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Superfast: Lead at speed - Shortlisted for Best Leadership Book at the Business Book Awards
In today's fast-paced world, leaders need to move at speed. The rate of innovation and change in organisations and the challenges of impatient investors or shareholders mean leadership decisions must be quick, smart and deliver real impact.
Superfast provides cutting edge inspiration and a host of exciting ideas about how to accelerate performance in an agile and thoughtful way, shedding new light on leading in a world which is fluid and uncertain. You'll learn the practical solutions to leadership questions which the most savvy global leaders employ, and map your own shortcut to personal and professional success.
Leadership is not just about moving fast, however. Superfast will show you how to use your time in the smartest, most efficient way possible - slowing down when necessary to get decisions right and accelerating elsewhere to unlock growth.
Stop waiting around. Superfast will give you the tools to lead well and make change happen.
- GenresLeadership
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
34 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Devonshire
2 books5 followersSophie is an experienced business leader, entrepreneur & brand specialist. Her career includes brand management at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola GB, Brand Strategy for Interbrand and Group Account Director for Leo Burnett in the Middle East. She founded, managed and sold an e-commerce business and was CEO of a luxury gifts brand where she doubled turnover; all practical experience which helps ensure a grounded business understanding with her strategic brand consultancy.
Sophie specialises in successfully repositioning brands based on key customer insights & in driving support for the brand work amongst companies & stakeholders. Her extensive global brand expertise is matched with a commercial reality from her business experience so she brings a sense of perspective (and a sense of humour) to her action-focused approach.
As an experienced brand specialist and entrepreneur, Sophie writes and speaks on the role brands play in successful business. She’s also a passionate advocate of flexible working as the future of effective companies (having won awards for her own business ‘sexi-flexi’ approach), and regularly discusses innovative approaches to balance business and family life.
Superfast is Sophie's first book.
'Leading at speed is essential in a world of accelerating change, complexity and uncertainty. When the one thing you’re sure of is that things will change, the way we lead people has to change too.' Matt Brittin, EMEA President, Google
‘To succeed in today’s fast changing environment, leaders need to better balance agility with resilience. Purpose and pace are required requisites. Superfast:Lead at Speed will help you do this ‘ Paul Polman, Global CEO, Unilever
'Although the world is spinning at the same daily speed, everything on it is moving a lot faster than it did even a few years ago. Leaders who fail to act and react are likely to be left in the dust of those who understand how hyper the world is today, and how to harness 'fast' to their advantage. Buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to understand how to lead at speed". Will King, Founder King of Shaves
"I've known Sophie for a long time. She's a remarkable talent and she's blazing an important trail that will help any leader succeed in today's world. The big no longer eat the small. It's the fast that eat the slow & if you can't lead at speed you won't lead for long in today's world." Gary Coombe, President, Global Grooming, Procter & Gamble
"Vision, values and velocity are all successful components of successful leadership in a rapidly changing business landscape. Sometimes you need to go slow to go fast. If you want to avoid running at 100 mph in completely the wrong direction, this book will help kickstart your thinking." Sarah Wood, Co-Founder and Chair, Unruly.
Sophie specialises in successfully repositioning brands based on key customer insights & in driving support for the brand work amongst companies & stakeholders. Her extensive global brand expertise is matched with a commercial reality from her business experience so she brings a sense of perspective (and a sense of humour) to her action-focused approach.
As an experienced brand specialist and entrepreneur, Sophie writes and speaks on the role brands play in successful business. She’s also a passionate advocate of flexible working as the future of effective companies (having won awards for her own business ‘sexi-flexi’ approach), and regularly discusses innovative approaches to balance business and family life.
Superfast is Sophie's first book.
'Leading at speed is essential in a world of accelerating change, complexity and uncertainty. When the one thing you’re sure of is that things will change, the way we lead people has to change too.' Matt Brittin, EMEA President, Google
‘To succeed in today’s fast changing environment, leaders need to better balance agility with resilience. Purpose and pace are required requisites. Superfast:Lead at Speed will help you do this ‘ Paul Polman, Global CEO, Unilever
'Although the world is spinning at the same daily speed, everything on it is moving a lot faster than it did even a few years ago. Leaders who fail to act and react are likely to be left in the dust of those who understand how hyper the world is today, and how to harness 'fast' to their advantage. Buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to understand how to lead at speed". Will King, Founder King of Shaves
"I've known Sophie for a long time. She's a remarkable talent and she's blazing an important trail that will help any leader succeed in today's world. The big no longer eat the small. It's the fast that eat the slow & if you can't lead at speed you won't lead for long in today's world." Gary Coombe, President, Global Grooming, Procter & Gamble
"Vision, values and velocity are all successful components of successful leadership in a rapidly changing business landscape. Sometimes you need to go slow to go fast. If you want to avoid running at 100 mph in completely the wrong direction, this book will help kickstart your thinking." Sarah Wood, Co-Founder and Chair, Unruly.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 12, 2019
Before the 20th century, no human ever experienced speed. By the end of it, it seemed we couldn’t get enough of it. Fast food, fast lane, fast track, fast buck. But fast just doesn’t cut it these days: welcome to superfast.
Ironically enough, this is not a particularly quick read: it comes in at a chunky 368 pages and there’s no fluff or padding. It is however ‘easily digestible and dip-in-able’. Sophie Devonshire is CEO of The Caffeine Partnership, which prides itself on getting organisations unstuck and reenergised, and there’s a nod to this in the ‘Espresso takeaways’ at the end of each chapter.
But if you have time for a more leisurely read, this is well worth the investment. There’s a delicate balance leaders have to find between moving fast – fast enough to stay one step ahead of disruption, to take advantage of new opportunities, to respond to a world in which change is happening at an increasingly dizzying rate – and taking the time needed to collect data, test assumptions and bring their people with them.
Devonshire takes a comprehensive look at the key issues involved in the pace at which a leader can bring about organisational change: managing their own time and energy, structure, culture, hiring and firing, decision making and so on. The insights and stories are gleaned from interviews with more than 100 global ‘pacesetters’, from CEOs of the biggest multinationals to start-up founders, which anchors the theory in the messy reality of leadership.
As a publisher, I was particularly struck by Devonshire’s analogy between superfast leadership and writing, or more specifically, editing:
‘Editing is about cutting out some of what you’ve done or want to say. It’s about simplification and sharpening. Focusing on less is a radical way to make you better and to make you faster… A great leader needs to be a great editor.’
Who says an English degree doesn’t prepare you for the real world?
Although the range of this book is wide, if there’s a single ‘secret’ to achieve superfast status it’s this: decide fast. Even if you’re deciding to wait, or to get more information, make it a conscious decision, and do it with energy.
‘The discipline of making decisions sharply can led to phenomenal ‘unblocking’ of energy and velocity.’
Deciding, of course, is only the beginning: to lead effectively at speed Devonshire says you must then delegate and deliver. And this of course is where the pesky necessity of working with others can slow you down, and where the tactics she sets out in the rest of the book will prove so useful.
But this is not a breathless paean to speed. As Devonshire memorably points out, some things – notably casseroles and seduction – are better done slowly. The trick is to know the right pace for the right moment, and to be able to move fast, and bring others with you, when required.
‘Great leaders do not always rush: they go slowly when they can and fast when they must.’
Ironically enough, this is not a particularly quick read: it comes in at a chunky 368 pages and there’s no fluff or padding. It is however ‘easily digestible and dip-in-able’. Sophie Devonshire is CEO of The Caffeine Partnership, which prides itself on getting organisations unstuck and reenergised, and there’s a nod to this in the ‘Espresso takeaways’ at the end of each chapter.
But if you have time for a more leisurely read, this is well worth the investment. There’s a delicate balance leaders have to find between moving fast – fast enough to stay one step ahead of disruption, to take advantage of new opportunities, to respond to a world in which change is happening at an increasingly dizzying rate – and taking the time needed to collect data, test assumptions and bring their people with them.
Devonshire takes a comprehensive look at the key issues involved in the pace at which a leader can bring about organisational change: managing their own time and energy, structure, culture, hiring and firing, decision making and so on. The insights and stories are gleaned from interviews with more than 100 global ‘pacesetters’, from CEOs of the biggest multinationals to start-up founders, which anchors the theory in the messy reality of leadership.
As a publisher, I was particularly struck by Devonshire’s analogy between superfast leadership and writing, or more specifically, editing:
‘Editing is about cutting out some of what you’ve done or want to say. It’s about simplification and sharpening. Focusing on less is a radical way to make you better and to make you faster… A great leader needs to be a great editor.’
Who says an English degree doesn’t prepare you for the real world?
Although the range of this book is wide, if there’s a single ‘secret’ to achieve superfast status it’s this: decide fast. Even if you’re deciding to wait, or to get more information, make it a conscious decision, and do it with energy.
‘The discipline of making decisions sharply can led to phenomenal ‘unblocking’ of energy and velocity.’
Deciding, of course, is only the beginning: to lead effectively at speed Devonshire says you must then delegate and deliver. And this of course is where the pesky necessity of working with others can slow you down, and where the tactics she sets out in the rest of the book will prove so useful.
But this is not a breathless paean to speed. As Devonshire memorably points out, some things – notably casseroles and seduction – are better done slowly. The trick is to know the right pace for the right moment, and to be able to move fast, and bring others with you, when required.
‘Great leaders do not always rush: they go slowly when they can and fast when they must.’
December 22, 2024
SUPER!
A Game-Changer for Leaders: “Superfast” by Sophie Devonshire
Sophie Devonshire’s Superfast is nothing short of transformational. As a leader navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, this book spoke directly to me, offering clarity, inspiration, and actionable insights. Devonshire’s wisdom on thriving in fast-paced environments resonated deeply, reminding me of the power of decisiveness and agility in leadership.
The lessons in Superfast were so impactful that I’ve bought a copy for each member of my leadership team. It’s a book I believe every leader—whether seasoned or just beginning their journey—should read. It’s not just a guide to leadership in the modern age; it’s a tool for shaping better, more effective leaders who can rise to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
I wholeheartedly recommend Superfast to anyone who wants to lead with purpose, precision, and speed. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about making an impact.
A Game-Changer for Leaders: “Superfast” by Sophie Devonshire
Sophie Devonshire’s Superfast is nothing short of transformational. As a leader navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, this book spoke directly to me, offering clarity, inspiration, and actionable insights. Devonshire’s wisdom on thriving in fast-paced environments resonated deeply, reminding me of the power of decisiveness and agility in leadership.
The lessons in Superfast were so impactful that I’ve bought a copy for each member of my leadership team. It’s a book I believe every leader—whether seasoned or just beginning their journey—should read. It’s not just a guide to leadership in the modern age; it’s a tool for shaping better, more effective leaders who can rise to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
I wholeheartedly recommend Superfast to anyone who wants to lead with purpose, precision, and speed. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about making an impact.
June 4, 2018
Leaders need to move at speed and Superfast explains how to lead innovatively, decisively and with impact in a world which is changing fast and presenting new opportunities at every turn. With practical solutions to leadership questions with a real focus on contemporary challenges, innovations and problems, Superfast is a shortcut to organisational progress and personal success.
September 7, 2024
Time is finite - energy isnt.
To move fast, doesnt mean to be the first. A fast leader is the one with clarity to decide, know who to delegate, and get moving to deliver
and to be impatient really means to not tolerate the superfluos, the unnecessary, prevarications and complications, and lack of ambition.
Be patient and persitence, knowing that big goal does take times
To move fast, doesnt mean to be the first. A fast leader is the one with clarity to decide, know who to delegate, and get moving to deliver
and to be impatient really means to not tolerate the superfluos, the unnecessary, prevarications and complications, and lack of ambition.
Be patient and persitence, knowing that big goal does take times
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
An excellent book for leaders in today's world with top tips on the critical importance of energy in a world of speed. This book is a shortcut to personal and professional success for ambitious leaders. It’s a stimulating read to step-change your thinking. Fast.
October 5, 2021
Ho iniziato questo libro durante la pandemia e ripreso in parti successive, senza perdere il filo conduttore:
in un mondo che cambia in maniera veloce, vi è la necessità di essere rapidi, smart, agili e apportare un reale impatto.
in un mondo che cambia in maniera veloce, vi è la necessità di essere rapidi, smart, agili e apportare un reale impatto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
It is an absolute must read for anyone interested in keen perspectives of what can make a difference in the life of business and business of life. As seminal as ‘from good to great.’
July 22, 2021
Must read for leaders
December 19, 2019
The modern world moves pretty fast. The average tenure of an S&P 500 company has fallen by 50% since the 1960s and will halve again in the next decade. Our working and personal lives have been transformed by pervasive technology.
How leaders survive (and more importantly thrive) in this environment is the topic of Sophie Devonshire’s new book Superfast: Lead at Speed. Despite a clear focus on achieving results quickly, the author’s main thesis is that pace shouldn’t be a synonym for rushed.
The scope of the book is ambitious, aiming for practical breadth rather than academic depth. Each chapter examines the role of a specific aspect of leadership: covering everything from the micro, such as how to make decisions in meetings, to the macro, like creating an organisational purpose.
The author has combined personal interviews with senior business leaders with her experience as a successful entrepreneur. What struck me was the diversity of leaders who contributed, demonstrating that transformational leadership isn’t confined to twenty-something founders in Silicon Valley.
As might be expected given the topic at hand, the narrative moves at pace; the witty tone and compartmentalised structure make it easy to digest without feeling overwhelmed. Throughout the book, there are practical actions to take, these are summarised at the end of each chapter as “espresso takeaways”.
Although the author drives the story through the anecdotes of her interviewees, she builds on these by drawing upon a long list of secondary sources. These provide a good jumping off point for a deeper dive into many topics.
The unusual blend of strategic, practical and personal makes this book relevant to a much broader audience than typical books in this genre and provides an interesting perspective on much discussed phenomenon. As the author herself says “think slow but move fast”.
How leaders survive (and more importantly thrive) in this environment is the topic of Sophie Devonshire’s new book Superfast: Lead at Speed. Despite a clear focus on achieving results quickly, the author’s main thesis is that pace shouldn’t be a synonym for rushed.
The scope of the book is ambitious, aiming for practical breadth rather than academic depth. Each chapter examines the role of a specific aspect of leadership: covering everything from the micro, such as how to make decisions in meetings, to the macro, like creating an organisational purpose.
The author has combined personal interviews with senior business leaders with her experience as a successful entrepreneur. What struck me was the diversity of leaders who contributed, demonstrating that transformational leadership isn’t confined to twenty-something founders in Silicon Valley.
As might be expected given the topic at hand, the narrative moves at pace; the witty tone and compartmentalised structure make it easy to digest without feeling overwhelmed. Throughout the book, there are practical actions to take, these are summarised at the end of each chapter as “espresso takeaways”.
Although the author drives the story through the anecdotes of her interviewees, she builds on these by drawing upon a long list of secondary sources. These provide a good jumping off point for a deeper dive into many topics.
The unusual blend of strategic, practical and personal makes this book relevant to a much broader audience than typical books in this genre and provides an interesting perspective on much discussed phenomenon. As the author herself says “think slow but move fast”.
June 26, 2021
This book is a gem. It is well paced, well structured and not pretentious as some business books can be. Perhaps the title is short sells it a little bit as it suggests it focuses on speed as a single dimension or successfactor for leadership. But it doesn't. It covers a range of aspects of leadership that are important for success. Things like creativity, time (or energy) management, focus, meetings, self awareness, decision making, timing, planning, sleep, purpose, delegation, teamwork, learning, candour, recruitment.
What I particularly liked was that the author had a wealth of material and quotes from her interviews with well known and respected leaders. Mostly business leaders, but some political leaders too (Obama and Roosevelt to name a few). Whilst the author herself has earned her stripes in business, she lets her interviewees do a lot of the 'talking' and support the points she wants to bring across. This gives many different angles and viewpoint on a topic. She further strengthens this by weaving in key messages from highly regarded other authors (e.g. Drive by Dan Pink is regularly mentioned)
Whilst not a 100% of the material is relevant for my career and role, I found a lot of useful things in this book (and inevitably a few confirmations of things I already knew). So if you are in some form of leadership role in an organisation, I think this book has something to offer for you.
What I particularly liked was that the author had a wealth of material and quotes from her interviews with well known and respected leaders. Mostly business leaders, but some political leaders too (Obama and Roosevelt to name a few). Whilst the author herself has earned her stripes in business, she lets her interviewees do a lot of the 'talking' and support the points she wants to bring across. This gives many different angles and viewpoint on a topic. She further strengthens this by weaving in key messages from highly regarded other authors (e.g. Drive by Dan Pink is regularly mentioned)
Whilst not a 100% of the material is relevant for my career and role, I found a lot of useful things in this book (and inevitably a few confirmations of things I already knew). So if you are in some form of leadership role in an organisation, I think this book has something to offer for you.
September 21, 2018
A fascinating and hugely useful set of insights from great leaders of today
The author has assembled a amazing collection of inspiring leaders to learn from, and carefully identified a diverse and very practical set of insights that we can all apply in our lives. Full of real stories from brands we all admire. One of the most useful buisness books of the year.
The author has assembled a amazing collection of inspiring leaders to learn from, and carefully identified a diverse and very practical set of insights that we can all apply in our lives. Full of real stories from brands we all admire. One of the most useful buisness books of the year.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews