Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision

by Sam Goodner

Replace unpredictability with precision and run your business like clockwork.

Every business leader dreams of building an organization that runs smoothly, scales effectively, and thrives long after their involvement. Few actually achieve it.

In Like Clockwork, serial entrepreneur and former Swiss Army officer Sam Goodner reveals the strategies and systems behind his decades of success in building and scaling multimillion-dollar companies. Drawing on real-world business accomplishments and lessons learned from the elite Swiss Mountain Grenadiers, Sam offers practical, actionable principles to create systems-driven organizations that operate with the precision of a Swiss timepiece. From leadership and team alignment to operational excellence, this book delivers a masterclass in executing with clarity, discipline, and resilience.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, aspiring entrepreneur, or business unit leader, Like Clockwork provides the tools you need to engineer a company that thrives—year after year, leader after leader.

Audible Audio

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this has a lot of the same as every other business guide book.. I think the author has a unique take on it, and also really highlights how important your team is. C-Suite level and owners should not separate themselves from the rest of their employees - everyone has a place in the business, and everyone needs to know what they're doing, and how they all fit together.

Well organized, a good framework.. overall, this is one of the better business/leadership guides I've read.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Goodner’s Like Clockwork is a pragmatic and well-structured guide to building a business that functions with precision, clarity, and resilience. Drawing on his background as a Swiss Army special forces officer and his experience scaling multiple technology companies, Goodner outlines a systematic approach to operations, leadership, and execution. Each of the book’s 30 concise chapters introduces a core business principle, pairing it with a compelling narrative from his military or entrepreneurial past, followed by clear, actionable strategies. Rather than focusing on grand visions or abstract theories, the book emphasizes building systems that allow businesses to operate efficiently and sustainably regardless of who’s at the helm.

One of the book’s most compelling strengths is its use of personal storytelling to illustrate professional principles. Goodner contrasts his tightly coordinated first day of military training with the disorganized, impersonal experience he had on his first day at Dell. The lesson is clear: a new employee’s first day sets the tone for their entire experience. At Catapult Systems, Goodner made onboarding a priority, introducing structured welcomes, immediate assignments, and even personalized gifts. It’s a simple practice, yet profoundly effective, and one that many companies overlook.

Goodner discusses how he and his team at Catapult codified their organizational wisdom into a set of “Golden Rules,” a compact manual that outlined 60 best practices. He emphasizes the importance of not just creating guidelines, but embedding them in the culture through memorable storytelling. One such story, involving two consultants who damaged a client relationship by arriving late and underprepared, illustrates how even small missteps can have lasting consequences. These stories bring clarity and context to principles that are often treated superficially in other business books.

While the prose is not especially literary or stylistic, it is clear, direct, and well-paced. Goodner writes with a sense of purpose and humility, often acknowledging his own missteps and the lessons they provided. This reflective tone lends credibility to his recommendations and makes the book feel grounded in real-world experience rather than theory. His Swiss Army anecdotes are particularly effective, they serve not as gimmicks, but as thoughtful parallels that reinforce his belief in discipline, preparation, and systems thinking.

Like Clockwork is best suited for entrepreneurs, managers, and business leaders who are actively responsible for building and running operational systems. It offers a highly practical, experience-based framework for leading teams, scaling efficiently, and minimizing chaos through intentional design. While it is not an inspirational read in the traditional sense, its insights are actionable and repeatable. For those seeking lasting operational effectiveness over short-term motivation, this book delivers exceptional value.

[Nada Majeed · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited to read it once i receive my copy

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a clear and actionable guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking operational excellence. Drawing from his experience as a tech CEO, Goodner presents a compelling case for systemizing every aspect of a business to achieve consistency, scalability, and success and each chapter has an overview of his military experience. The book emphasizes the importance of precision, planning, and process—likening a well-run business to the inner workings of a Swiss Army watch.
The book is concise and engaging, peppered with real-world anecdotes and practical tools that are easy to implement. He avoids jargon, making complex operational strategies accessible to readers at all levels. While some seasoned business professionals may find the concepts familiar, the book’s strength lies in its structured approach and focus on discipline.
Overall, Like Clockwork is a valuable read for any entrepreneur looking to tighten their operations and drive sustainable growth.