Mental Models: Mastering the Art of Clear Thinking
MBA ASAP Podcast
John Cousins's introduces the concept of mental models as frameworks for understanding the world and making better decisions. The book emphasizes building a diverse "latticework" of models from various disciplines to overcome cognitive biases and navigate complexity. It explores specific models like probabilistic thinking, first principles thinking, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, illustrating how these frameworks improve decision-making and foster intellectual growth. The author also advocates for continuous learning, intellectual humility, and the importance of adapting to changing...
info_outline
MBA ASAP Deep Dive: Focus
MBA ASAP Podcast
John Cousins's Focus: Building a Startup That Solves the Right Problems is a guide to help startup founders prioritize effectively. The book emphasizes the crucial role of focus in navigating the challenges of starting a business, arguing that it's more important to say "no" to many good ideas than to say "yes" to everything. It provides practical strategies for identifying the most impactful problems to solve, recognizing signs of both good and poor focus, and building a culture of focus within the team. Using examples from successful companies like Apple and...
info_outline
Episode 13 The Pitch Deck
MBA ASAP Podcast
This episode goes over the top dozen things you should include when somebody asks you: "what does your company do?"
info_outline
Episode 12 Marketing Lecture 1
MBA ASAP Podcast
This lecture is driven by an initial question: what does it mean that Amazon is now a trillion dollar company? I discuss: Balance Sheets, Present Value, Wisdom of Crowds, Statistics, Amazon, Nike, Supply and Demand, micro economics, Discounting Cash Flows, AI, autonomous vehicles, and lots more.
info_outline
Episode 11 Cornelia Gamlem on Management
MBA ASAP Podcast
In this episode I discuss management issues with Cornelia Gamlem. She covers tools to build trust and teams, maximize your impact and influence, and how to best respond to challenges that face managers at all levels.
info_outline
Episode 10 Brenner Adams
MBA ASAP Podcast
Brenner is a cofounder and CEO of The LINK Group, a FinTech startup in Utah’s “Silicon Slopes. Brenner is an adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurism in the Strategy Department of the Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah where he has mentored nearly 200 student based startups. He also serves as Strategic Liaison for the Foreign Direct Investment office of Southern France known as Team Cote d’Azur. Brenner has was a CoDesigner and Director of Business Development at Microsft Xbox’s Indie Built Studios, Global Brand Director for Burton Snowboards and advised Cannondale, GT,...
info_outline
Episode 9 Donatas Jonikas
MBA ASAP Podcast
In this episode Dr. Jonikas talks about his pathbreaking work on what makes startups successful and how to avoid common, but not obvious, pitfalls.
info_outline
Episode 008 Engel Jones
MBA ASAP Podcast
This episode is a twelve minute conversation with Engel Jones. It is from his podcast where he interviewed 1001 people in 3 months. Now that takes efficient coordination and organization! I was one of his interviews and this is that conversation.
info_outline
Episode 006 - Croft Edwards and the principles of Leadership Flow
MBA ASAP Podcast
Croft Edwards is a very interesting, thoughtful and engaging leadership thinker and practitioner. In this episode he provides lots of actionable ideas and advice.
info_outline
Episode 005 MBA Jam
MBA ASAP Podcast
In this episode I am interviewed by Avinash Bajaj of The MBA Jam podcast from London. You can find his podcast at thembajam.com
info_outlineJohn Cousins's Mental Models: Mastering the Art of Clear Thinking introduces the concept of mental models as frameworks for understanding the world and making better decisions. The book emphasizes building a diverse "latticework" of models from various disciplines to overcome cognitive biases and navigate complexity. It explores specific models like probabilistic thinking, first principles thinking, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, illustrating how these frameworks improve decision-making and foster intellectual growth. The author also advocates for continuous learning, intellectual humility, and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. Finally, it promotes a bias toward action and defines success based on personal growth and values.
About the Book
Mastering Mental Models: A Guide to Clear Thinking and Better Decisions
Build smarter frameworks for decisions, problem-solving, and understanding the world.
Your ability to think clearly and make sound decisions is your most valuable asset. Mastering Mental Models is your guide to harnessing the power of proven frameworks that simplify complexity, sharpen decision-making, and unlock success.
This book introduces you to the most effective mental models—timeless principles used by the world’s greatest thinkers, leaders, and innovators.
From the Pareto Principle to First Principles Thinking and from the Dunning-Kruger Effect to Second-Order Thinking, each chapter offers practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
You’ll discover how to:
- Identify high-leverage activities and prioritize what matters most.
- Question assumptions and challenge cognitive biases.
- Balance intuition with evidence for better decision-making.
- Adapt to uncertainty and avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence.
- Leverage the power of clear thinking to help others and create lasting impact.
Packed with real-life stories, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking insights, Mastering Mental Models will improve your thinking and transform your approach to work, relationships, and personal growth.
Whether you’re a professional striving for success, a student looking to expand your horizons, or simply someone eager to think more effectively, this book is your roadmap to a smarter, more empowered life.
Step into a world of sharper decisions and bigger possibilities. It’s time to master the art of clear thinking and unlock your full potential.