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  • Published: 16 June 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761042195
  • Imprint: Penguin Life
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00

Undisruptable

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




Australia’s most entertaining business blogger, entrepreneur Ian Whitworth, explains how to succeed on your own terms in today’s relentless work world.

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.

  • Published: 16 June 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761042195
  • Imprint: Penguin Life
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00

About the author

Ian Whitworth

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.

Praise for Undisruptable

Business books are so often preachy or wildly self-centred and dull. This is witty, and clever and extremely relevant in these godforsaken Zoom times. As a marketer, biz owner, and founder, I really liked it. Ian is a cheeky, funny and disruptive (and proven: important) business rascal and thank goodness for that.

Zoë Foster Blake

Wise, informative and laugh-out-loud funny. Ian writes about the entrepreneur experience with the gritty detail you only get from having done it yourself. An essential, realistic guide for anyone thinking about setting up their own business.

Cyan Ta'eed, founder of Envato, Hey Tiger and Milkshake

Whitworth's book has common sense wisdom but a few surprises too, setting it apart from many management tomes.

The Australian

It might be the isolation, but Australian businesspeople – like Australian animals – are just more interesting. Ian Whitworth is no exception. I like to think I talk straight, but I am a royal courtier compared to this guy.

Rory Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy & Mather Group

Finally, a business book I can wholeheartedly recommend because it’s devoid of fads and doesn’t play 'Buzzword Bingo'. Undisruptable contains only the truth and will make you laugh out loud. If you want to know how business really works, how to run your own show without having to wake up at 4am or shout motivational messages at your reflection in the mirror, if you’d like your business to make you money and not break your spirit, Undisruptable is your new bible.

Lacey Filipich, author of Money School