseph Heller

Read it twice, once before my military service and once after. It hits home with anyone who served in combat, but not only. Lots of "Venture - Founder" related scenarios. Venture Capitalists want you to show traction to raise capital, but you need capital to get to traction - catch 22.

The Ride of a Lifetime
Robert Iger

This reading reinforced my personal belief that hard work is rewarded. It is possible to get to the top starting from the bottom. Years later I got a chance to meet Tom Staggs in the flesh while pitching Genway AI to Candle Media.

Shoe Dog
Phil Knight

What a read! I was listening to this book while learning how to run during COVID. Such a surrealistic experience. Besides the insane founder story that deserved an ACQUIRED episode, it shows me that misfits can rise to greatness.