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dlberglund's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars.
Full disclosure: I read this to fulfill a specific reading goal, as this isn't my typical genre. (The whole point of reading challenges, really.)
Reading this did improve my impression of Richard Branson. I do believe that he really is trying to change the soul of business and improve life on our planet. I was impressed by many of the initiatives he discusses in the book, which cover a really wide range of social and environmental issues. Anyone trying to reduce the carbon footprint of multinational businesses deserves some credit.
My first problem with the book is not actually his fault, but mine in reading it now: it is already 8 years old. It made me want to fact check. So, this company had this really impressive plan in 2011...did they follow through? Did they meet their goals, reduce or increase their whatever by 201X? If they didn't, the whole vignette loses its power, and during the entire reading I was aware of the follow up rabbit holes I could get lost in doing research.
My second issue, however, was of style and ego. The book was one huge name drop and pat on the back after another. Here's the template:
I was talking to my good friend Celebrity A while we were on my private island, and he said this thing that inspired me. I said, “You know what? Let's do it! Screw business as usual, and let's make this organization/initiative/company/conference/press release to make the world better!” Celebrity A totally agreed with me, and we worked together on this project. [Insert details and story about project.]. This other time, I was at a conference where I talked with World Leader B (who I call Buddy because that's his family nickname and we're such close buds) and Business Leader C. They were talking about the important issue X. One of my amazing staff members happened to know someone who has a start up dealing with this same issue. [Insert side story about how I met amazing staff member and recognized their genius.] We got together and helped the start up in these detailed ways. Now they're very impressive. [insert details and page long quote from either World Leader B or Start Up Entrepreneur.]
Repeat.
Do you see how that can start to grate a little? Some of the stories were truly inspiring, but there was such an odd tone of self aggrandizing and also trying to use really casual language at the same time. I'm not sure who the real audience for this book was. Small business owners? Fortune 500 CEOs? People who want to be awed by celebrity and feel like they're doing some social good? I'm not really sure. It didn’t inspire me to read more business books, that's for sure.
Full disclosure: I read this to fulfill a specific reading goal, as this isn't my typical genre. (The whole point of reading challenges, really.)
Reading this did improve my impression of Richard Branson. I do believe that he really is trying to change the soul of business and improve life on our planet. I was impressed by many of the initiatives he discusses in the book, which cover a really wide range of social and environmental issues. Anyone trying to reduce the carbon footprint of multinational businesses deserves some credit.
My first problem with the book is not actually his fault, but mine in reading it now: it is already 8 years old. It made me want to fact check. So, this company had this really impressive plan in 2011...did they follow through? Did they meet their goals, reduce or increase their whatever by 201X? If they didn't, the whole vignette loses its power, and during the entire reading I was aware of the follow up rabbit holes I could get lost in doing research.
My second issue, however, was of style and ego. The book was one huge name drop and pat on the back after another. Here's the template:
I was talking to my good friend Celebrity A while we were on my private island, and he said this thing that inspired me. I said, “You know what? Let's do it! Screw business as usual, and let's make this organization/initiative/company/conference/press release to make the world better!” Celebrity A totally agreed with me, and we worked together on this project. [Insert details and story about project.]. This other time, I was at a conference where I talked with World Leader B (who I call Buddy because that's his family nickname and we're such close buds) and Business Leader C. They were talking about the important issue X. One of my amazing staff members happened to know someone who has a start up dealing with this same issue. [Insert side story about how I met amazing staff member and recognized their genius.] We got together and helped the start up in these detailed ways. Now they're very impressive. [insert details and page long quote from either World Leader B or Start Up Entrepreneur.]
Repeat.
Do you see how that can start to grate a little? Some of the stories were truly inspiring, but there was such an odd tone of self aggrandizing and also trying to use really casual language at the same time. I'm not sure who the real audience for this book was. Small business owners? Fortune 500 CEOs? People who want to be awed by celebrity and feel like they're doing some social good? I'm not really sure. It didn’t inspire me to read more business books, that's for sure.
chefcookeruns's review against another edition
2.0
Richard Branson's story... was okay to read, but difficult to get into. It just plods along with different things he's gone through in his life. It was informative to see the various challenges he has overcome and how he has succeeded. However, as presented, it wasn't inspiring.
bushbark's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book got a lot out of it.
I like the idea of working for a brighter greener future. Learned new things and will definitely follow up on some of the people and concepts Richard talks about.
I like the idea of working for a brighter greener future. Learned new things and will definitely follow up on some of the people and concepts Richard talks about.
cathy718's review against another edition
4.0
So now comes Sir Richard with a critique of modern business practices that only he could produce. In exhorting readers to "Screw Business as Usual" Branson is calling upon us to reinvent capitalism in a more ethical, more just, and less destructive way. His primary theme here is that Capitalism 24902 (named for the number of miles in our globe's circumference) must serve the world and not deplete it. "Doing good is good for business" he says over and over... and then he proves his case. He tells dozens of stories of business leaders who break the model, screw business as usual, and go on to greater wealth and influence than they could have done with traditional methods. And he uses himself as a case-in-point to great effect. With his example, we learn how a great leader like Branson thinks and makes decisions - and then it all seems more attainable somehow.
"Screw Business as Usual" is a call to action that is truly motivating. While reading, I made some new personal commitments in terms of how I organize my little one-woman consulting firm. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but it is my bit to do and I will do it. It amuses me that my financial adviser is always surprised when he is telling me that the socially-responsible mutual funds I insist on using seem to be outperforming the market.
If I had had four and a half stars to give, I would have, and I nearly went with a five. Though the book was a bit slow in the beginning, once I got to Chapter 3 or so it became a real page turner and I enjoyed the reading immensely. I have scribbled more wows, far-outs, and yeses into the margins of this book than I have done since those college days when every idea was new and exciting. If that ain't a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon I don't know what is!
I admit it - I love Richard Branson. Always have. His fresh approach to everything is inspiring. His courage, ability to overcome odds, masterful entrepreneurship, and team-building skill earned him billions. He seems to move through life like a chess grand master moves across his board. Except that Branson is having more fun.
"Screw Business as Usual" is a call to action that is truly motivating. While reading, I made some new personal commitments in terms of how I organize my little one-woman consulting firm. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but it is my bit to do and I will do it. It amuses me that my financial adviser is always surprised when he is telling me that the socially-responsible mutual funds I insist on using seem to be outperforming the market.
If I had had four and a half stars to give, I would have, and I nearly went with a five. Though the book was a bit slow in the beginning, once I got to Chapter 3 or so it became a real page turner and I enjoyed the reading immensely. I have scribbled more wows, far-outs, and yeses into the margins of this book than I have done since those college days when every idea was new and exciting. If that ain't a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon I don't know what is!
I admit it - I love Richard Branson. Always have. His fresh approach to everything is inspiring. His courage, ability to overcome odds, masterful entrepreneurship, and team-building skill earned him billions. He seems to move through life like a chess grand master moves across his board. Except that Branson is having more fun.
gadsdenlee's review against another edition
Ego, old, and not really about business as usual or not.
benrogerswpg's review
4.0
This was a really solid book.
How can you change the world?
Branson details some really iconic and impactful moves in his career and outlines how you can do similar in your own. I learned a lot and was moved by his integrity and charisma.
Very motivating book and quite eloquent.
I also got a lot out of this book from another perspective, of how to speak to authorities to spark change. A lot of the stories are from him speaking to communities, so I interpreted lots of how to influence leaders to change policy and consider new viewpoints.
Some of the book was heavy on the name dropping and self-congratulatory side, but it was still a really good read.
3.8/5
How can you change the world?
Branson details some really iconic and impactful moves in his career and outlines how you can do similar in your own. I learned a lot and was moved by his integrity and charisma.
Very motivating book and quite eloquent.
I also got a lot out of this book from another perspective, of how to speak to authorities to spark change. A lot of the stories are from him speaking to communities, so I interpreted lots of how to influence leaders to change policy and consider new viewpoints.
Some of the book was heavy on the name dropping and self-congratulatory side, but it was still a really good read.
3.8/5
rosie_morley's review against another edition
3.5
This was a really interesting book for my university moduel
catherineo's review against another edition
4.0
It’s not often that the first thought I have on finishing a book it that I have to read it again.
When I was in my second year of University, I did a module on global warming. It was the last lecture on a Thursday afternoon and I’d cycle home feeling depressed. The lecturer was a cheerful bouncy young man who was keen to be there. He was easy to listen to and I looked forward to sitting in the lectures genuinely being interested in what I was hearing. The content however was enough to knock me into a down beat mood for the entire evening.
To make me cry, you talk about the planet. There’s a point where the information about how doomed we are, and more importantly how doomed the people who live in already difficult conditions are, seems so overwhelming that crying seems the only option.
This book gave a glimmer of hope.
When I was in my second year of University, I did a module on global warming. It was the last lecture on a Thursday afternoon and I’d cycle home feeling depressed. The lecturer was a cheerful bouncy young man who was keen to be there. He was easy to listen to and I looked forward to sitting in the lectures genuinely being interested in what I was hearing. The content however was enough to knock me into a down beat mood for the entire evening.
To make me cry, you talk about the planet. There’s a point where the information about how doomed we are, and more importantly how doomed the people who live in already difficult conditions are, seems so overwhelming that crying seems the only option.
This book gave a glimmer of hope.