Reed Hastings: Building Netflix

by Matt Burgess

Reed Hastings is one of the world's foremost business leaders. As co-founder, chairman and CEO of Netflix, he has built one of the largest media and entertainment companies on the planet, with an estimated personal net worth of $3.6 billion. A notable philanthropist, he has served on the boards of a number of non-profit organisations as well as Facebook and Microsoft. This concise but detailed biography provides an overview of Hastings' career trajectory. From his unique management style to the biggest mistakes he has made along the way, to the reasons behind his decision to take Netflix from a business that dealt with products (rental DVDs) to a technology company that focuses on streaming, Burgess sheds light on Hastings' success and looks to what the future may bring for him and his ventures. Aspirational and positive, this is the perfect book for those looking for a concise and accessible account of a true global business visionary.

Genres: Business, Biography, Leadership, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Before graduating from Dartmouth College and the University of Minnesota’s MFA program, Matt Burgess grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens. His hometown has served as the location for both his first novel, Dogfight, A Love Story, which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and his second novel, Uncle Janice.

Reviews

[Alfred Wahlforss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a long Forbes article

[Chris Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after you read the other Netflix cofounder’s (Marc Randolph) autobiographical view on the history of Netflix (“That will NEVER Work.”)

Both cofounders brought very different skills to the table at Netflix which together where vital in creating the foundation of what the company has become today. Importantly, this book spends more time focusing on the company’s pivot to become the world’s first movie streaming service, which was all Hastings’ doing as Randolph was long gone by then. Think of it as the second testament of the Netflix story to Randolphs first testament...

[Nanditha]

A very interesting and informative book chronicling the history of Netflix under Reed's leadership. Some really good insights on innovation, leadership, creativity, and creating workplace cultures.

[Tõnu Vahtra · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's the third book I have read on Netflix (also "Powerful" and "That Will Never Work") and it's the most recent one. Events go until 2019 and by that it also mentions the emerging competition in streaming and movie production fronts (Disney+ and Amazon Prime). This book is less about culture or how the company is operating (although those topics are covered in brief), it's more about Netflix business and the environment surrounding it. The title was a bit misleading for me because initially I was expecting a bibliography but Reed does not seem to hold the central theme in this book (which is good) and main focus is on Netflix. It is definitely informative book for understanding the phenomena of Netflix and some of it's challenges (data privacy issues related to the predictive algorithms, the fact that the company keeps accruing massive debt related in the movie production area).

[Amarjeet Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't let the title fool you. Burgess is only playing with novelty to sell us a new bottle but stale wine with this book. 'Reed Hastings: Building Netflix' reads like a sophomore year's last minute copy and paste from Wikipedia with the paste consuming all substance to the article. In fact, one is left wondering as to why the publishers felt compelled to publish such a lacklustre book at the expense of a few green trees (Netflix not on the conservation brigade yet)?

Who is Reed Hastings? If Matt Burgess is to be believed, a placid and flat dimensioned figure whose quotes are gleaned from interviews decades prior and whose actions are lifted from the hazy fog of memories shared by his ex-employees. Mix in a few apocalyptic prophecies of an Amazon vs. Disney vs. Netflix battle royal and you have this tedious book which, contrary to its name, provides us with no fresh insight into either Reed Hastings, Netflix or even the publisher's motives.

My congratulations to readers picking up this book. Guys, really-just quit and watch Netflix. It will be more productive.

[Dhiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed Hastings - Building Netflix by Matt Burgess is an insightful read - the origins of Netflix back in 1997 as DVD rental company to launching a whole new category of Streaming service through the internet is an expected coverage. But highlighting facts about Reed Hastings, his endeavours before Netflix and the Netflix Journey itself are quite interesting. Just a little over the monthly subscription for Netflix, the book is truly as entertaining. #LoveToRead #BookLovers #dntjbookclub #atozentrepreneurship

[Ana Claudia Santos-Cortez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was expecting a more interesting biographical register but somebody summarized it better than I could ever do: “sort of a long Forbes article”.

Elon Musk’s biography is outstanding. Jeff Bezzos is beyond interesting. This one just feels like a friend embellishing a regular biography - by all means I’m not saying Reed Hastings’ accomplishments aren’t worth mentioning, they are, I’m just confident this book doesn’t highlight his work as brilliantly as it should.

[Trent Bowes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a tough one to judge. The actual content was good; I just didn’t enjoy how many quotes had come from other sources. It almost felt like reading a series of long articles, rather than a book. I’m glad I did read this though as it has set me onto Patty McCord, whose book I am reading at the moment. Would I recommend this? Probably not. I believe there are other books that have told the story of Netflix better, such as Marc Randolph's book. Would I read again? Simple answer is no.

[Mu Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very intrigued about Netflix and it's CEO on how they made it. this book is a wonderful insight into the company's growth and Reed's thought process. very informative book and gives you varied perspectives of how a challenge could be seen and approached. Have always been a fan of Netflix's work culture and thinking.

[Tomasz Slazok · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other books about netflix are much better. Hoped for much more interesting stuff :(

[Cole Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative book. Focuses on the early stages of Netflix; also structured into very organized chapters.

[Alfred Winther · Rating 3 out of 5]

En ok biografi, men mangler indsigt fra hovedpersonen selv. Masser af bidrag fra folk omkring, der gør lidt op for manglende førstehåndsberetninger, men den er også velskrevet.

[Wendy mui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights and background of Netflix. Wish there are more interviews conducted with Reed Hastings.

[Tom Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading if you're interested in Netflix, streaming, data, Silicon Valley, Entrepreneurism and big business.

The author balances hard business and tech at the heart of Netflix with the stories of how your favourite Netflix shows, movies and originals are planned and produced.