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About The Book

Fifty key ideas that have changed the way we think about why we behave the way we do while at work.

The world of work is full of ideas. Some of these ideas shape the work we do and the way we do it. But it can often be hard to sort the wheat from the chaff.

When ideas really do break new ground and change the way we think about what we do, they can help all of us to be better, happier, and more productive. The trick is to know which ones offer the most reliable vision, and how they can be adapted and deployed to the best effect.

By encapsulating and explaining the best of this thinking, 50 Ideas that Changed the World of Work is equal parts vision and road map; an invaluable and insightful guide to navigating the world of work today.

About The Authors

Jeremy Kourdi is an executive consultant, writer, and founder of Kourdi Associates. During his career, he has worked with a range of market-leading businesses, including HSBC, London Business School, IMD, Pearson, and Tetra Pak. He was senior vice-president with The Economist Group and has also worked as Head of Publishing and Research at the Chartered Management Institute. He holds an MA in International Relations and lives in Surrey.

Jonathan Besser is an experienced learning and development practitioner and triathlete. Currently a managing consultant with Intrepid Leadership Consulting Ltd, he has worked in over forty countries and a wide range of sectors including engineering, finance, advertising, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications. He holds a BSc Hons in Biology from the University of Sussex and lives in London.

Product Details

  • Publisher: The Economist Books, an imprint of Pegasus Books (June 3, 2025)
  • Length: 304 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781639368495

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Raves and Reviews

"Some books simply stand out from the rest because they grab your attention the moment you see the title. And then there are the very, very few that also keep you riveted page after page. 50 Ideas that Changed the World of Work is a fitting testimony to the shoulders on whom we can stand to see better. A book whose time has come.”

Sudhanshu Palsule, leadership philosopher, educator, coach and speaker

“A cornucopia of inspirational resources for leaders of all levels.”

Russell Beck, author of The World of Work to 2030

“In turbulence, you want a solid guide. This collection of 50 key concepts supports clear thinking with simplicity and direction.”

Professor Nandani Lynton, Global Head of Change and Culture, SAP

“A wonderful toolkit that will save you years of reading and workshops... I'm keeping this one in my rucksack wherever I go!”

Adam Kingl, author, keynote speaker, educator

“An incredible compendium of ideas, presented in an engaging way so you can immediately put them into practice. From timeless classics to recent breakthroughs, the ideas in this book will help you to think more strategically, transform your culture, reset priorities, boost relationships and understand yourself better.”

Mark Williamson, CEO of Action for Happiness

“This book provides invaluable insights into the ideas that have shaped the modern workplace and offers practical inspiration for leading transformation.”

Araceli Canedo Bebbington, executive coach and board member, The European Coaching and Mentoring Council

“A terrific book; a fantastic collection of essential models and theories from great thinkers, presented in an accessible and bite-sized way that says, 'read me'.”

Jerome Goodluck, Senior Business Manager, The Institute of Leadership

“Essential reading for anyone wishing to bring best practice to their organization.”

Andy Haldane, Chief Executive, Royal Society of Arts (RSA)

"In this brisk survey, corporate consultants Kourdi and Besser offer advice on how leaders can embrace some of the most influential ideas and practices to come out of the business world. The succinct summaries serve as an abbreviated MBA syllabus, offering pragmatic guidance on implementing well-known business concepts and practices. This is perfect for executives and managers in a hurry."

Publishers Weekly

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