Play Bold: How to Win the Business Game through Creative Destruction

by Magnus Penker, Philip Kotler (Foreword)

WHAT'S NOW POSSIBLE

“Wow! Everything that Magnus says is somewhat contrary to our official positions on successful innovation. I knew I had to read this book - and I’m very glad that I did.” — Philip Kotler
World-renowned thought leader, Magnus Penker, details a modern approach to innovation in his latest work Play Bold – How to Win the Business Game Through Creative Destruction.


Warning! This book is disruptive! Reading the following episodes and implementing the advice therein may result in double digit growth, outperforming competitors, new revenue streams, exceptionally faster and cheaper processes, and revamped business models that can help keep you on top.
Start reading now to:

learn why you should stop LISTENING to your customers;
understand why asking yourself “How can I improve this product?” is counterproductive to true innovation;
discover how to identify and mitigate the corporate antibodies that kill innovation;
gain the capability and culture necessary to jump from S-curve to S-curve so you never again find yourself going down with the ship;
learn why playing it safe is the surest way to a slow death in today’s globalized economy;
discover the power of the universal undo button to nullify mistakes before they happen;
discover why the lifespan of companies is rapidly shrinking and what that means for you and your business;
And much, much more!

Play Bold finally and comprehensively answers the question: Why is it that some companies succeed where others—even those with great potential—simply seem to fail?


Don’t be left behind! Grab your copy today and join the innovation revolution!
 

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2021

Reviews

[Samar Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is an inspiring read that pushes leaders to break out of the safe zone. The author mixes real-life stories with practical advice, making bold innovation feel doable, not just theoretical.
It’s a wake-up call for anyone tired of business as usual and ready to lead with courage and rethink how to do things differently. Highly recommended!

[Talal Hammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is a powerful and inspiring read that challenges business leaders to embrace disruption and lead with bold innovation. It offers practical strategies, real-world examples, and a fresh mindset for thriving in a fast-changing world. A must-read for anyone ready to break the rules and build something better.

[Beda Meienberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is a passionate call to think - and do - radical innovation. Ideal for anyone who is not satisfied with evolutionary improvement but wants to shape real change.

[Darryl Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innovative business strategy for a radical new environment and world.

This is not a book for business entrepreneurs, but it is a comprehensive strategy manual designed to not only ensure success in business, but to also ensure the survival of your business as an entity. As the title suggests, it contains some radical ideas and proposals, but these are based on the authors extensive knowledge and experience.  Many, if not all of the concepts advocated in the book go against traditional business theory, however, the modern environment is such that new methods are necessary if one wishes to succeed where many global concerns have collapsed. Far from being simply a collection of innovative and controversial ideas, this book requires serious study as the strategies are based on extensive research and cannot be assimilated in one reading alone. I believe that this is certainly worth the effort as the author quotes techniques that have enabled corporations to succeed while also demonstrating how others have failed and even collapsed. Reading this book and making an effort to implement the concepts discussed will not only ensure business success, but also the ultimate longevity of your organization. 

[Guadalupe Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Game Changer

Wonderfully Executed, Play Bold helps entrepreneurs with innovation. It advises on what can be done to better plan for our business. It is very bold, as the book title says, due to the fact that some things described in its pages are not strategies one would normally see in the real world. What is written is ambitious, but because of that it will help certain aspects of a business move forward. This book will give our business that little push it might have needed to go in a certain direction. Overall, an interesting read and one I find would be good for anyone to get into if they want some ideas on how to get things going in a particular direction. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in business in general or if they are just looking for advice.

[Johannes Jarl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold by Magnus Penker is a rare gem in the world of business books—an exciting blend of storytelling and substance that will both inspire and challenge you. Through a series of compelling, thought-provoking stories, Penker brings to life the drama, risk, and reward of true innovation—not the sanitized, boardroom-safe version, but the messy, courageous process of creative destruction.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance big, visionary thinking with a rock-solid underlying framework. These aren’t just entertaining tales of disruption—they’re tied to a deeply considered, systematic approach to unlocking business value in unconventional ways. Penker’s insights into transformation are grounded in real-world application and years of research, yet presented with the energy and urgency of a good thriller.

If you’re a leader, strategist, or entrepreneur who are serious about innovation—not as a buzzword, but to thrive in a rapidly shifting world. Play Bold doesn’t just give you permission—it gives you a roadmap. Read it once for inspiration, and again to integrate its lessons into your strategy.

[David Pettersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus Penker dives headfirst into our turbulent present — a world where everything happens at once, and it’s easy to feel like a deer in the headlights: frozen, confused, and moments away from being run over by change. Play Bold becomes a map through this dense jungle. Penker doesn’t just highlight the chaos — he points to the opportunities, showing us that transformation isn’t a phase, it’s the default setting.

He reminds us that the future isn’t something we wait for — it’s shaped by the decisions we make right now. But when there are too many choices, how do we know which path truly leads forward? For Penker, the answer is clear: a strong, strategic innovation compass.

It’s almost as if Penker has picked up the philosophical baton from Heraclitus, the ancient thinker who claimed that “everything flows” — that change is the only constant. But where Heraclitus saw an eternal cycle of rise and fall, Penker sees a chance to steer the ship through the storm.

In short: Play Bold isn’t just a book — it’s a call to action. Want to control your destiny? Then you need an innovation strategy — and the courage to play bold.

[Consul George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of “playing bold” is indeed the best motto for anyone to deal with uncertainty! Penker’s passion for innovation is infectious. His writing is engaging, concise, and inspiring, making it easy for readers at any level to connect with his message. Whether you are a CEO or an emerging entrepreneur, Play Bold provides the tools and motivation you need to shift from incremental improvements to groundbreaking transformations. The concept of “playing bold” is woven throughout the narrative. Penker argues that true success is achieved by taking calculated risks, questioning the status quo, and daring to act when others hesitate. He speaks to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and, above all, the mindset required to lead organizations into the future. His approach isn’t just about short-term gains; it's about creating sustainable growth and long-term value by making bold, informed decisions.

[Khaldoun AboulSaoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to dive into "Play Bold," an electrifying guide to innovation that shatters traditional business norms and empowers leaders to harness the power of creative destruction for lasting growth! With a vibrant mix of humor, captivating storytelling, and down-to-earth advice, Penker—an accomplished serial entrepreneur and innovation consultant—equips organizations to weather the storm of rapid change and flourish in it.

This book is a refreshing, no-nonsense playbook for anyone eager to innovate. It boldly challenges the status quo and inspires leaders to act decisively, offering a thrilling roadmap to survive and thrive in today's fast-paced business environment. If you're ready to embrace the adventure of bold thinking and transformative action, "Play Bold" is your ultimate companion!

[Lars Sjölund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is more than a book – it’s a wake-up call for anyone navigating today’s turbulent global landscape. In a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, trade wars, and rising superpower tensions, this second edition arrives right on time. The new introduction and updated insights provide a sharper, more urgent framework for thinking about leadership, innovation, and relevance in a high-stakes, fast-changing world. It doesn’t just ask you to think differently – it challenges you to act boldly and strategically, even when the rules are unclear.

This isn’t just a another book about business or creativity. It’s a guide to staying courageous, adaptive, and visionary when everything around you is in flux. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or strategist, Play Bold is essential reading for all of us trying to navigate in turbulent times!

Highly recommended reading.

[Sara Owais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is a provocative and insightful exploration of how businesses can thrive by embracing "creative destruction"—the process of tearing down outdated practices to make way for bold, innovative change. Magnus Penker, with a foreword by marketing legend Philip Kotler, challenges conventional thinking and inspires leaders to rethink their strategies in a rapidly evolving world. The book is filled with compelling case studies, strategic insights, and motivational calls to action, making it both practical and visionary. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators, Play Bold empowers readers to take smart risks, disrupt the status quo, and build future-proof organizations with confidence.

[Basel Kassab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is a refreshing and inspiring read that pushes business leaders to embrace innovation through creative destruction. Magnus Penker blends real-world examples with bold strategies, encouraging readers to break free from outdated thinking. I especially appreciated the practical advice—it’s not just theory, it’s usable insight. A must-read for anyone looking to spark change and lead with creativity.

[Moayad Zaitoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book challenges conventional thinking and pushes you to embrace innovation fearlessly. Magnus Penker offers a fresh, disruptive perspective on winning in business through creative destruction. A powerful read that sparks action—highly recommended for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to think big and play bold!

[Peter Glasheen]

Insightful - joins research and practice with insights from those who have done hard innovation work for radical or significant change. Worth tagging pages to come back to often for different situations.

[Niklas Tiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are serious about your innovation efforts, this is a must read.

[Peter Junermark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus has truly succeeded in sharing his experiences, practical advices, and real-life stories in an entertaining and easy-to-read format.

[Mohab Alrawas]

Good read

[Mohammad Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Everything that Magnus says is somewhat contrary to our official positions on successful innovation. I knew I had to read this book - and I'm very glad that I did.

[Allan Fors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold is a thought-provoking read that challenges readers and I want emphasise 'leaders' to rethink traditional business strategies. Its blend of practical real life incidents with valuable advice and innovative thinking to overcome hurdles based on , which makes this book a valuable resource for leaders and executives looking to drive meaningful change within their organizations. Just like the title Play Bold - it’s a wake-up call for leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are tired of playing it safe. Magnus Penker, a leading innovation thought leader, delivers a bold and refreshing perspective on how companies can thrive in a rapidly changing world through the power of creative destruction.

[Corinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super practical and smart book written in a compelling easy-to-read way on the go. With very profound insights from Innovation research and real cases, this book offers a deep and systematic look at a company`s DNA with the aim for innovation.
A must for everyone even slightly interested in innovation but also for those that have been in the innovation process for years.

[TORD Thunman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on a superimportant and urgent subject!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succeeding through innovative thinking and action

Swedish author Magnus Penker is the Founder and CEO is Innovation360 Group, an Innovation Solutions Firm, with offices in Sweden Australia, Canada and the US, He is highly regarded as a thought leader on innovation, digitization and business transformation, and has created InnoSurvey, a methodology and global innovation database. He has been recognized with important awards, launched ten start-ups, and is a prestigious speaker for schools, associations and large companies. His books to date - HOW TO ASSESS AND MEASURE BUSINESS INNOVATION, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND PROFITS (his two part The Complete Guide to Business Innovation) and now PLAY BOLD: HOW TO WIN THE BUSINESS GAME THROUGH CREATIVE DESTRUCTION.

An overture to the book’s content and the author’s philosophy of the business world is evident in the Introductory comment: ‘Innovation is for everyone. I mean that in two ways. First, no one should think that this is a special talent possessed by only a few lucky individuals. Everyone can learn to innovate successfully, It’s a science – not a mad science like alchemy, but a good science like chemistry, It takes the right combination of the right elements to innovate successfully, but once those elements are in place, the company can replicate the process, over and over. No company can depend on a single great idea for very long. It requires a culture of innovation to win consistently in a rapidly changing market….We will analyze exactly what went wrong at recent high-profile failures, like those at Volkswagen, Toys”R”Us, and Kodak. We’ll also look at what went right at companies that returned from the brink of disaster, like Harley-Davidson, LEGO, and Ericcson. We’ll look at companies that survived for decades by completely reinventing themselves, like Samsung, IBM, and Apple, and we’ll look at companies where I have been involved in hitting the reset button though helping business leaders think innovatively.’

Penker’s informed guidance is matched by his wry wit and clever manner of presenting his ideas, a factor that makes this book not only invaluable to business companies, but also to those of us who share a fascination for the progress of businesses we know! The titles of his ‘episodes’ are entertaining and insightful – ‘Everything will be destroyed – even your business, Don’t listen to your customers. Corporate antibodies attack and kill innovation, Playing it safe is the most dangerous thing you can do, What would you change with a Universal Undo button/, Cooperate with your enemies and compete with yourself, Hack your business model, You can’t afford to kill your neighbor, and Embracing radical innovation for your company and the world.’ These ‘episodes’ provide access into Magnus Penker’s extraordinary mind: ‘We have everything we need right here, right now. All it takes is a bit of creative destruction to pull down what isn’t working and build something radically new from the pieces.’ The adventure is mesmerizing. Watch the impact of this excellent book grow!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a disruptive book that is very contrary to the way business is usually done.

Don't listen to your customers; watch them. Play business archaeologist and actually watch people using your product. This will be more honest than an online survey or feedback. It's easy for any company to start a Department of Innovation. Will your company culture actually accept whatever they develop? Is there a company attitude of "Around here, we do things a certain way?"

Every product has what is called an S-curve. It is a period where sales, and profits, keep rising and rising. The rise starts to level off, then sales and profits start dropping, never to rise again. The trick is to jump off one S-curve when it is at the top, onto another S-curve that is on the upslope. The founder of your company may be the perfect person to take it from nothing to initial public offering. He or she may not be the best person to run a public, established company. Relaxing and playing it safe is the worst thing that any company can do. Rest assured, there is another company, maybe in another country, that is ready to speed past you and leave you breathing their dust.

This is an excellent book. It is very easy to read and understand. It is very much recommended for businesses of any size.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold: How to Win the Business Game through Creative Destruction by Magnus Pender isn't like any economics book you have ever read before. He realizes everything has a lifespan. The trick to prolonging your business is through different innovations skills. If you stop building your skills and fall behind in technology, your business dies. The way people shop and find products are changing. Many people find shopping online now an essential in our busy world. Businesses need to keep track of start-ups that will outshine their products and dominate through innovation.

I found Play Bold fascinating as Magnus Pender uses examples of well-known businesses that dried up because they didn't move forward fast enough, or not at all. Learning from your mistakes and the mistakes of others is essential to keep your business thriving. This book has philosophies and concepts that will last through the years, making it a classic read instead of a trendy hope.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Bold: How to Win the Business Game through Creative Destruction by Magnus Penker is indeed a bold book and one that opens your eyes to opportunity and possibilities in business. With innovation at the forefront of the book, the author has done his research to back up his ideas on growing business when you are an entrepreneur. The writing is clear which is refreshing. The tone is optimistic and encouraging. Most importantly however, you will find a blueprint in this book to build success in your company. Practical business advice and innovative solutions make this a must read for anyone in business. The future is now. Jump into this book, read it, and gain valuable knowledge. Recommend it to anyone you know in a business setting. Highly recommend for an insightful and forward thinking read.

[ELISABET · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book; it is very catchy, full of significant information and provoking thoughts. It is definitely a book for new awareness. I would recommend it to those who want to learn about business and are looking for an original advice to succeed in it.
I must admit that the cover was not impressive for me, but the content is outstanding. Every advice and principle are well established and explained in the clearest way, so it is not necessary to have previous knowledge about enterprises. It is obvious that the author, Magnus Penker, is a Swedish businessman, a founder and a CEO. He shares all his knowledge in this book. I am glad that I did not miss the opportunity to take this important information.

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without any doubts, this is a disruptive management book. I have never imagined to read counsels such as I should stop listening to my customers, or that playing safe is the way to my company death. But “Play Bold: How to Win the Business Game through Creative Destruction” definitively taught me a lot about innovation.

Author Magnus Penker provides useful insights, based on a solid evidence framework, on how to gain the capability and culture necessary to “wildly” innovate and make the businesses grow. Moreover, he does it in a conversational style that really helps to understand the do and don’ts of innovation to everyone.

This is an informative, enlightening, thought provoking and thus, highly recommended read!

[Alfredo R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate business advice

Magnus Penker is the writer of the earth-shaking book called “Play Bold”.

Before reading this book, it is worth knowing that it is necessary to be ready to see all past beliefs and structures - as regards businesses - break down.

Magnus defies previous knowledge and proposes new models and actions to carry out in order to see any business grow.

I was a little sceptic when I started reading it, but as soon as I started following the author’s advice, I noticed some changes. Those changes happened at different levels: at a financial level, at a productive level and even at an internal employee relationship level!

This reader is great for those who want to put things in perspective.

[Susel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an entrepreneur, I am always looking for ways to make my own company successful and understand the many ways I can stay on top of the competition. This management book is filled with great rules and advised to innovate no matter who you are.
I personally believe this book is a game changer! Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It is inspiring, motivating and worth its weight in gold. It's one of those books you buy and read multiple times and want to pass it down to your kids and future generations as a "must-read", especially if they are also aspiring entrepreneurs.
This is going down as one of my top business books of all time! I think every entrepreneur on the planet should read this and understand how to effectively innovate in business.

[Carol M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Play Bold is a useful business book that points out some key elements and rules needed for successful innovation. Its author Magnus Penker, a Swedish innovation practitioner, has based himself on his own experience, on solid evidence and on scientific data. His ideas are expressed in a clear way and his conversational writing style makes this book easy to follow. Penker’s ideas are revolutionary but relevant as no business can succeed without innovative ideas and actions. Thought provoking, clear and useful are some words that best describe this compelling book. I really enjoy reading Pinker's book and I think his suggestions are realistic and can be actually put into practice in any business.