This marketing classic distills decades of experience into 22 concise rules for building and maintaining strong brands. Al Ries and Jack Trout argue that marketing success comes from perception, not product, and each “law” illustrates a key principle—such as the Law of Leadership, the Law of the Category, and the Law of Focus. The book warns against common marketing pitfalls and emphasizes clarity, consistency, and positioning. Though first published in the 1990s, its ideas remain highly relevant in a crowded, fast-moving marketplace. It’s a sharp, digestible guide for marketers, entrepreneurs, and business owners seeking long-term strategic advantage.
Al Ries was a pioneering marketing strategist and author known for co-developing the concept of positioning in branding. Alongside Jack Trout, he co-authored The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, a foundational text that emphasizes simplicity, focus, and perception over product features. Ries argued that successful marketing is about owning a specific idea in the customer’s mind. He founded Ries & Ries, a consulting firm he later ran with his daughter Laura Ries, promoting marketing strategies for major global brands. His work has had a lasting influence on advertising, brand strategy, and competitive positioning in modern marketing.
Jack Trout was a marketing expert and co-creator of the concept of positioning, a framework that revolutionized how brands differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Alongside Al Ries, he co-authored several influential books, including Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind and The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. Trout emphasized clarity, simplicity, and the importance of being first in the customer’s mind. He also worked as a consultant to major corporations and governments, shaping global branding strategies. Trout’s legacy lives on through his contributions to strategic marketing thinking, particularly the importance of perception and focus in building strong, memorable brands.
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 Ed Catmull
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.
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 Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz delivers a brutally honest, no-nonsense account of what it truly takes to build and run a startup. Drawing from his own experience as co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and CEO of Opsware, Horowitz outlines the often-overlooked struggles: firing friends, managing morale, surviving downturns, and making impossible decisions. Rather than generic leadership tips, he offers hard-earned wisdom on navigating chaos and building a strong, resilient company. Larry Page praised the book for its candor and realism. It’s an essential read for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and managers who want insight into the harsh realities of leadership and long-term survival.