Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making by Tony Fadell provides both a memoir and a guide to product design, innovation, and leadership, particularly in the technology industry. Fadell, known for co-founding Nest Labs and designing the original iPod and iPhone, structures his book as an advice manual for building high-value products, fostering innovation, and making bold career choices. Although its primary audience might be tech and entrepreneurial professionals, Fadell’s insights offer valuable lessons for academics, especially in terms of rethinking productivity, creativity, and career progression.

Key takeaways

1. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Fadell’s openness about his failures encourages academics to reframe setbacks as integral to their growth rather than obstacles to avoid.
2. Value-driven work over prestige-driven work. Fadell advocates focusing on high-value outputs rather than merely “high-status” positions. For academics, this may mean prioritising impactful research and meaningful teaching over status-seeking publications.
3. Flexible career development. Fadell’s unconventional career trajectory suggests the benefits of flexibility and adaptability. Academics might consider alternative paths such as public policy work, consulting, or cross-industry collaborations.
4. Iterative, user-centred design principles. His approach to product design through iterative testing is a reminder to academics to focus on student-centred pedagogy and responsive teaching methods that evolve with feedback.
5. Focus on team culture and shared vision. Fadell’s insights on team dynamics encourage academic leaders to prioritise a supportive, collaborative environment in their departments, especially in an era of increased interdisciplinary work.

Practical implications for academics

1. Embrace “low-stakes” experimentation. Academics can create space for experimentation within their teaching or research without the pressure for immediate perfection. This could involve adopting more flexible course designs or launching pilot studies in new research areas.
2. Prioritise high-impact work. Rather than overloading on numerous projects, academics should assess their workload and focus on those initiatives with the highest potential impact on their field or society.
3. Redefine failures as learning opportunities. Fadell’s advice on failure can help academics foster a growth mindset, encouraging them to take risks in research or teaching without fearing the stigma of “failed” projects.
4. Invest in team development. Academic leaders can take a page from Fadell’s book on team-building by cultivating an environment that values open communication and shared goals.
5. Reevaluate career breakpoints regularly. Academics, especially those feeling stagnant, can take inspiration from Fadell’s career pivots and assess whether new roles, collaborations, or even fields of study could revitalise their careers.

In Build, Fadell offers a blend of personal anecdotes and strategic advice that transcends his own industry. He encourages readers from all fields, including academia, to think differently about career growth and the impact of their work. His perspective underscores the value of creativity, calculated risk, and a commitment to purposeful innovation—qualities that can help academics thrive.

Fadell, T. (2022). Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making. Bantam Press.