BeFreed
    Categories>Leadership & Corp Culture>What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How successful people become even more Successful
    What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How successful people become even more Successful book cover

    What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How successful people become even more Successful by Marshall Goldsmith Summary

    What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How successful people become even more Successful
    Marshall Goldsmith
    3.95 (30957 Reviews)
    LeadershipPersonal DevelopmentSelf HelpRelationship
    Overview
    Key Takeaways
    Author
    FAQs

    Overview of What Got You Here Won't Get You There

    Your success ceiling isn't skill-based - it's behavioral. Marshall Goldsmith's leadership classic reveals the 20 habits blocking your next breakthrough. Endorsed by Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and praised by executives worldwide, it's the brutally honest guide that transformed corporate leadership psychology.

    Similar books to What Got You Here Won't Get You There

    Explore Your Way of Learning
    Quick Summary8min

    Feel the book through the author's voice

    Deep Dive42min

    Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

    Flash Card11 insights

    Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

    Fun17min

    Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

    Best quote from What Got You Here Won't Get You There

    “

    What got you here won't get you there.

    ”
    Explore Your Way of Learning
    What Got You Here Won't Get You There isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Leadership. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

    Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to What Got You Here Won't Get You There Summary in 8 Minutes

    Quick Summary
    Quick Summary
    What Got You Here Won't Get You There Summary in 8 Minutes

    Break down key ideas from What Got You Here Won't Get You There into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

    play
    00:00
    00:00
    Your browser does not support the audio element.

    Flash Card Mode - Top 11 Insights from What Got You Here Won't Get You There in a Nutshell

    Flash Card
    Flash Card
    Top 11 Insights from What Got You Here Won't Get You There in a Nutshell

    Distill What Got You Here Won't Get You There into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

    Flash Mode Swiper

    Fun Mode - What Got You Here Won't Get You There Lessons Told Through 17-Min Stories

    Fun
    Fun
    What Got You Here Won't Get You There Lessons Told Through 17-Min Stories

    Experience What Got You Here Won't Get You There through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

    play
    00:00
    00:00
    Your browser does not support the audio element.

    Personalize Mode - Read or listen to What Got You Here Won't Get You There Summary in 0 Minutes

    Personalize
    Personalize
    Experience What Got You Here Won't Get You There in your own way.

    Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

    Personalize Mode

    From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

    BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds
    See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

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

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

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

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

    BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds
    See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

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

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

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

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

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

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

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

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

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

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

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

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    1.5K Ratings4.7
    Start your learning journey, now
    BeFreed App
    Download This Summary

    Get the What Got You Here Won't Get You There summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

    BeFreed

    Learn Anything, Personalized

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs other apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Information
    About Usarrow
    Pricingarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Careerarrow
    Partnershipsarrow
    Ambassador Programarrow
    Directoryarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Term of UsePrivacy Policy
    BeFreed

    Learn Anything, Personalized

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs other apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Information
    About Usarrow
    Pricingarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Careerarrow
    Partnershipsarrow
    Ambassador Programarrow
    Directoryarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Term of UsePrivacy Policy

    More Like This

    book cover
    Triggers
    Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter
    Insightful guide to overcoming environmental triggers and creating lasting behavioral change through self-monitoring and engaging questions.
    book cover
    Earned Life
    Marshall Goldsmith
    A guide to living without regret by aligning choices with purpose, offering strategies for fulfillment and meaningful achievement.
    book cover
    How Women Rise
    Sally Goldsmith & Marshall Helgesen
    Overcome 12 habits holding women back in their careers and rise to new heights.
    book cover
    Modern Achievement
    Asheesh Advani & Marshall Goldsmith
    A fresh approach to success for today's leaders, blending timeless wisdom with innovative strategies for a rapidly changing world.
    book cover
    Leadership Two Words at a Time
    Bill Treasurer
    Concise leadership wisdom for new managers, offering practical guidance through simple two-word concepts to navigate complex workplace challenges.
    book cover
    Maximize Your Potential
    Jocelyn K. Glei
    Unlock your full potential with expert advice on career growth, risk-taking, and building valuable skills and relationships.
    podcast cover
    The Great CEO WithinThe Law of SuccessHow Successful People Think
    3 sources
    The Success Blueprint: What High Achievers Really Know
    Discover the mental frameworks, strategic systems, and proven principles that separate high achievers from everyone else, based on timeless wisdom from Napoleon Hill, Matt Mochary, and John Maxwell.
    podcast cover
    The Power of PresenceEP : executive presence : the missing link between merit and successThe Voice of LeadershipSpeak Like a CEO Toolkit
    27 sources
    Executive presence and why smart people get overlooked
    Hard work isn't always enough to get promoted. Learn how to use the Bottom Line Up Front method to communicate insights and build leadership gravitas.

    Key Takeaways

    1

    The Invisible Barriers to Your Next Level of Success

    play
    00:00
    00:00
    Your browser does not support the audio element.

    What if your greatest strengths were actually holding you back? This paradox sits at the heart of Marshall Goldsmith's revolutionary approach to leadership development. Unlike typical business advice that focuses on what to do, Goldsmith reveals something far more powerful: what to stop doing. The behaviors that propelled you to your current success might be the exact obstacles preventing you from reaching the next level. These aren't deep psychological issues but simple behavioral tics that gradually erode goodwill and effectiveness. Think of them as the leadership equivalent of bad breath - everyone notices except you. The higher you rise, the more your problems become behavioral rather than technical. At senior levels, everyone's smart - what differentiates leaders is their ability to connect with and influence others. Success creates a dangerous form of blindness. The more we achieve, the more likely we develop behavioral blind spots that prevent us from seeing ourselves accurately. Four key beliefs in particular become problematic: First, "I have succeeded" - we maintain an internal highlight reel of victories while editing out failures. This selective memory explains why 80-85% of professionals rate themselves in the top 20% of their peer group (a statistical impossibility). Second, "I can succeed" - high achievers possess unshakable faith in their ability to make outcomes happen through sheer force of personality. While this drives achievement, it creates resistance when feedback suggests they need to change. Third, "I will succeed" - optimism drives opportunity-seeking but leads to overcommitment. Fourth, "I choose to succeed" - achievement-oriented people believe they're doing what they choose to do, not what they have to do.

    2

    Career-Derailing Habits and the Power of Feedback

    3

    The Magic Moves: Apologizing, Listening, and Gratitude

    4

    Follow-Up and Feedforward: Creating Lasting Change

    5

    Looking Back from the Future: What Really Matters

    6

    Overcoming the Success Delusion

    Discover more

    Be the most successful, charismatic person

    Be the most successful, charismatic person

    LEARNING PLAN

    Be the most successful, charismatic person

    This comprehensive plan is designed for aspiring leaders and professionals who want to bridge the gap between technical competence and social mastery. It provides a blueprint for anyone seeking to combine disciplined self-management with high-level influence and peak productivity.

    2 h 52 m•4 Sections
    Master Mind, Behavior & Leadership Skills

    Master Mind, Behavior & Leadership Skills

    LEARNING PLAN

    Master Mind, Behavior & Leadership Skills

    This plan bridges the gap between psychological insight and practical leadership, making it essential for aspiring executives and managers. It provides a roadmap for anyone looking to master human nature and ethical influence to drive meaningful impact.

    3 h 23 m•4 Sections
    Master Habits, Psychology & Social Skills

    Master Habits, Psychology & Social Skills

    LEARNING PLAN

    Master Habits, Psychology & Social Skills

    This plan bridges the gap between internal cognitive processes and external social success, offering a comprehensive toolkit for personal mastery. It is ideal for aspiring leaders and professionals looking to optimize their behavior and enhance their interpersonal impact.

    2 h 13 m•4 Sections
    Mastering Pressure, People, and Growth Habits

    Mastering Pressure, People, and Growth Habits

    LEARNING PLAN

    Mastering Pressure, People, and Growth Habits

    This plan is designed for high-performers and emerging leaders who need to balance intense psychological pressure with the nuances of human influence. It provides a blueprint for moving beyond raw willpower to systematic growth and strategic leadership.

    4 h 6 m•4 Sections
    Understand Others and Lead Effectively

    Understand Others and Lead Effectively

    LEARNING PLAN

    Understand Others and Lead Effectively

    This plan is essential for emerging and established leaders who need to bridge the gap between technical skill and interpersonal influence. It provides a roadmap for mastering the human side of management to drive meaningful organizational transformation.

    2 h 33 m•4 Sections
    Leadership, Strategy & Productivity Mastery

    Leadership, Strategy & Productivity Mastery

    LEARNING PLAN

    Leadership, Strategy & Productivity Mastery

    This plan is designed for aspiring and current executives who need to balance high-level strategy with peak personal efficiency. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for those looking to scale their influence and lead organizational transformation through emotional intelligence and disciplined systems.

    2 h 21 m•4 Sections
    How to be heard and respected

    How to be heard and respected

    LEARNING PLAN

    How to be heard and respected

    In today’s competitive landscape, professional success depends on the ability to communicate with authority and influence others. This plan is designed for emerging leaders and professionals who want to overcome being overlooked by mastering the physical, vocal, and strategic elements of command presence.

    2 h 49 m•4 Sections
    The Best Management Books
    BOOKS

    The Best Management Books

    Lead smarter with must-read management books—build better teams, make strategic decisions, and grow as a high-impact leader.

    BeFreed team