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Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit: How to Apply Kenan System's $1000 In, $1.5 Billion Out Principles to Today's Startups
Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit shares the remarkable story of Dr. Kenan Sahin, who took $1,000 in savings and used it to undertake the most extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, culminating with a $1.54 billion rich exit.
Kenan was teaching at MIT in the 1980s and sought to validate his many academic theories in a real-world lab. So he founded a startup to begin testing innovations in organizational development—challenging nearly every business best practice of the 1990s and largely transforming those practices. Among Kenan’s critical insights into rich-exit business success include…
Suffusing the organization with a "teach and learn, learn and teach" mindsetEmpowering every team member to practice "situational leadership"Leveraging a lean team with "splitsuit" systems architecture developmentRecruiting and retaining the nation’s finest talent by hiring based on aptitude > attitude > willingness > experience (in order of importance)Turning performance reviews into company improvement exercisesImproving on traditional profit-sharing formulas with a "gain sharing" formulaFinding a way to reject outside funding and retain full ownershipReplacing notions of customer satisfaction with "customer success"Finding the work/life balance that maximizes team productivityBridging disconnects between sales & production, end-users & IT, management, and R&DLeaping the chasm from a service-based to a product companyCombining judicious simplification with ambiguity tolerance to master complex situationsFlattening internal communications so anyone can access anyone elseMaking "smart interruptibility" an accepted practice at every level of the companyDeveloping the "bins, balls, and backplane" framework of modern user interfacesRejecting the "Big IP Lie" and writing "peace contracts" to drive rich-exit potentialAfter just 17 years, Kenan’s company, Kenan Systems, was acquired by Lucent Technologies and he remained the sole shareholder. Importantly to him, all of his 750+ employees also benefitted from the exit. This is the inside look at how it happened. This is a field-tested framework for building a lean startup into a lean company and then a rich exit—the perfect model for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Since Kenan also pioneered large scale commercial AI and big data systems, the framework and principles of innovation he developed are even more relevant in today’s marketplace.
Kenan was teaching at MIT in the 1980s and sought to validate his many academic theories in a real-world lab. So he founded a startup to begin testing innovations in organizational development—challenging nearly every business best practice of the 1990s and largely transforming those practices. Among Kenan’s critical insights into rich-exit business success include…
Suffusing the organization with a "teach and learn, learn and teach" mindsetEmpowering every team member to practice "situational leadership"Leveraging a lean team with "splitsuit" systems architecture developmentRecruiting and retaining the nation’s finest talent by hiring based on aptitude > attitude > willingness > experience (in order of importance)Turning performance reviews into company improvement exercisesImproving on traditional profit-sharing formulas with a "gain sharing" formulaFinding a way to reject outside funding and retain full ownershipReplacing notions of customer satisfaction with "customer success"Finding the work/life balance that maximizes team productivityBridging disconnects between sales & production, end-users & IT, management, and R&DLeaping the chasm from a service-based to a product companyCombining judicious simplification with ambiguity tolerance to master complex situationsFlattening internal communications so anyone can access anyone elseMaking "smart interruptibility" an accepted practice at every level of the companyDeveloping the "bins, balls, and backplane" framework of modern user interfacesRejecting the "Big IP Lie" and writing "peace contracts" to drive rich-exit potentialAfter just 17 years, Kenan’s company, Kenan Systems, was acquired by Lucent Technologies and he remained the sole shareholder. Importantly to him, all of his 750+ employees also benefitted from the exit. This is the inside look at how it happened. This is a field-tested framework for building a lean startup into a lean company and then a rich exit—the perfect model for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Since Kenan also pioneered large scale commercial AI and big data systems, the framework and principles of innovation he developed are even more relevant in today’s marketplace.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 20, 2025
A Practical Guide to Business Success...
In this compelling guidebook, Kenan E. Sahin transforms his remarkable journey from a $1,000 investment to a $1.54 billion exit into actionable business wisdom. Drawing from his pioneering experience in commercial AI during the 1990s, Sahin presents a comprehensive framework that combines lean methodology with strategic growth principles. His approach emphasizes efficient resource allocation while maintaining a focus on long-term value creation, making this book particularly relevant for today's technology-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
The book's strength lies in its practical application of proven business principles across key organizational functions. Sahin's methodical treatment of leadership development, financial management, and product innovation offers readers a structured pathway to business success. The author's systematic approach to building and scaling a company provides invaluable insights for both startup founders and established business leaders aiming for substantial exits.
In this compelling guidebook, Kenan E. Sahin transforms his remarkable journey from a $1,000 investment to a $1.54 billion exit into actionable business wisdom. Drawing from his pioneering experience in commercial AI during the 1990s, Sahin presents a comprehensive framework that combines lean methodology with strategic growth principles. His approach emphasizes efficient resource allocation while maintaining a focus on long-term value creation, making this book particularly relevant for today's technology-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
The book's strength lies in its practical application of proven business principles across key organizational functions. Sahin's methodical treatment of leadership development, financial management, and product innovation offers readers a structured pathway to business success. The author's systematic approach to building and scaling a company provides invaluable insights for both startup founders and established business leaders aiming for substantial exits.
May 24, 2024
An extraordinary story of Kenan and his achievements!
After reading this book, I declare myself a fan of Kenan and all that he accomplished in his life and in his company. This text tells the story of the author who is anything but traditional, because with small savings, he managed to create a company that later became a multi-billion company, but the important thing is not so much what he grew economically but how he achieved it and what innovations led him to discover great things that was what ultimately led him to implement in his company.
Kenan is a total genius who managed to create a laboratory to test different things that happen in a company at the people level, something that in his time nobody looked at. The book besides telling his story explores in depth one by one the discoveries he had that end up being recommendations to apply today.
If you are looking for an inspiring text, with good tips and simple to understand, this is the right text for you!
After reading this book, I declare myself a fan of Kenan and all that he accomplished in his life and in his company. This text tells the story of the author who is anything but traditional, because with small savings, he managed to create a company that later became a multi-billion company, but the important thing is not so much what he grew economically but how he achieved it and what innovations led him to discover great things that was what ultimately led him to implement in his company.
Kenan is a total genius who managed to create a laboratory to test different things that happen in a company at the people level, something that in his time nobody looked at. The book besides telling his story explores in depth one by one the discoveries he had that end up being recommendations to apply today.
If you are looking for an inspiring text, with good tips and simple to understand, this is the right text for you!
April 23, 2024
I was bound by the writing style
The content of the book is very rich in practical advice and actionable strategies for people of all sorts, including me. Especially if you are an entrepreneur or just interested in this topic, this is the right fit for you. It's impressive how Kenan Sahin was able to challenge conventional business practices. He actually very successfully implemented innovative approaches to achieve quite remarkable results. I was bound by the writing style. Although this is a very informative guide, it is written in a way that makes you feel like you are reading a novel. This makes it a joy to read the whole thing. I consider the theme of fostering a culture of learning, empowerment, and collaboration within the organization very important and crucial. I also loved the emphasis on the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement.
The content of the book is very rich in practical advice and actionable strategies for people of all sorts, including me. Especially if you are an entrepreneur or just interested in this topic, this is the right fit for you. It's impressive how Kenan Sahin was able to challenge conventional business practices. He actually very successfully implemented innovative approaches to achieve quite remarkable results. I was bound by the writing style. Although this is a very informative guide, it is written in a way that makes you feel like you are reading a novel. This makes it a joy to read the whole thing. I consider the theme of fostering a culture of learning, empowerment, and collaboration within the organization very important and crucial. I also loved the emphasis on the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement.
April 25, 2024
This invaluable guide for entrepreneurs shows how the author transformed a $1,000 investment into a $1.54 billion enterprise, which is so interesting and powerful. The book deepens into Sahin's innovative approaches that challenge conventional business wisdom, such as his emphasis on a learning culture, situational leadership, and the unique "splitsuit" systems architecture. I think his strategies prioritize aptitude over experience in recruitment, revolutionize profit-sharing through "gain sharing," and advocate for maintaining full company ownership against outside funding. I loved all the story itself; it is so empowering that, for me, it wasn't just a story of financial success. It provides a comprehensive blueprint for building a sustainable business that benefits all involved and to make a significant impact in today’s dynamic market.
April 25, 2024
I really recommend this book
"Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit" by Kenan E. Sahin is the perfect guide for entrepreneurs, drawing from Sahin's own journey from a lean startup to a billion-dollar exit. The author shares key principles like fostering a learning culture, empowering teams, and redefining traditional practices. His insights, honed through pioneering work in AI and big data, are highly relevant for today's startups. The book outlines strategies for building a lean startup into a successful company, highest in a lucrative exit.
It's a comprehensive playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs and established leaders alike, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern business and achieve extraordinary success. I really recommend this book its very helpful for those looking for some inspiration nowadays.
"Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit" by Kenan E. Sahin is the perfect guide for entrepreneurs, drawing from Sahin's own journey from a lean startup to a billion-dollar exit. The author shares key principles like fostering a learning culture, empowering teams, and redefining traditional practices. His insights, honed through pioneering work in AI and big data, are highly relevant for today's startups. The book outlines strategies for building a lean startup into a successful company, highest in a lucrative exit.
It's a comprehensive playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs and established leaders alike, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern business and achieve extraordinary success. I really recommend this book its very helpful for those looking for some inspiration nowadays.
May 22, 2024
A teaching book
“Lean startup, to Lean Company, to rich exit” is the book that any person should read to improve their finances. Kenan E. Sahin has penned and shared the experiences that made him a wealthy and important entrepreneur.
Every chapter deals with a particular process that Kenan has proven along his life. He includes some technical terms which might be difficult to understand from scratch but then with examples and personal experiences you’ll see the purpose of them. The ideas of innovation, competition, constant learning, and balance are present here to highlight that human beings should learn and strive to keep moving forwards despite adversities.
I found it interesting. I believe that Kenan’s teachings can be applied in different spheres of life. All in all, this is a well explained guide, highly recommended.
“Lean startup, to Lean Company, to rich exit” is the book that any person should read to improve their finances. Kenan E. Sahin has penned and shared the experiences that made him a wealthy and important entrepreneur.
Every chapter deals with a particular process that Kenan has proven along his life. He includes some technical terms which might be difficult to understand from scratch but then with examples and personal experiences you’ll see the purpose of them. The ideas of innovation, competition, constant learning, and balance are present here to highlight that human beings should learn and strive to keep moving forwards despite adversities.
I found it interesting. I believe that Kenan’s teachings can be applied in different spheres of life. All in all, this is a well explained guide, highly recommended.
April 21, 2024
“Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit” by Kenan E. Sahin is an inspiring and practical startup business guidebook. Based on Sahin’s own enormous success with his lean startup, the book traces the techniques, attitudes, outlooks and guidelines necessary to recreate Sahin’s success and go from a lean startup to a rich exit. This book will teach you everything from the right leadership to hiring practices to development strategies, retaining full ownership, and much more. In addition, Sahin also has experience being a pioneer of commercial AI and big data systems. All in all, this book contains a wealth of valuable information for startups and businesses. I am giving this book five out of five stars.
April 24, 2024
"Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit" by Kenan E. Sahin is essential reading for entrepreneurs. Sahin's clear guidance and practical advice make him a valuable resource for navigating the world of startups. His emphasis on adaptability and innovation allowed me to face challenges and improve my approach.
It is an easy-to-read, agile book, with well-expressed ideas, which makes it understandable for everyone. In addition, the comprehensive approach it proposes encompasses team building, innovation and financing, which is very successful, because it provides a complete framework for growth.
It is a read that I recommend to those who are starting a path in the business world to be able to turn entrepreneurial dreams into tangible achievements.
It is an easy-to-read, agile book, with well-expressed ideas, which makes it understandable for everyone. In addition, the comprehensive approach it proposes encompasses team building, innovation and financing, which is very successful, because it provides a complete framework for growth.
It is a read that I recommend to those who are starting a path in the business world to be able to turn entrepreneurial dreams into tangible achievements.
April 26, 2024
I think the author's personal recount offers inspiration and a blueprint for startup enthusiasts like myself. What captivates me most is his emphasis on a 'teach and learn' culture and the unique 'splitsuit' systems architecture, which I believe revolutionizes traditional business practices. Sahin's principles resonate deeply with my own beliefs about team building. Reading about how he achieved such success while retaining full ownership and ensuring employee benefits provides a powerful narrative that challenges the startup norms of seeking external funding. I appreciate how this book not only shares a success story but also equips aspiring entrepreneurs with a robust framework applicable in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven market.
April 30, 2024
I highly recommend this book; it not only shows an incredible story of success but also is a source of empowerment. I think that with this read I found so many insights and tools to increase my income, seeing how the author founded a startup with just $1,000 to achieve more than a billion is possible is so empowering and inspiring.
I think this book is also an incredible guide for building a successful business, highlighting innovative strategies like creating a continuous learning culture, situational leadership, and prioritizing customer success.
Also, I loved that the author challenges traditional business practices with his insights, that's why you should read this book, it has a different approach with so much power
I think this book is also an incredible guide for building a successful business, highlighting innovative strategies like creating a continuous learning culture, situational leadership, and prioritizing customer success.
Also, I loved that the author challenges traditional business practices with his insights, that's why you should read this book, it has a different approach with so much power
May 20, 2024
This book is a detailed experienced one that shares Kenan’s insights and field-tested framework for success, that applies to today’s startups. By empowering every team member to lead as needed, prioritizing aptitude over attitude and experience, and maximizing team productivity when enabling easy access across the company, providing excellent communication with your team members, this book is a game-changer in the field, with simple products and a few adjustments this is the perfect plan for startups across the world. That is what I like most about this book, that it can be taken to any place at any time! The guide overall is easy to follow and even if you don't have a lot of expertise in the area, you will be able to read along! Solid
June 3, 2024
Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit by Kenan E. Şahin is an invaluable guide for entrepreneurs aiming to transform innovative ideas into billion-dollar enterprises. Şahin distills decades of experience into actionable principles, showcasing how the Kenan System's methodical approach can lead to extraordinary success. The book is a treasure trove of insights, blending strategic foresight with practical advice, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. Whether you're at the inception of your startup journey or seeking to optimize an existing business, this book provides a clear roadmap to achieving remarkable financial growth. A must-read for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
December 28, 2024
For a long time, I read several books on leadership, but none like this one. "Lean Startup, Lean Company, Rich Exit" is a practical guide to innovation in technology applied to business. With concise and firm explanations, the author displays a large amount of interesting and accurate data so that readers can apply in their businesses. Within this guide, readers will also find policies and protocols designed over decades to improve and refine senior leadership, accounting and finance, human resources, and product development functions.
Chapter after chapter, this book makes a big difference with the rest of the leadership books. Without a doubt, I recommend it for being modern and updated to the standards of today's times.
Chapter after chapter, this book makes a big difference with the rest of the leadership books. Without a doubt, I recommend it for being modern and updated to the standards of today's times.
April 21, 2024
Kenan Sahin writes this dedicated and detailed book, sharing his insights into the entrepreneur's world. The book starts right at the beginning, showing how starting from scratch it is possible to achieve great things with perseverance, patience, adaptability, and a little bit of luck.
Overall, it was an entertaining read. Being new in this line of work, it gave me a deeper understanding of leadership and the acquisition of personnel, among many other subjects. Kenan writes with clarity and precision, aspects I value in a book because it started a little bit more technical but ended up rounding up every idea.
This book is recommended mostly for the beginner entrepreneur.
Overall, it was an entertaining read. Being new in this line of work, it gave me a deeper understanding of leadership and the acquisition of personnel, among many other subjects. Kenan writes with clarity and precision, aspects I value in a book because it started a little bit more technical but ended up rounding up every idea.
This book is recommended mostly for the beginner entrepreneur.
April 22, 2024
Good inspiration
This would be a great book for a budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration to start a company. The author of this book does a great job of telling his own story in an informative, readable and casual, yet professional way. I liked that he didn't go into his life story too much, but rather stuck to his experience and lessons learned in his professional life. It's unlikely that someone reading this book will be able to duplicate this author's success exactly, but for someone debating whether they should or shouldn't start a company, it would probably be helpful to read about others who have gone through it. Very interesting book.
This would be a great book for a budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration to start a company. The author of this book does a great job of telling his own story in an informative, readable and casual, yet professional way. I liked that he didn't go into his life story too much, but rather stuck to his experience and lessons learned in his professional life. It's unlikely that someone reading this book will be able to duplicate this author's success exactly, but for someone debating whether they should or shouldn't start a company, it would probably be helpful to read about others who have gone through it. Very interesting book.
May 23, 2024
This book guides you in working on your business, mainly for start-ups, but it can also work on an existing business that you want to grow. The author shares his experience with his company from a start-up, partnering up with AT&T. It's fascinating how things come to place with Kenan Systems. It makes me hopeful that one day, I will turn my $1000 into a billion-dollar industry. Chapter 6 was a significant, inspiring chapter. Finding the right talent for your company is essential. The way that the company was able to play in the leagues of telco giants was inspiring during the early age and stages of tech. This book is highly informational and motivational.
May 24, 2024
Along with this book by Kenan Sahin, I got to learn a lot about the Today's Startups field. In every page, I was able to follow the author's voyage as he took his first steps in this intriguing world. He began a Startup and wonderfully took it from a $1,000 asset into a multi-billion-dollar transaction. I see “Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit” as an exhaustive detail of the experience of Kenan’s insights. Now that I got to know his story, I found out how he managed to make this happen. In my opinion, Sahin’s work is a unique tool in the field, with a direct approach and useful tips to lead the perfect plan for startups across the world. Highly recommendable from beginning to end.
May 6, 2024
I found this book to be an excellent road map for any entrepreneur. I was not in the technology/IT field, but I can certainly appreciate many of the concepts revealed here and how they can relate to any field, with some modification. I was most interested in the author's success through trial and error, learning from mistakes, and trying again. I loved that he willingly passed his knowledge on to other eager individuals in the business world and beyond, who yearn to have their own successful startup.
May 13, 2024
Inspiring and instructive
Drawing from his personal journey with Kenan Systems, Sahin delivers a methodical breakdown of the principles that guided his company from a fledgling startup to a lucrative exit. His story, particularly the self-funded pathway to a $1.54 billion sale, is compelling, especially in an era where external funding often seems like the only route to startup viability.
I felt that the text could delve deeper into the challenges and setbacks faced along the way. Overall, this book is a memoir and also a manual for modern entrepreneurs.
Drawing from his personal journey with Kenan Systems, Sahin delivers a methodical breakdown of the principles that guided his company from a fledgling startup to a lucrative exit. His story, particularly the self-funded pathway to a $1.54 billion sale, is compelling, especially in an era where external funding often seems like the only route to startup viability.
I felt that the text could delve deeper into the challenges and setbacks faced along the way. Overall, this book is a memoir and also a manual for modern entrepreneurs.
May 8, 2024
Inspiring!
I won a copy of this for my kindle on Goodreads. At first I thought this is just going to be a dry book on starting a business and then selling it. I can conclude it was not! Really enjoyed reading the personal messages and seeing the newspaper articles at the end. I hope you made it to a Kenanites meeting!
I won a copy of this for my kindle on Goodreads. At first I thought this is just going to be a dry book on starting a business and then selling it. I can conclude it was not! Really enjoyed reading the personal messages and seeing the newspaper articles at the end. I hope you made it to a Kenanites meeting!
July 6, 2024
This book gives you an insight to lean startup. This book provides you with great information on starting a company. This book is excellent for any and all entrepreneurs interesting in starting a company. The book reads like an informative guide but provides details. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.
November 30, 2024
Past the Tech, Business Strategic Brilliance
Admittedly, I am not super tech-y, so in some places, Dr. Sahin lost me a bit. However, weaved within the story was strategic framework and wisdom that enables a deeper connection with people. People build the brand. Delighted to see the author's stark recognition of that.
Admittedly, I am not super tech-y, so in some places, Dr. Sahin lost me a bit. However, weaved within the story was strategic framework and wisdom that enables a deeper connection with people. People build the brand. Delighted to see the author's stark recognition of that.
September 9, 2025
I almost DNF'd because it seemed to be geared towards a very specific niche of tech startups. But then the author started to talk about some practical hiring and culture advice that can be used across any industry. That kept me in til the end. I think it was well written and I had a few good takeaways for my own business.
April 29, 2024
lean to rich
Staring a company is surely the hardest and most stressful this , this book has highlighted some of the way run a rich to be company. Highly inspirational.
Staring a company is surely the hardest and most stressful this , this book has highlighted some of the way run a rich to be company. Highly inspirational.
May 18, 2024
🔥MUST READ 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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