Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, offers an insider’s guide to building a creative culture. Through stories from the making of beloved films like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, Catmull reveals how Pixar nurtures innovation while maintaining excellence. He discusses leadership, collaboration, and the importance of candor in creative work. Central to the book is the idea that protecting creativity requires careful management of failure and feedback. Creativity, Inc. is not just a memoir—it’s a manual for leading with purpose, whether you’re in animation, tech, or any field requiring bold ideas and inventive teams.
Ed Catmull is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. A pioneer in 3D computer graphics, he played a key role in developing the technology behind Toy Story, the first fully computer-animated film. Catmull served as president of Pixar and later Walt Disney Animation Studios, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. His book Creativity, Inc., co-written with Amy Wallace, shares leadership lessons from his decades in animation and tech. A recipient of five Academy Awards for technical achievement, Catmull is revered for blending artistry with science and guiding some of the most successful animated films ever made.
In 'The Go-Giver,' Bob Burg weaves a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of success and business. The story follows a young, ambitious professional named Joe who discovers the secrets of genuine success through the mentorship of a wise businessman named Pindar. Through a series of encounters with influential individuals who embody the five laws of stratospheric success, Joe learns valuable lessons about the power of giving, receptivity, authenticity, and more. This book is a powerful and inspiring read that explores the profound impact of putting others' interests first and fostering meaningful connections in both personal and professional endeavors.
by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup presents a framework for building startups through continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback. Eric Ries introduces concepts like the Build-Measure-Learn loop, minimum viable product (MVP), and validated learning to help entrepreneurs reduce waste and improve decision-making. Rather than perfecting a product before launch, Ries advocates iterative development and pivoting based on real-world data. This approach enables startups to adapt quickly and succeed in uncertain markets. With practical tools and real examples, The Lean Startup has become a foundational guide for modern entrepreneurship, influencing startups, tech companies, and corporate innovation programs around the world.
Built to Last explores what makes companies endure over decades, based on a six-year research project studying 18 visionary firms. Collins and Porras identify key traits shared by long-lasting companies, such as core values, bold missions, and a relentless drive for progress. The book challenges the idea that great leadership or market timing is the key to success, instead emphasizing organizational culture and consistency. Concepts like “clock building” versus “time telling” illustrate how lasting companies focus on systems, not individuals. With timeless lessons and real-world examples, Built to Last is a blueprint for sustainable, principle-driven business success.
by Greg McKeown
Essentialism is a manifesto for simplicity in an increasingly busy world. Greg McKeown advocates for doing less, but better—focusing only on what is truly important. He challenges the idea that we must do everything and instead teaches readers how to identify their highest priorities, eliminate non-essential tasks, and reclaim control of their time and energy. With practical tips and clear frameworks, the book empowers readers to make deliberate choices, say no more often, and live with intention. Essentialism is about creating space for what really matters—professionally and personally—by embracing the power of focus and clarity.