The Personal MBA: A World-Class Business Education in a Single Volume by Josh Kaufman

The Personal MBA redefines what it means to learn business. Instead of classrooms and tuition debt, Josh Kaufman distills the most valuable lessons of a top MBA program into one clear, practical guide. Every concept—marketing, sales, finance, operations, strategy—is explained with precision and clarity, designed for people who learn by doing.

Revised and expanded for its 10th Anniversary Edition, this modern classic has empowered readers in more than thirty languages to think like entrepreneurs, make smarter decisions, and create lasting value. Kaufman introduces powerful mental models that simplify complexity and reveal how successful companies—and the people behind them—actually work.

What You’ll Learn

• The five core components of every business and how they interact
• Essential mental models for problem-solving and strategic thinking
• How to design value, attract customers, and turn ideas into profit
• Frameworks for leadership, systems thinking, and decision-making
• Practical insights drawn from psychology, economics, and management science

Who Should Read It

• Entrepreneurs and creators building or scaling a business
• Managers and professionals refining leadership and strategy skills
• Curious learners seeking MBA-level understanding without formal study

About the Author

Josh Kaufman is a business educator and bestselling author whose work bridges theory and real-world practice. His research-driven approach to self-education has influenced leaders, innovators, and students worldwide. Other notable works include The First 20 Hours and How to Fight a Hydra.

Reader Impressions

Universally praised for its clarity and practicality, The Personal MBA is the book ambitious people hand to others who ask, “How do I really learn business?” It’s direct, timeless, and immediately useful.