Insanely Simple

by Ken Segall
Insanely Simple cover
Good Books rating 4.13
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  • ID: 909
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
fs.blog · Unknown · 2025-09-23
insightful 3.90

Insanely Simple offers valuable insights into Apple's success, highlighting the power of simplicity in business. The book is praised for its focus on practical advice, though some reviewers note it could be more concise. It provides a unique perspective on Steve Jobs' leadership and the importance of simplicity in driving innovation and efficiency.

Insanely Simple by Ken Segall provides a fascinating look into the principles that drove Apple's success under Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of simplicity in business, offering practical advice on how to implement this principle to improve productivity and innovation. Reviewers appreciate the unique insights into Apple's culture and the impact of Jobs' leadership. However, some feel the book could benefit from more editing to remove repetitive points. Overall, it's a valuable read for anyone interested in business strategy and leadership. The stories and examples shared by Segall illustrate how simplicity can be a powerful tool in achieving business goals, making it a compelling read for both Apple enthusiasts and business professionals.

Quick quotes

    The book’s author, Ken Segall, worked as a marketing provider to Apple — and, at the same time, Intel, Dell and other large IT companies.

    It’s essentially the story of what makes Apple such a force to be reckoned with — but isn’t merely a sanctification of Steve Jobs.

    Steve was often regarded as ruthless. Although there’s some truth in that, it’s probably better to say that he was single-minded.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
insightful 4.50

The book Insanely Simple by Ken Segall offers insights into Apple's organizational culture and marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of simplicity and focus. The reviewer appreciates the book's perspective on how Apple's approach differs from other companies, emphasizing the value of streamlined processes and avoiding bureaucratic pitfalls.

Insanely Simple by Ken Segall provides a fascinating look into the organizational culture and marketing strategies that have driven Apple's success. The book contrasts Apple's approach with that of other companies, showing how Apple's focus on simplicity and avoiding bureaucratic processes sets it apart. The reviewer highlights key insights, such as the importance of streamlining complicated processes, the dangers of over-reliance on PowerPoint presentations, and the need for companies to focus on their core strengths rather than trying to please everyone. The book is praised for its valuable insights into what makes Apple unique and why its strategies are so hard to replicate.

Quick quotes

    One major reason is that most big organizations are simply awful at thinking small. They’re unable to streamline complicated processes. Even when they successfully identify their challenges, develop strategies, and create great work that brings them to life, their processes choke the life out of that work. They inflict endless meetings and multiple approvals upon what should be a simpler way of working.

    Companies that don’t have a leader with Steve’s passion tend to see marketing in more clinical terms. For them, marketing is just another spoke in the wheel, an organization within the organization.

    When process is king, ideas will never be. It takes only Common Sense to recognize that the more layers you add to a process, the more watered down the final work will become.

simplificationcentre.org.uk · Unknown · 2012-07-24
great 4.00

The book explores Apple's obsession with simplicity, driven by Steve Jobs' vision and leadership. It highlights how Jobs' demanding nature and refusal to compromise on simplicity led to Apple's success, creating a strong emotional bond with customers.

Ken Segall's book delves into the secret behind Apple's success: an unwavering commitment to simplicity. This simplicity is not just about design but also about the customer experience and product range. Jobs' leadership was crucial in maintaining this focus, often taking risks and defending the vision against complexity. The book argues that simplicity builds trust and creates an emotional connection with customers, making them adapt to the product. It's a compelling read with insightful stories about Jobs and Apple's unique approach to business. The book also emphasizes the importance of having a champion to fight for simplicity in any organization, ensuring that the customer experience remains coherent and consistent.

Quick quotes

    The simple design of Apple's products and user experience was the vision of one man, with a small group of trusted colleagues.

    Simplicity is what makes people feel like they know you, understand you, and ultimately trust you.

    We know that Simplicity is a fragile thing. It needs a champion to ensure that it emerges unscathed from the processes that guide any project or endeavor

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