INSPIRED Book Summary

'INSPIRED' by Marty Cagan explores the crucial elements that make successful products in the tech industry. With a focus on team dynamics and user-centric design, Cagan reveals the secrets behind creating products that resonate with customers. He draws on real-world examples from leading tech companies to illustrate best practices in product management. The book challenges traditional notions of product development and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. Dive into this insightful guide to discover how to turn innovative ideas into impactful products that users love.

By Marty Cagan

Published: 2017

"The best products are built not just on insights but on a deep understanding of the problems they solve for people."

Book Review of INSPIRED

Learn to design, build, and scale products consumers can’t get enough of How do today’s most successful tech companies―Amazon, Google, Facebook, Netflix, Tesla―design, develop, and deploy the products that have earned the love of literally billions of people around the world? Perhaps surprisingly, they do it very differently than most tech companies. In INSPIRED, technology product management thought leader Marty Cagan provides readers with a master class in how to structure and staff a vibrant and successful product organization, and how to discover and deliver technology products that your customers will love―and that will work for your business. With sections on assembling the right people and skillsets, discovering the right product, embracing an effective yet lightweight process, and creating a strong product culture, readers can take the information they learn and immediately leverage it within their own organizations―dramatically improving their own product efforts. Whether you’re an early-stage startup working to get to product/market fit, or a growth-stage company working to scale your product organization, or a large, long-established company trying to regain your ability to consistently deliver new value for your customers, INSPIRED will take you and your product organization to a new level of customer engagement, consistent innovation, and business success. Filled with the author’s own personal stories―and profiles of some of today’s most-successful product managers and technology-powered product companies, including Adobe, Apple, BBC, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix―INSPIRED will show you how to turn up the dial of your own product efforts, creating technology products your customers love. The first edition of INSPIRED, published ten years ago, established itself as the primary reference for technology product managers, and can be found on the shelves of nearly every successful technology product company worldwide. This thoroughly updated second edition shares the same objective of being the most valuable resource for technology product managers, yet it is completely new―sharing the latest practices and techniques of today’s most-successful tech product companies, and the men and women behind every great product.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 28 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Marty Cagan's Book Recommendations

Marty Cagan is a renowned product management expert and founding partner of the Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG). He is best known for his influential book "Inspired: How To Create Products Customers Love," which has become a seminal text in the field of product management. With a career spanning decades, Cagan has held key leadership roles at tech giants such as Hewlett-Packard, Netscape Communications, and eBay. His contributions extend beyond authorship, as he frequently shares his expertise through speaking engagements, workshops, and advisory roles to help companies build successful product teams. Cagan's work has profoundly shaped modern product management practices and continues to inspire product leaders worldwide.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

Business and LeadershipFounders PlaybookActivistWomen Who Lead

Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie is the co-founder and CEO of Box, a cloud content management platform that revolutionized how businesses manage and collaborate on content. He launched Box in 2005 while still a college student, and the company rapidly grew into a leader in the cloud storage industry. Levie is known for his innovative, forward-thinking approach to enterprise software and for pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. Under his leadership, Box went public in 2015 and continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships. He is a strong advocate for cloud-first business strategies and frequently shares his insights on the future of work and the digital workplace. Levie is also a prolific speaker and writer, often discussing technology's role in the modern economy. His energetic and witty personality has made him a popular figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and Future

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureFounders Playbook

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Business and LeadershipFounders PlaybookSuccess Stories and Life LessonsTechnology and Future

Anna Cheng's Book Recommendations

Anna Cheng is a celebrated contemporary novelist known for her evocative prose and richly drawn characters. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Ancients," garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list and earning her the Man Booker Prize. Cheng's subsequent works consistently explore themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience, resonating with a global audience. She is also a recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, recognizing her contributions to American fiction. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cheng actively mentors emerging writers and participates in numerous literary festivals worldwide.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Ryan Hoover's Book Recommendations

Ryan Hoover is the founder of Product Hunt, a popular platform where users discover and share new tech products, apps, and tools. Hoover started Product Hunt as a side project, which quickly grew into a thriving community for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The platform has helped launch countless startups and has become an essential resource for finding innovative products. In addition to Product Hunt, Hoover is an investor and writer, often sharing insights on startup culture and product development. His work has made him a key figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsTechnology and Future

Andy Budd's Book Recommendations

Andy Budd is a renowned author and user experience (UX) designer, best known for his influential work in the field of web design. He co-authored "CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions," which has become a seminal text for web developers worldwide. As a founding partner of the consulting firm Clearleft, Budd has made significant contributions to advancing UX design practices. He is also a sought-after speaker at design conferences and an active advocate for the design community. Through his writing and leadership, Budd continues to shape the future of digital design.

Creativity and InnovationTechnology and Future

Showing 8 of 13 related collections

The best products are built not just on insights but on a deep understanding of the problems they solve for people.

INSPIRED

By Marty Cagan