The Punk Rock of Business: Applying a Punk Rock Attitude in the Modern Business Era

by Jeremy Dale

Author Jeremy Dale believes that too many businesses create an environment that encourages mediocrity and corporate norms that deliver lukewarm results at best. In The Punk Rock of Business, Dale offers a road map away from average and towards innovation through a mindset rooted in punk rock principles. In this fast-paced, actionable guidebook, readers will -Eight punk rock principles to help you redefine your place in the corporate world–for the better -A set of characteristics to strive for that will liberate you and accelerate your success -Countless examples—drawing on both the classic stories from the music genre's industry-changing legacy and Dale's years of business success—to illustrate these principles and characteristics in action -Straightforward lessons and actions to start taking today—right now—to break through corporate norms and build something greater Punk rockers had a cause. They aimed for authenticity and refused to conform. In doing so, they created a dramatic change that shook society to its core. It was a much needed wake-up call for the conservative part of the music industry. Jeremy Dale wants you to do the same in the business world, and in The Punk Rock of Business, he gives you the tools you need to accomplish that goal.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Music

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2018

Reviews

[Liis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, before your eyes glaze over by seeing terms such as ‘business’ and ‘nonfiction’, let me assure you this particular title is anything but boring!

What we need today is some pure, stripped down, no bullshit business leadership.

This particular shiny cover popped in front of my eyes on a wonderful blog: La La in the Library. I saw that cover and title and thought… Punk rock? That excites me straight away. You don’t really expect to see the combination of punk rock and business together in the same sentence. How ironic…. But also how wonderful, because The Punk Rock of Business kept me fully engaged throughout.

Based on the 8 elements of punk rock, Jeremy Dale shares his professional experiences from his time with companies like Motorola and Microsoft among others. Working on big, multi-million dollar campaigns like bringing Pokemon to UK! I mean- if you’re looking for credibility, you got it!

Jeremy has structured the book into a logical flow- naturlich! It reads like a well put-together .ppt – hahaha… I kid! There’s the introduction, the 8 elements of punk rock and how they can be translated into business with examples from his experiences and finally how you can implement the punk rock into business. Each chapter ends with a little paragraph to summarize the Key Lessons from that chapter.

Passion is the catalyst that prevents mediocrity, averageness, and things being lukewarm.

Honesty, speed to success through confident decision making, taking risks, being ‘outrageous’ and ‘standout’, being authentic, innovative and a team player who shuns negativity. Hells, it sounds like something every brand, every business strives for, right? Jeremy said it right at the start of the book- learn from his experience. Each chapter, each story that he shares is like a little case study! There is so much to take away…

The Punk Rock of Business was full of thought-provoking and inspirational moments. I have to be honest, as I was reading the book I was mentally keeping track of how my workplace compares up. Not bad at all… I might have to talk to the boss-man about cutting down the time on them meetings though! 🙂 But, joking aside, the examples and stories Jeremy shares can be taken, transferred to any context and implemented not only in business but in personal life with personal goals, too.

People with punk attitude have never waited for the establishment to change things; they have always gotten up off their ass and created the change. That’s the punk attitude: being unaccepting of the unacceptable status quo- stepping forward and demanding change, in fact creating the change.

I found it inspirational and refreshing. Never thought I’d say that about a nonfictional book about business! ^^ I am seeing tight deadlines and ‘nonnegotiables’ in a whole new light! Newbie as I am in the corporate world, fumbling around in the dark, learning as I go, yeah, change the angle and voila- instead of negativity, there will be an opportunity!

So, would I recommend the book? I absolutely would.. whether you work for someone, whether you have your own business- makes no difference. There are nuggets of wisdom to take away from this book. Take them nuggets and make them work for you! And do it with a punk rock attitude! 🙂

[Liz Marchiondo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This came off as more of a "Yes Man's Guide to Big Business while starting each chapter off with a different way to define 'punk'" than anything else. I don't know if I was looking for more of a start-up punk attitude but it's hard for me to take the advice of someone that's clearly "made it" at some large companies from what sounds like a very traditional appearing man vs. someone truly alternative and who goes against the grain at work.
I would be interested in hearing from the author in a post-COVID environment to see if any of his views of company or business has changed.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps not a surprise given the title, but the book seems aimed more at young, idealistic people that don't want to believe that most people simply work at the best job they can find. The ideas, 'have a cause', 'build a movement', etc might be applicable to side hustle businesses though.

[Matt Gosney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, engaging and some fun takeaways - note that this guy is not connected with the punk luminaries rather illustrates how to use the punk rock ethos in business and how he did it in his corporate career with Motorola and Microsoft among others. It answers the question where does a punk rocker fit in the board room? The answer appears to be nowhere and everywhere.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read and concept!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an arc from a Goodreads giveaway. I found this interesting and liked the fresh take on business ideas.

[Tiffany Hopkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and unique take on the business world. Being a huge punk rock fan I was engaged the whole way through.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

[Steven Ridgely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book.

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fresh perspective on business peppered with punk rock history. I received an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway.

[Stacey Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really Punk, but an interesting perspective nonetheless.

[Sandra Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent business manual for the modern worker who wants to shake things up.


My Review

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw this book the title is what grabbed me straight away as it seemed like a very interesting concept. I am a small business owner myself so I was very curious to know more about how a punk rock attitude could help with that.
There were some really interesting stories and case studies presented throughout this book which clearly shows the author's extensive experience. But, it did get a little bit repetitive in some sections which started to put me off and meant I ended up skimming through certain parts.
I loved all the punk rock references and they made this book a bit more fun than your average non-fiction, business books normally are.
I really would have liked a bit more actual advice given in the book rather than just stories, but the short action points at the end of each chapter were good as they give the reader some guidance on how to move forward and implement some of the concepts that were discussed.