The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business (10 th Anniversary Edition) by Josh Kaufman

"The Personal MBA" by Josh Kaufman challenges the conventional wisdom that an expensive MBA is the only path to business success. Kaufman argues that elite business schools often offer outdated, standardized programs focusing on superfluous skills. He proposes a practical alternative through PersonalMBA.com, distilling essential business lessons into simple, memorable mental models covering entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, negotiation, operations, productivity, and systems design.

Kaufman emphasizes that true leaders actively seek knowledge, skills, and experience, bypassing traditional business school routes and saving money. The book introduces timeless business concepts applicable to real-world challenges, accelerating professional growth. Kaufman advocates self-directed learning and challenges the notion that an expensive MBA is the only gateway to business expertise.