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Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul
The founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, an award-winning craft chocolate factory, shows readers how he discovered the secret to purposeful work and business − and how we can too, no matter what work we do. Askinosie Chocolate is a small-batch, award winning chocolate company widely considered to be a vanguard in the industry. Known for sourcing 100% of his cocoa beans directly from farmers across the globe, Shawn Askinosie has pioneered direct trade and profit sharing in the craft chocolate industry with farmers in Tanzania, Ecuador, and the Philippines. In addition to developing relationships with smallholder farmers, the company also partners with schools in their origin communities to provide lunch to 1,600 children every day with no outside donations. Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Askinosie was a successful criminal defense lawyer trying his first murder death penalty case that would later go on to become a Dateline special. For many years he found law satisfying, but after several high profile trials he reached a breaking point and found solace in the search for a new career. In this inspiring guide to discovering a vocation that feeds your heart and soul, Askinosie describes his quest to discover more meaningful work – a search that led him to volunteering in the palliative care wing of a hospital, to a Trappist monastery where he became inspired by the monks focus on “being” rather than “doing,” and eventually traipsing through jungles across the globe in search of excellent cocoa bean farmers to make award winning chocolate. Askinosie shares his hard-won insights into doing work that reflects one’s values and purpose in life. He shares with readers visioning tools that can be used in any industry or field to create a work life that is inspired and fulfilling. Askinosie shows us that everyone has the capacity to find meaning in their work and be a positive force for good in the world.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2017
112 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 5, 2019
I rarely read non-fiction books, let alone life help books, but I've been intrigued by Askinosie Chocolate since I first heard the story. Their chocolate factory is based in my husband's hometown and the book was a gift from my mother-in-law for Christmas, so as I'm contemplating my own possible career change it sounded like a perfect way to start the year. While sometimes the conversational tone of these kinds of books I find grating and hokey ("What kind of heartbreak could there possibly be in chocolate making? I'll tell you later!" okay..), there are a lot of concepts that resonated with me. In particular I loved the idea of defining what is "enough" -- what is enough profit that your business is healthy and sustainable, meets specified financial goals, makes payroll and has money to continue operating... and then stop there. Instead of always pushing more money, to figure out what is "enough" and meet that goal and promote intentional (vs. mindless) consumption of goods. I really like this metric for a business, both as I'm contemplating being an employee but also as I look at businesses as a consumer. But I also liked the idea reflecting on my own life-- what is my "enough" when I've met my goals and am on track with my long term vision for what I'm building in my own personal life? When do I need to say no to doing more? I probably won't read too many more life help books this year but I'm glad I got this one and will definitely return to the exercises periodically.
March 14, 2020
Just finished my first read of this book and I already incorporated into my daily routine some of the advice from the author with extraordinary results. I know I will have to do a second read of the book to go deeper into the meaning behind the words and carry out (some of) the exercises indicated by the author. This book is a MUST for anybody who's serious about finding meaning in work, and in life of which work is part thereof, and perhaps not the biggest part after all.
March 19, 2021
Inspiring on multiple levels for anyone building (or even considering) their own business. Whether or not I want to be exactly like the author or build the same kind of business, his personal story and approach (especially his insights on “reverse scale”) made me think (and rethink) my own aspirations.
November 14, 2017
The Askinosie family has been a long time partner of Springfield Public Schools. The lives they live via their daily walk speak volumes about their mindset of finding purpose in work and being of service.
What Shawn and Lawren have been able to do in Meaningful Work is make the abstract and complex seem simple and do-able. Shawn shared a draft copy and asked if we thought it would be a meaningful read for students at our five Springfield high schools – ABSOLUTELY!, but I noted multiple, practical areas of application: leadership, the power of relationships, economics… I literally read it in one sitting.
Beyond the inspiring “find a reason to wake up in the morning” that intersects with your talents and passions, there were practical exercises to cement the concepts – reflection, journaling, and meditations. Their message of personal responsibility for creating a culture of “dignity, appreciation, and community” is particularly timely given the current national discourse. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his approach on the genius of and – you can create a successful business with a robust bottom line AND do good. This is a book I’ll re-read every year!
What Shawn and Lawren have been able to do in Meaningful Work is make the abstract and complex seem simple and do-able. Shawn shared a draft copy and asked if we thought it would be a meaningful read for students at our five Springfield high schools – ABSOLUTELY!, but I noted multiple, practical areas of application: leadership, the power of relationships, economics… I literally read it in one sitting.
Beyond the inspiring “find a reason to wake up in the morning” that intersects with your talents and passions, there were practical exercises to cement the concepts – reflection, journaling, and meditations. Their message of personal responsibility for creating a culture of “dignity, appreciation, and community” is particularly timely given the current national discourse. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his approach on the genius of and – you can create a successful business with a robust bottom line AND do good. This is a book I’ll re-read every year!
November 14, 2017
One Heart at a Time
In his book, Meaningful Work: a Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul, Shawn Askinosie pours his words of vocation, kinship, relationship, dignity, community, solitude, and of course, chocolate into every page. His poignant and personal writing makes this book important for every person, entrepreneur or otherwise. Shawn inspires businesses to have the courage to live out their unique vocations and to connect with the people they affect and influence. This book does not belong merely on your shelf. This book belongs in your heart and it belongs in the way you live your life. Shawn Askinosie and his vision of Askinosie Chocolate prove that businesses have the the capability to change the world in a radically small and personal way. One heart at a time.
In his book, Meaningful Work: a Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul, Shawn Askinosie pours his words of vocation, kinship, relationship, dignity, community, solitude, and of course, chocolate into every page. His poignant and personal writing makes this book important for every person, entrepreneur or otherwise. Shawn inspires businesses to have the courage to live out their unique vocations and to connect with the people they affect and influence. This book does not belong merely on your shelf. This book belongs in your heart and it belongs in the way you live your life. Shawn Askinosie and his vision of Askinosie Chocolate prove that businesses have the the capability to change the world in a radically small and personal way. One heart at a time.
November 16, 2017
“Meaningful Work” gave me a direction and a purpose. While I find my work to be meaningful, the day to day of it was losing meaning for me.
As I read the book, I identified with the struggle that started this journey for Shawn, the author. He revealed how he created the meaning in his life that was missing at the end of his career as a defense attorney. He started something else, not a career, but a “vocation”. That term has significance and means more than work. He describes this in the book and offers advice on how to find it.
Several things spoke to me and have created changes in my life in a short time.
I realized that as a part owner of a small business, the stuff to create purpose and meaning was right in front of me. There is a whole community of people and their families that are directly affected by the direction we take as a business. Shawn had a deep sense of this as his business was starting and built it feeling and knowing this. That may not be how our business was built, but it does not mean that we cannot change it with this in mind. He gives guidance on how he did it and how others can as well.
I sat in two meetings over the last two days and found myself repeating many of the things he details in the book.
The first meeting was one with the leaders in our organization trying to determine filter out the main goals we wanted to achieve over the next 1-3 years. It started with a SWOT analysis. These are the types of meetings that were making work lose meaning for me.
This time, however, as I read through the SWOT from our employees, I could see a theme. Many of the weaknesses could be explained by people who viewed their jobs as work with no sense of vocation.
If we created a community (or sense of “kinship” as Shawn calls it) at work centered around a vocation and service, if we adopted the “open book” principles, if we went back to just talking to everyone around us with “gemba walks” instead of thinking about using surveys, almost all of those weaknesses would be addressed. I know this would not be a panacea, and there will always be issues to work on, but if we could do these things, the atmosphere that we work on these issues would be a better one.
The second meeting brought up an issue about how we should negotiate terms on a particular venture. In essence, it was about how much profit should we pursue on the venture. The thought paradigm that Shawn mentions many have is “as much as you can”. But, he talks about how important getting the “right price” or a “fair price” is in the practice of the brothers at Assumption Abbey and I took it to heart as we discussed the issue at the meeting. This is not an altruisitic concept, but rather a sustainability concept.
I look forward to where this takes me and our small business and am glad this book came to me when it did.
As I read the book, I identified with the struggle that started this journey for Shawn, the author. He revealed how he created the meaning in his life that was missing at the end of his career as a defense attorney. He started something else, not a career, but a “vocation”. That term has significance and means more than work. He describes this in the book and offers advice on how to find it.
Several things spoke to me and have created changes in my life in a short time.
I realized that as a part owner of a small business, the stuff to create purpose and meaning was right in front of me. There is a whole community of people and their families that are directly affected by the direction we take as a business. Shawn had a deep sense of this as his business was starting and built it feeling and knowing this. That may not be how our business was built, but it does not mean that we cannot change it with this in mind. He gives guidance on how he did it and how others can as well.
I sat in two meetings over the last two days and found myself repeating many of the things he details in the book.
The first meeting was one with the leaders in our organization trying to determine filter out the main goals we wanted to achieve over the next 1-3 years. It started with a SWOT analysis. These are the types of meetings that were making work lose meaning for me.
This time, however, as I read through the SWOT from our employees, I could see a theme. Many of the weaknesses could be explained by people who viewed their jobs as work with no sense of vocation.
If we created a community (or sense of “kinship” as Shawn calls it) at work centered around a vocation and service, if we adopted the “open book” principles, if we went back to just talking to everyone around us with “gemba walks” instead of thinking about using surveys, almost all of those weaknesses would be addressed. I know this would not be a panacea, and there will always be issues to work on, but if we could do these things, the atmosphere that we work on these issues would be a better one.
The second meeting brought up an issue about how we should negotiate terms on a particular venture. In essence, it was about how much profit should we pursue on the venture. The thought paradigm that Shawn mentions many have is “as much as you can”. But, he talks about how important getting the “right price” or a “fair price” is in the practice of the brothers at Assumption Abbey and I took it to heart as we discussed the issue at the meeting. This is not an altruisitic concept, but rather a sustainability concept.
I look forward to where this takes me and our small business and am glad this book came to me when it did.
June 20, 2018
*3.5 STARS*
- I really loved the premise of this book. And some of the exercises are nice, but a bit general.
- However, I found the book lacking in story-telling. Of course, that might sound odd, because Askinosie spends time explaining his history as a criminal defence lawyer, his father's untimely death, and opens the books on his chocolate business.
- Despite this, I still felt something was lacking. Perhaps it was the depth of the stories that I was looking for? Perhaps they were too general? Also, because I have read "business" books in the past, perhaps I was looking for a much more detailed account of how they run their business day-to-day, as well as how their visioning process (which they somewhat describe), and how it affect their long-term strategic plans.
- I did learn a bit about the "Fair Trade" global program and how it's not really as effective as it has been marketed to us vs. Direct Trade; but once again, it was very quick and general. Maybe only 1 -2 pages explaining this.
- Also, because this book is highly personal to Shawn and his family, and because much of his development, business and process was highly influenced by his work as a brother in the monastery, he spends quite a bit of time discussing the more religious and spiritual aspects of his life (which, may turn some people off, as soon as they see Christian brother, monk, etc...), as some may have expected a different type of book.
- The best lesson ironically, was at the end, when one of the Father's reminds Shawn that it's more important to spend time in the "BEING" of things, rather than the "DOING" of things. Of course, this is a highly spiritual principle, common to many cultures, practices and philosophies, but it resonated with me.
- Overall, the book was still interesting to read, in spite of its generalities and one has to give a lot of respect to the work that Akinosie Chocolate is doing and what it wants to achieve. If all businesses behaved this way, the world would be a much better place.
- I really loved the premise of this book. And some of the exercises are nice, but a bit general.
- However, I found the book lacking in story-telling. Of course, that might sound odd, because Askinosie spends time explaining his history as a criminal defence lawyer, his father's untimely death, and opens the books on his chocolate business.
- Despite this, I still felt something was lacking. Perhaps it was the depth of the stories that I was looking for? Perhaps they were too general? Also, because I have read "business" books in the past, perhaps I was looking for a much more detailed account of how they run their business day-to-day, as well as how their visioning process (which they somewhat describe), and how it affect their long-term strategic plans.
- I did learn a bit about the "Fair Trade" global program and how it's not really as effective as it has been marketed to us vs. Direct Trade; but once again, it was very quick and general. Maybe only 1 -2 pages explaining this.
- Also, because this book is highly personal to Shawn and his family, and because much of his development, business and process was highly influenced by his work as a brother in the monastery, he spends quite a bit of time discussing the more religious and spiritual aspects of his life (which, may turn some people off, as soon as they see Christian brother, monk, etc...), as some may have expected a different type of book.
- The best lesson ironically, was at the end, when one of the Father's reminds Shawn that it's more important to spend time in the "BEING" of things, rather than the "DOING" of things. Of course, this is a highly spiritual principle, common to many cultures, practices and philosophies, but it resonated with me.
- Overall, the book was still interesting to read, in spite of its generalities and one has to give a lot of respect to the work that Akinosie Chocolate is doing and what it wants to achieve. If all businesses behaved this way, the world would be a much better place.
January 16, 2018
The founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, an award-winning craft chocolate factory, shows readers how he discovered the secret to purposeful work and business − and how we can too, no matter what work we do.
Askinosie Chocolate is a small-batch, award winning chocolate company widely considered to be a vanguard in the industry. Known for sourcing 100% of his cocoa beans directly from farmers across the globe, Shawn Askinosie has pioneered direct trade and profit sharing in the craft chocolate industry with farmers in Tanzania, Ecuador, and the Philippines. In addition to developing relationships with smallholder farmers, the company also partners with schools in their origin communities to provide lunch to 1,600 children every day with no outside donations. Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Askinosie was a successful criminal defense lawyer trying his first murder death penalty case that would later go on to become a Dateline special. For many years he found law satisfying, but after several high profile trials he reached a breaking point and found solace in the search for a new career.
In this inspiring guide to discovering a vocation that feeds your heart and soul, Askinosie describes his quest to discover more meaningful work – a search that led him to volunteering in the palliative care wing of a hospital, to a Trappist monastery where he became inspired by the monks focus on “being” rather than “doing,” and eventually traipsing through jungles across the globe in search of excellent cocoa bean farmers to make award winning chocolate. Askinosie shares his hard-won insights into doing work that reflects one’s values and purpose in life. He shares with readers visioning tools that can be used in any industry or field to create a work life that is inspired and fulfilling. Askinosie shows us that everyone has the capacity to find meaning in their work and be a positive force for good in the world.
Askinosie Chocolate is a small-batch, award winning chocolate company widely considered to be a vanguard in the industry. Known for sourcing 100% of his cocoa beans directly from farmers across the globe, Shawn Askinosie has pioneered direct trade and profit sharing in the craft chocolate industry with farmers in Tanzania, Ecuador, and the Philippines. In addition to developing relationships with smallholder farmers, the company also partners with schools in their origin communities to provide lunch to 1,600 children every day with no outside donations. Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Askinosie was a successful criminal defense lawyer trying his first murder death penalty case that would later go on to become a Dateline special. For many years he found law satisfying, but after several high profile trials he reached a breaking point and found solace in the search for a new career.
In this inspiring guide to discovering a vocation that feeds your heart and soul, Askinosie describes his quest to discover more meaningful work – a search that led him to volunteering in the palliative care wing of a hospital, to a Trappist monastery where he became inspired by the monks focus on “being” rather than “doing,” and eventually traipsing through jungles across the globe in search of excellent cocoa bean farmers to make award winning chocolate. Askinosie shares his hard-won insights into doing work that reflects one’s values and purpose in life. He shares with readers visioning tools that can be used in any industry or field to create a work life that is inspired and fulfilling. Askinosie shows us that everyone has the capacity to find meaning in their work and be a positive force for good in the world.
December 27, 2017
Having a bit of a hard time with this one for rating it. So I went down the middle. I think, however, for some people, this will be a 5 star book if it is more specifically applicable to your own entrepreneurial leanings. While my office based career does not really lend itself to much of the advice given, there is still value here. I think the value of considering what your personal "vocation" is is a really important take away even if you never apply it directly to your work life/business.
I liked that I learned so much insight into what makes Askinosie Chocolate and Shawn himself "tick". It certainly opened my eyes to the world of Direct Trade and Fair Trade and how the impact of those things can vary depending upon how they are implemented.
I think that for some people this book will be life changing. For me, it really isn't life changing, but was certainly worthwhile and has caused me to be introspective about my life goals and what gives me meaning in life.
I did find much of the advice given to be a bit repetitive after a while and some of the religious influence a tad heavy handed--but in fairness, he does try to address the concerns for those who are not faith based people.
All in all I found it a worthwhile read even if not something that is necessarily directly applicable to my career.
I liked that I learned so much insight into what makes Askinosie Chocolate and Shawn himself "tick". It certainly opened my eyes to the world of Direct Trade and Fair Trade and how the impact of those things can vary depending upon how they are implemented.
I think that for some people this book will be life changing. For me, it really isn't life changing, but was certainly worthwhile and has caused me to be introspective about my life goals and what gives me meaning in life.
I did find much of the advice given to be a bit repetitive after a while and some of the religious influence a tad heavy handed--but in fairness, he does try to address the concerns for those who are not faith based people.
All in all I found it a worthwhile read even if not something that is necessarily directly applicable to my career.
December 23, 2017
Meaningful Work can be summed up by a quote from Gandhi: “In losing ourselves to the service of others, we find ourselves.” Shawn Askinosie takes the reader on this life transformation; from practicing law to running a chocolate producer. Furthermore, how incorporating a vocation into his life/work has transformed who he is and has brought him many rewards; both tangible and intangible. Askinosie recommends that your vocation should focus on the intersection of your talents, world needs and your passion if possible.
This has been something I have followed most of my adult life and I have seen benefits in the skills I have garnered outside of my working life. That said, Askinosie focuses more on giving, volunteering and dedication to others. Whilst this book at times was a little too religious for me there are good lessons for us all in how to live a better life. A decent read but definitely not close to my favourite of the year.
Suffice to say I’ll definitely be trying some Askinosie Chocolate at my next opportunity. Just have to find some in the UK!
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. Askinosie recommends you need to take big ideas and use a microscope and not just use binoculars.
2. Being vs. Doing
3. When looking at the daily life of a monk and his work/prayer one sees the core aspect of rhythm. One can find contentedness in routine, simplicity, predictability. It is worth investing with intention in this area of your life whether it is exercise, eating well and/or meditation. Stay consistent and predicable and make small incremental improvements; those improvements compound over time.
This has been something I have followed most of my adult life and I have seen benefits in the skills I have garnered outside of my working life. That said, Askinosie focuses more on giving, volunteering and dedication to others. Whilst this book at times was a little too religious for me there are good lessons for us all in how to live a better life. A decent read but definitely not close to my favourite of the year.
Suffice to say I’ll definitely be trying some Askinosie Chocolate at my next opportunity. Just have to find some in the UK!
Three key takeaways from the book:
1. Askinosie recommends you need to take big ideas and use a microscope and not just use binoculars.
2. Being vs. Doing
3. When looking at the daily life of a monk and his work/prayer one sees the core aspect of rhythm. One can find contentedness in routine, simplicity, predictability. It is worth investing with intention in this area of your life whether it is exercise, eating well and/or meditation. Stay consistent and predicable and make small incremental improvements; those improvements compound over time.
February 14, 2019
From lawyer to chocolatier. That’s not what you would consider a normal career path change. But if it’s the one God is leading you towards you can be sure that it if you humbly submit to him and follow his leading, it is a change that will give you an incredible story to tell. That is exactly what Shawn did and his story - woven throughout a how-to manual for entrepreneurs looking to find or create their own meaningful work - is so inspiring! This book will teach you how to find your personal and work vocations, encourage you to handle your business with unusual practices such as open book management and direct trade, and ultimately help you narrow down and focus on the things that are truly important to you and who God created you to be in this world. If you’re an entrepreneur, someone looking to make a change in your work life, or just someone who enjoys an uplifting story this book is a sure hit!
Favorite Quote: “This exercise in vocational business life is not about achieving the perfect balance between profitability and good works - it’s about both at the same time! It’s about embracing the tension that occurs when you’re in pursuit of harmony. That’s what we mean when we say, ‘It’s not about the chocolate - it’s about the chocolate’”.
Favorite Quote: “This exercise in vocational business life is not about achieving the perfect balance between profitability and good works - it’s about both at the same time! It’s about embracing the tension that occurs when you’re in pursuit of harmony. That’s what we mean when we say, ‘It’s not about the chocolate - it’s about the chocolate’”.
September 27, 2022
I’m not a big fan of chocolate. But I am a big fan of making business decisions with a concern for relationships and community. This book details some of the thought processes that (should) be part of every business leader’s decision-making process.
This book goes beyond just the influence of a leader, and even to how we define and understand our personal vocation, and how this is inexorably tied to our faith.
This is a great companion to books like Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller, or City of God by Augustine.
One criticism I would make (and one that is surely informed by my personal biases and beliefs), is that Askinosie makes an attempt to extend the application of his beliefs to those from any belief system, rather than leaning in to what I consider to be his unique experience and perspective. I appreciate that this brings more application to more readers, but I think there is an underlying uniqueness to the Christian perspective that could be fleshed out more. Reading Holland’s “Dominion” has reinforced that perspective for me. That being said, this is a very minor critique, and this is a very enjoyable and relatively easy read (though the challenges and practices the book presents are not easy at all!).
This book goes beyond just the influence of a leader, and even to how we define and understand our personal vocation, and how this is inexorably tied to our faith.
This is a great companion to books like Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller, or City of God by Augustine.
One criticism I would make (and one that is surely informed by my personal biases and beliefs), is that Askinosie makes an attempt to extend the application of his beliefs to those from any belief system, rather than leaning in to what I consider to be his unique experience and perspective. I appreciate that this brings more application to more readers, but I think there is an underlying uniqueness to the Christian perspective that could be fleshed out more. Reading Holland’s “Dominion” has reinforced that perspective for me. That being said, this is a very minor critique, and this is a very enjoyable and relatively easy read (though the challenges and practices the book presents are not easy at all!).
November 17, 2017
Shawn Askinosie's words in the book Meaningful Work are a reminder of beauty and balance in the world. If you are in business, you must read this book. If you are thinking about starting a business, read this book first. If you are not in business at all, you absolutely should read this book. Shawn outlines the importance of finding your personal vocation as well as a business vocation. This is not just a story of how a guy started a chocolate company, Shawn lays out his heart- his heart for business and his heart for following God. The way he runs his chocolate company is so refreshing. What if all businesses shared this viewpoint? Thankfully, Shawn points out that it's not too late, and he graciously lays out a plan to change your business and your own personal life to reflect what truly matters. I cannot recommend this book enough, it will be a book I read multiple times as I navigate my future.
November 24, 2018
This is an interesting read in the world of business-related fiction. In some ways, the advice he gives clashes with the expected advice from other books in this genre. He focuses more on the importance of business being an ongoing relationship between a supplier and customer, as well as shortening or cutting out the chain of middlemen that separate the two. I also love how he talks about charitable work done by a company not as a sideshow of a well-run company, but the natural outgrowth of the relationships the company builds with its customers and it is the manifestation of the values of the company - its vocation.
In general, if you are interested in reading about entrepreneurship and having a more non-traditional approach to starting a business, this is for you. It was a mercifully fun book to read compared to a lot business fiction, which can suffer from the word poison of business fiction.
In general, if you are interested in reading about entrepreneurship and having a more non-traditional approach to starting a business, this is for you. It was a mercifully fun book to read compared to a lot business fiction, which can suffer from the word poison of business fiction.
November 17, 2017
"Relationships make for a better quality product." - This is the core of the story, wrapped around it is the "Why" behind the decisions leading the story to the point it is at now, and where it will go in the future.
It seems easy to understand how relationships are important to building a better business, but Shawn unpacks this so you look at what Askinosie has built and realize it's a level to aspire to. You also realize they didn't build it overnight. It's been over a decade of chocolate, but is clearly a lifetime in much sweat and many tears.
You will find your own way to clarity, knowing what the vocation of your business should be. With a path to begin building it.
I am left with several questions, what are some of the details around operating with Open Books, how do they handle certain situations with employees, or vendors?
Entrepreneurs come in many colors and shapes, but Shawn & Lawren are a combination like you've never seen.
We're five months into our life as a company and already see how important this book will be to our culture and the way we operate.
It seems easy to understand how relationships are important to building a better business, but Shawn unpacks this so you look at what Askinosie has built and realize it's a level to aspire to. You also realize they didn't build it overnight. It's been over a decade of chocolate, but is clearly a lifetime in much sweat and many tears.
You will find your own way to clarity, knowing what the vocation of your business should be. With a path to begin building it.
I am left with several questions, what are some of the details around operating with Open Books, how do they handle certain situations with employees, or vendors?
Entrepreneurs come in many colors and shapes, but Shawn & Lawren are a combination like you've never seen.
We're five months into our life as a company and already see how important this book will be to our culture and the way we operate.
August 23, 2019
This is a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement, not only for those working to build better businesses and work life, but for the non-entrepreneurial among us who seek to inhabit the world in a counter-cultural way. I was most engaged by the ideas of trust, direct trade, reverse scale, and the true self. Not because they are novel strategies for the nimble organization in the postmodern marketplace, but because they animate the cry that wells up from within all of us, the calling to be more human and to cultivate more relationships that are intrinsically valuable, not just commodities whose worth is in the attention and wealth they can generate.
December 18, 2017
I was provided this book for review by the publisher, all opinions are my own. This is the story of how a hard-driving attorney became a chocolatier. The Author and his daughter started a chocolate company in a blighted neighborhood and focus on producing a fairly sourced product and giving back to their local community. Their passion is evident and they have questions at the end of each section to help guide a start-up or an established business back to what their vision is. This is overall a great book, I just think some things got repeated a lot.
July 23, 2018
I read this in about two hours. It's an amazing read. I've done some values work, but I think it is time for me to write my own Rule for life. I've been eating Askinosie chocolate in the form of Yoohoo concretes from Andy's for years. I vaguely knew about this lawyer who gave up a successful career to start a chocolate company but his story is so much deeper than that. It's essential that our work, whether that be paid or unpaid, be filled with purpose and joy and his story is an inspiration to me.
March 13, 2018
Simple, honest book with some lifelong concepts to pursue
A few concepts that stick with me from this book: Finding and pursuing your personal and business vocation to find balance and purpose. Keeping your business small so you can see and enjoy the results. Keeping your business focused on excellence so you can find joy in the product. Developing a Rule of Life to help you pursue something bigger than yourself while pursuing the things you find most important.
A few concepts that stick with me from this book: Finding and pursuing your personal and business vocation to find balance and purpose. Keeping your business small so you can see and enjoy the results. Keeping your business focused on excellence so you can find joy in the product. Developing a Rule of Life to help you pursue something bigger than yourself while pursuing the things you find most important.
May 28, 2018
Quite a thorough account of how Shawn Askinosie runs his business and why it's so important to find meaning and purpose in the work we do. It's quite an enjoyable book but I found he went into too much detail in places. The section on reverse-scaling was quite enlightening for me. He emphasises that scaling up isn't for everyone and that instead we can choose to focus on excellence - on great experiences for the individuals who are touched by our work. I'd never heard this idea.
July 11, 2019
Given the title of this one and my position as a solepreneur looking to create meaningful work and perhaps change direction, I had different expectations for this book. While it was interesting at first to read about the development of the chocolate company, I didn’t really resonate with much else since I don’t have suppliers or a staff. I think this is better suited for those with a larger business that sells a physical product.
November 9, 2020
An interesting story when careers consume rather than enrich us. Shawn Askinosie shares his story from a high powered criminal defense attorney to a premium chocolate maker-- with some assistance from monks in a Trappist monastery. Along his journey, he found ways to give back and nurture those he and his company encounters. Plus, I bought one of their premium chocolate bars knowing that it made a difference for the farmers in Tanzania.
January 17, 2018
While not "life changing" definitely a book that will move me to change some aspects of my life. The author writes in a very straight forward style that gets his story across in a candid, but not maudlin way. It's not sappy like some self-actualization accounts can be. His is a journey we can all relate to. His faith and devotion are different than mine, but his search; not so much.
October 8, 2018
I really loved this book - hard not to come away inspired by Shawn and his business. I loved Shawn's commitment to his monastic practice, and the lessons he pulled from the Rule of Benedict - the original 'management' book!
Summary review here: https://ethanphirsch.com/2018/10/07/c...
Summary review here: https://ethanphirsch.com/2018/10/07/c...
December 2, 2018
I enjoyed the first 40%. As a book, it is useful for someone in a socially minded venture or understanding how to create a focused purpose. My biggest takeaway is that you can't do everything, you can care about a cause and decline to participate because your focus is on other areas. Having clear yes and no criteria are essential to making impact.
December 7, 2019
It was very inspiring to read Shawn's story. His writing style is very personal and down-to-earth, which is the kind I appreciate while reading personal stories. I learnt some interesting things and took away a good deal that I can apply to my own work and life. If you are interested in creating anything of your own, especially a company or a business, this is a great read.
May 12, 2020
I absolutely love and support what Askinosie is doing with his chocolate business. But this book was geared towards people who are starting small businesses or reforming their business or brand, so a lot of it just wasn’t applicable to me right now. I enjoyed his stories and support his personal and business growth, but I think someone more business- minded would enjoy it more!
March 14, 2018
Interesting book and business model that his company follows. Wasn't quite what I expected to read when I first picked it up. But that's not a bad thing, specifically referring to the spiritual tie ins throughout the book and last chapter. Would recommend.
February 4, 2020
Inspiration and Insights that Transform! The Hero and Heroine's Journey quest on one's call to adventure includes the desire to fulfill calling, to contribute and create. Meaningful work is what feeds one's soul. Karen Briscoe, author and podcast host 5 Minute Success
May 12, 2020
Vocation, craft, direct trade with customers and community building as labour, work, love- if you are interested in any of the above themes, this book is a must read for you. Reverse scale might actually be a fabulous model for such uncertain times
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