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Think Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital Leader
“Reading this book is like having Jeff Bezos advise me.” ―Eric Martinez, Founder and CEO of Modjoul The former Amazon executive who launched and scaled Amazon Marketplace delivers the ultimate playbook on how to “think like Amazon” and succeed in the digital age. “What would Jeff do?” Since leaving Amazon to advise start-ups and corporations, John Rossman has been asked this question countless times by executives who want to know “the secret” behind Amazon’s historic success. In this step-by-step guide, he provides 50 ½ answers drawn from his experience as an Amazon executive―and shows today’s business leaders how to think like Amazon, strategize like Bezos, and beat the competition like nobody’s business. Learn how
In addition to these targeted strategies, you’ll receive a rare inside glimpse into how Jeff Bezos and Amazon take a remarkably consistent approach to innovate, explore new markets, and spark new growth. You’ll understand the unique mindset and inner workings that drive Amazon’s operational excellence, from its ground-up approach to new digital markets to its out-of-the-box attitudes on innovation. Along the way, you’ll learn specific game-changing strategies that made Amazon stand out in a crowded digital world. These include actionable ideas that you can use to transform your culture, expand your business into digital, and become the kind of platform company that customers obsess over. Rossman also offers invaluable insights into the latest technologies, e-commerce marketing, online culture, and IoT disruptions that only an Amazon insider would know. If you want to compete and win in the digital era, you have to Think Like Amazon .
In addition to these targeted strategies, you’ll receive a rare inside glimpse into how Jeff Bezos and Amazon take a remarkably consistent approach to innovate, explore new markets, and spark new growth. You’ll understand the unique mindset and inner workings that drive Amazon’s operational excellence, from its ground-up approach to new digital markets to its out-of-the-box attitudes on innovation. Along the way, you’ll learn specific game-changing strategies that made Amazon stand out in a crowded digital world. These include actionable ideas that you can use to transform your culture, expand your business into digital, and become the kind of platform company that customers obsess over. Rossman also offers invaluable insights into the latest technologies, e-commerce marketing, online culture, and IoT disruptions that only an Amazon insider would know. If you want to compete and win in the digital era, you have to Think Like Amazon .
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 8, 2019
305 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 2, 2019
Think Like Amazon is a book of ideas based on the author's personal knowledge of how Amazon has followed 14 Leadership Principles ever since he was a key executive there in the difficult years of 2002 through 2005, back when AMZN was selling for under $10 a share. Rossman joined Amazon as the company's first Director of Merchant Integration, in which role he created the third-party platform that now accounts for more than half of physical gross merchandise sales at Amazon.com. In 2002, success was by no means a sure thing. eBay dominated the space, and Amazon had failed twice before to launch its own platform for third-party sellers.
Although he worked at Amazon for only three years 14 years ago, Rossman supplements his direct experience with close attention to the annual shareholder letters written by Jeff Bezos, as well as continuing contacts with people still at the company. After leaving Amazon, Rossman created a niche business advisory firm, Rossman Partners. His clients have included the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Nordstrom, T-Mobile, and Walmart. He is also a frequent speaker on the topics of innovation and corporate culture.
The writing in his book is generally crisp and clear, organized in usefully concise chapters, one for each actionable idea. As Rossman suggests, it would be a good resource for a team of innovators to read and discuss together, taking up one of the 50 ideas each week for a year (with two weeks off, maybe to rest!). Some of the content, however, felt like padding to me, such as a lengthy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which the author helped prepare for a startup company named Modjoul.
When Rossman was at Amazon, the 14 Leadership Principles had not yet been formalized, but he and his fellow executives "talked about them every day and used them to make decisions."
If you've ever wondered "what would Jeff Bezos do" in a business challenge or opportunity you are facing, you might benefit from studying Rossman's list of ideas and then filling in your own second half to the question which he poses as Idea 50 1/2: "How will you build the traits of the truly digital business and culture to ensure Amazon-like results, to become the best digitally enabled business you can be and not become roadkill on the side of the digital disruption highway?"
Good question. Good book, too.
Note: John Rossman was my guest for a half-hour recorded conversation about his new book on The Kindle Chronicles podcast May 31, 2019.
Although he worked at Amazon for only three years 14 years ago, Rossman supplements his direct experience with close attention to the annual shareholder letters written by Jeff Bezos, as well as continuing contacts with people still at the company. After leaving Amazon, Rossman created a niche business advisory firm, Rossman Partners. His clients have included the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Nordstrom, T-Mobile, and Walmart. He is also a frequent speaker on the topics of innovation and corporate culture.
The writing in his book is generally crisp and clear, organized in usefully concise chapters, one for each actionable idea. As Rossman suggests, it would be a good resource for a team of innovators to read and discuss together, taking up one of the 50 ideas each week for a year (with two weeks off, maybe to rest!). Some of the content, however, felt like padding to me, such as a lengthy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which the author helped prepare for a startup company named Modjoul.
When Rossman was at Amazon, the 14 Leadership Principles had not yet been formalized, but he and his fellow executives "talked about them every day and used them to make decisions."
If you've ever wondered "what would Jeff Bezos do" in a business challenge or opportunity you are facing, you might benefit from studying Rossman's list of ideas and then filling in your own second half to the question which he poses as Idea 50 1/2: "How will you build the traits of the truly digital business and culture to ensure Amazon-like results, to become the best digitally enabled business you can be and not become roadkill on the side of the digital disruption highway?"
Good question. Good book, too.
Note: John Rossman was my guest for a half-hour recorded conversation about his new book on The Kindle Chronicles podcast May 31, 2019.
July 26, 2019
Basically an executive summary of how Amazon operates. As it’s a rehash of authors previous books and information available elsewhere I didn’t gain any new information. Nevertheless the advice in this book is solid.
January 28, 2021
I initially thought that the flow of the book was butchered when there is just going to be a list of questions. However, the ideas were beefed up well and contextual information is also given.
The book is enlightening with factual stories masked with the super-ambitious spirit that Amazon encompasses, that drive to succeed. Some of the ideas are great if you want to start your own business, and also good for a leader in a tech MNC to know as well.
Now I quite like the different ideas format because it's easy to read and to pick up later. Will be interesting to revisit this book 10 years later, perhaps I will have more insights after having more experience and being in the industry myself.
The book is enlightening with factual stories masked with the super-ambitious spirit that Amazon encompasses, that drive to succeed. Some of the ideas are great if you want to start your own business, and also good for a leader in a tech MNC to know as well.
Now I quite like the different ideas format because it's easy to read and to pick up later. Will be interesting to revisit this book 10 years later, perhaps I will have more insights after having more experience and being in the industry myself.
November 7, 2019
Some battles tested Amazon principles. One stood out to me is “externalize your services from the get-go”: form SLA and APIs at the very beginning stage of the project. Another is “the commitment to long form narrative” - use long form writing as a forcing function for deep thinking.
This book worth re-reading for business leaders.
This book worth re-reading for business leaders.
December 9, 2022
These words of advice are written from the perspective of a former employee, so you know they are quite biased. Near the end John laughably makes absurd predictions of the near future where Amazon is the world's biggest company controlling every aspect of society and solving world hunger. There is nothing to be said of the abusive work conditions at their factories, of course. Most of the practical 'ideas' are just exaltations of Amazon as a business, as if a recommendation letter. Plus the author thinks from the perspective of an employee and he perpetuates that weird dynamic where business leaders like Bezos are seen as untouchable gods among men.
Read
May 28, 2019Incredibly useful book covering both strategy and tactics for businesses. No pretense, no bloviating- just 50 (and a half) simple, straightforward ideas. With chapters just a couple of pages long, Rossman has mastered the combination of insight and brevity. And he pulls on anecdotes from his experiences both at Amazon and elsewhere that help illustrate his points, and can give insight into when the advice is most applicable. My copy of this book is already marked up, and will only pick up more dog-ears as I re-read it.
January 2, 2020
Momentos brillantes y momentos lentos
El libro tiene partes en que es radicalmente brillante y otras donde parece que estuviera poniendo texto de relleno y perdía completamente mi atención e intención. Lo terminé en búsqueda de más ideas brillantes y las hallé.
El libro tiene partes en que es radicalmente brillante y otras donde parece que estuviera poniendo texto de relleno y perdía completamente mi atención e intención. Lo terminé en búsqueda de más ideas brillantes y las hallé.
October 3, 2022
pretty solid book - lots of substance - could be dry tho
October 5, 2025
Una guía práctica y reveladora sobre cómo adoptar la mentalidad innovadora que convirtió a Amazon en un gigante mundial.
Sinopsis:
Escrito por John Rossman, exdirector ejecutivo de Amazon y responsable de parte del desarrollo de Amazon Marketplace, este libro ofrece una mirada desde dentro a los principios de gestión, innovación y cultura que definen a la compañía. A través de 50 estrategias concretas, Rossman muestra cómo aplicar el pensamiento “a lo Amazon” en cualquier tipo de organización, desde startups hasta empresas consolidadas: obsesión por el cliente, experimentación constante, mejora continua y toma de decisiones basada en datos.
Mis impresiones:
“Piensa como Amazon” es un libro claro, inspirador y muy útil. No pretende imitar a Amazon, sino enseñar cómo su filosofía puede adaptarse a distintos entornos. Lo que más destaca es la estructura práctica: cada capítulo presenta un principio (“Hazte dueño”, “Contrata a los mejores”, “Sé paranoico con la eficiencia”, “Confía en los procesos, no en la suerte”) acompañado de ejemplos reales y recomendaciones accionables.
El tono es directo y realista. Rossman no cae en la idealización: reconoce los desafíos y tensiones detrás del éxito de Amazon, pero también deja claro que su poder radica en una cultura obsesionada con el cliente y la ejecución impecable.
Lo mejor:
• Las 50 ideas son breves, aplicables y bien explicadas.
• Muestra el lado estratégico y operativo de Amazon sin secretismo ni misticismo.
• Invita a repensar cómo se lideran equipos y se toman decisiones en entornos cambiantes.
• Excelente balance entre teoría y práctica: puede usarse como guía empresarial real.
¿Y los peros?
Por momentos, puede sentirse como un manual corporativo más que como una lectura narrativa. Algunos ejemplos se repiten o resultan muy centrados en el contexto tecnológico.
En conclusión:
“Piensa como Amazon” es una lectura imprescindible para líderes, emprendedores y profesionales que buscan transformar su forma de pensar.
Un libro práctico, concreto y profundamente inspirador sobre cómo la cultura de la innovación puede aplicarse más allá del gigante del comercio electrónico.
Sinopsis:
Escrito por John Rossman, exdirector ejecutivo de Amazon y responsable de parte del desarrollo de Amazon Marketplace, este libro ofrece una mirada desde dentro a los principios de gestión, innovación y cultura que definen a la compañía. A través de 50 estrategias concretas, Rossman muestra cómo aplicar el pensamiento “a lo Amazon” en cualquier tipo de organización, desde startups hasta empresas consolidadas: obsesión por el cliente, experimentación constante, mejora continua y toma de decisiones basada en datos.
Mis impresiones:
“Piensa como Amazon” es un libro claro, inspirador y muy útil. No pretende imitar a Amazon, sino enseñar cómo su filosofía puede adaptarse a distintos entornos. Lo que más destaca es la estructura práctica: cada capítulo presenta un principio (“Hazte dueño”, “Contrata a los mejores”, “Sé paranoico con la eficiencia”, “Confía en los procesos, no en la suerte”) acompañado de ejemplos reales y recomendaciones accionables.
El tono es directo y realista. Rossman no cae en la idealización: reconoce los desafíos y tensiones detrás del éxito de Amazon, pero también deja claro que su poder radica en una cultura obsesionada con el cliente y la ejecución impecable.
Lo mejor:
• Las 50 ideas son breves, aplicables y bien explicadas.
• Muestra el lado estratégico y operativo de Amazon sin secretismo ni misticismo.
• Invita a repensar cómo se lideran equipos y se toman decisiones en entornos cambiantes.
• Excelente balance entre teoría y práctica: puede usarse como guía empresarial real.
¿Y los peros?
Por momentos, puede sentirse como un manual corporativo más que como una lectura narrativa. Algunos ejemplos se repiten o resultan muy centrados en el contexto tecnológico.
En conclusión:
“Piensa como Amazon” es una lectura imprescindible para líderes, emprendedores y profesionales que buscan transformar su forma de pensar.
Un libro práctico, concreto y profundamente inspirador sobre cómo la cultura de la innovación puede aplicarse más allá del gigante del comercio electrónico.
August 18, 2020
I believe this book was intended to be written in the style of Amazon narratives. Some of them were well written others were uninteresting or felt like the author was pandering. I read this book over the span of a few weeks, I would say it was generally unmemorable. I really don't remember many of the ideas listed in the book.
The reason I don't remember them? Well, the chapter heading at three items on it. The title of the idea, a subtitle, and a pithy quote. The idea was written out in a little box which may or may not have been on the first page of each idea. Further clouding this, is that for each idea, and there were 50 1/2 ideas, there was one or two pages of introduction before getting to the meat of the idea itself. Often the ideas which acted as chapters, were only two to four pages long.
Some of the ramblings were speculation of what amazon could do if they got into health care, some was complaining about some business the author had to use, but did a bad job with their processes. In many cases, it showed a sad lack of empathy for the people the author was interacting with in these businesses.
Finally, the author hasn't worked at Amazon in 15 years. He was in one major role, while it played a large part in Amazon's overall growth, he doesn't have any deeper understanding of AWS than anyone else looking from the outside in. Maybe a bit more because he might have some high up friends working there.
Ultimately, this book has a piece or two of interesting ideas, but is very short on execution. Don't recommend anyone read this book.
The reason I don't remember them? Well, the chapter heading at three items on it. The title of the idea, a subtitle, and a pithy quote. The idea was written out in a little box which may or may not have been on the first page of each idea. Further clouding this, is that for each idea, and there were 50 1/2 ideas, there was one or two pages of introduction before getting to the meat of the idea itself. Often the ideas which acted as chapters, were only two to four pages long.
Some of the ramblings were speculation of what amazon could do if they got into health care, some was complaining about some business the author had to use, but did a bad job with their processes. In many cases, it showed a sad lack of empathy for the people the author was interacting with in these businesses.
Finally, the author hasn't worked at Amazon in 15 years. He was in one major role, while it played a large part in Amazon's overall growth, he doesn't have any deeper understanding of AWS than anyone else looking from the outside in. Maybe a bit more because he might have some high up friends working there.
Ultimately, this book has a piece or two of interesting ideas, but is very short on execution. Don't recommend anyone read this book.
March 19, 2021
John does it again! This book is fantastic on many different levels, especially in regards to company culture, management and executive leadership. For instance, the term at Amazon for executives / managers who become risk-off, due to having their bellies full feom prior successes, is called ‘country club-itis.’ The goal becomes not to lose, and leads to cancerous bureaucracy.
There’s no one who has ‘been there, done that’ like he has; so pay attention and absorb everything he’s got.
For the reviewers who said the content in this book is no different from what John wrote about in his previous books – don’t listen to them. There are so many new nuggets of gold in here that it’s worth the sticker price many times over!
There’s no one who has ‘been there, done that’ like he has; so pay attention and absorb everything he’s got.
For the reviewers who said the content in this book is no different from what John wrote about in his previous books – don’t listen to them. There are so many new nuggets of gold in here that it’s worth the sticker price many times over!
March 21, 2021
หลักผู้นำของ amazon (Amazon's Leadership Principle)
1. ความใส่ใจลูกค้า (Customer Obsession)
2 ความเป็นเจ้าของ (Ownership)
3 คิดค้นและทำให้ง่าย (Invent and Simplify)
4 ทำให้ถูกเป็นส่วนใหญ่ (Are Right, a lot)
5 เรียนรู้และใคร่รู้ (Learn and Be Curious)
6 รับและพัฒนาคนที่เก่งที่สุด (Hire and Develop the Best)
7 ยืนยันมาตรฐานสูงสุด (Insist on the Highest Standards)
8 คิดใหญ่ (Think Big)
9 เน้นลงมือทำ (Bias for action)
10 ประหยัด (Frugality)
11 สร้างความไว้ใจ (Earn Trust)
12 ลงลึก (Dive Deep)
13 แน่วแน่ - ไม่เห็นด้วยแต่ก็เอาด้วย (Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit)
14 ทำผลงาน (Deliver Results)
- Amazon's Two Pizza Rule
- six sigma
- a door became a desk
- 6-Page Memo
1. ความใส่ใจลูกค้า (Customer Obsession)
2 ความเป็นเจ้าของ (Ownership)
3 คิดค้นและทำให้ง่าย (Invent and Simplify)
4 ทำให้ถูกเป็นส่วนใหญ่ (Are Right, a lot)
5 เรียนรู้และใคร่รู้ (Learn and Be Curious)
6 รับและพัฒนาคนที่เก่งที่สุด (Hire and Develop the Best)
7 ยืนยันมาตรฐานสูงสุด (Insist on the Highest Standards)
8 คิดใหญ่ (Think Big)
9 เน้นลงมือทำ (Bias for action)
10 ประหยัด (Frugality)
11 สร้างความไว้ใจ (Earn Trust)
12 ลงลึก (Dive Deep)
13 แน่วแน่ - ไม่เห็นด้วยแต่ก็เอาด้วย (Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit)
14 ทำผลงาน (Deliver Results)
- Amazon's Two Pizza Rule
- six sigma
- a door became a desk
- 6-Page Memo
August 28, 2025
I had higher expectations for this book, but it left me disappointed. I was hoping for deeper insights into the true core of Amazon — its culture, strategies, and mindset — but instead, I felt like I was reading content I could easily find online with a quick search. Nothing really stood out as original or eye-opening.
On top of that, the Spanish translation was horrendous, which made the reading experience even more frustrating and difficult to enjoy.
Overall, it didn’t connect with me at all and didn’t deliver the value I was looking for.
On top of that, the Spanish translation was horrendous, which made the reading experience even more frustrating and difficult to enjoy.
Overall, it didn’t connect with me at all and didn’t deliver the value I was looking for.
June 30, 2024
First half seemed to be the usual management improvement strategies that most books give. However, the second half contained some interesting and insightful information about the role of technology in helping reach goals and some ideas for goal setting that while not new, are implemented in a thoughtful way. Practical examples from Amazon were helpful, and I enjoyed seeing a bit of the strategy that Amazon uses to expand their business.
September 9, 2019
I was eager to read this book after hearing an interview from the author. I expected to learn and incorporate ideas that could benefit my small business.
My reality is that I am not looking to become a digital leader and this read like my college engineering books. He was very detailed but none of these details related to me or were transferable to my line of work.
My reality is that I am not looking to become a digital leader and this read like my college engineering books. He was very detailed but none of these details related to me or were transferable to my line of work.
March 7, 2020
Worth Reading
Rossman shares his view on what has made Amazon continue to grow at such a rapid pace based on his personal experience at Amazon and consulting with other companies. Digital transformation is hard. The ideas in this book may help your organization navigate the necessary change quicker.
Rossman shares his view on what has made Amazon continue to grow at such a rapid pace based on his personal experience at Amazon and consulting with other companies. Digital transformation is hard. The ideas in this book may help your organization navigate the necessary change quicker.
September 27, 2020
Meh - too focused on upper management
If your role is not in the C-suite or upper management level, this book may be way above your pay grade. You would need to get people higher than you to buy into a lot of what is said and you would need them to read this book! If you were in those positions, this book could be great for you.
If your role is not in the C-suite or upper management level, this book may be way above your pay grade. You would need to get people higher than you to buy into a lot of what is said and you would need them to read this book! If you were in those positions, this book could be great for you.
March 1, 2021
It is Just sharing the Idea which already amazon working on.
amazon makes money out of other's work. which means Idea of helping others to be owner of a business makes the money for the owner of the Idea.
book it self could be much better in order to share the root of idea but still got lots of good points which could be useful for anyone.
amazon makes money out of other's work. which means Idea of helping others to be owner of a business makes the money for the owner of the Idea.
book it self could be much better in order to share the root of idea but still got lots of good points which could be useful for anyone.
July 29, 2019
Great business book from John Rossman.
A worthwhile investment in reading this book.
The 50 ½ IDEAs!..... Are Amazon ease on customers face , and also a Grok view of Amazon way.
The remaining half idea should be the...... Business Movement By Amazon (BMBA)
A worthwhile investment in reading this book.
The 50 ½ IDEAs!..... Are Amazon ease on customers face , and also a Grok view of Amazon way.
The remaining half idea should be the...... Business Movement By Amazon (BMBA)
August 8, 2019
Rather than just praising Amazon or re-gurgitating the leadership principles, John takes pains to detail the 'how' of achieving success-collect data, customer obsession as also; ditching power point in favour of written narratives; metrics meetings etc. A book to buy and re-read
October 2, 2019
I read this before starting an internship at Amazon and it gave me a great, high-level understanding of how Amazon leaders think and use the Leadership Principles to innovate, organize, and serve customers.
March 4, 2020
Very worth reading. Author explain amazon’s principle by sharing his experience of how to start those buiness in amazon. Its enlighten when you can know more context and whats amazon’s choose to become its today.
April 22, 2020
Very good book to learn about amazon
This book teaches how amazon has arrived to be the big conpany that is today. With his innovation and agile culture it should be imited by all the companies that wants to be succesful in this era.
This book teaches how amazon has arrived to be the big conpany that is today. With his innovation and agile culture it should be imited by all the companies that wants to be succesful in this era.
May 12, 2020
Read this with our VP at work. Some interesting ideas, although many are more focused for an exec team at an enterprise level company. Some are very applicable though and I am already implementing them in my day to day in product management.
April 3, 2022
Inspiring read.
Each idea dealt in an Amazon styled memo which offers a quick view of what makes the company different and the key questions to be asked while applying the principles to one' business.
Loved reading the sections on customer obsession.
Each idea dealt in an Amazon styled memo which offers a quick view of what makes the company different and the key questions to be asked while applying the principles to one' business.
Loved reading the sections on customer obsession.
June 18, 2019
Very applicable from a work perspective
September 10, 2019
Interesting but not deep enough on strategy or specifically how Amazon operate. 3/5
December 31, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read for those into Digital Transformations.
Really helpful and full of practical ideas for businesses.
Really helpful and full of practical ideas for businesses.
November 8, 2020
a very good book which is very helpful for who want to take their organization to the next level.
January 29, 2021
หลักคิดหลายข้อมีประโยชน์ต่อการทำงานจริงมาก มีข้อติเล็กน้อยคือแปลไทยบางจุดอ่านแล้วรู้สึกแปลกๆ หน่อย
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews