Build by Tony Fadell

Why read the book?

Tony Fadell’s Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making distills lessons from his 30-year career in Silicon Valley, where he led teams creating the iPod, iPhone, and Nest Learning Thermostat. Written as a mentor-in-a-box, the book offers practical advice for anyone from new graduates to CEOs, covering leadership, design, startups, and decision-making.

Through short, 5-20 page chapters, Fadell shares stories of failures at General Magic and successes at Apple and Nest, emphasising user-focused innovation and timeless principles over trendy Silicon Valley dogma. It’s a guide for building meaningful products and careers.

Favourite quote

Don’t start a company unless you can’t not do it.

What I Loved

Build blends memoir and manual, delivering actionable insights through engaging stories from Fadell’s journey. His focus on solving real user problems, like improving MP3 players with the iPod, resonates with anyone aiming to create impact.

The bite-sized chapters make complex topics like team-building and handling crises accessible, while his candid tales of burnout and recovery add human depth. Fadell’s emphasis on simplicity and empathy in design inspires practical application, making this a valuable read for entrepreneurs, designers, and leaders.

Key Takeaway

Focus on user needs and timeless human principles to create products and careers that matter.