Escaping the Build Trap

Escaping the Build Trap by Melissa Perri explores why so many companies fall into the cycle of building features that don’t deliver real value. In this insightful business and product management guide, Perri explains how organizations can shift their focus from outputs to outcomes, crafting products that truly solve user problems and drive sustainable growth. Through clear frameworks and case studies, she outlines a path to building product-led cultures where discovery, experimentation, and measurable impact define success.

This book is ideal for product managers, executives, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and align their teams around customer-centered innovation. With practical advice and relatable examples, it teaches how to move beyond vanity metrics and short-term goals to embrace genuine product strategy. Perri’s experience as a product leader and educator shines through every page, making this a cornerstone text in modern business thinking.

By the end of Escaping the Build Trap, readers come away with the tools and mindset needed to guide any organization toward smarter, data-informed decisions. It’s both an actionable manual and a mindset shift, encouraging leaders to focus on value creation rather than feature creation—a crucial distinction for anyone determined to build products that matter.