Episode · Lenny's Podcast · 2026-08-09

Lenny Rachitsky & Adam Ward: books mentioned on Lenny's Podcast

The playbook for building high-talent-density teams | Adam Ward, Head of Talent at Cursor

2 books · With Adam Ward · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Adam Ward is the Head of Talent at Cursor, one of the fastest-growing developer tools in history. Before joining Cursor, he founded Growth by Design, an independent recruiting and talent strategy firm that helped build teams at the most ambitious AI and technology companies in the world.

Adam Ward recommended Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman and High Growth Handbook by Elad Gil.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   Emotional Intelligence

   Daniel Goleman · at 1:21:18

   Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman is a foundational psychology and business book that explores the profound impact of emotional awareness on personal success, leadership, and interpersonal dynamics.

   Recommended

   “And it's emotional intelligence by Daniel Goleman. And you know it's kind of the the rise of EQ um as an important piece of it.”

   Adam Ward The playbook for building high-talent-density teams | Adam Ward, Head … 2026-08-09 Listen at 1:21:18

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
2. 

   High Growth Handbook

   Elad Gil · at 1:21:43

   High Growth Handbook by Elad Gil is a comprehensive guide designed to help founders and operators scale startups from early stages to massive enterprises.

   Recommended

   “Uh and the other one I love for founders is just uh the high-growth handbook by Elad Gil. I just think it's set I'm a big fan of a book where you can just jump to a chapter and get an answer.”

   Adam Ward The playbook for building high-talent-density teams | Adam Ward, Head … 2026-08-09 Listen at 1:21:43

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon