Read Online Let My People Go Surfing The Education of a Reluctant BusinessmanIncluding 10 More Years of Business Unusual Yvon Chouinard Naomi Klein 9780143109679 Books
Download As PDF : Let My People Go Surfing The Education of a Reluctant BusinessmanIncluding 10 More Years of Business Unusual Yvon Chouinard Naomi Klein 9780143109679 Books
In this newly revised 10th anniversary edition, Yvon Chouinard--legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.--shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth.
From his youth as the son of a French Canadian handyman to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport's equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story of a man who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life-a book that will deeply affect entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
"This is the story of an attempt to do more than change a single corporation--it is an attempt to challenge the culture of consumption that is at the heart of the global ecological crisis." --From the Foreword by Naomi Klein, bestselling author of This Changes Everything
Read Online Let My People Go Surfing The Education of a Reluctant BusinessmanIncluding 10 More Years of Business Unusual Yvon Chouinard Naomi Klein 9780143109679 Books
"Insomuch as this is a memoir and not a business management book, it's fantastic! The first part is pretty much all about the Yvon's early life (which makes me feel like less of a man lol), the history of Chouinard Equipment (future Black Diamond) and Patagonia, and the history of a few of it's offshoot sister companies. The 2nd part of the book describes various philosophies that Patagonia tries to employ in it's practices and dealings.
I found this history particularly interesting, especially given that Yvon had absolutely no business background, and throughout the book is very upfront on this fact. Describing the (sometimes comical) struggles he encountered, restructures needed and addressed, and culture developed, was very enjoyable.
Insomuch as the philosophies section is concerned, if you're familiar at all with Patagonia and it's dealings this will be pretty straightforward to you. I did enjoy the HR/benefits section, and was intrigued about Chouinard's take on innovation (borrowing, stealing, repurposing ideas ='s fast and effective) vs. invention (can be great, but takes time, is unpredictable, and doesn't guarantee value added vs. just cool). I think it was telling though that by far the longest section of this book in this section is the Environmental Philosophies section. Everyone who knows Patagonia knows this is important to them, and I thought it was telling of them to give it so much space in his book. Some of the figures - if somewhat outdated - are interesting (and scary).
If you're looking for a 'how to do business [like Patagonia]' rule by rule book, this probably wouldn't be the best starting point. For that, maybe try Yvon's other book, The Responsible Company. However, if you accept that this is a memoir about a man and the development of a company that cares deeply about it's value and understands the struggles therein, this book is great!"
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Let My People Go Surfing The Education of a Reluctant BusinessmanIncluding 10 More Years of Business Unusual Yvon Chouinard Naomi Klein 9780143109679 Books Reviews :
Let My People Go Surfing The Education of a Reluctant BusinessmanIncluding 10 More Years of Business Unusual Yvon Chouinard Naomi Klein 9780143109679 Books Reviews
- I loved this book so much. I loved the way Yvon talks us through his own personal history, and walks us through the history of the company. The sweet anecdotes about creative problem solving (i.e. How do you get a retailer who is very behind on payments to settle up? Send their next order (of scrap metal) COD)) were my favorite parts. I also loved being able to read the mission statements, particularly the one the senior team member cobbled together over lunch while they were on a retreat in Patagonia. I loved the way the book was written in conversational English. And I loved the excerpts from ads and the excerpts from that Alpine Climber's magazine. Such beautiful writing!
One note to Yvon/Patagonia suppliers The commercial wool industry is BRUTAL. I like that you're selling recycled wool sweaters, and would love to see you totally abandon any partnerships with commercial wool farmers. In order to sheer sheep at a rate that's profitable (most get paid per sheep rather than by the hour) they have to hurry through the sheering process. That means lots of cuts for the sheep. Plus there are some types of sheep that are prone to parasites in the folds of their rear. In order to combat that, farmers simply slice off a chunk of that area so there are no longer folds. OUCH. Again, commercial wool farmers, BAD.
Sorry, I got off on a tangent. I loved this book. It held my attention all the way through. I had trouble putting it down, actually. Yvon's voice is very sweet and actually has inspired me to ask myself, am I doing all I can for the environment? AND am I working at a job/in an industry that I'm proud of? Could I be doing something more fulfilling (for my own quality of life, and the environment?). - A solid book. Yvon Chouinard has a unique perspective on the world and company building. There is a lot of admire about his philosophies. I do wish there were many more companies in the world as mission driven as Patagonia. But, this ends up not really being a business book nor really as into the culture of Patagonia as I'd hope. It ends up sort of being a biography with more details on the company's activism.
- Insomuch as this is a memoir and not a business management book, it's fantastic! The first part is pretty much all about the Yvon's early life (which makes me feel like less of a man lol), the history of Chouinard Equipment (future Black Diamond) and Patagonia, and the history of a few of it's offshoot sister companies. The 2nd part of the book describes various philosophies that Patagonia tries to employ in it's practices and dealings.
I found this history particularly interesting, especially given that Yvon had absolutely no business background, and throughout the book is very upfront on this fact. Describing the (sometimes comical) struggles he encountered, restructures needed and addressed, and culture developed, was very enjoyable.
Insomuch as the philosophies section is concerned, if you're familiar at all with Patagonia and it's dealings this will be pretty straightforward to you. I did enjoy the HR/benefits section, and was intrigued about Chouinard's take on innovation (borrowing, stealing, repurposing ideas ='s fast and effective) vs. invention (can be great, but takes time, is unpredictable, and doesn't guarantee value added vs. just cool). I think it was telling though that by far the longest section of this book in this section is the Environmental Philosophies section. Everyone who knows Patagonia knows this is important to them, and I thought it was telling of them to give it so much space in his book. Some of the figures - if somewhat outdated - are interesting (and scary).
If you're looking for a 'how to do business [like Patagonia]' rule by rule book, this probably wouldn't be the best starting point. For that, maybe try Yvon's other book, The Responsible Company. However, if you accept that this is a memoir about a man and the development of a company that cares deeply about it's value and understands the struggles therein, this book is great! - Let my people go surfing is the part biography and part company memoir by Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard. Born to French-Canadian parents, he moved to California at an early age. Always one connected to the outdoors, he would usually work so he would have enough to pay for his travels and climbing. He eventually founded a small firm that made climbing equipment, and that evolved into Patagonia.
Global warming is one of the biggest threats to mankind today. Despite the magnitude of the issue, governments and businesses are doing very little to combat the problem. Patagonia does everything it can to do its part. From scrutinizing parts in their clothing to subsidizing electric cards their employees purchase, they go above and beyond the norm held by most companies. Not only are these things good for the environment, but they're great for profits. Patagonia usually ends up making their money back in energy upgrades within a few years, sometimes sooner. If only more businesses could make the conscious effort to investigate energy savings, they would find an arena littered with profit.
Chounaird is fiercely independent. He openly criticizes the government, big business, and energy firms. He rightly points out that if everyone took take the long view, we would have a better society for workers, customers, and the environment. He lays out the various Patagonia philosophies in the second half of the book. The overlying theme, whether its' the financial or human resource philosophy seems to be do the right thing, and profits will follow. Treat employees right. Give back to the environment. Use the best materials.
You really get an idea of how Yvon thinks, feels, and acts. He comes across as centered, humble, and responsible. As Patagonias sole owner, he can retain the company culture and vision he set without being grilled on profits, and cutting costs. Support Patagonia. It's good for the earth.
