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10+ years ago a buddy suggested we read a business book together.
After discussing a few options, he was proactive with The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business by Josh Kaufman. It was the first I’d heard of the book or the author.
I don’t have an MBA nor was I pursuing one back then or even now. But, I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2001 when I started my website consulting agency (ProtoFuse) and always sought to understand business concepts better.
This book is fundamentally strong in so many ways. It’s organized well, and inspiring, and Josh chunks down and articulates complex business concepts in a way I’d never seen before.
I have the hardcover edition and a 10-year anniversary edition was released in 2020.
My Quick Video Review
Here’s a quick video review of The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business, by Josh Kaufman.
Book/Author websites
- Book: PersonalMBA.com
- Author: JohnKaufman.com
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The Personal MBA is a book that truly stands out in the crowded realm of business literature. It caught my attention not just because of its title but due to the rave reviews it garnered from readers. I dove in, eager to uncover the insights that have helped countless entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts. The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business, is packed with the fundamentals of business in a way that’s digestible, entertaining, and practical.
Having read my fair share of business books, I know how overwhelming it can get. This book breaks down complex ideas into simple concepts that are easy to apply. That’s why I’m excited to share my thoughts on this edition.
Pros and Cons
What I Liked
- Comprehensive Yet Concise: The book does a fantastic job of covering a wide range of business concepts without bogging you down in jargon. I found it refreshing that the author gets straight to the point.
- Engaging Writing Style: The easy-to-read tone makes it feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. I often found myself nodding along, feeling motivated.
- Practical Advice: The actionable insights are invaluable, especially for someone like me who’s navigating the business world. It’s more than theory; it’s about applying what you learn.
- Resource-Rich: The appendix offers a treasure trove of additional reading materials. It’s like having a roadmap for further education right at your fingertips.
- Value for Money: It’s hard to find such a solid resource at that price point.
What Can Be Improved
- Surface-Level Coverage: While the book is comprehensive, some concepts felt a bit too summarized for my liking. I craved deeper dives into certain topics, especially in the later chapters.
- Limited Examples: Sometimes, I felt the examples could have been more relatable. A few real-world applications would have really helped solidify some of the concepts for me.
Quick Verdict
The Personal MBA is definitely a worthwhile read for anyone looking to enhance their business acumen. It’s a practical guide that’s particularly beneficial for budding entrepreneurs and those curious about business fundamentals.
Specifications
- Best Sellers Rank: See Top 100 in Kindle Store
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: B0CD2SWZ4J
- Print Length: 491 pages
- Word Wise: Enabled
- X-Ray: Enabled
- Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
- Screen Reader: Supported
- Text-to-Speech: Enabled
- File Size: 2391 KB
- Language: English
- Publication Date: September 1, 2020
- Publisher: Portfolio
- ASIN: B08H5PKGGG
Main Concepts
Comprehensive Business Education
As someone who values continuous learning, I appreciate that The Personal MBA 10th Anniversary Edition provides a thorough yet digestible exploration of business concepts. This edition distills the essence of a traditional MBA into practical insights, covering a range of topics from marketing to finance, all presented in a straightforward manner. It’s like having a personal mentor guiding you through the complex world of business without the hefty tuition fees associated with a conventional MBA program.
What I find particularly appealing is the clear structure of the material. Each chapter builds on the previous one, allowing me to grasp fundamental concepts before diving into more complex theories. This logical flow not only enhances understanding but also makes it easy to refer back to key points later. I can confidently say that this book has transformed my approach to business challenges.
Pro-tip: Take notes as you read, highlighting concepts that resonate with you. This will create a useful reference for your future endeavors!
Practical Applications of Theories
You’re going to love how The Personal MBA emphasizes real-world applications of business theories. The author, Josh Kaufman, integrates examples and case studies that illustrate how the concepts can be applied directly to your own experiences. By reading this, you’ll find it easier to connect theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios, which is essential for mastering any field.
Accessible Learning Format
This edition of The Personal MBA has been designed with accessibility in mind. The writing style is approachable and conversational, making complex ideas more digestible. Kaufman avoids jargon, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with the material. This readability is one of the standout features that sets it apart from other business books on the market.
Moreover, the layout of the book promotes easy navigation through topics, making it suitable for both casual reading and more focused study. You can jump to specific sections that pique your interest without feeling lost in dense text. This format encourages readers to return frequently, enhancing long-term retention of the content. It’s a great example of how educational content can be both informative and enjoyable.
Self-Paced Learning Experience
What I truly appreciate about The Personal MBA is its self-paced learning structure. Unlike traditional classroom settings, this book allows me to learn at my own speed, revisiting sections as needed. This flexibility is invaluable, especially for someone balancing work, family, and other commitments.
The book is also structured in a way that encourages incremental learning. Each chapter can stand alone, allowing me to focus on specific areas of interest or need. This makes it easy to incorporate the material into my daily life, whether through discussions with colleagues or applying concepts directly to my projects. It’s a refreshing approach that fosters a deeper understanding of business principles.
Real-Life Case Studies and Insights
When you dive into The Personal MBA, you’ll discover that it doesn’t just share theories; it backs them up with real-life case studies. This feature allows you to see how other entrepreneurs and businesses have successfully implemented the principles being discussed. By seeing these concepts in action, you gain a clearer perspective on how to apply them in your endeavors.
The use of case studies serves as a powerful tool in cementing your understanding. You’re not just memorizing facts; you’re learning how to think critically and strategically about business challenges.
Why this Dad loves this Book
I found The Personal MBA to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of business. The book offers a clear and engaging presentation of essential business concepts that are often overlooked in traditional MBA programs. I appreciated how it distills complex ideas into accessible language, making it easy for readers like me to grasp the fundamentals of business without feeling overwhelmed. The author’s ability to break down intricate topics into digestible chunks kept me engaged throughout my reading experience.
Each chapter is filled with practical insights and actionable advice, which I found particularly beneficial. The author emphasizes the importance of value creation and provides numerous frameworks and mental models that can be applied in real-world scenarios. I was struck by how many times I had to pause and take notes, as the material resonated with my entrepreneurial aspirations.
If you are considering a career in business or simply want to enhance your understanding of how businesses operate, I highly recommend this book. It serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and business management.
Dad’s Final Thoughts
If you own a business, a partner in a business, or are thinking about starting a business — buy Josh’s book TODAY.
I became more business savvy instantly with the principles I learned. This book doesn’t guarantee you’ll apply the principles correctly, but it’s a great foundation.
You got this, Dad!
Can you win at Dadhood AND everywhere else in life? I'm just crazy enough to believe we can. With the right knowledge, hacks, habits, and motivation — we can crush it ALL!


About Eric
Eric Sharp is the founder of Healthy Dad Hacks. He married the love of his life (Sarah) and proud Dad of a blended family (Hazel, Roman, & Dean). When not thinking about being a better Dad, he enjoys; CrossFit, entrepreneurship, eating carnivore, collecting Michael Jordan sports cards, music, and fancy sneakers.
[Picture: Turkey Trot 2021]