What do you think?
Rate this book
Can't Tame a Mongoose
Stan Rose’s approach to life and business is a story of persistence and resilience and a nearly unstoppable drive to achieve his goals. An MIT biologist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Rose has created and led multiple businesses in the emerging fields of DNA analysis and genomics. After several successful ventures, he was suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disease. Some of the same technologies he had helped bring to the clinic became critical to his own survival. Following a kidney transplant, he continued to contribute to science and medicine, cofounding a new company commercializing products that might extend the lives of organ-transplant recipients.
In Can’t Tame a Mongoose, Stan Rose shares stories from his own life illustrating the inevitable, unexpected events that may impact a business or life and strategies to increase the likelihood of overcoming unanticipated challenges or seizing emergent opportunities.
In Can’t Tame a Mongoose, Stan Rose shares stories from his own life illustrating the inevitable, unexpected events that may impact a business or life and strategies to increase the likelihood of overcoming unanticipated challenges or seizing emergent opportunities.
- GenresMemoir
290 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
10 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Stan Rose
1 bookLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Dr. Stan Rose is a biologist, life sciences executive, and serial entrepreneur. He received his BA from Cornell University and his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Rose spent over three decades working with leading scientists and clinicians to create substantial commercial value from inventions related to DNA and genome analysis.
Dr. Rose advises and directs early stage companies developing innovative, high-impact life science products and services through Rose Ventures Inc.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Dr. Stan Rose is a biologist, life sciences executive, and serial entrepreneur. He received his BA from Cornell University and his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Rose spent over three decades working with leading scientists and clinicians to create substantial commercial value from inventions related to DNA and genome analysis.
Dr. Rose advises and directs early stage companies developing innovative, high-impact life science products and services through Rose Ventures Inc.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 31, 2024
The book is about passion, persistence, adaptability and, for me most impressive, an insatiable curiosity, in science, in foreign cultures, in new markets.
The author combines all of these in a true story about a huge will to succeed. Despite so many obstacles, personal as well as in business. Very entertaining, easy to read
The reader is taken into Science of Genomics, into the working culture of Iceland or Switzerland, but as reader you can also get a good understanding about the individual behind the entrepreneur
The author combines all of these in a true story about a huge will to succeed. Despite so many obstacles, personal as well as in business. Very entertaining, easy to read
The reader is taken into Science of Genomics, into the working culture of Iceland or Switzerland, but as reader you can also get a good understanding about the individual behind the entrepreneur
April 23, 2024
Stan Rose’s memoir tells of his tryst with unexpected events of life as a serial entrepreneur and as a person who grappled with appalling health disorders at young age and then opted for organ transplant. Stan Rose had never anticipated that one day he will be setting and chasing business dreams that too in DNA and genomics field. His life turns out as impromptu as uncertain future.
The way his life steers up and down, like a movie, is enthralling and adds a deep dimensional in memoir narrative. He is someone who commenced with engineering but landed up in biology. He stumbled upon his kidney donor in Africa. His life remained as interesting as a fictional plot but chugged ahead with a storm of uncertainties. Yet his spirits see no dull point. He fought and inspired many.
This is memoir is different. I got to see a different field of bio entrepreneurship, related to genomics and DNA analysis. This isn’t a simply a typical memoir where a famous person tells you of their life. Stan Rose captures his struggles of life with utmost honesty, stirring a sense of sympathy from readers. From separation of parents to identity crises to health issues to achieving success in genomics, Stan had his own bittersweet shares of life.
This memoir is simply, yet beautifully, written and I am glad I took the opportunity to read it. I think there are several lessons that can be learned from Stan’s experiences, and I think a truly good book is one that makes the reader stop and reflect on their own life. Heartbreaking, simple, beautiful and reflective! I would recommend this book to everyone.
The way his life steers up and down, like a movie, is enthralling and adds a deep dimensional in memoir narrative. He is someone who commenced with engineering but landed up in biology. He stumbled upon his kidney donor in Africa. His life remained as interesting as a fictional plot but chugged ahead with a storm of uncertainties. Yet his spirits see no dull point. He fought and inspired many.
This is memoir is different. I got to see a different field of bio entrepreneurship, related to genomics and DNA analysis. This isn’t a simply a typical memoir where a famous person tells you of their life. Stan Rose captures his struggles of life with utmost honesty, stirring a sense of sympathy from readers. From separation of parents to identity crises to health issues to achieving success in genomics, Stan had his own bittersweet shares of life.
This memoir is simply, yet beautifully, written and I am glad I took the opportunity to read it. I think there are several lessons that can be learned from Stan’s experiences, and I think a truly good book is one that makes the reader stop and reflect on their own life. Heartbreaking, simple, beautiful and reflective! I would recommend this book to everyone.
June 19, 2024
"Can't Tame a Mongoose" by Stan Rose, Ph.D., is an extraordinary book that combines scientific insight with compelling storytelling to explore the themes of resilience and adaptability. As a biologist with a gift for writing, Dr. Rose takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of the mongoose, drawing fascinating parallels between the animal's survival strategies and our own.
Dr. Rose's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making complex biological concepts easy to understand for readers from all backgrounds. The book is filled with intriguing anecdotes and detailed observations that bring the world of the mongoose to life.
What makes this book truly special is how Dr. Rose connects the behavior of mongooses to broader life lessons. The themes of adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience are woven throughout the narrative, offering readers valuable insights into overcoming challenges and thriving in their own lives.
The book is well-researched, reflecting Dr. Rose's deep knowledge and passion for his subject. Each chapter provides thought-provoking content that not only informs but also inspires readers to think differently about how they approach obstacles and change. Dr. Rose's ability to draw parallels between the natural world and human experiences makes this book a powerful and inspirational read.
Dr. Rose's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making complex biological concepts easy to understand for readers from all backgrounds. The book is filled with intriguing anecdotes and detailed observations that bring the world of the mongoose to life.
What makes this book truly special is how Dr. Rose connects the behavior of mongooses to broader life lessons. The themes of adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience are woven throughout the narrative, offering readers valuable insights into overcoming challenges and thriving in their own lives.
The book is well-researched, reflecting Dr. Rose's deep knowledge and passion for his subject. Each chapter provides thought-provoking content that not only informs but also inspires readers to think differently about how they approach obstacles and change. Dr. Rose's ability to draw parallels between the natural world and human experiences makes this book a powerful and inspirational read.
March 18, 2024
„Can´t Tame a Mongoose“ takes us on an exciting journey following the rise and evolution of modern genetic research and biotechnology. Stan, as a key player in the adventure, describes in an honest manner the victories and defeats, unexpected hurdles and the brilliant solutions.
I worked with Stan at NimbleGen Systems, where he tirelessly explored new routes and new solutions to both challenges in genetics and business development, inspiring us along the way. Although he might have been located on the other side of the world, he was always present with his endless passion and interest for the operations and his staff, as well as his humour.
These qualities shine through in his text.
An important lesson to us all is, that it all boils down to people skills and respect for diversity.
This book provides a valuable insight into the people behind the revolutionary PCR technology, and is a must read for all those interested in entrepreneurship and leadership in scientific innovation.
I worked with Stan at NimbleGen Systems, where he tirelessly explored new routes and new solutions to both challenges in genetics and business development, inspiring us along the way. Although he might have been located on the other side of the world, he was always present with his endless passion and interest for the operations and his staff, as well as his humour.
These qualities shine through in his text.
An important lesson to us all is, that it all boils down to people skills and respect for diversity.
This book provides a valuable insight into the people behind the revolutionary PCR technology, and is a must read for all those interested in entrepreneurship and leadership in scientific innovation.
March 3, 2024
Dr. Stan Rose is a biologist with extreme passion and drive as evidenced by his successful career in the life sciences entrepreneurial space where he raised over $100 million in financing. In this book, Dr. Rose recounts his career journey and the many inevitable, unexpected events that came his way. His story is inspiring especially as he undergoes health challenges along the way and utilizes his biological knowledge to change the field of kidney transplants which helps him as a transplant recipient.
Dr. Rose's story is fascinating and I really enjoyed reading about the field of venture capitalism in the medical field. His writing is witty and fun and he comes across as a kind person who values others.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Dr. Rose's story is fascinating and I really enjoyed reading about the field of venture capitalism in the medical field. His writing is witty and fun and he comes across as a kind person who values others.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
March 28, 2024
Great narrative about the evolution of Biotech from an interesting sidebar to giant industry improving public health. I liked how he linked together personal insights with his growth as an executive in the implementation of successful management techniques. For full disclosure I was involved in some of the stories and can attest to the chaos involved with trying to get a startup to market and exit. His take home points about the requirements to need to be nimble, open minded to creative solutions and be able to improvise when hit with unexpected challenges are right on the money. Any budding entrepreneur should give this a read and apply the philosophies to their current situation.
August 10, 2025
From page one, Can’t Tame a Mongoose hooks you with sharp, vivid storytelling—part memoir, part crash course in genomics and entrepreneurship. It’s smart without being stuffy, making complex science feel like an adventure you’re part of.
I came away knowing far more about genomics, biotech startups, while cheering for the author through both boardroom battles and hospital stays.
Yes, he beat us in the IPPY awards. Ouch. But if you’re going to lose, lose to a great book.
I came away knowing far more about genomics, biotech startups, while cheering for the author through both boardroom battles and hospital stays.
Yes, he beat us in the IPPY awards. Ouch. But if you’re going to lose, lose to a great book.
October 28, 2024
This is an inspirational and compelling story about the author's business and personal life, with a heartwarming ending of success in both. The sheer dedication and resilience required to succeed are told with a splendid lightness.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews