“Design a Better Business: Master the Tools, Skills, and Mindset for Innovation and Growth”

Summary of the Book
“Design a Better Business: New Tools, Skills, and Mindset for Strategy and Innovation” by Patrick van der Pijl is a comprehensive guide to navigating the entire business design journey—from the initial spark of an idea to scaling it into a successful venture. This book offers a unique, step-by-step approach to innovation, featuring over 20 practical tools and skills to help you harness opportunities in uncertain environments. With insights from thought leaders like Steve Blank, Alex Osterwalder, and Nancy Duarte, and over 50 real-life case studies from companies like ING Bank, Audi, and Toyota Financial Services, this book provides a behind-the-scenes look at best practices and common pitfalls to avoid.

Whether you’re leading a startup, a corporate team, or a social impact organization, this book equips you with the mindset and tools to design a better business.

What You Will Discover in the Book

A step-by-step framework for designing and scaling innovative business ideas.
Over 20 practical tools to help you navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.
Insights from industry leaders on innovation, business models, storytelling, and questioning.
Real-world case studies from large corporations and small startups.
Strategies to build the right teams and balance internal perspectives with external insights.

Why Should You Read This Book?
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, innovation and adaptability are key to success. “Design a Better Business” provides a clear, actionable roadmap for turning ideas into impactful ventures. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or innovation enthusiast, this book will help you develop the skills, tools, and mindset needed to thrive in uncertainty and create lasting value.

About the Author
Patrick van der Pijl is the CEO of Business Models Inc., a global design agency specializing in strategy and innovation. A renowned business model strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Patrick is best known for co-authoring “Business Model Generation”, which has sold over four million copies worldwide and was named one of the 12 best business books of all time by USA Today. His work has earned numerous awards, including the Pioneer Design Award and the Good Design Pioneer Award. Patrick is passionate about democratizing innovation tools and helping organizations design their future through strategic visioning, graphic facilitation, and storytelling.

What People Are Saying About “Design a Better Business”

Alex Osterwalder, Co-author of Business Model Generation:
“This book is a treasure trove of tools and insights for anyone looking to innovate and design better businesses. Patrick’s approach is both practical and inspiring.”
Steve Blank, Father of Modern Entrepreneurship:
“A must-read for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. This book provides the tools and mindset needed to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation.”
Reader Review:
“Patrick van der Pijl has done it again! This book is packed with actionable tools and real-world examples that make innovation accessible to everyone.”