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The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future
In the face of our climate emergency, we desperately need solutionists working to fix the future. This is your handbook for becoming the leader that the world needs.
The Solutionists sets out what it takes to join the new generation of entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders transforming business to create a more sustainable society. Using a change blueprint, this book coaches you through the steps, mindsets and strategies that will put your organization at the forefront and take personal ownership of sustainability solutions.
With an inspiring selection of stories from leading entrepreneurs and organizations, this book illustrates how sustainability solutionists are paving the way to solving the biggest crisis our planet has ever faced whilst driving business innovation and growth. Including plant-based food sources, net-zero technologies and circular platforms, these stories demonstrate how sustainable disruption can transform your business, regardless of size or industry.
Solitaire Townsend has been inspiring the world's top brands for over two decades and, along with some of the world's leading solutionists, she invites you to join the answer activists and grow your business while co-creating a better world.
The Solutionists sets out what it takes to join the new generation of entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders transforming business to create a more sustainable society. Using a change blueprint, this book coaches you through the steps, mindsets and strategies that will put your organization at the forefront and take personal ownership of sustainability solutions.
With an inspiring selection of stories from leading entrepreneurs and organizations, this book illustrates how sustainability solutionists are paving the way to solving the biggest crisis our planet has ever faced whilst driving business innovation and growth. Including plant-based food sources, net-zero technologies and circular platforms, these stories demonstrate how sustainable disruption can transform your business, regardless of size or industry.
Solitaire Townsend has been inspiring the world's top brands for over two decades and, along with some of the world's leading solutionists, she invites you to join the answer activists and grow your business while co-creating a better world.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2023
29 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Solitaire Townsend
6 books16 followersSolitaire Townsend is a renowned climate author and is co-founder & Chief Solutionist at Futerra and Chair of The Solutions Union charity. She holds master’s degrees in both Sustainability and Shakespeare.
Her popular TED talk, Forbes column, and most recent book – The Solutionists – are available online. She is LGBTQIA, neurodivergent and sanguine about being named after a Bond girl.
Her popular TED talk, Forbes column, and most recent book – The Solutionists – are available online. She is LGBTQIA, neurodivergent and sanguine about being named after a Bond girl.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 1, 2024
With a subtitle such as “How businesses can fix the future” I was expecting a little more concrete solutions and plans from the author, but it’s not really what this book is about, it’s mostly about how to think and look at the situation.
It’s a pretty short and easy read with a lot of studies and articles sprinkled in (have not checked the sources so can’t say anything about how accurate they are) and the most important part is the positive mindset to a subject such as this, which usually attracts a lot of negative “we are doomed” thinkers.
In general it’s a pretty good read for anyone one who is interested in sustainability (business owner or not) although some parts feel a little preachy and circle jerky. There are a few interviews with CEOs and other high ranking people from different companies that can feel like the author is putting them on a pedestal.
Two of the CEOs the author interviewed were the CEO of Oatly, which has had a fair deal of controversies related both to their health and sustainability claims, and the other is the CEO of IKEA which could just as well be the equivalent to fast fashion of the furniture industry. Interviews like these made the book feel greenwashy more than anything else.
It’s a pretty short and easy read with a lot of studies and articles sprinkled in (have not checked the sources so can’t say anything about how accurate they are) and the most important part is the positive mindset to a subject such as this, which usually attracts a lot of negative “we are doomed” thinkers.
In general it’s a pretty good read for anyone one who is interested in sustainability (business owner or not) although some parts feel a little preachy and circle jerky. There are a few interviews with CEOs and other high ranking people from different companies that can feel like the author is putting them on a pedestal.
Two of the CEOs the author interviewed were the CEO of Oatly, which has had a fair deal of controversies related both to their health and sustainability claims, and the other is the CEO of IKEA which could just as well be the equivalent to fast fashion of the furniture industry. Interviews like these made the book feel greenwashy more than anything else.
April 19, 2023
Book of the year!
This book is Perfect for all the solutionists out there trying to make the world a better place. Very relatable and inspiring!
This book is Perfect for all the solutionists out there trying to make the world a better place. Very relatable and inspiring!
May 21, 2023
This is a positive and inspiring look at who we need and when we need them - which is leaders, and right now, or sooner. The author explains that nobody has to solve all the world's problems, but climate change and plastic pollution, to say nothing of hunger, will only be solved by many people working on projects in tandem. If you reduce food waste or recycle fruit peels into vegan leather, this reduces methane emissions and the use of fossil fuels. Some small businesses took off during the pandemic, with several examples provided. They used a good idea and scaled it up to serve more customers via online orders and new customer consciousness of sustainable credentials. However, many businesses had to close. Getting funding to start up could be difficult.
A catchy graphic is provided, in which five circles are arranged in a ring and a star placed onto them in negative form. The white space of the star is the solutionist. The circles represent aspects of the person, from agility (called flex) to grit and soul, vision and fun. Each one is broken down further, but the important lesser aspects are those like future-focused and socially conscious.
Later, the author borrows another author's separation of characters into three types, confusingly changing his names. She calls them brick, the solid workers, green, the sustainable-thinking folks, and gold, the ones focused on themselves and how a project will make them look. I may be over-simplifying. She says that nowadays, all three are needed as marketing is so important, and no matter how good an idea we have, the basic work still has to get done.
I would have liked more graphics and some photos of the leaders who provided interviews. If these people have online businesses, presumably they have publicity photos. But a good balance is shown, women, men, people from differing cultures and indigenous leaders.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
A catchy graphic is provided, in which five circles are arranged in a ring and a star placed onto them in negative form. The white space of the star is the solutionist. The circles represent aspects of the person, from agility (called flex) to grit and soul, vision and fun. Each one is broken down further, but the important lesser aspects are those like future-focused and socially conscious.
Later, the author borrows another author's separation of characters into three types, confusingly changing his names. She calls them brick, the solid workers, green, the sustainable-thinking folks, and gold, the ones focused on themselves and how a project will make them look. I may be over-simplifying. She says that nowadays, all three are needed as marketing is so important, and no matter how good an idea we have, the basic work still has to get done.
I would have liked more graphics and some photos of the leaders who provided interviews. If these people have online businesses, presumably they have publicity photos. But a good balance is shown, women, men, people from differing cultures and indigenous leaders.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
February 17, 2024
Not what I expected since it is more focused on the mindset of those wanting to make a change and how solutionists as they are called, can ensure optimal effectiveness.
That are also the best parts of the book since the parts focusing on examples are inspiring by their impact, they are less engaging to read somehow.
The links between the vulnerability and being the first to do something, and role of indigenous people were most interesting and these are both at the end. So if while reading at some point you might think « mwaahh » do not forget the last two chapters.
I appreciate the can-do parts, or better said, atmosphere or the book that leave me asking myself, where will my next step be, and how I can contribute to others thinking about what their next step towards a sustainable future will be. If everyone who reads this will think and act on that, it will have delivered upon the intent of the author.
That are also the best parts of the book since the parts focusing on examples are inspiring by their impact, they are less engaging to read somehow.
The links between the vulnerability and being the first to do something, and role of indigenous people were most interesting and these are both at the end. So if while reading at some point you might think « mwaahh » do not forget the last two chapters.
I appreciate the can-do parts, or better said, atmosphere or the book that leave me asking myself, where will my next step be, and how I can contribute to others thinking about what their next step towards a sustainable future will be. If everyone who reads this will think and act on that, it will have delivered upon the intent of the author.
August 22, 2023
I was looking forward to reading this book but I think I must have misread the description. I was looking for a book that might list some of the solutions that we need to avoid the current climate crisis, but this was more of blueprint for the kind of people and mindsets that we will need.
That said I did find the first part of the book interesting, but it failed to maintain that interest as to me it seemed to just rehash the same themes and I’m afraid that this is one of the few books that I haven’t been able to finish.
That said I did find the first part of the book interesting, but it failed to maintain that interest as to me it seemed to just rehash the same themes and I’m afraid that this is one of the few books that I haven’t been able to finish.
April 22, 2024
I briefly met Solitaire in Dubai, UAE, for the Conferences of Parties on Climate Change. She gave a Masterclass in Climate Storytelling, which completely shifted how I communicated about climate as a small city mayor and urban planning practitioner. She offers a hopeful path forward on how leaders can counter the doom and gloom typical responses organizations and businesses have marketed and promoted corporate sustainability goals. She offers practical steps and shares many examples of how authentic climate change communications are needed now to address globally ambitious climate goals.
September 30, 2023
While I was excited to read this book, seeking inspiration for how my business can become more open to green opportunities, I found it extremely difficult to navigate. While it is full of examples, I found it was more about the kind of people we need in the future rather than offering practical solutions to the climate emergency. More signposting and less formality would make it more accessible and garner a wider audience to help build momentum to tackle the climate crisis.
January 24, 2024
'The Solutionists' is a compelling guide for anyone aspiring to make a positive environmental impact. Its blend of inspiring examples, practical advice, and optimistic outlook makes it an ideal starting point for green enthusiasts. A concise, yet powerful read, it's essential for those eager to contribute to a sustainable future."
January 23, 2024
We face our biggest challenge ever in climate change, it can seem daunting and soul destroying. Solitaire provides stories of people making change happen now, what she calls ‘solutionists.’ It’s a pleasure to read a book on climate change that’s full of optimism, but grounded in reality.
February 29, 2024
I love the combination of passion and practical tools. I use the exercises at the end of each chapter as writing and conversation tools. The urgency of climate change is palpable, and Ms. Townsend reminds us of the interconnected impacts
June 27, 2024
This book is not about how businesses can fix the future. It is a self-help book for consultants, venture capitalists, and 'entrepreneurs'. If you are in this situation, I guess the least you could do is read it.
Want to read
May 12, 2025How Businesses Can Fix the Future: A guide for new-generation leaders, this book offers strategies for incorporating sustainability in business, with practical examples like plant-based foods, net-zero technologies, and circular platforms, demonstrating their impact across various industries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews