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On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights
2017 Bronze Axiom Business Book Award Winner in Operations Management / Lean / Continuous ImprovementCorporate culture and culture change have become the pressing issues of our time. The fast pace of change is attacking companies of all sizes. Leaders are facing the challenges of adapting their organizations to generational changes, the uncertainties of new technologies, shifting client behaviors, and the realization that supply is often stronger than demand.And, people just hate to change. They are willfully blind to what is happening all around them. But, the future is, indeed, coming soon, if not today, and change they must.Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist who has empowered thousands of business leaders to see their companies with fresh eyes, identify their next big ideas, and--most importantly--turn innovative solutions into executable change. In her groundbreaking book, On the A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights, Andi presents her unique methods for harnessing innovation and revitalizing business growth. Taking readers on a journey through seven case studies, Andi shares how she helped these businesses discover new and profitable growth opportunities by exploring the untapped resources that were right in front of them.Businesses, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs are paying close attention. They frequently talk about the need to innovate and change is if these are the sweeping secret sauce to solve all their business problems; however, they often don't know where to start or how to expand beyond creative brainstorming to strategically identify and act upon new business opportunities. In this book, Andi will take the reader through the theory, methods, and tools of corporate anthropology to see how this new perspective can help a stalled company see possibilities with fresh eyes to re-ignite their growth.From a medical center facing multiple years in the red to a rural university battling decreasing enrollment to an equipment manufacturer whose award-winning product just wasn't selling--the stories of these seven companies struggling to innovate and grow provide invigorating testimony to the power of corporate anthropology.Whether searching for a way to revitalize a business or to expand a successful company into new and profitable directions, the strategies outlined in On the Brink will give readers the fresh approach they need to achieve meaningful business breakthroughs.
- GenresNonfictionBusiness
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2016
About the author
Andi Simon
7 books42 followers Dr. Andi Simon, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized corporate anthropologist, award-winning author, speaker, and host of the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast. She helps people and organizations navigate change by learning to see what others overlook.
As founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, Andi applies anthropology to business strategy, leadership, and culture change. Her work helps leaders step back, observe with fresh eyes, and turn insight into innovation and growth. Because real change is not just operational — it is cultural.
Her award-winning book On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights introduced anthropological thinking to business transformation. Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, also won an Axiom Bronze award. She shares the stories of women who broke barriers in male-dominated industries and redefined leadership on their own terms. Andi also co-authored Women Mean Business, highlighting the economic and social power of women entrepreneurs.
Her newest work, Rethink Retirement: It’s Not the End, It’s the Beginning of What’s Next, explores how individuals can redesign this next life stage around identity, purpose, structure, and community. Drawing on her anthropological lens, she challenges outdated narratives about aging and reinvention.
Andi writes regularly on her Substack, Rethink Retirement, where she explores culture, adaptation, longevity, and what it means to thrive in times of transition.
A certified Blue Ocean Strategy practitioner, executive coach, and sought-after keynote speaker, Andi’s work sits at the intersection of culture, strategy, leadership, and reinvention.
Follow her work, explore her books, and join the conversation about what’s next.
As founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants, Andi applies anthropology to business strategy, leadership, and culture change. Her work helps leaders step back, observe with fresh eyes, and turn insight into innovation and growth. Because real change is not just operational — it is cultural.
Her award-winning book On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights introduced anthropological thinking to business transformation. Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, also won an Axiom Bronze award. She shares the stories of women who broke barriers in male-dominated industries and redefined leadership on their own terms. Andi also co-authored Women Mean Business, highlighting the economic and social power of women entrepreneurs.
Her newest work, Rethink Retirement: It’s Not the End, It’s the Beginning of What’s Next, explores how individuals can redesign this next life stage around identity, purpose, structure, and community. Drawing on her anthropological lens, she challenges outdated narratives about aging and reinvention.
Andi writes regularly on her Substack, Rethink Retirement, where she explores culture, adaptation, longevity, and what it means to thrive in times of transition.
A certified Blue Ocean Strategy practitioner, executive coach, and sought-after keynote speaker, Andi’s work sits at the intersection of culture, strategy, leadership, and reinvention.
Follow her work, explore her books, and join the conversation about what’s next.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
As a currently volunteer employee of a small online business that we're trying to get up and running, I thought it couldn't hurt to enter the giveaway for this book and read through it if I won a copy. Unfortunately, this book is definitely not geared toward business that are in more of a start up position rather than already well established. Some of the tips can certainly be used for smaller, up and coming business, but it's clear that the author's focus was geared more toward those established businesses.
I was excited at one point when the author directs readers to a survey that individuals or businesses can take in order to see, in terms of culture, they might need to improve. This seemed like it would be something great to try out. However, the author fails to mention in the book that in order for a business to make use of this survey, it's going to cost them a few hundred dollars. You have to find this out for yourself when you follow the offered link. And while I understand that they have to make money somewhere, the cost also isn't at all ideal for struggling small businesses and businesses that are just starting out.
I was also put off by the "preview" snippets that were scattered throughout the book, like one might find in a magazine that highlights key sentences from the page. These were poorly placed and I felt they were unnecessary and did my best to ignore them after the first couple. I see no point in having to read the same sentences more than once, especially not in the cases where these were inserted only for the sentence they highlighted to be the very next sentence in the book. They're ultimately just space wasters and also frequently contained distracting typos.
The overall writing style was pretty dry, which I did expect to some extent given the topic of the book, but despite expecting it to be somewhat bland, I still feel it could have been better. At times, it also seems to drag on and there are places where the author included unnecessary information, such as a couple detailed descriptions of the physical appearance of his clients. It wasn't awful and I have no doubt that it would prove to be a valuable tool for someone out there, but I do feel my personal time would have been better spent elsewhere.
As a currently volunteer employee of a small online business that we're trying to get up and running, I thought it couldn't hurt to enter the giveaway for this book and read through it if I won a copy. Unfortunately, this book is definitely not geared toward business that are in more of a start up position rather than already well established. Some of the tips can certainly be used for smaller, up and coming business, but it's clear that the author's focus was geared more toward those established businesses.
I was excited at one point when the author directs readers to a survey that individuals or businesses can take in order to see, in terms of culture, they might need to improve. This seemed like it would be something great to try out. However, the author fails to mention in the book that in order for a business to make use of this survey, it's going to cost them a few hundred dollars. You have to find this out for yourself when you follow the offered link. And while I understand that they have to make money somewhere, the cost also isn't at all ideal for struggling small businesses and businesses that are just starting out.
I was also put off by the "preview" snippets that were scattered throughout the book, like one might find in a magazine that highlights key sentences from the page. These were poorly placed and I felt they were unnecessary and did my best to ignore them after the first couple. I see no point in having to read the same sentences more than once, especially not in the cases where these were inserted only for the sentence they highlighted to be the very next sentence in the book. They're ultimately just space wasters and also frequently contained distracting typos.
The overall writing style was pretty dry, which I did expect to some extent given the topic of the book, but despite expecting it to be somewhat bland, I still feel it could have been better. At times, it also seems to drag on and there are places where the author included unnecessary information, such as a couple detailed descriptions of the physical appearance of his clients. It wasn't awful and I have no doubt that it would prove to be a valuable tool for someone out there, but I do feel my personal time would have been better spent elsewhere.
June 5, 2017
We were sent a review copy of On The Brink so that we might read it and write this review.
If you are in business, any kind of business, you need to be aware of the burgeoning field of business anthropology. Paco Underhill taught us in Why We Buy to pay attention to not only what our customers were buying, but also what went into the decision to buy.
On the Brink takes Why We Buy and kicks it up a notch. In On The Brink, we are not only concerned with how and why customers make buying decisions, but also helping entrepreneurs and others address change that is taking place and will take place.
On The Brink is well written and well researched. In a way, it is like a mini course in business anthropology. If you are a business owner or executive, you will want to read books like On The Brink and do a lot of Management by Walking Around in your company. Get out there and be the Undercover Boss without having to hold hands and sing Kumbaya.
We give On The Brink all five stars with no reservations. It is a good read and an important one, too.
If you are in business, any kind of business, you need to be aware of the burgeoning field of business anthropology. Paco Underhill taught us in Why We Buy to pay attention to not only what our customers were buying, but also what went into the decision to buy.
On the Brink takes Why We Buy and kicks it up a notch. In On The Brink, we are not only concerned with how and why customers make buying decisions, but also helping entrepreneurs and others address change that is taking place and will take place.
On The Brink is well written and well researched. In a way, it is like a mini course in business anthropology. If you are a business owner or executive, you will want to read books like On The Brink and do a lot of Management by Walking Around in your company. Get out there and be the Undercover Boss without having to hold hands and sing Kumbaya.
We give On The Brink all five stars with no reservations. It is a good read and an important one, too.
June 8, 2020
Corporate anthropology is the key to seeing a business problem in an original light or finding previously unimagined opportunities. It's a way to avoid remaining stuck by reverting to old habits, old solutions, or old cultures. - Andi Simon
I've had the pleasure of being a participant in one of Andi Simon's workshops and it was one of the best I had attended in a year (and I attend a lot!). Her take on how to transform your business is different than most due to her anthropology background.
She gives concrete examples and case studies of various businesses and companies to show how they were able to make changes as well as lists things at the end of each chapter on how it can apply to YOUR company.
I found myself telling my husband stories when he got home, like how the hydration stations found their market and how an almost unknown college became listed as one of the most innovative in just a few years.
Recommended for companies who think they are innovative, but they can't answer the question how!
I've had the pleasure of being a participant in one of Andi Simon's workshops and it was one of the best I had attended in a year (and I attend a lot!). Her take on how to transform your business is different than most due to her anthropology background.
She gives concrete examples and case studies of various businesses and companies to show how they were able to make changes as well as lists things at the end of each chapter on how it can apply to YOUR company.
I found myself telling my husband stories when he got home, like how the hydration stations found their market and how an almost unknown college became listed as one of the most innovative in just a few years.
Recommended for companies who think they are innovative, but they can't answer the question how!
February 18, 2019
I won a copy of this book from a GoodReads First Reads giveaway
This book counts towards Book Riot Read Harder 2019 Challenge Task 17: A Business Book
On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights is a book about applying corporate anthropology to make a business more successful. What is corporate anthropology? at its core it is figuring out employee and client needs and issues.
I've been a product manager with software companies for almost 10 years. I have already applied a lot of the concepts in this book without knowing the term corporate anthropology. I regularly reached out to customers and analyzed the data for issues/feedback that seemed to point to a common pain point.
from the book: "When companies cannot seem to figure out why they have stalled, customers’ pain points and headaches are often great places to start."
I recommend this book to small business owners and folks in management at larger companies.
This book counts towards Book Riot Read Harder 2019 Challenge Task 17: A Business Book
On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights is a book about applying corporate anthropology to make a business more successful. What is corporate anthropology? at its core it is figuring out employee and client needs and issues.
I've been a product manager with software companies for almost 10 years. I have already applied a lot of the concepts in this book without knowing the term corporate anthropology. I regularly reached out to customers and analyzed the data for issues/feedback that seemed to point to a common pain point.
from the book: "When companies cannot seem to figure out why they have stalled, customers’ pain points and headaches are often great places to start."
I recommend this book to small business owners and folks in management at larger companies.
February 18, 2019
I'm more of a lay person I guess. This was a very good book but at times it was over my head. I grasped a lot of the ideas from it and it was informative.
I just wish that I could have understood more of the ideas without have to look up words or ideas on the computer as I went.
Andi Simon's idea's are great and her case studies prove that her ideas are very new and fresh to the business world. She shows different ways that businesses can grow using her methods and how several businesses have used her methods to grow and brainstorm.
I really liked this book.
I just wish that I could have understood more of the ideas without have to look up words or ideas on the computer as I went.
Andi Simon's idea's are great and her case studies prove that her ideas are very new and fresh to the business world. She shows different ways that businesses can grow using her methods and how several businesses have used her methods to grow and brainstorm.
I really liked this book.
October 15, 2018
Was expecting more
A former UX colleague strongly recommended this book, but I was honestly a bit disappointed. Perhaps because of my background within cognitive science, user research (including ethnographic methods) etc. Could perhaps be more of an eye-opener to people who have little or no previous knowledge in this field? Also I found it a bit outdated when it comes to examples/case studies.
A former UX colleague strongly recommended this book, but I was honestly a bit disappointed. Perhaps because of my background within cognitive science, user research (including ethnographic methods) etc. Could perhaps be more of an eye-opener to people who have little or no previous knowledge in this field? Also I found it a bit outdated when it comes to examples/case studies.
March 13, 2021
I’m wondering if the beauty of business anthropology is it unearths what retrospectively seems obvious. Also that it’s field is better suited to honing in on more specific areas of product innovation versus broader strategic / operational reviews / turnarounds. I feel this book deals with the latter, which makes the insights a little washed out, maybe outmoded at times. Otherwise it’s hard to argue with any of principles outlined here.
November 4, 2022
Received this book at my local library's "Fill a bag for $10" fundraiser. 2.5/5
As a business analyst by day, I found that there were some interesting concepts explored and explained early on in the book that will be useful in my day job. On the whole, however, I wouldn't personally recommend this book unless you're able to borrow this or get it discounted.
As a business analyst by day, I found that there were some interesting concepts explored and explained early on in the book that will be useful in my day job. On the whole, however, I wouldn't personally recommend this book unless you're able to borrow this or get it discounted.
September 22, 2022
The author uses corporate anthropology to work with owners of stalled businesses to jump start growth. Her anthropologist's tool kit includes the following:
~ Conduct observational research
~ Find customers' pain points
~ Use culture probes and storytelling
On the Brink profiles the author's work with seven distinct mid-market companies and describes how corporate anthropology was used to move these companies in a profitable new direction. The case study I liked the most was Centenary College and their quest to move beyond being known as a two-year women's finishing school.
If you are a fan of Blue Ocean Strategy you will recognize the positioning concept of creating uncontested market space.
Among the tips I found useful:
~ Tell your story often; if you don't tell your story, people will make one up for you.
~ Want to change? Have a crisis or create one.
~ Business today is less about selling a product or a solution and far more about helping clients solve their problems collaboratively.
Access Gene Babon's reviews of books on Business Leadership and Business Strategy at Pinterest.
~ Conduct observational research
~ Find customers' pain points
~ Use culture probes and storytelling
On the Brink profiles the author's work with seven distinct mid-market companies and describes how corporate anthropology was used to move these companies in a profitable new direction. The case study I liked the most was Centenary College and their quest to move beyond being known as a two-year women's finishing school.
If you are a fan of Blue Ocean Strategy you will recognize the positioning concept of creating uncontested market space.
Among the tips I found useful:
~ Tell your story often; if you don't tell your story, people will make one up for you.
~ Want to change? Have a crisis or create one.
~ Business today is less about selling a product or a solution and far more about helping clients solve their problems collaboratively.
"We must know what the world needs first and then invest ourselves to supply that need, and success is almost certain." ~ Russell Conwell, Acres of DiamondsCustomers are trying to tell us something. It is time to hear them.
Access Gene Babon's reviews of books on Business Leadership and Business Strategy at Pinterest.
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February 3, 2019Awesome! Very informative. The insight and opportunity for growth can be found in this book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews