What we've learned from two years of the Pearson Business Book Club

We've been running the Pearson Business Book Club every month for two years?this May. What started as an idea I had to engage more with readers has been a really enjoyable part of my relationship with Pearson authors. But it's also been a bit of an insight into the writing process and how authors feel about their books.

When designing the format for the Book Club, I wanted a section that always remained the same so we could get every author's thoughts. That's why, after introductions, we always ask the same three questions. To celebrate the anniversary, and because the answers reflect what Pearson is trying to achieve with its business book publishing, I wanted to reflect on the common themes in the answers given:

1. Why did you want to write this book? Often this is so they can reach a wider audience. Our authors are experts with something to say, and a book helps those ideas travel more widely and reach more people. To them, it seems the natural next step for their work and business even if they've never written a book previously.
2. What surprised you about writing this book? This question has the most varied answers. Whether it's the editorial process, the content development, or how writing is harder than they expected, it's a real insight into an author's experience.
3. How do you want readers to feel about reading your book??Just as what I want our books to do, authors often say they want readers to feel more confident or accomplished in the skill. But most often, they say they want the reader to feel empowered?after reading the book. What a lovely, uplifting sentiment and completely in line with the Pearson strategy "to delight our customers and be obsessed with meeting their expectations."

If you're interested in topics including influence, hybrid work, careers, negotiation, finance, generative AI, teamwork, and innovation, you find the previous videos at https://www.youtube.com/@PearsonHigherEducation/videos.

Thank you to all the authors who have participated so far: Dr Audrey Tang , Richard Newton , Simon Horton , Debra Stevens , Julie Starr , jo owen , Arnaud Chevallier , Albrecht Enders , John Spencer Williams , Emma Sue Prince , Prof. Dr. Kasia Jagodzinska , Si Hussain , Stuart Warner , Catherine Stothart , Michael Skapinker , Emma Ledden McGovern , Greg Orme , Prof. Patricia Hind , Fiona Dent , David Falzani MBE , Balvinder Singh Powar , Lyndsey Jones , Pam Hamilton , John Lees , Lorraine Warne , Kate Kirk , Nick Robinson , and Natalie Turner .

Thank you also to Amer Parikh, BA (Hons) and Sarah Aslam for all the admin work you do to help keep the Book Club running. Now read on for what's happening this month.

The Pearson Business Book Club

The Pearson Business Book Club is open to all who would like to learn more about our business books or a particular topic, and the webinars are free to attend. You can also view the on-demand videos of previous sessions on the Book Club website.

Our Business Book of the Month in May is Speak Out, Listen Up by Megan Reitz and John Higgins. Their webinar is Psychological Safety - how better (not smoother) conversations can deliver at work. Join us on Thursday 23 May 2024, at 2 pm (UK time) and register at https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/higher-education/students/careers/book-club.html, and let me know if you have any questions in advance for Megan and John.

Just Published / Noteworthy books

The Digital Transformation Canvas: Develop and implement your digital strategy by Prof Dr Marc K Peter (FT Publishing, 2024)

Your step-by-step guide to your organisation’s digital transformation

The Digital Transformation Canvas by Prof Marc K Peter is the ideal book for anyone who wants to lead a successful digital transformation initiative for their organisation, helping you establish the key initiatives necessary through creating an innovative, seven-step master plan.

The key features of this book include:

• multiple checklists and templates you can use in your organisation
• short case studies in each chapter to help you further engage with the subject and understand the objectives
• over 80 illustrations to support your understanding of how to apply content into practice

The Digital Transformation Canvas will not only help you work with teams to drive a bottom-up strategy but also with senior management for a top-down approach and identify new market potential and strategic projects.

"It's a must-have in your professional library, and it will be your go-to reference as you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital business." Ljubica Radoicic, Director of Marketing and Customer Success APAC at Autodesk

"Marc K Peter provides highly practical templates and checklists for organisations to develop their digital business strategy." Uttam Tripathi, Head of Global Developer Programs at Google

Professor Marc K. Peter has more than thirty years of experience in digital strategy, technology, sales, and marketing, and has worked for both SMEs as well as large corporations, including eBay, E*TRADE, and LexisNexis (RELX) in Switzerland, Australia, and the UK.

What am I reading?

I recently reread The Periodic Table by Primo Levi. I’ve probably read this book at least three times now, since finding a copy in the library as a teenager. I've often gifted it to people as I'm so fond of it. This time as I'm older, it felt a little sadder, but there’s still joy in his wonderful writing.

Finally

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for future newsletters? Did I strike a chord with anything in this newsletter? Is there a business book you've enjoyed recently that you'd recommend? Add a comment or email me at [email protected].