Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big

by Will Packer

The trailblazing filmmaker and powerhouse CEO who produced Straight Outta Compton and Girls Trip uses powerful and illuminating stories from the frontlines of Hollywood to offer a clear vision on how to manifest your own success—by believing there is no one on the planet more deserving of it than you.

You know Will Packer’s movies. From Stomp the Yard to Ride Along to Girls Trip, they’ve grossed more than $1 billion at the box office, including ten films that opened at number one. And, in the vein of Shonda Rhimes, he did it by featuring authentically diverse stories that highlight black culture—something that Hollywood had long overlooked.

To outsiders, the hustle and unabashed confidence that fueled him since the days when he was trying to sell a micro-budget indie film in college may look like arrogance. To Packer, that’s just what he had to do to make it on his terms. With Who Better Than You?, Packer has created the success toolkit he wished he’d had back then, useful for anyone who’s just starting out or perhaps ready to make a major transition but doesn’t feel there are great career options or ready examples of people who’ve succeeded before them. This guidebook, full of reflections on the values and audacity that have carried him through his most successful projects, is filled with indispensable advice on business, leadership, and legacy.

Whether you’re aiming for the writer’s room or the boardroom (or somewhere else entirely), you will find encouragement, energy, and empowerment in his stories and lessons. As Kevin Hart says of working with Will "I became a student and learned from the way he was moving. The man helped me grow and gave me the knowledge."

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook, Leadership, Biography, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Alexandria Richards]

I don’t know what to rate this book, but I will say it was an entertaining listen. This is definitely an audio over physical book read. There wasn’t necessarily anything groundbreaking in here, but I enjoyed hearing pieces of Will’s story. This may seem niche, but I’d recommend this audiobook to Black men specifically, just because in my experience, they have a harder time digesting the self-help genre.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may or may not recognize Will Packer by his name, however, it's pretty much guaranteed you've seen one of the more than 30 films he's produced since his first, "Chocolate City," while at Florida A&M University.

While you may not recognize the title "Chocolate City," films such as "Straight Outta Compton," "Girls Trip," "Ride Along," "Night School," "Stomp the Yard," and a host of others have contributed to Packer's films stacking up over $1 billion at the worldwide box-office.

"Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big" is part autobiography and part inspirational/self-help. In the book, Packer serves up a clear vision on how to manifest one's own success by believing there is no one on the planet more deserving of it than you.

In some ways, really major ways, much of what Packer writes about here is familiar knowledge. What really amplifies it is Packer's own personal experiences and voice. He's lived it. He's still living it. And he's enthusiastic about sharing both personal and professional advice on business, leadership, legacy, and even in the circle that one creates.

"Who Better Than You?" is more experiential than prescriptive. We learn about the values and audacity that Packer possesses and how he's used that throughout his career. I read "Who Better Than You?" right as I was getting into the groove of a fundraising experience far larger than I've ever attempted - I've always been more of a grassroots fundraiser, however, the opportunity arose to tackle a bigger project and I decided it was time to really lean into it. "Who Better Than You?" offers advice, tips, encouragement, and examples of how to possess a healthy arrogance to create a better you, a better business, a better life - simply better.

Did I necessarily resonate with everything here? Nah, not really. That's probably not realistic. However, even when I didn't quite click with the material I found myself enjoying Packer's laid back, personable storytelling and learning about his path toward success.

"Who Better Than You?" is an enjoyable, engaging, and informative read for creatives, business leaders, activists, or just about anyone else who needs a supportive voice to head down a path toward dreaming bigger and living larger. At first, I wasn't really sure I was getting into "Who Better Than You?," however, a few chapters in I realized just how much of Packer's material I was retaining.

I've already started applying pieces of what Packer talks about here as I approach my own latest outreach effort and I'm already seeing positive results. With energy and enthusiasm, Packer becomes the literary life coach you never knew you needed.

[Olimpia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Such an incredible and inspiring book. I will definitely be coming back to this in the years to come. The audiobook is AMAZING! ✨❤️

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

This book wasn’t on my radar because I’m not into self-help books. A friend recommended the audiobook because of the full production with special guests. I’m so glad that I decided to give it a listen. This was one of the most entertaining audiobooks I’ve ever heard. Packer did an amazing job with the narration. The extra guests made it even better. Especially Regina Hall. She was hilarious. While I didn’t come for the self-help piece, I loved it. It felt like a much needed pep talk. His personal anecdotes that he used to reinforce his points were so entertaining. I absolutely loved this audiobook.

[S Dot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is absolutely fabulous!!!! Highly recommend!!

[Ashe Magalhaes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining audiobook but didn’t find anything new/very resonant to take away

[John Prehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who hasn't read many self-help books, this was an excellent and easily-digestible introduction to the genre. Packer blends wisdom, practical advice, and humor exceptionally well by sharing stories from his own life and success to offer insights on how to manifest your own achievements. I especially appreciated the blend of humor and confidence in his writing, which gradually rubbed off on me as I got deeper into the book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended the audiobook version. Very enjoyable read and some unique perspective.

[Mads · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was mildly entertaining, but this was like any other basic self-help book. His stories of his life were fun, which is why I finished the book at all, just didn't get out of it what I wanted.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book, so when I complain about it, just remember that it’s a good book. The book’s title frames it as a self-help book, and I was pretty excited about the concept of “healthy arrogance”. Well, that’s pretty much only mentioned once in this book, and it’s much less of a self-help book and more of a biography with some lessons in it. I’d say it’s about 80% biography and 20% self-help.

Will Packer is a huge producer who has made a ton of #1 hit movies for the Black community. He’s done a ton of movies with Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and many other big actors. What I love about this book is Packer came from nothing, and I always love reading books from people who are successful and didn’t come from a privileged background.

I listened to the audiobook, and it was super entertaining because people like Will’s wife and Kevin Hart randomly pop up. Will’s a funny guy as well and has some great stories. I usually don’t like biographies, but I enjoyed learning about his life because I had no clue who he was, and the book is super entertaining.

While the book wasn’t as much self-help as I had hoped for, there are some great lessons throughout the book. Will’s passion, motivation, and work ethic are inspiring as well, so I guess the book did what it needed to do.

[Joan Metzler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read book because of great podcast! Liked podcast better

[Corrine-The Book Broad (❁´◡`❁) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, entertaining, sensory experience that felt like a long podcast rather than an audiobook. It took a minute to get into the flow compared to other audiobooks, but once you get used to it, it makes sense! Will Packer is hilarious.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

AA: not at all what I was expecting. Absolutely the worst audio book I’ve ever listened too. The editing (sounds, background animations, other voices, etc) were so over the top and obnoxious. More of an autobiography of someone I didn’t care to know about than a “self improvement” book

May be better as a reading book and not audio

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book.
It's been years since I picked up something PMA-ish. (Positive Mental Attitude.) These books are usually filled with those who have a lot to rah-rah say but zero actions. This book is not like those that collect dust on bookshelves everywhere.
Will Packer walks the walk. Having a lot of experience coming up in Hollywood, he shares some stories along his journey. I am so grateful to have read this book when I needed the inspiration to keep going. Thank you, Will. I can't wait to see what you do next!

[Madison Eller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining audiobook. However, I feel like the point was lost in the stories at times.

[Grayce Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book after hearing will on the Mel Robbins show and I really loved the concept

At first I didn’t love the style of audio book (sound effects and music added) but it did grow on me

The first bit of the book really hooked me but by the end, I was desperate for it to be over. I feel like I learned way more from the podcast and this just felt like a mishmash of stories he wanted to tell and I didn’t feel like he made the concepts applicable

It also felt like it leaned soooo hard into the masculine hustle culture that I didn’t feel like it was applicable to me

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ~ Gifted by the publisher Harmony Publishing

Alright, book lovers do yourself a favor and add this one to your 2025 TBR ASAP because Will Packer just dropped a gem! This book is equal parts hilarious, inspiring, and packed with practical wisdom. It’s the kind of read that makes you laugh one minute and rethink your life choices the next.
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What surprised me the most is that Will Packer is funny. Like, “I wasn’t ready for this level of comedy in a motivational book” funny. But beyond the humor, he hands out life lessons like free samples at Costco😂…they are unexpected, valuable, and leave you wanting more😆💪🏽.
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If you’re the kind of reader that’s looking for some juicy behind-the-scenes stories, he got that too. Like how Beyoncé kept turning down the role in the movie 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥. But Will didn’t take no for an answer, and she finally said, “yes”. And his story about Kevin Hart? ICONIC😂. Have you ever heard of Leon Lett? I had no idea who Leon was before reading this book. But after Will’s story I will never forget him🏈🤣. What makes this book really special is that every entertaining Hollywood moment comes with a powerful lesson on success, confidence, and making it happen.
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And can we talk about the narrator? This character jumps in whenever Will starts to ummm, embellish a little too much😂. The narrator calls Will out in the funniest way possible. It’s one of my favorite parts of the book!
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Bottom line? 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 has already made my top 5 list of 2025. It’s funny, wise, and straight-up motivational. If you love a good success story with a side of comedy, this one’s a must-read.
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Publication Date: February 18, 2025

[Emily Mis · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun listen

[Kiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook was funny to listen to, don’t think I would have enjoyed this book as much if I read it.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard pass. This is just bragging about all the fancy things that he does, and then tacking on at the end some pearl of wisdom.

[Prof. Purple · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big, acclaimed Hollywood producer Will Packer offers an engaging and insightful roadmap to achieving success in unpredictable environments. Scheduled for release on February 18, 2025, this book combines behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Packer's prolific career with practical advice designed to empower readers to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Amazon

Packer, whose films—including Stomp the Yard, Ride Along, and Girls Trip—have collectively grossed over $1 billion at the box office, shares the principles that have guided his journey from selling a micro-budget indie film during his college days to becoming one of Hollywood's most successful producers. Central to his philosophy is the concept of "healthy arrogance," a form of superior self-confidence in one's abilities and destined success. Packer emphasizes that embracing this mindset can unlock one's potential and drive them toward their goals.
Penguin Random House

The book is structured around key lessons, including the importance of convincing others that your goals are mutually beneficial and recognizing that diligent, unseen effort lays the foundation for future recognition. Packer illustrates these points with illuminating and often humorous stories from his experiences in the film industry, providing readers with both inspiration and actionable strategies.
Amazon

Who Better Than You? is poised to serve as a valuable resource for individuals at any stage of their career, offering guidance on harnessing self-belief, strategic thinking, and perseverance to navigate and succeed in challenging landscapes.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure the audio book I listened to was by Audible. The cover of who better than you? made me want to read it. Its so colorful. I had no idea who Will Packer was. And the book was different than I thought it would be but, I still liked it a lot.

I don't know if I will achieve my dreams by listening to this book however it was sure fun to listen to. It had some funny stories. For instance when Will and his wife are on a Safari in Africa and there is a male elephant in musk. I also liked another story that involved Kevin Heart. Oh, and I liked the story where he talked about have an outdated passport and going on an island vacation with his wife.

Will also told the story of how his grandfather ended up in Florida. He only learned the story after his grandfathers death. He also talked about the call he got that his father was Dying and another call he got that his sister and unborn child were in a bad car accident.

One thing that sticks with me after listen to the book is that will talks about sure its good to find your passion but, you have to do something until you find it so pick something you are good at. He said it something like that. I also remember his same something like why do you care what other people think the are not you.

I don't know that I will achieve my dreams because I listened to the book thought it sure was fun listening to it. Lots of interesting stores.

[Jenny Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so creatively put together, especially the audio format. Where will Packer has side injections from a narrator to put things into realistic and humorous perspective. He is an entertainer after all, and was this book ever entertaining to read. He goes through all of the key lessons for gaining success in entrepreneurship in your life with his main point being that if you really want something, there’s no one better to do it than you. He talked about finding an ally to open doors for you to being an excellent sales person in every aspect of your life and believing in going for what matters most. We only have one life and there’s so much that we can accomplish. This is the ultimate life peptalk from an incredibly accomplished person and no more qualified person to give it with the distance he has traveled in his life and career.

Here are the 10 main points to remember from this book:

-Adopt “healthy arrogance”
-Believe your goals are essential and non-negotiable
-Work when nobody is watching
-Expect and embrace the unexpected
-Think like a producer
-Surround yourself with the right team / protect your energy
-Never settle for “good enough”
-Your voice matters – give it weight
-Sell value – to others and yourself
-Sustain success through vision, preparation, and adaptability

[Arion Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know a guy like Will Packer, which made this book easier to read. Mildly comedic, with plenty of Gex X 90's and 2000's hip-hop references (I’m a fan of the Memphis, TN duo too), and southern collopquialisms to boot.

Packer is a successful filmmaker and producer. He's had #1 movies in the theaters 6 different times. Girls Trip (Tiffany Haddish) was the one that made him a household name. Produced Obsession, Stomp the Yard and Think Like a Man (1 & 2). He's a hustler by nature. Came up middle class in Florida and gambled on himself. Rather than using his engineering degree, he went the entrepreneurial route with his college friend to start a production company. He's been a DJ, janitor, paper boy, and inde film producer in college. I can see how he's a good storyteller. He has found his way into a few circles that everyone would love the tea on (Idris Elba, Beyonce, Kevin Hart, Melo). He's big on reaching back and helping the next generation of on-set talent. Very light read... I laughed a few times imagining being in the scene with him. No doubt he has worked hard to get where he is. If I were to ever meet him, I'm sure connecting on some of the stories he told here, would be a tremendous ice breaker.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a film producer could be so funny? Will Packer's decision to narrate his own book was a smart one. You could tell he and his acting buddies featured had fun making the audiobook version. I highly recommend it in this format because it's a full on play type of experience that enhances the life lessons that Will experienced and learned as he built his career.

This book was recommended by The Breakfast Club radio show crew who interviewed Will Packer as he did promo for his book. I'm so glad that I invested a credit to read it that very same day after I listened to his interview. Thank you, Breakfast Club and thank you, Will Packer for sharing your journey and inspiring me to keep chasing my own career in the film industry.

As a victim of the Warner Bros Discovery mass layoffs that started in April 2023, I especially needed this inspirational book.

This nonfiction book is now on my favorites shelf. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏🏽 🫶🏽

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Better Than You by Will Packer was a fantastic and inspiring read. As someone familiar with his hit films, such as Girls Trip, Ride Along, Think Like a Man, and Obsessed, I was excited to learn more about the man behind the movies, and this book did not disappoint. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at his journey to success, filled with honesty, vision, and relentless determination. What I loved most was how Packer infused his trademark humor into his storytelling, making the book not only insightful but genuinely fun to read. I came away feeling motivated and entertained, and I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration, especially from someone who has paved their own path in Hollywood.

A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

[Justin Bitner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audio, with no background on Will Packer going in. I ended up liking this book! With a couple caveats:
- Just completely ignore the cover and title. There are definitely lessons and self-improvement summaries at the end of each chapter, but it's basically Will Packer telling various stories about his life in the entertainment business.
- It's pretty heavily produced. If sound effects and chime-ins from various people aren't your thing, it may be jarring. It took me a minute, but I enjoyed it for the most part (though some of his wife's chime-ins didn't really seem like they fit).

All that said, the energy and enthusiasm of Packer is infectious, and it was fascinating to learn about someone who's work has been seen in the rises of Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart and many others.

[Latoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

He definitely has a sense of arrogance, I guess it’s healthy. No, really.

This memoir allowed me to learn a bit about Will Packer’s personality, sense of humor, how he got started in the business, a nice bit about his upbringing. I appreciate how he didn’t sensationalize how he pursued an engineering degree in college and took way more than a pivot into a totally different and difficult career path.

I mixed in a nice about of personal life as well. How he met his wife, how he offers support to his children, and traumatic experiences with his father and sister that shaped his view on priorities.

Good read, and quick.