The Success Equation

In 'The Success Equation', Michael J. Mauboussin explores the intricate interplay between skill and luck in achieving success. He dismantles the myth of pure meritocracy, illustrating how randomness can shape outcomes in unexpected ways. Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking analysis, Mauboussin reveals insights on decision-making that challenge conventional wisdom. Readers will discover how to identify and cultivate true talent while understanding the limits of their control. This book invites you to rethink what it means to succeed—are you ready to redefine your own path?

By Michael J. Mauboussin

Published: 2012

"Success is not just a matter of talent; it is the complex interplay of skill and luck, and understanding this can transform the way we approach our goals."

The Success EquationBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

In this provocative book, Michael Mauboussin offers the structure needed to analyze the relative importance of skill and luck, offering concrete suggestions for making these insights work to your advantage by making better decisions.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Success Equation

About the Author

M

Michael J. Mauboussin

Michael J. Mauboussin is a renowned author and expert in investment strategy and decision-making. He is best known for his influential works including 'Think Twice: Harnessing the Power of Counterintuition' and 'The Success Equation: Untangling Skill and Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing.' Mauboussin's writing is characterized by its analytical rigor and practical insights, blending behavioral science with finance to enhance understanding of complex decision-making processes. He is a frequent speaker and consultant, known for his ability to translate sophisticated concepts into accessible ideas for both professionals and the general public.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Michael J. Mauboussin
Published
January 2012
Publisher
Harvard Business Press
ISBN
1422184234
Language
English
Pages
312
Genres
Self-HelpBusiness and EconomicsPersonal GrowthSuccess Stories

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Shut Up and RunBook binding

Shut Up and Run

Robin Arzon

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**kBook binding

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k

Mark Manson

DecodedBook binding

Decoded

Jay-Z

12 Rules for LifeBook binding

12 Rules for Life

Jordan B. Peterson

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me)Book binding

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me)

Elliot Aronson, Carol Tavris

The Upside of StressBook binding

The Upside of Stress

Kelly McGonigal

On Becoming a PersonBook binding

On Becoming a Person

Carl Ransom Rogers

Finding Your Way to ChangeBook binding

Finding Your Way to Change

Allan Zuckoff, Bonnie Gorscak

Managing OneselfBook binding

Managing Oneself

Peter Ferdinand Drucker

Food of the GodsBook binding

Food of the Gods

Terence McKenna

The Purpose Driven LifeBook binding

The Purpose Driven Life

Rick Warren

CookedBook binding

Cooked

Michael Pollan

What the Buddha TaughtBook binding

What the Buddha Taught

Walpola Rāhula

Reclaim Your HeartBook binding

Reclaim Your Heart

Yasmin Mogahed

Crush It!Book binding

Crush It!

Gary Vaynerchuk

The Four-chambered HeartBook binding

The Four-chambered Heart

Anaïs Nin

Undo It!Book binding

Undo It!

Dean Ornish MD, Dean Ornish, Anne Ornish

What Got You Here Won't Get You ThereBook binding

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

Marshall Goldsmith, Mark Reiter

How to Break Up with Your PhoneBook binding

How to Break Up with Your Phone

Catherine Price

Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You LearnBook binding

Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn

John C. Maxwell

Tabea's StoryBook binding

Tabea's Story

Betty J. Iverson, Tabea Springer

Ask and It Is GivenBook binding

Ask and It Is Given

Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks

The Science of Getting RichBook binding

The Science of Getting Rich

Wallace D. Wattles

Rice, Noodle, FishBook binding

Rice, Noodle, Fish

Matt Goulding

Man 2.0Book binding

Man 2.0

John Romaniello, Adam Bornstein

Great HouseBook binding

Great House

Nicole Krauss

The Acorn PrincipleBook binding

The Acorn Principle

Jim Cathcart

The Gift of AdversityBook binding

The Gift of Adversity

Norman E. Rosenthal

Wake Up to the Joy of YouBook binding

Wake Up to the Joy of You

Agapi Stassinopoulos

The Mindful AthleteBook binding

The Mindful Athlete

George Mumford

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Jordan Hughes's Book Recommendations

Jordan Hughes's Book Recommendations

Jordan Hughes is a celebrated author known for their compelling narratives and richly developed characters. Their debut novel, "Echoes of Tomorrow," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, marking a significant milestone in contemporary fiction. Hughes's work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human condition, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. In addition to their novels, Hughes has contributed thought-provoking essays to major literary journals, further solidifying their influence in the literary world. Their innovative storytelling continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

View Collection
Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.

View Collection
Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

View Collection
Jason Fried's Book Recommendations

Jason Fried's Book Recommendations

Jason Fried is an influential entrepreneur and author best known as the co-founder and CEO of Basecamp, a project management and team collaboration software company. He has notably co-authored several best-selling books, including "Rework" and "Remote: Office Not Required," which challenge conventional business practices and advocate for more efficient, flexible work environments. Fried's clear, straightforward writing style has resonated with a wide audience, making complex business concepts accessible. His work has significantly contributed to the discourse on modern work culture and productivity. Fried continues to influence contemporary business thought through his writing and leadership at Basecamp.

View Collection
John Maeda's Book Recommendations

John Maeda's Book Recommendations

John Maeda is a designer, technologist, and thought leader known for his work at the intersection of technology, design, and leadership. A former president of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Maeda has been a strong advocate for integrating art and design with technology to drive innovation. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Everbridge and has previously held leadership roles at Automattic (the parent company of WordPress) and KPCB, a venture capital firm. Maeda’s work explores the role of creativity in technology, and he is known for his insightful talks and books, including The Laws of Simplicity and Redesigning Leadership. He has been instrumental in promoting the idea of “design thinking” in business and has influenced a generation of designers and technologists to approach problem-solving with creativity. Maeda is also a prolific speaker, frequently sharing his ideas on the future of design and its role in shaping the modern world.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus's Book Recommendations

Aubrey Marcus is an influential entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, best known for founding Onnit, a health and wellness company dedicated to optimizing human performance. He authored the acclaimed book "Own the Day, Own Your Life," which offers practical advice on improving daily routines for overall well-being. Marcus's contributions to literature extend through his insightful podcasts and articles that delve into personal development, mental health, and holistic living. As a thought leader, he has inspired countless individuals to pursue a balanced and fulfilling life. His work continues to resonate with a global audience, promoting a message of self-empowerment and holistic health.

View Collection
Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher is an accomplished actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for his roles in popular television series such as "That '70s Show" and "Two and a Half Men." While not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, Kutcher has significantly impacted the tech industry through his venture capital firm, A-Grade Investments, which has funded successful startups like Airbnb and Uber. Additionally, he co-founded the media company Katalyst, which has produced various digital content. Kutcher is also an active philanthropist, co-founding the DNA Foundation, now known as Thorn, which focuses on combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. His diverse ventures reflect a commitment to innovation, social good, and entertainment.

View Collection
Jessica Livingston's Book Recommendations

Jessica Livingston's Book Recommendations

Jessica Livingston is an influential author and co-founder of Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator in Silicon Valley. She is best known for her book "Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days," which offers invaluable insights through interviews with successful entrepreneurs. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of startup culture and entrepreneurship. Livingston's efforts have helped launch and support numerous successful tech companies. Her contributions to literature and the startup community continue to inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

View Collection
Alex Hormozi's Book Recommendations

Alex Hormozi's Book Recommendations

Alex Hormozi is a celebrated entrepreneur, author, and founder of Acquisition.com, a company dedicated to helping businesses scale efficiently. He gained prominence with his best-selling book "Gym Launch Secrets," which provides a blueprint for fitness entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Hormozi is also known for "The Million Dollar Offers" book, where he shares strategies on creating irresistible offers that drive sales. His work has significantly impacted the business community, providing practical insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Through his books and business ventures, Hormozi continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their journey to success.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Success is not just a matter of talent; it is the complex interplay of skill and luck, and understanding this can transform the way we approach our goals.

The Success Equation

By Michael J. Mauboussin

Frequently Asked Questions