Pivot or Die: How Leaders Thrive When Everything Changes

by Gary Shapiro

From Gary Shapiro, New York Times bestselling author and head of CES and the Consumer Technology Association, a manifesto for today’s top executives, entrepreneurs, and pivot or die.

As CEO of the Consumer Technology Association , owner and producer of CES , Gary Shapiro has had a front row seat to the launch of nearly every recent major technology. He's seen tech companies rise and fall, and bankrupt entrepreneurs become billionaires. After more than four decades in the industry, he knows that leaders who make it in the tech world have one thing in they know how to pivot.

Drawing upon detailed case studies, economic theory, and personal experience, Pivot or Die offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of innovative technology and business strategies. Along the way, Shapiro offers a "pivot" framework for leaders in technology and beyond to stay flexible and

The startup how startups can shake up industries and maximize the advantage of new ideas The forced adapting to the unforeseeable (or simply unforeseen) and meeting shifting consumer demands The failure why failure can deliver better lessons than success and how to take those lessons forward The success pivot: Beating the market by seizing opportunity and out-pivoting your competitors In laying out each of these pivots, Shapiro shares unique lessons on how leaders can change minds and mindsets and steer their organizations to success in an increasingly competitive environment.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Erick Harp · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few great stories, yet I believe many of these stories are not Pivots, but just trial and error. Too much Buzz wording going on in this book. Also- anytime a head communist leader of China sits at a table with you and gives you the “America- is going down” gesture, that is not a point of celebration or innovation, but an indication that evil will always use every opportunity to gain control.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the book and did not realize it was by the same author for Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World's Most Successful Businesses which I read in 2023.

The for pivots are great especially the success pivot and I love the stories about the personal pivots too. The pivot sections of the book are packed with great case studies and real world examples and stories that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Shapiro then pivoted to politics and the political which somewhat turned me off. I believe this distracted from the book and topic and was mostly fluff the book would not have been published without this.

I would only recommend reading Chapters 1-6 of this book and possibly Chapter 8.

[Timothy Koller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I very much wanted to enjoy this book; there are bright spots. But it is mostly a collection of stories without consideration of survivor bias or practical steps to take to prepare for a pivot. It does not engage with much leadership literature, so the ideas/stories not building much on the good ideas of others.
If a person is super excited about the technology industry and hasn't read much else in leadership, this could be a good introductory book. But if you've studied leadership or read several leadership books, this will not advance your understanding.

[Goatllama]

Oh boy! Another vapid leadership book with a boring cover that just came out and has a high star rating (and no doubt 100 glowing Amazon reviews)! Definitely a good use of paper, and certainly not 150 pages longer than it needs to be! Though it's weird -- how can you grab all the cash when you send out free copies left and right?! But really, thrilling stuff for sure!

[Łukasz Słonina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides key insights into adaptability and innovation in leadership, backed by real-world examples from author’s experience at the Consumer Technology Association.

Pros:
Highlights four types of pivots leaders face.
Stresses the importance of fostering innovation.
Engaging examples from the tech industry.

Cons:
Heavy focus on author’s CES/CTA experiences and COVID challenges.
Primarily U.S.-centric perspective, especially second part of the book.

A solid read for leaders, though some content may feel region-specific. Would like to see another chapter on missed pivot opportunities (the die cases).

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you pick up this book, you probably know that leadership—and life in general—is a series of pivots. The one big idea in this book is that there are four types of pivots: the startup pivot, the forced pivot, the failure pivot, and the success pivot. Shapiro uses interesting examples to illustrate each type of pivot, but I felt the book was devoid of actionable advice.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall interesting insight on how businesses should utilize pivots. Highly focused on how COVID forced many to pivot. I enjoyed learning about the history of seemingly minuscule decisions that shaped our technology today. Delves into why technology is crucial for growth and provides a surprisingly neutral viewpoint on how we can ensure that policies align with allowing technology to advance.

[Brandon Teasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Inspiring. Simple. I don’t like your average business book, but this comes from a very practical angle. Treat people like people. Listen. Be willing to adapt. Prioritize people over profits. Would recommend

[Wafa Alobaidat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Atrocious. Silly. Nothing new or innovative here. Absolutely one sided and narrow view of global events. Harped on American politics with a very cliche perspective. If you’re looking for innovative ideas or strategies move on to another book. This should have been titled pivot for dummies.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Keep up the great work.

[PottWab Regional Library]

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