Only the Paranoid Survive

How to Exploit the Crisis Points That Challenge Every Company

By: Andrew S. Grove

Narrated by: Jason Leikam

Andy Grove, founder and former CEO of Intel shares his strategy for success as he takes the listener deep inside the workings of a major company in Only the Paranoid Survive.

Under Andy Grove's leadership, Intel became the world's largest chip maker and one of the most admired companies in the world. In Only the Paranoid Survive, Grove reveals his strategy for measuring the nightmare moment every leader dreads - when massive change occurs and a company must, virtually overnight, adapt or fall by the wayside - in a new way.

Grove calls such a moment a Strategic Inflection Point, which can be set off by almost anything: mega-competition, a change in regulations, or a seemingly modest change in technology. When a Strategic Inflection Point hits, the ordinary rules of business go out the window. Yet, managed right, a Strategic Inflection Point can be an opportunity to win in the marketplace and emerge stronger than ever.

Grove underscores his message by examining his own record of success and failure, including how he navigated the events of the Pentium flaw, which threatened Intel's reputation in 1994, and how he has dealt with the explosions in growth of the internet. The work of a lifetime, Only the Paranoid Survive is a classic of managerial and leadership skills.

©1996, 1999 Andrew S. Grove (P)2021 Upfront Books

Still holds up!

Andy Grove's lessons are still very much applicable. he does a brilliant job walking you through Intels transformation through it's strategic inflection point. it should make us all be a bit paranoid about our business, even in good times, and constantly hunt for that 10X change factor to get ahead of it.

Decent History and Perspective from an Esteemed Tech Leader

The pacing and content was good. The book, while a bit dated, had some interesting historical context and helpful information that is still valuable today.

Foundational for business and life

To be mentored by Andy is a gift. Reading this timeless classic is like being mentored by him directly. I go back to to book to refresh my thinking around the elements of business and life that naturally occur and the thinking required to face them with courage.

Succinct strategies

Great history about strategies at Intel & how they can be universally applied. Timeless content which is relatable even today when many of the final topics have played out.

Fantastic, instant classic.

Yes, at 1x the narration is tiresome as others have criticized. But like those classics from the 90’s streaming on Netflix still in 4:3 and with “film” grain clearly visible on the picture there’s something endearing and nostalgic. But make no mistake, for those open to hearing the message, Grove’s booming words and intellect are bang up to date for any 2022 organizational leader. I thank those who thought to produce and rerelease this years after his death and at a time when so many leaders need to be reminded what it takes to lead during strategic inflection points. Do yourself a favor, ignore the other reviews, push through the nostalgic tone and remind yourself of the essence of being a leader when it matters most. Thank you Andy Grove.

Optimal option to assist in navigating chaos

I had a boss share this with me when I was selling high tech consulting and it shaped the way I think about navigating challenging business situations.

When stakes are high decisions must be made quickly and talent needs to be fully committed to change and chaos.

a business classic for a reason

Well written and well-read, I recommend this audiobook.
Some of the anecdotes are a bit long-in-the-tooth now, but they are still a joy to hear and relevant to today's business problems. Many of Andy's forecasts came to be correct and it is interesting to hear this luminary muse on the future from the past.

Absolutely worth the time.

Classic Wisdom

A lot of the information was nostalgia of my youth and information that is relevant today.

The better book

Hesitated to study this one after his other book (High Output Management).
I must say this is definitely the better book. The language seems less outdated, the data more concise and at least for me more readily applicable to current, real life business situations!

Worth a Read

The book was definitely worth reading.

If you aren’t keeping an eye out for changes in your industry, business, or career, this book definitely gives you reasons to pay attention.

It gives you reasons why you should be ready to pivot & adjust when necessary, or you’ll get left behind. As you should be.

Also, I can see how people may find it boring, but I found quite a fun read.

Audible while reading the book was a great combination.