Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Eric Barker explores how conventional notions of success can sometimes be wrong. Barker examines the lives of individuals who have achieved greatness despite unconventional traits or unconventional methods, arguing that those who embrace their “flaws” and adopt a flexible mindset can find more success than those who follow the rules. Barker looks at examples in a variety of fields, including business, athletics, science, and entertainment, to show that the qualities typically considered “negative” can be intensifiers that lead to remarkable results. Throughout the book, Barker draws on research and anecdotal evidence to provide a compelling argument for embracing one’s unique qualities and challenging societal norms.

the book "The Mom Test", is a guide for entrepreneurs on how to conduct effective customer conversations to gain valuable insights about their business ideas. The author emphasizes the importance of asking open-ended, non-leading questions that focus on the customer's experiences, problems, and goals, rather than directly pitching the entrepreneur's idea. The book encourages a shift in perspective from seeking validation to gathering real data, highlighting the importance of learning from negative feedback and identifying true customer needs. It emphasizes the value of casual conversations over formal meetings and provides tips for finding and framing these conversations in a way that helps entrepreneurs gain valuable insights from their customers.