Build Smart

A Blueprint for Building a High-Performing Organization

By: Simon A. Taylor

Narrated by: Simon A. Taylor

"Masterful"—Kim Williams-Bradley, Former CFO, Warner Bros.

What is your organization's glass ceiling? Wondering why your organization isn't reaching its potential? You're not alone. Many leaders sense something is amiss but struggle to identify the missing link.

In Build Smart, organizational leadership expert Simon A. Taylor tackles this challenge head-on. The book demystifies how the organizational system works by unpacking its four pillars—direction, leadership, teams, and systems—and showing you how to pinpoint and address the specific areas limiting growth and performance.

Through insightful research, engaging stories, and actionable frameworks, Build Smart will equip you to tackle your biggest organizational problems like a pro.

"Build Smart is a masterful “how-to” guide for rallying an organization to coalesce, innovate and achieve. It is a practical resource that can be relied upon again and again to inspire its reader, effortlessly integrating data, real-world experiences, and the undeniable humanity that define great organizations."—Kim Williams-Bradley, Former CFO, Warner Bros.

"In a complex, changing world, Simon Taylor has written what we need, right now—a blueprint for creating value through people. Build Smart pairs theory with relevant examples of organization development principles. This essential resource deserves a prominent spot on your bookshelf."—Andy Ortiz, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Cedars-Sinai.

"An excellent 'field manual’ for business leaders and HR professionals alike. Practical, accessible, and comprehensive. A must-read."—Bernard Bedon, Ph.D., Vice President, Human Resources, Nike.

©2024 Simon A. Taylor (P)2024 Simon A. Taylor

Critic reviews

"Build Smart is a masterful “how-to” guide for rallying an organization to coalesce, innovate and achieve. It is a practical resource that can be relied upon again and again to inspire its reader, effortlessly integrating data, real-world experiences, and the undeniable humanity that define great organizations."—Kim Williams-Bradley, Former CFO, Warner Bros.

"In a complex, changing world, Simon A. Taylor has written what we need, right now—a blueprint for creating value through people. Build Smart pairs theory with relevant examples of organization development principles. This essential resource deserves a prominent spot on your bookshelf."—Andy Ortiz, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Cedars-Sinai

"An excellent ‘field manual’ for business leaders and HR professionals alike. Practical, accessible, and comprehensive. A must-read."—Bernard Bedon, Ph.D., Vice President, Human Resources, Nike