Remarkable book cover

Remarkable by David Kronfeld Summary

Remarkable
David Kronfeld
Business
Career
Self-growth
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Remarkable

Venture capitalist David Kronfeld's Wall Street Journal bestseller reveals career insights not taught in business schools. Initially written for his grandsons, "Remarkable" became a professional development phenomenon, emphasizing that true success requires more than academic knowledge. What counterintuitive skill matters most in today's workplace?

Key Takeaways from Remarkable

  1. Remarkable experiences drive career acceleration by creating memorable, impactful professional milestones.
  2. Master the “art of insightfulness” to enhance analytical decision-making and leadership value.
  3. Replace generic resumes with achievement-focused storytelling to stand out in job searches.
  4. Leverage dopamine-triggering “remarkable moments” to build motivation and resilience in high-pressure roles.
  5. Apply venture capital negotiation tactics to salary discussions and promotion opportunities.
  6. Transform conflicts into career growth catalysts using Kronfeld’s corporate crisis framework.
  7. Balance technical skills with “ego management” to navigate office politics successfully.
  8. Implement Booz Allen consulting methodologies for faster problem-solving in corporate environments.
  9. Use storytelling frameworks from Apple and Nike to pitch ideas effectively.
  10. Develop “boardroom-ready” communication skills through precise data visualization techniques.
  11. Avoid career plateaus by treating every assignment as a Remarkable Experience opportunity.
  12. Align personal career trajectories with JK&B Capital’s venture success principles.

Overview of its author - David Kronfeld

David Kronfeld, bestselling author of Remarkable: Proven Insights to Accelerate Your Career, is a venture capital pioneer and telecommunications executive with over four decades of leadership experience.

His career playbook blends actionable strategies for professional growth, from entry-level tactics to C-suite decision-making, rooted in his roles as founder of JK&B Capital, VP at Ameritech, and senior manager at Booz Allen. A Stevens Institute of Technology and Wharton School graduate, Kronfeld’s expertise in scaling businesses and mentoring Fortune 500 leaders informs the book’s pragmatic approach to career advancement.

Remarkable draws directly from his boardroom-tested frameworks for negotiations, team leadership, and operational excellence, cementing its status as a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller.

Kronfeld’s insights are leveraged by executives and entrepreneurs worldwide to navigate high-stakes challenges and drive measurable results.

Common FAQs of Remarkable

What is Remarkable by David Kronfeld about?

Remarkable provides actionable strategies for career acceleration by emphasizing insightfulness, strategic thinking, and practical frameworks. It covers resume writing, interview techniques, negotiation tactics, and leadership development, blending real-world examples with methodologies for standing out professionally.

Who should read Remarkable?

Professionals at any career stage—from entry-level employees to executives—will benefit. It’s ideal for those seeking promotion, better decision-making skills, or leadership development. Early-career readers gain tactical advice, while managers learn advanced strategies for influencing teams and driving success.

Is Remarkable worth reading?

Yes, particularly for career-driven readers. A Wall Street Journal bestseller, it offers unique insights absent from traditional business education. Critics praise its blend of anecdotes and actionable frameworks, though some find the tone overly direct.

What are the main concepts in Remarkable?

Key ideas include insightfulness (spotting overlooked opportunities), storytelling in business, and dopamine-driven "remarkable experiences." Kronfeld argues that combining analytical rigor with creative problem-solving accelerates career growth.

What are key takeaways from Remarkable?
  • Master resume writing and interviewing to land opportunities.
  • Use negotiation frameworks to advocate for promotions.
  • Develop analytical thinking to solve high-stakes problems.
  • Leverage storytelling to inspire teams and customers.
How does Remarkable approach career development?

It provides step-by-step guidance from entry-level basics (e.g., interview prep) to executive-level skills like conflict resolution and strategic planning. Kronfeld emphasizes adapting to workplace dynamics and becoming a "value multiplier".

Does Remarkable discuss storytelling in business?

Yes. Chapters 7–8 detail how stories create emotional connections, using examples like Apple’s branding and Nike’s campaigns. Kronfeld argues storytelling boosts memorability in pitches, leadership, and customer engagement.

What makes Remarkable different from other career guides?

Unlike generic advice, it focuses on insightfulness—teaching readers to identify subtle patterns and leverage them. Its methodologies stem from Kronfeld’s 40+ years in venture capital and corporate leadership, offering a boardroom-level perspective.

What is the critical reception of Remarkable?

Praised as a "professional playbook" (Publishers Weekly) with practical frameworks, though some critics note its assertive tone. It’s recommended for its unconventional strategies absent in MBA programs.

How to apply Remarkable’s lessons in the workplace?

Use its SPAR framework (Situation, Problem, Analysis, Resolution) for problem-solving. Practice "opportunity spotting" in meetings, and adopt storytelling to communicate ideas persuasively.

How does Remarkable compare to Atomic Habits?

While Atomic Habits focuses on habit-building, Remarkable targets career strategy. Kronfeld prioritizes decision-making and strategic visibility over routine optimization, making it ideal for professionals navigating corporate hierarchies.

What is David Kronfeld’s background?

Kronfeld founded venture capital firm JK&B, led Ameritech’s M&A division, and worked at Booz Allen. His expertise spans telecom, software, and executive mentoring, informing Remarkable’s boardroom-tested advice.

Does Remarkable address leadership challenges?

Yes. It covers managing conflicts, influencing stakeholders, and fostering innovation. Kronfeld stresses balancing analytical rigor with empathy to build high-performing teams.

Why is Remarkable relevant in 2025?

With remote work and AI reshaping careers, its emphasis on adaptability, strategic thinking, and human-centric skills (e.g., negotiation) remains critical. The book’s frameworks help readers thrive amid rapid technological change.

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"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"I felt too tired to read, but too guilty to scroll. BeFreed's fun podcast pulled me back."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Gonna use this app to clear my tbr list! The podcast mode make it effortless!"

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it's just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, NYC
Investment Banking Associate
platform
comments17
thumbsUp254

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The flashcards help me actually remember what I read."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483
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