"Network Advantage - How to unlock value from your Alliances and Partnerships" by Henrich Greve, Tim Rowley & Andrew Shipilov - Recommended by John McArdle (VP Worldwide Sales at Channel Mechanics)
“Network Advantage – How to unlock value from your Alliances and Partnerships” by Henrich Greve, Tim Rowley & Andrew Shipilov
This is a particularly great resource for anyone working in or new to the world of alliances and partnerships.
What is the book about?
This book was published in 2014 and the term “ecosystem” in relation to channel and partnering models was not as pervasive a term as it is today. In today’s globalized world cooperation and collaboration are critical drivers of business success. This book combines excellent academic research with real world company case studies across many different industry verticals to offer a “practitioners guide” to making Alliances in the real world work. It outlines several different alliances models that firms can adopt.
Best takeaway
How to define an Alliances strategy for your company. There are really good practitioner ideas to consider.
20 Feb, 2025
7 Feb, 2025
"War of the Ecosystems: Strategies for Growing Your AI, Cloud, and SaaS Businesses" by Alejandro Canonero (Former Channel Executive at Google, AWS, Teradata, Criteo, and HP)
“War of the Ecosystems: Strategies for Growing Your AI, Cloud, and SaaS Businesses” by Alejandro Canonero
Author, Doctor in Cloud, AI, SaaS, & Marketplaces. PhD, MBA, BSc. Founder. Investor. Advisor. ex-Google, Amazon, HP, EMCDell, Teradata.
Why should you read it?
In today’s digital battleground, success isn’t just about having the best technology—it’s about mastering the ecosystem. War of the Ecosystems is a must-read for executives, entrepreneurs, and strategists who want to dominate the AI, Cloud, and SaaS platform wars. This book isn’t just theory—it’s a playbook. It reveals the battle-tested strategies that tech giants use to build, scale, and defend their platforms. If you’re leading a startup, managing partnerships, or investing in digital transformation, this book will change the way you think about ecosystems. What makes War of the Ecosystems different? It delivers practical insights—step-by-step frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies you can implement today. Whether you’re navigating partner networks, SaaS growth challenges, or competitive threats, this book will give you the edge you need. This book will change the way you see digital ecosystems and give you the tools to win the war.
What is the book about?
War of the Ecosystems is a battle plan for anyone navigating the high-stakes world of AI, Cloud, and SaaS platforms. This book breaks down the strategies that tech giants use to build, scale, and dominate digital ecosystems, offering a roadmap for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. At its core, the book explores: How ecosystems drive success—and why they’re the future of technology; winning partnership strategies—leveraging co-selling, integrations, and multi-partner collaborations; monetization tactics—how platforms generate revenue and sustain long-term growth; survival in the ecosystem war—adapting to shifting alliances, regulatory challenges, and market disruptions; lessons from industry leaders—real-world case studies from the biggest players in tech.
Best takeaway
If there’s one game-changing idea from War of the Ecosystems, it’s this: In today’s digital world, individual success is no longer enough—winning requires mastering the ecosystem. The biggest tech companies don’t just sell products or services; they build powerful networks of partners, developers, and customers that create self-sustaining growth. Whether you’re in SaaS, AI, or Cloud, your ability to align with the right partners, leverage platforms, and create value beyond your own offering is what separates winners from losers.
7 Feb, 2025
15 Jan, 2025
"Ecosystem-Led Growth" by Bob Moore (Co-Founder and CEO at Crossbeam)
The book provides a strategic framework for leveraging partnerships to drive sales, marketing, and business growth. Bob Moore offers actionable insights on how to build, scale, and optimize partner ecosystems. The book moves beyond traditional channel sales and explores how partnerships can unlock new revenue streams, enhance customer acquisition, and improve retention. For professionals looking to future-proof their partnership strategies, this book serves as a practical guide to navigating the evolving landscape of ecosystem-led growth.
What is the book about?
The book presents the concept of Ecosystem-Led Growth (ELG) as a modern approach to scaling businesses through partnerships. It emphasizes how companies can harness partner networks, data-sharing, and co-marketing strategies to expand their reach and create value. Moore breaks down the key components of a successful ecosystem-led strategy, including identifying the right partners, measuring partnership impact, and integrating partnerships into core business functions. Through case studies and real-world examples, the book illustrates how organizations can move from traditional sales and marketing tactics to a more collaborative and scalable growth model.
Best takeaway
Partnerships are no longer just an add-on to sales and marketing—they are a growth engine. One of the most valuable insights is the emphasis on data-driven partnership strategies, where companies can leverage partner insights to optimize targeting, improve conversion rates, and increase customer lifetime value. If you’re in the partnerships space, this book will shift your perspective on how to drive revenue and growth through collaboration.
15 Jan, 2025
14 Dec, 2024
"Partnernomics: The Art, Science, and Processes of Developing Successful Strategic Partnerships" by Mark Brigman (CEO at Partnernomics)
“Partnernomics: The Art, Science, and Processes of Developing Successful Strategic Partnerships” by Mark Brigman (CEO at Partnernomics)
Dr. Brigman emphasizes that the business environment is becoming increasingly complex, with companies relying more on partnerships to drive innovation and growth. He highlights the need for professionals to develop a deep understanding of strategic partnering to navigate this complexity effectively. Reading “Partnernomics” equips partner ecosystem professionals with the knowledge and frameworks necessary to build and manage successful partnerships in today’s dynamic market.
What is the book about?
“Partnernomics” delves into the art and science of forming strategic partnerships. Dr. Brigman discusses the importance of trust, alignment, and shared vision between partners. He also covers the processes and methodologies that can help organizations create value through effective collaboration. The book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the dynamics of partnerships and offers practical tools for implementation
Best takeaway
A key takeaway from the book is its emphasis on replacing traditional transactional approaches with strategic concepts such as trust, esprit de corps, and the Partnership Pyramid. This shift in perspective encourages viewing partnerships as collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships, which can lead to transformative success for businesses.
14 Dec, 2024
28 Nov, 2024
"Partnering Success: The Force Multiplier to Achieve Exponential Growth" by Theresa Caragol
“Partnering Success: The Force Multiplier to Achieve Exponential Growth” by Theresa Caragol
Why should you read it?
This book is a must-read for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem professionals aiming to harness the power of partnerships for significant growth. It offers practical strategies and insights on creating and sustaining successful partnerships, which are essential for innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s interconnected business environment.
What is the book about?
The book delves into the strategic role of partnerships in business. It explains how to establish and enhance partnerships, implement systems for success, and customize approaches for different types of partnerships. Theresa also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and mutual success, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their business through strategic alliances.
Best takeaway
One of the principles stated in the book for partnering success is that “partnering starts at the top”. This means that highest levels of your organization must be onboard with your partner strategy. Although this may appear an obvious or simple statement, it’s not always like that. If you are running a partner ecosystem and your leadership team isn’t in the same boat and rowing towards the same direction, you are on path to fail in your job. Be bold and ensure your focus starts from the top.
28 Nov, 2024
29 Sep, 2024
"Ecosystems Inc: Understanding, harnessing and developing organizational ecosystems" curated by Stuart Crainer - Recommended by Roman Kirsanov (Founder & CEO at Partner Insight)
“Ecosystems Inc: Understanding, harnessing and developing organizational ecosystems” curated by Stuart Crainer
Given we are in a new and developing space, there aren’t that many great books about partnerships, channels and ecosystems which include very practical advice. I liked this book since offers a good range of articles on ecosystems from multiple authors and analysts which are current to the business.
What is the book about?
Ecosystems Inc. examines how modern organizations transition from traditional, hierarchical structures to dynamic ecosystems characterized by interconnected networks of trust, technology, and collaboration. Highlighting examples like Amazon, Alibaba and Tencent, the book explores how businesses create value by fostering customer-centric strategies, adaptive frameworks, and partnerships. The compilation incles articles by Rita McGrath from Columbia Business School, Julian Birkinshaw of London Business School, Karolin Frankenberger of the University of St. Gallen, Alessandro Di Fiore of ECSI Consulting and Mark Greeven of IMD.
29 Sep, 2024
13 Jul, 2024
"48 Laws of Power" by Robert Green - Recommended by Elena Zapolyanskaya (Founder and CEO at PARTNER2B)
In this book, the author acknowledges that people seek power and discusses it openly without portraying it negatively. He emphasizes that no leader can remain in power without possessing it.
What is the book about?
This book openly discusses how to gain power as a leader. It provides historical examples and outlines 48 practical laws for achieving power. You’ll find that partnerships and networks are frequently highlighted as powerful tools.
Best takeaway
Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies…
13 Jul, 2024
16 Jun, 2024
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie - Recommended by Gabriela Gadeva (Global Partner Programs and Operations at Bird)
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
This was a very pivotal book for me when it comes to meeting new people whether it’s in a professional or personal setting, and finding a way to quickly connect in a genuine way. As a project / program / partnerships professional, I always had to work cross-functionally and frequently influence others not directly reporting to me, and this book has some great nuggets of wisdom around influencing others.
What is the book about?
The title says it all. I think it’s one of the best books out there for sales and partnerships professionals as it focuses on how to quickly build favorable rapport.
Best takeaway
In order to be perceived as a good conversationalist and increase your likeability, you should demonstrate genuine interest in what others have to share and ensure the other person speaks more than you do.
16 Jun, 2024
1 Jun, 2024
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear - Recommended by Siaron van Wetten (Senior Director, Global Partner Management for Capgemini at Pegasystems)
Senior Director, Global Partner Management for Capgemini at Pega
Why should you read it?
The book gives simple life hacks to keeping you feeling top of things and avoiding being overwhelmed.
What is the book about?
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a book that talks about the power of small habits in creating lasting changes in your life. Unlike generic and repetitive motivational books, this book tells you that real change comes from countless small decisions, not just motivation.
Best takeaway
Avoid the heavy lifting of regular tasks by making it into small regular habits to keep you on top… it can be applied even in private life putting one thing away every day spending 5 minutes doing it… my husband’s garage has never looked so neat and those 3 hour clean outs are a thing of the past!
1 Jun, 2024
5 May, 2024
"Only the paranoid survive, how to exploit the crisis points that challenge every company" by Andrew S. Grove - Recommended by Oliver van Dijk (Global Alliance Leader at Hitachi Vantara)
“Only the paranoid survive, how to exploit the crisis points that challenge every company” by Andrew S. Grove
This book caught my attention in terms of constantly challenging the status quo of myself within an organisation, a team, an ecosystem with regards to the contribution provided by myself. So I learned from the book to constantly be on the lookout for the unknown and to never ever take things for granted.
What is the book about?
Under Andy Grove’s leadership, Intel became the world’s largest chip maker and one of the most admired companies in the world. In Only the Paranoid Survive, Grove reveals his strategy for measuring the nightmare moment every leader dreads–when massive change occurs and a company must, virtually overnight, adapt or fall by the wayside–in a new way. Grove calls such a moment a Strategic Inflection Point, which can be set off by almost anything: mega-competition, a change in regulations, or a seemingly modest change in technology. When a Strategic Inflection Point hits, the ordinary rules of business go out the window. Yet, managed right, a Strategic Inflection Point can be an opportunity to win in the marketplace and emerge stronger than ever. Grove underscores his message by examining his own record of success and failure, including how he navigated the events of the Pentium flaw, which threatened Intel’s reputation in 1994, and how he has dealt with the explosions in growth of the Internet. The work of a lifetime, Only the Paranoid Survive is a classic of managerial and leadership skills.
Best takeaway
The key take away was to make sure to action before being actioned upon.
