How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy Raz

How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy Raz is a book that traces the journeys of successful entrepreneurs and examines different paths to success. The book follows the stories of entrepreneurs like Spanx creator Sara Blakely, Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to reveal how creative problem solving and unique approaches to business can lead to success.

Anyone hoping to embark on the entrepreneurial journey is sure to find value in How I Built This, which provides readers with valuable insights and strategies for approaching a business venture. That said, even readers who don’t want to take a leap into entrepreneurship can find lessons in the inspiring and motivating stories of success.

The book is organized into six distinct parts, focusing on particular traits, strategies, and attributes that the entrepreneurs featured all had in common. The first part examines resilience, interviewing successful entrepreneurs like Jim Koch of Sam Adams Lager, who faced numerous financial and logistical challenges before becoming a household name. Other entrepreneurs discussed in this section include DoOnlyGood CEO Meredith Fisher and La Colombe Coffee CEO and co-founder Todd Carmichael.

The second part focuses on innovation and examines entrepreneurs who have had success by being creative and pushing the envelope. These entrepreneurs include Maria Sharapova, who leveraged her public persona to become one of the most sought-after names in fashion and beauty, as well as Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who successfully launched his own clothing line.

The third and fourth parts of the book take a closer look at the power of focus and collaboration and the individuals who believe that communicating effectively and working together is essential to success. These entrepreneurs include Barry Sternlicht, the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Starwood Capital Group and the founder of several hotel chains, as well as Liz Lange, the founder of maternity clothing line Liz Lange Maternity.

In the fifth part of the book, Guy Raz turns his attention to passion and vision, and profiles entrepreneurs who have had success by having a clear sense of their goals, like singer and bestselling author India.Arie. He also looks at entrepreneurs who have had success by offering unique and thought-provoking products and services, including Sidewalk Labs CEO and co-founder Dan Doctoroff and Big Ass Fans CEO Carey Smith.

Finally, the last part of the book focuses on the importance of taking risks and facing challenges, and features interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs like Whoopi Goldberg and Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky.

Through interviewing dozens of inspiring entrepreneurs and outlining the numerous pathways to success, Guy Raz encourages readers to step out of their comfort zone and find their own paths to success. He also provides a detailed map of how every entrepreneur featured in this book achieved their successes, offering invaluable lessons for readers. Whether readers are interested in business, entrepreneurship, or simply want an inspiring read, How I Built This provides a unique perspective and helps readers understand the drive and determination required to become successful.