Title: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Author: Simon Sinek
Publication date (EN): October 29, 2009 (Portfolio, first edition hardcover). New 15th Anniversary Edition (2025) with updated foreword.
Pages (EN): ~246 pp. (2009 hc); ~256 pp. (later paperbacks/editions); ~272 pp. (2025 anniversary listings).
Value for PMs & founders (problem it solves)
A practical framework—the Golden Circle (WHY–HOW–WHAT)—to anchor product strategy and messaging in purpose, align teams, and inspire customers (vs. relying on short-term manipulation).
Summary
Sinek argues that influential leaders and brands start with WHY—their cause—then articulate HOW they deliver on it and WHAT they make. This inside-out communication taps into emotion and fosters loyalty (“people don’t buy what you do… they buy why you do it”), illustrated through cases like Apple and MLK Jr.
3 community-reported takeaways (with sources)
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Lead with purpose—begin roadmaps, narratives, and launches with WHY to create emotional resonance and differentiation. Smart Insights
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Golden Circle as a PM tool—drive alignment from WHY → HOW → WHAT across product and go-to-market. HubSpot Blog
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Inspire, don’t manipulate—shift from incentives/pressure to meaning-led communication to build durable loyalty. Phillip Starke
Buy online (FR & international)
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Penguin Random House — official book page / anniversary edition. PenguinRandomhouse.com
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Bookshop.org — EN paperback/hardcover. Bookshop
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Barnes & Noble (US) — EN listings. Simon Sinek
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Amazon (US) — EN listings. Amazon
Author of Impact Factories / Co-founder of Shy Robotics and Product Whys / Head of Product at Dassault Systèmes / Engineer passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship
Full bibliography here
