Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World

Economist Tyler Cowen and venture capitalist Daniel Gross wrote this book to challenge conventional wisdom about how we evaluate people. Where most hiring books focus on filtering out bad candidates, “Talent” focuses on recognizing extraordinary ones, especially those who do not fit the standard mold.

Why Start Here

This is the only book Cowen and Gross have written together, and it brings a genuinely fresh perspective to the talent conversation. They draw on research in psychology, economics, and their own experience evaluating thousands of applicants through Pioneer to argue that most organizations are terrible at spotting creative, high-energy people. The book covers how to read personality traits during interviews, why intelligence tests miss creative thinkers, how to assess people in online interactions, and why women and people with disabilities are systematically undervalued.

The most valuable chapters deal with what the authors call “the art of the interview.” They recommend probing for curiosity, obsession, and the ability to generate energy in others rather than testing for polish and confidence. The advice is often counterintuitive: look for people who disagree with you well, pay attention to what candidates do in their free time, and be skeptical of anyone who seems too well-prepared.

What to Expect

A 288-page book that blends academic research with practical advice. The tone is intellectual but accessible, reflecting Cowen’s background as a popular economics writer. Some chapters are more theoretical than others, but each includes concrete suggestions. Best for leaders, investors, and anyone whose success depends on identifying exceptional people before everyone else does.