Undisruptable: Timeless business truths for thriving in a world of non-stop change

by Ian Whitworth

Ian Whitworth built national companies from nothing. Coronavirus hammered some of them flat. Yet he’s fine with that. Because when the chaos is swirling and shit is getting real, there’s opportunity. Now is the time to put yourself in control – where no boss or virus can take you down.

So many talented people want to give it a shot, yet they’re held back by the big business myths. But success is simpler than your crusty CEO wants you to think. Ian built his businesses on simple rules, Year 6 maths, basic decency and no jargon. It generated profits that made the bank people say: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before.’

Ian’s advice is so readable that many of his readers have no interest in commerce, they just like his dry humour and guidance on living a better life. He takes you step-by-step through the whole entrepreneur experience, from the day you open the doors through to when you pay others to run the place for you.

There are 60 short and often surprising chapters in the trademark style of his popular 'Motivation for Sceptics' blog, from ‘Your Success Goals Are Built on Lies’ to ‘Business Whack-A-Mole Skills’ and ‘Remote Work Sucks Unless You're Old’.

Whether you’re running your own business, leading someone else’s or freelancing, Undisruptable is the only handbook you need. And one you’ll actually enjoy reading to the end.

Genres: Business

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2021

About the author

Ian Whitworth is a Sydney entrepreneur who is testament to the fact that any fool can do it. Failed vet student, amusement ride operator, audiovisual technician, he had to start his own advertising agency so he could give himself the creative director job he yearned for. It won some awards, though, and helped him start audiovisual business Scene Change, partly to test marketing ideas that his corporate clients felt were too weird. It worked, becoming a successful national firm in the event industry, a sector smashed worse than most by COVID-19. Ian's blog, 'Motivation For Sceptics', provides an honest and darkly amusing window into the reality of entrepreneur life. His writing also appears in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Smart Company.

Reviews

[Fionn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a business book written by a man that is equally as valuable for women who currently run their own business or are considering starting one. So often, books by men in business only have a male audience, and books by women, only a female one. Ian Whitworth somehow doesn't seem to think about or mention gender, but he nonetheless treats his audience as *people* - people who are interested in business. Gender just doesn't come into it. I mention this because I really want women to read this book. There is no 'rah rah' testosterone rubbish - it's just solid, thoughtful, meaningful advice that is also often pretty entertaining to read.

The first part of this book is about people who are considering leaving their paid job. Ian does a very convincing job of demonstrating why working for other people is not as secure as it might seem, and kindly but firmly holds the mirror up to those of us in or approaching middle age, and asks us if we like what we see and we are looking forward to the day when someone 20 years younger than us is our new boss. Because not everyone can be the CEO.

Ian then goes into the *how* of starting your own business, and warns you about the common traps people fall into if they don't think it through. But at all times he assumes you're an intelligent person who only needs to be told once and then you'll get it.

None of that 'now let me say this a 14th time just to make sure you really are listening' that you get in American books, and none of the 'let me tell you the incredibly specific set of circumstances that happened to show up for me and is why I am so successful but how you would ever re-create them is not my problem, just buy the book'.

Honestly. You just need to read it.

[Dan Procter · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all my kids kept asking me why are you laughing? I would read passages to them hoping they would get it! They pretended to, however what I found interesting is for the first time we were talking about business, ethics, strategy, values and god forbid - MONEY! More importantly I found myself genuinely inspired - I could relate to everything Ian talked about, some good some bad, I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes one morning relating to a particular chapter around stressful times. Then he made me laugh again. It's a great read - you must do it if you are in business, thinking about it or dreaming about it.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a business owner you get the feeling most business books are written by people you haven't actually done what they profess to be experts in or are about scenarios that don't apply to you. These stories from the coal face are not only insightful but are also affirming. Makes you want to get up and conquer whatever is in front of you.

[James Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A business book both approachable and practical.

First, this book is very entertaining. Keep an eye out for the Kia Carnival gag in the early pages!

Second, this book is practical: from the ratios you should use in your business through to the fine art of business drinking.

Strongly recommended!

(Disclosure: I am huge fan of Ian's, including his blog 'Motivation for Sceptics'.)

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s true this IS laugh out loud funny. I literally cannot put it down and I can’t say that about any other non-fiction book I’ve read. Ian’s take on entrepreneurship is filled with commonsense observations, tips and advice but written in such an amusing way. Hilarious and easy to read. If you only read one business book this year - make sure it’s this one. Thank you Ian Whitworth.

[Ben Flintoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Whitworth applies humour to the complex and challenging word of business ownership. Probably this book will become compulsory reading in university entrepreneurship courses in years to come. Highly recommended.

[Michael]

Wow! A business book that brings the fun back into business! To be honest its a great book of witty fables set in the business environment. Amusing doesn't even begin to describe it. A pleasure to read and you'll just love the uncommon common sense.

[Genevieve Deaconos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undisruptable is one of the most enjoyable business books I have read – and I must say, I have been through quite a few. With humour, honesty, and self-deprecating wit, Ian shares some of the timeless truths of business ownership learned over decades of real-life mistakes, triumphs, delights and frustrations. A perfect blend of incredibly useful information and hilarious anecdotes. Highly recommended.

[Amanda Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't think a business book can be a page-turner - try this one for size. Ian Whitworth has a dry wit and a clear-sighted view of the world of small and medium-size business start ups that he manages to make informative and highly entertaining at the same time. If you know someone who yearns to be self-employed or start their own business, this is the perfect gift.

[Lacey Filipich · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Most laughs I've had reading a business book, and extra points for being devoid of vacuous BS. Thank you Ian for writing a book that is practical, pragmatic and helpful!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious yet also full of really useful business advice. It's not just for those wanting to start their own business, it's got loads of valuable insight into how you should be valued as an employee. I think it's an essential read for anyone starting their first job. As a Mum of teenagers I'll be buying a copy for each of them.

[Jenny Josling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for you, your family and your friends. Many lessons in here - not just business lessons but life lessons too. Some of the best learnings in here are about building a brand - I’ve read many books on this topic but this book nails it. Most importantly this is easy to read and quite often hilarious. I was laughing out loud on many occasions!

[Catherine McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It’s laugh out loud funny in the same way that Anthony Bordain’s Kitchen Confidential was. I don’t usually read business books but Ian can sure tell a funny story. Buy it for your “friends who have everything”, they’ll love it!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, fun and compelling, From reimagining the C Suite (imagery that will never leave you) to compelling practices - go and see your customers, manage to cashflow, and a reminder of PE conflict, there’s plenty to consider, learn and act from.

[Richard Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud business book

It's rare to find yourself laughing out loud while reading a business book. Ian managed to do this for me over and over again. Great advice delivered with humour is a winning formula.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great read! I’m not a business person, I’m a Librarian , so that makes me an expert on “ reading for pleasure”. “ Undisruptable “ is on that list. You’ll learn something about relationships , you’ll laugh and you’ll be glad that read it!

[Shirley Mckinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't go into this book expecting deep words of wisdom. This is a practical business book from someone who has been there and knows what is real and what is theory trotted out by an academic who knows the theory but has never actually run a business.

This book will surprise you, delight you, make you laugh out loud - many times and has some absolute gems in it. This book may change your opinion on your logo and your branding.

One thing which will happen as you read this book, you will recognise so many situations and examine your decisions. Ian makes it seem so simple and so much common sense. However, you know what they say about common sense, it's not so common. Especially amongst those who advise us in business. Great book Ian!

[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge reader of management books, but I did enjoy this one.

The title is a little misleading, I thought it was going to be about tips for how to protect your business from the disrupters like Netflix and Uber (for example). However, it's actually more guidance for setting up and running your own small business.

Short chapters, so it's easy to pick up, digest a bit, and then put down.

Like many management books, some stuff you know, but quite a few nuggets in here. Interjected with wit and humour, so it's not as try as some reads in this genre. And it brings to front of mind many things you might intrinsically know, but have parked in your subconscious.

[Jackie Caddey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply insightful AND hilarious business book
Who would have thought a business book was a terrifically interesting and very very funny read? This book was recommended to me and I was keen to give it a go but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much. And laugh out loud often! The short, self contained chapters address topics and subjects we all recognise - thoughtful observations on managing all aspects of business life from developing strategy and managing cash flow to who picks up the tab for a round of drinks. Every chapter is peppered with crisp personal anecdotes which show the human side of business - and how ridiculous things can get. Its a great read, impressive.

[Lynne Schinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. I've been reading Ian Whitworth's blogs and newsletters for years now and couldn't wait to see what this delivered. The answer is tons! Jam packed with common sense, useful business information and written in a frankly hilarious tone, you feel like Ian is sitting across the table in the cafe having a chat - just with you. In a time where we all need advice on an ever changing world AND get a good laugh, this is unputdownable. Whether you're starting out in business or an old hack like me, you'll get a bunch of priceless gems in this book. iI'll be putting it in lots of Christmas stockings this year.

[Adrian Corbould · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is more than obvious that Ian has lived every page of Undisruptable, and his sharing of his experience and hard earned wisdom is a boon for any reader.

Filled with the most entertaining stories of building his various businesses from the ground up, containing only straight talking wisdom, and without a buzzword to be seen.

I've never read a 'business' book like it before, in that it is so accessible and 'real' - I urge you to snap it up ASAP!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I’m not a business person. But I would happily read Ian’s take on laundry detergent. After enjoying his blog for years I was so impressed that he continued to deliver such delightfully wordsmithed nuggets of wisdom in this book. So okay, my thoughts on business have shifted. In addition to my long held belief that I’m not a laugh-out-louder. Ian is that good. As is this book.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read.
A highly enjoyable and funny guide for starting your own business, with cautionary tales written in plain English.
If you are considering starting your own gig (and you should), I would highly recommend reading Undisruptable.