Person
Every book Justin Gary recommended on podcasts
Justin Gary appeared on The Tim Ferriss Show to discuss his journey through game design and entrepreneurship, highlighting the books that helped shape his creative processes and leadership strategies. Reflecting on the extensive research he conducted early in his design career, Gary recommended A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech, describing it as a genuinely helpful book on unlocking human creativity and breaking through mental blocks. Later in the conversation, he discussed operational efficiency and management frameworks, specifically mentioning Chris Bailey's book, The Productivity Project. Gary highlighted a particular concept from Bailey's work known as the rule of three, explaining how valuable it has been for him. He noted that he has successfully applied this organizational principle at every single level of his company to improve focus and execution. Through these recommendations, Gary offers listeners practical literary resources for overcoming creative stagnation and structuring daily workflows effectively. By connecting these books to his own experiences in building businesses and designing successful games, he demonstrates how structured thinking and deliberate productivity habits can drive both personal innovation and organizational success.
Books recommended by Justin Gary
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A Whack on the Side of the Head
A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger Von Oech is a classic creative thinking guide designed to help individuals break through mental blocks and challenge conventional problem-solving patterns.
Recommended“I researched a ton. I read some great books on creativity, A Whack on the Side of the Head is one I'd recommend.”
Where to get it
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The Productivity Project
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey is a comprehensive guide that explores various tactics, experiments, and mindsets designed to help individuals optimize their time, focus, and energy.
Recommended“What I love is the rule of three, I think I first learned this from Chris Bailey, his book The Productivity Project, but I've applied it at every level of my company.”
Where to get it

