Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
Good to Great • Book 2
by Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras
Narrated by Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
The authors tear apart the 'great leader = great company' myth and replace it with six years of hard research — then read it to you themselves.
- Great if you want: evidence-based frameworks for building durable organizations
- Listening experience: methodical and dense — rewards focused listening, not background noise
- Narration: Collins and Porras narrating their own work adds conviction but not polish
- Skip if: you want leadership inspiration over research and data
Listen to Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies on Audible →
About This Audiobook
Management researchers Collins and Porras challenge conventional wisdom about corporate success by examining what truly distinguishes enduring companies from their competitors. Through rigorous analysis of eighteen exceptional organizations that have thrived for decades, they reveal that sustainable greatness stems not from charismatic leadership or breakthrough products, but from deeply embedded organizational principles and practices. The authors compare industry titans like General Electric, 3M, and Walt Disney against their rivals to uncover the core ideologies, cultural mechanisms, and strategic approaches that enable certain companies to outperform markets and outlast generations of leadership changes.
Collins and Porras deliver their research findings with the authority and clarity of seasoned academics, making complex business concepts accessible through measured pacing and thoughtful emphasis. Their dual narration brings authenticity to the material, as listeners receive insights directly from the researchers who conducted the original Stanford study. The authors' complementary speaking styles enhance comprehension of dense statistical comparisons and theoretical frameworks, while their obvious passion for the subject matter energizes potentially dry business analysis. The audio format proves particularly effective for absorbing the book's systematic methodology and numerous company examples.