Tony Fadell

Tony Fadell assumes that the reader knew of his career by virtue of picking up this book. That was not the case with me. I develop software and implement technology solutions for a living and found the title intriguing. Fadell led iPod and iPhone hardware teams at Apple and pioneered the Nest “connected home” technology company (now Google Nest). So as an author, he brings some “street cred” to the topic of building technology companies. In this work, he frankly discusses failures and limitations in his early career, his eventual rise, leading as CEO, and ultimately departing as CEO.

To me, this book read as a memoir more than a guide or a theoretical treatise. It’s a large “lessons learned” document reflecting on his professional life. And I found it very interesting and compatible with my life experience… until the last part about his life as CEO of Nest technologies. As a CEO, he had a falling out with Google, and I sensed some unresolved emotions (particularly bitterness) about that experience. I felt that he could become more objective and competent in that area. Finally, I felt that as a leader, he valued the strategy of pushing over steady, reasonable management a bit too much.

Fadell approaches life very much like a smart engineer with an interest in business. He tries to master each domain of his life – building technology, managing teams, and leading companies. He even talks about the lessons he’s learned about sales and marketing. He’s relatively honest in his assessments of himself and the companies he works for. Again, the CEO section seems a little raw, like there still are some lessons to be extracted, but that’s only the final part of a long book.

People in early-to-mid career, particularly who have technology as their product, can benefit from perusing this book. Technology is a fast-changing industry, so books like this, approached as contemplative memoirs instead of definitive guides, can help practitioners like me gain insight into building a satisfying career. He readily acknowledges that his career path is not for everyone and provides advice for those on other paths. Though abundantly successful and self-aware, he does not come across as a narcissist – which is why this book can be so helpful to many. If you’re into technology (and who isn’t in some way these days?), then this book can accelerate your effectiveness in helping change the world.… (altro)