“Good is the enemy of great.”

In this episode of The Business Book Club, we explore Good to Great by Jim Collins — a groundbreaking study of what separates good companies from truly great ones. Drawing on five years of research and data from 1,435 companies, Collins and his team uncovered the key traits that drive sustained success and long-term performance. This episode breaks down those timeless lessons, from disciplined leadership and strategic focus to the power of getting the right people on the bus.

 

At the heart of Good to Great is the idea that greatness is a matter of choice and discipline, not circumstance. We discuss how Level 5 Leadership, a culture of accountability, and the Hedgehog Concept create the foundation for businesses that endure. Through real-world examples like Walgreens, Kimberly-Clark, and Wells Fargo, this episode highlights what it really takes to move from mediocrity to excellence.

 

Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or striving for personal mastery, this episode will inspire you to think long-term, focus on what truly matters, and build greatness through consistency and clarity.

Episode 23 - Good to Great
 By Jim Collins

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About the Author

Jim Collins is a renowned business researcher, author, and teacher known for his deep insights into leadership and company performance. His bestselling books — including Built to Last, Good to Great, Great by Choice, and How the Mighty Fall — have sold millions of copies worldwide and shaped modern management thinking. Collins’s research focuses on what makes organisations thrive over the long term, and his frameworks are used by business leaders, educators, and policymakers globally. Through his work, Collins continues to inspire individuals and companies to pursue disciplined excellence and sustainable success.

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Good to Great remains one of the most influential business books ever written — a roadmap for leaders who want to build companies that stand the test of time.”
The Financial Times

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