What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture

Uncover the invisible power of actions that shape lasting culture, and why good intentions alone aren't enough.

Ben Horowitz

8 Key Insights

About This Book

Unlock the hidden drivers of organizational and personal change by learning why actions, not words, define who you and your team really are. This content takes you on a journey from the battlegrounds of revolution and the high stakes of prison yards to modern boardrooms, revealing how legendary leaders like Toussaint Louverture, Shaka Senghor, Genghis Khan, and today’s CEOs successfully built cultures from the ground up. With vivid stories, surprising lessons, and step-by-step advice, you’ll discover how to redesign cultures, lead with consistency, and turn values into actions that last.

About the Author

Ben Horowitz is a world-class entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader who co-founded Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley's top venture capital firms. Known for his candid writing and transformative leadership principles, Ben draws from real-world experience as CEO and investor, blending historical savvy with practical business grit. His approachable style and commitment to learning from the margins—not just the mainstream—make his advice refreshingly actionable for leaders at all levels.

Biggest Takeaway

By applying these insights, readers can expect to transform vague values into everyday behaviors that hold up under pressure, repair broken team dynamics, and shape environments where trust, inclusion, and resilience thrive. You'll learn techniques to spot weaknesses early, use 'shocking rules' to reinforce priorities, and adapt to change without losing your core. Whether you lead a company, a classroom, or your own life, you'll gain tools to instill discipline, fairness, and true ethical clarity—boosting performance and satisfaction for everyone involved.