Who is it for

Who should read Unstable Innovation?

People who question everything, dream big and feel they have a role to play in a world that changes too fast. That includes curious teenagers from 13, young adults figuring out what's next, and professionals who feel the urge to build something. It is not a book of theory or a recipe for success. It is a book about figuring yourself out.

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Three kinds of readers

Which reader are you?

Ages 13 to 19

Teenagers and their parents

For the teen who is bored at school, questions every rule and doesn't know what to study, but still believes they can make a difference.

A book for teenagers →Ages 18 to 25

Young adults

For you if everyone asks what's next and you are not sure yet. It won't hand you a career plan. It helps you read the world and pick your next step.

A book for young adults →Late 20s and up

Professionals who want to build

For the employee with contrarian ideas and an urge to create something that matters, inside a company or on your own.

A book for professionals →

Teacher? See Unstable Innovation for schools. Loved The Alchemist or 7 Habits? See how it compares.

Is this you?

You'll feel at home in this book if you...

  • Challenge the status quo and ask "why" a lot. Sometimes too much.
  • Dream big, but still wonder what you should do with your life.
  • Don't like things as they are, and can't ignore the problems around you.
  • Feel pressure from school, work or a future that looks uncertain.
  • Feel the world is changing super fast, and want a role in it.
  • Often have the contrarian idea, or see the positive side when everyone sees the negative.
  • Know your mind is getting fried by endless scrolling, and want it back.
  • Want to add value to others, but don't know how or where to start.
  • See the world as a giant sandbox for ideas, projects and startups.
Who is Unstable Innovation for? Nelson Inno explains

In 60 seconds: Nelson on who he wrote the book for.

Better to know now

Who should not read Unstable Innovation?

Skip this book if you are looking for any of these. Better to find out now than after 215 pages.

Age guide

What age is Unstable Innovation for?

13 and up. The language is clean and the chapters are short, so a curious 13 year old can read it. The more life you have lived, the more of the philosophy under each chapter you will see.

AgeWhat they get from it
13 to 15The stories and the big ideas: chaos is normal, failure is part of the path, and you can choose where to put your energy. Some parts, like game theory and business models, will be harder. Skimming those is fine.
16 to 19The sweet spot for “what should I do with my life?”. The chapters on mindset, knowledge and skills help before choosing what to study.
20sHow to read a fast-changing world, spot your moment of truth and commit to one problem worth solving.
30s and upThe deeper layer: Stoicism, incentives, eudaimonia, and what it takes to build something without losing yourself.

Buying it for a teenager? Read our page for parents, with an honest look at what a 13 year old will and will not understand, plus nine questions to talk about together.

The book in numbers

What kind of book is it?

A short, practical book that reads like a conversation. In Nelson's own words, it is a philosophy book disguised as an innovation and entrepreneurship book.

215

pages in 9 chapters, from “Opening Chaos” to “Spark”

3-4 h

of reading for most people

5.0

stars across 12 verified reader reviews

2

languages: English, and Spanish as Innovación Inestable

It comes from an entrepreneur who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly: from Microsoft, Siemens and Lufthansa Group, where he designed four new innovation departments, to building WeSpark in El Salvador. The book opens with a dedication: “For those who fall a thousand times and rise each time, ready to fly again.”

Questions people ask

Who should read Unstable Innovation?

People who question everything and want to build or change something: curious teenagers from 13, young adults figuring out their next step, and professionals who feel the urge to create, whether they are employees or entrepreneurs.

Who should not read Unstable Innovation?

People looking for a step-by-step recipe for success, an academic textbook or a get-rich-quick plan. It is also not meant for children under 13.

What age is Unstable Innovation for?

13 and up. The language is clean and the chapters are short. Younger teens get the stories and the big ideas. Older readers see more of the philosophy under every chapter.

Do I need to want to be an entrepreneur to read it?

No. If you care about entrepreneurship, great. If you don't, that's also okay. The book is for anyone who wants to be more creative and add value to others, as a student, an employee or a founder.

Is Unstable Innovation a theory book?

No. It doesn't sell a recipe or ten steps to success. It focuses on figuring yourself out: when and where you should be to spark change, take control of your life and live it on your own terms.

How long does it take to read?

About 3 to 4 hours. The English edition has 215 pages and 9 chapters, written in plain, easy language.

Can I read it before buying it?

Yes. The PDF, EPUB and Kindle files are free on this site. The paperback is on Amazon in 13 countries and at every Librería Internacional shop in El Salvador.

Sounds like you?

Read it free today, get the paperback for your shelf, or give it to someone who needs it.

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