The Flexible Method: Prepare To Prosper In The Next Global Crisis

(Paperback)

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Description

James Burstall runs one of the most successful TV production companies in the UK. But during his tenure at Argonon he has had to deal with a variety of existential crises. Through them all, he's managed to guide his team out the other side successfully. Whether it's been the credit crunch or terror attacks. Recessions. Natural disasters. Pandemics. The TV industry has felt the strain of these recurring events like all of us. And each time, James has put strategies in place in order to be prepared for the next time something like this happens: because it will happen again.

Now you can be prepared as well.

In 16 concise lessons, hard won from real-world experience, this book uses practical examples to demonstrate how we can turn disasters into opportunities. Though painful, shock events can actually be good for us. It is possible to turn venom into rocket fuel! We can survive crises and thrive.

Rather than a dry 'to-do' list, this is a recognised thought leader's candid, personal account of steering a company through painful decisions, which resulted in successes that astonished the TV industry. It also highlights the experience of leaders in a range of industries including health, fitness, hospitality, travel, events and non-profit organisations. And despite the subject matter, the tone and message of his lessons are ultimately optimistic and uplifting as he takes readers on a journey through the darkest depths of crises to emerge fitter and stronger.

Reviews

James Burstall is a thoughtful, constructive and strategic leader. He has weathered many storms and leaders from every industry will find this an invaluable tool. * Gloria Hunniford OBE, presenter and broadcaster *
Cataclysms are unpredictable but surviving them in the future shouldn't be. * Kevin Maguire, Daily Mirror and New Statesman *
Unlocks many insights into the acquisition and application of leadership skills - revealing and uplifting. * Dermot Murnaghan, Sky News *
The next global disaster is on its way so get your business ready now. That's James Burstall's message and he is a man worth listening to. * Dorothy Byrne, University of Cambridge and former Head of News and Current Affairs, Channel 4, *
A critical tool kit for leaders who plan to thrive through these times and seize the opportunities that are inherent within them * Dr Andrew White, University of Oxford *
Jam-packed with brilliant ideas on how to cope with a catastrophe, both professionally and personally, this book should be read by everyone running a business today. * Chantal Rickards, former Chair, Bafta *
I can't think of anyone better placed to write about leadership. * Lucy Pilkington Managing Director, Milk and Honey Productions and Chair of the Royal Television Societys diversity committee *

Author Bio

James Burstall is CEO of Argonon, a world leading production group. The group is headquartered in London with hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Oklahoma, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Founded by James, the group has won more than 125 international awards including Emmys, BAFTAs and Royal Television Society Awards, and encompasses nine world class production companies. The group produces shows ranging from smash hit entertainment show The Masked Singer through to iconic current affairs programme Dispatches, critically-acclaimed BBC One series Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard to much-loved BBC drama Worzel Gummidge, Catherine Tait-fronted Netflix comedy series Hard Cell to long-running hit US series House Hunters International.

Before Argonon, James was CEO of Leopard Films, producing long-running series and formats including Cash in the Attic, which has aired in 167 countries, as well as award-winning documentary series, and the dramas Eve (RTS winner), Missing, and An Englishman in New York, starring John Hurt.

James has worked as an executive producer and producer-director for broadcasters all over the world. Prior to his television career, he was a journalist, working as a writer and editor in Paris, London and New York for Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveller, HG, Vogue, The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard.

He is a speaker at Said Business School, University of Oxford, on entrepreneurship and ethical leadership.