Penguin Random House India is proud to present Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making by New York Times bestselling author Tony Fadell and a refreshingly candid guide to building products, companies, and careers that truly matter.
Known as “the father of the iPod and iPhone,” Fadell has spent over three decades shaping some of the most iconic products of our time at Apple and later as the founder of Nest. In Build, he distills a lifetime of hard-won lessons: from early failures in Silicon Valley to category-defining successes, into a practical, deeply human handbook for creators, founders, and leaders.
Structured as an “advice encyclopedia,” the book tackles the real questions people face at every stage of their journey: how to choose the right job, how to lead teams, how to design meaningful products, and how to navigate failure without losing direction.
What sets Build apart is its rejection of hype. Instead of glorifying disruption for its own sake, Fadell offers grounded, experience-driven insights rooted in human behaviour, decision-making, and resilience.
In a world saturated with startup mythology and quick wins, Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making reframes success as something slower, more deliberate, and far more human. At a time when access to information is endless but real mentorship is rare, the book steps in as a kind of guide—bridging the gap between knowing and actually building something that lasts.
It also challenges the obsession with speed and overnight success, asking a sharper question: what if endurance, clarity, and thoughtful design matter more than rapid scale? In doing so, it opens up a larger conversation around whether sustainable building—not hype—is the real competitive edge today.
Praised by some of today’s leading thinkers:
“The most fun—and the most fascinating—memoir of curiosity and invention that I’ve ever read.” — Malcolm Gladwell
“Whether you’re looking to build a great product, a creative team, or a meaningful career, Tony’s guidance will get you thinking and rethinking.” — Adam Grant
Part memoir, part masterclass, Build is an essential read for anyone looking to create, lead, and grow with intention in today’s fast-changing world.
About the Author
Tony Fadell is a legendary Silicon Valley inventor, entrepreneur, and investor with over 30 years of experience. He played a pivotal role in creating the iPod and iPhone at Apple and later founded Nest, where he led the development of the Nest Learning Thermostat. Over the course of his career, Fadell has authored more than 300 patents and now leads the Build Collective, mentoring and investing in the next generation of world-changing startups.
