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Business As Unusual: A Futurist’s Unorthodox, Unconventional, and Uncomfortable Guide to Doing Business
Today is the slowest rate of change we will ever experience. From this provoking premise, global futurist Jack Uldrich succinctly delivers ten Big AHA (awareness, humility, and action) ideas focused on helping business leaders and organizations navigate tomorrow’s uncharted and unpredictable waters.
Uldrich’s unrivaled, fast-paced manifesto not only explains why “business as unusual” will be the new normal, but also unpacks a series of uncommon and unorthodox actions designed to help you create and unleash a future of unparalleled success.
To navigate the future, business leaders must
• be AWARE of how technological , economic, social, cultural, and political trends are accelerating, burgeoning, and converging;
• have HUMILITY to the idea that what worked yesterday might not be sufficient tomorrow;
• take ACTION to create a new and better future.
Business as Unusual reveals that the future is the one thing that everyone can change. To find success in business, you must believe the unbelievable, think about the unthinkable, listen to the unconventional, and question the unquestionable.
Uldrich’s unrivaled, fast-paced manifesto not only explains why “business as unusual” will be the new normal, but also unpacks a series of uncommon and unorthodox actions designed to help you create and unleash a future of unparalleled success.
To navigate the future, business leaders must
• be AWARE of how technological , economic, social, cultural, and political trends are accelerating, burgeoning, and converging;
• have HUMILITY to the idea that what worked yesterday might not be sufficient tomorrow;
• take ACTION to create a new and better future.
Business as Unusual reveals that the future is the one thing that everyone can change. To find success in business, you must believe the unbelievable, think about the unthinkable, listen to the unconventional, and question the unquestionable.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
14 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 27, 2021
Groundbreaking ideas
Quick read packed with innovative information and solid reasons to change the way we think. Everyone should read this because it can easily be applied to your personal life.
Quick read packed with innovative information and solid reasons to change the way we think. Everyone should read this because it can easily be applied to your personal life.
January 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book which was provided via a Goodreads entry. I felt the innovation points were spot on and the 2020 updates accurate for the current and near term market and business outlook.
While I understand why the author made the “un” so obvious throughout the book I did find it redundant past the first few chapters.
A book I will look at again for keep points.
While I understand why the author made the “un” so obvious throughout the book I did find it redundant past the first few chapters.
A book I will look at again for keep points.
November 4, 2020
Makes you really think!
I would recommend this book. It really makes you think about all the questions we aren't asking our business today. We are getting happy with the stuff that works today but what will happen tomorrow?
Covered great examples and quotes in this book. It's amazing to see how far along we have come technology wise and yes there is so much happening today that we didn't even dream of few years ago but somebody did. So, what happens when we become that somebody?
I would recommend this book. It really makes you think about all the questions we aren't asking our business today. We are getting happy with the stuff that works today but what will happen tomorrow?
Covered great examples and quotes in this book. It's amazing to see how far along we have come technology wise and yes there is so much happening today that we didn't even dream of few years ago but somebody did. So, what happens when we become that somebody?
November 2, 2020
Note: Received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I started reading this as soon as I saw the title in my library especially because of the number of pages as I was curious to see what story he can tell in 134 pages. Well, the book is on point. No jibber jabber. Another reason for lesser pages IMO is the visual aids that he has used to explain the concepts. And yeah, this is an example where a picture is worth 1000 words! This is my first book to read on the COVID-19 impact on the future and why "un"-doing things matter. As the author points out, although a pandemic may occur approximately every 100 years, there are so many other events happening in the world leaving similar effects like a pandemic. A crisis is a crisis at the end of the day, be it a pandemic or a solar storm. The real question is "Are you and your business crisis-ready?".
As a non-conformist, I was able to resonate with the author's thinking pattern. I always cringe when people say "that's how we always used to do it" or "that's not the way to do it and this is how you do it right". According to the author, the more experience someone has in an industry, the more they are prone to long-held assumptions, and one solution for this is reverse mentoring. "Reverse mentoring" is something that I always believed in. Inexperience helps someone think outside of the box and think the unthinkable. In the past, I've had experienced people outright dismissing my ideas even before questioning the WHY, because I was not that experienced as they were. I believe it's a loss to all parties, but my point is it happens, and it happens A LOT! So, it is important that we learn the unexpected from the inexperienced.
Another thing the author discusses is AWARENESS. Among other elements of awareness, he talks about being aware of possible unconscious bias. I agree that we're all unknowingly biased in certain situations and factors like culture and background weigh-in. But by being aware that this could happen can actually go a long way.
Moreover among other things, he points out the importance of listening, exploring, unlearning and relearning, expecting the unexpected, "bending" the unbreakable rules, and keep asking the right questions. We also need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. He attempts to provide an up-to-date guide (2020 version) for the future and how unorthodox ideology can help shape the future. This sneak peek is super important to identify different perspectives and thereby the best solution for any kind of problem. The book answers WHY the reader should embrace the unusual.
Therefore, this short read is a great eye-opener for everyone and sets the reader on a new journey, whether the reader is an original or a conformist. The sooner you read it, the better because some scenarios in this book might become outdated over time, but the high-level lesson remains constant for now. At the end of the day, the only constant is CHANGE.
I love all the examples and images he has provided so that the book is short and sweet! Also, it's a much faster meaningful read. I might read this again as a quick reminder to myself.
I started reading this as soon as I saw the title in my library especially because of the number of pages as I was curious to see what story he can tell in 134 pages. Well, the book is on point. No jibber jabber. Another reason for lesser pages IMO is the visual aids that he has used to explain the concepts. And yeah, this is an example where a picture is worth 1000 words! This is my first book to read on the COVID-19 impact on the future and why "un"-doing things matter. As the author points out, although a pandemic may occur approximately every 100 years, there are so many other events happening in the world leaving similar effects like a pandemic. A crisis is a crisis at the end of the day, be it a pandemic or a solar storm. The real question is "Are you and your business crisis-ready?".
As a non-conformist, I was able to resonate with the author's thinking pattern. I always cringe when people say "that's how we always used to do it" or "that's not the way to do it and this is how you do it right". According to the author, the more experience someone has in an industry, the more they are prone to long-held assumptions, and one solution for this is reverse mentoring. "Reverse mentoring" is something that I always believed in. Inexperience helps someone think outside of the box and think the unthinkable. In the past, I've had experienced people outright dismissing my ideas even before questioning the WHY, because I was not that experienced as they were. I believe it's a loss to all parties, but my point is it happens, and it happens A LOT! So, it is important that we learn the unexpected from the inexperienced.
Another thing the author discusses is AWARENESS. Among other elements of awareness, he talks about being aware of possible unconscious bias. I agree that we're all unknowingly biased in certain situations and factors like culture and background weigh-in. But by being aware that this could happen can actually go a long way.
Moreover among other things, he points out the importance of listening, exploring, unlearning and relearning, expecting the unexpected, "bending" the unbreakable rules, and keep asking the right questions. We also need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. He attempts to provide an up-to-date guide (2020 version) for the future and how unorthodox ideology can help shape the future. This sneak peek is super important to identify different perspectives and thereby the best solution for any kind of problem. The book answers WHY the reader should embrace the unusual.
Therefore, this short read is a great eye-opener for everyone and sets the reader on a new journey, whether the reader is an original or a conformist. The sooner you read it, the better because some scenarios in this book might become outdated over time, but the high-level lesson remains constant for now. At the end of the day, the only constant is CHANGE.
I love all the examples and images he has provided so that the book is short and sweet! Also, it's a much faster meaningful read. I might read this again as a quick reminder to myself.
February 13, 2021
When you have one main point, I like when authors keep the book short and Uldrich has done so here. The main point of this book is you need to think differently to prepare for the future. He provides tons of great examples from companies that started during the depression, those that looked at existing technologies in new ways to create something great (like combining cars, gps, and smart phones to create ride sharing services, and companies that didn't have foresight and were quickly passed by when the world changed.
Lots of quick quotes and bits of wisdom are packed in a short book.
Lots of quick quotes and bits of wisdom are packed in a short book.
February 11, 2021
Pace of change is important to consider
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC. I love this little book. The author doesn’t try to be too cute but states a great case for thinking through changes from a different perspective. I recommend. It made me think through my preconceived notions and how I need to adjust my paradigm looking at problem.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC. I love this little book. The author doesn’t try to be too cute but states a great case for thinking through changes from a different perspective. I recommend. It made me think through my preconceived notions and how I need to adjust my paradigm looking at problem.
Want to read
December 9, 2020Great I won the giveaway, can't wait to start reading
December 30, 2020
This is a super short book PACKED with things to think about. Your business, organization, household... needs the information on these pages!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
February 10, 2021
Good read to get you motivated!
Want to read
February 11, 2021Never received book
February 18, 2021
Eye Opening
Glad to have received this giveaway book. Very eye opening and motivational. Lots of topics to ponder. Definitely in the "read often" category.
Glad to have received this giveaway book. Very eye opening and motivational. Lots of topics to ponder. Definitely in the "read often" category.
May 3, 2021
Interesting and I could relate to what has happened to business after covid hit and can see the difference on how companies are doing business now and what will happen in the future.
September 14, 2021
Great book with a simple explanation from the writer.
It's fit for everyone: businesses man, executives, employees, or everyone interested in something new.
It's fit for everyone: businesses man, executives, employees, or everyone interested in something new.
February 26, 2023
Very easy read and super interesting! Uldrich provides 10 AHA (Awareness, Humility, and Action) ideas and tips for business leaders. Looking at the world for what it is—unpredictable.
AHA #1: Why Business as Unusual is Now Usual
AHA #2: Explore the Unknown
AHA #3: Unlock Failure
AHA #4: Expect the Unexpected
AHA #5: Unlearning is as Important as Learning
AHA #6: You need to get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
AHA #7: Embrace Uncertainty
AHA #8: Question the Unquestionable
AHA #9: Listen to the Unconventional
AHA #10: Think the Unthinkable
AHA #1: Why Business as Unusual is Now Usual
AHA #2: Explore the Unknown
AHA #3: Unlock Failure
AHA #4: Expect the Unexpected
AHA #5: Unlearning is as Important as Learning
AHA #6: You need to get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
AHA #7: Embrace Uncertainty
AHA #8: Question the Unquestionable
AHA #9: Listen to the Unconventional
AHA #10: Think the Unthinkable
November 30, 2022
Very beautiful book, author Jack Uldrich, in this book captures lot of ideas, action plan and queries that make you think little differently. Would recommend this book to fiends.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews