Delivering Happiness: Introduction

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh (Business Plus, 2010). Reviewed by Steve Gladis, Ph.D.

Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay) has written both his autobiography and a case study for the new economy: The Internet-based economy. Both are equally interesting and compelling journeys. At the ripe old age of 24 and after learning some tough business lessons, Tony sold LinkExchange for a tidy sum of $265 million, built a tribe of friends who had a great time living and playing together, learned to play poker, and became an venture capitalist (through Venture Frogs) in emerging companies. Eventually, he and Alfred, his life-long business partner, invested in an online shoe company start up, Zappos.com, founded by Nick Swinmurn, who had bet his future on the idea that “…e-commerce will continue to grow. And it is likely that people will continue to wear shoes in the foreseeable future.” Written in a conversational style that’s both authentic and engaging, the book stands as a primer for anyone starting a business from the ground up. His comparing business and poker, developing corporate values and culture, and delivering happiness to your employees and customers are the stuff that should be taught in any MBA program. Kudos, Tony. Nice work all around.