Rework is a no-nonsense guide to building and running a business differently—smarter, leaner, and with less bureaucracy. Written by the founders of Basecamp, the book dismantles traditional startup myths and offers fresh advice on productivity, marketing, hiring, and growth. Each chapter is short and punchy, advocating for simplicity, speed, and authenticity. Rework encourages readers to launch quickly, ignore competitors, and focus on real value rather than business plans or investor pitches. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or team leader, this book provides a practical, counterintuitive perspective on what really matters when creating something meaningful.
Jason Fried is an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of 37signals (now Basecamp), a company known for its project management tools and alternative approach to work. He co-authored Rework, a bestselling business book that challenges conventional startup wisdom and advocates for simplicity, focus, and doing less better. Fried is a vocal critic of hustle culture and traditional corporate structures, emphasizing calm, sustainable growth. Through his writing and business practices, he promotes clarity, asynchronous communication, and a strong work-life balance. His ideas have influenced startups and remote teams worldwide seeking more human-centric ways of building products and organizations.
David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known for creating the Ruby on Rails web framework and co-founding Basecamp. As co-author of Rework, Remote, and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, he advocates for productivity, sustainability, and work-life harmony in modern business. Hansson is outspoken on topics like remote work, corporate ethics, and tech industry trends, often challenging the status quo. His technical work and writing reflect a commitment to simplicity, efficiency, and autonomy. In both code and thought, DHH continues to shape how startups and developers think about work and culture.
by Julie Zhuo
In 'The Making of a Manager' by Julie Zhuo, readers are taken on a insightful journey through the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into a management role. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Zhuo delves into key principles like effective communication, team building, and decision-making. She highlights the importance of empathy, learning from failures, and fostering a positive work culture. This book serves as a valuable guide for both new and experienced managers, offering actionable strategies and valuable insights to navigate the complexities of leadership. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, Zhuo provides a refreshing perspective on the nuances of management in the modern workplace.
by John Doerr
This influential business book introduces the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework, a goal-setting system used by major companies like Google, Intel, and Bono’s ONE campaign. John Doerr, a legendary venture capitalist, outlines how OKRs help organizations focus effort, track progress, and foster alignment and accountability. Through detailed case studies from Google, YouTube, and the Gates Foundation, Doerr shows how this method has transformed productivity and performance. Larry Page has praised the book, saying he wished he had it at the beginning of Google’s journey. “Measure What Matters” is a practical blueprint for building goal-driven, agile organizations.
by Jim Collins
In Good to Great, Jim Collins investigates why some companies make the leap from being merely good to truly great—and sustain that performance. Based on extensive data analysis and case studies, Collins identifies key factors behind this transformation, including disciplined people, thought, and action. Central concepts include the Hedgehog Concept, Level 5 Leadership, and the Flywheel Effect. The book argues that greatness comes from building a culture of excellence, facing brutal facts, and staying focused on long-term goals. Insightful and accessible, Good to Great is widely considered essential reading for leaders aiming to build high-performing, resilient organizations.
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.