Review of When Business Is Love

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Damilola A 7
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Review of When Business Is Love

Post by Damilola A 7 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "When Business Is Love" by Jan Ryde.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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When Business Is Love is a non-fiction book written by Jan Ryde, delving into the success story of Hästens, a company driven by the essence of love. The book explores the company's origins 170 years ago when Pehr Adolf Janson, the grandfather's grandfather of the writer, ventured into the saddler trade, eventually transitioning to crafting beds and mattresses amid declining demand for saddles due to the rise of automobiles. Drawing parallels with Apple Inc., Hästens shares the philosophy of creating cherished, high-quality products. The name Hästens, derived from the Swedish word for "horse," pays homage to its equestrian roots, and the use of horsehair in upholstery is a defining element of their craftsmanship. After the passing of Per Thure Janson, the company passed into the hands of the writer's grandfather, David, and his sister, but internal disagreements led to a growth plateau in the 1950s. David encountered further challenges upon discovering his sister's husband had embezzled funds from the company since the 1930s. Despite contemplating reporting the matter, he chose to protect the family's reputation. Intrigued readers can explore the book to discover more about Hästens' journey, their remarkable sales achievements, and the foundation of their prosperity: a business rooted in love.
 
On the positive side, the book is truly remarkable, as the writer skillfully weaves his personal experiences into a motivational narrative. Unlike typical motivational books, he candidly shares his own journey, starting from his birth in 1963 in the small Swedish town of Köping. He endured a painful and lonely childhood due to being shy and cross-eyed, which made him the target of bullying. However, he viewed these challenges as blessings, fostering personal growth. His academic pursuits led him to study industrial engineering and management at the Linköping Institute of Technology, earning a Master of Science degree. The turning point came when he met Anne-Lie, the love of his life, who worked at Hästens, leading him to become involved in the family business as CEO with gifted shares. Despite facing personal setbacks, including the loss of his mother and his divorce from Anne-Lie, he tenaciously persevered to save the business from bankruptcy. Overcoming cultural obstacles and a mental toll, he kept the business afloat and even found new love, sharing the story of how he met his wife, Akua.

On the negative side, the book has a powerful impact, emphasizing how love fosters business growth and customer satisfaction. Chapter three focuses on managing competition with love and compassion and overcoming limited beliefs about one's enterprise. The author also discusses creating a happier and more reliable environment at Hästens, particularly during the pandemic. However, the book's extensive length could be seen as a drawback. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling and worthwhile read.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it's a good read and it was exceptionally well edited, as I found no errors while reading it. I particularly appreciate its focus on creativity, with the author stating that innovation is crucial for business success. Many businesses lack this ability to think outside the box, which Hästens and Apple Inc. share as a common strength. Understanding and applying this concept has been beneficial for me personally.

This book can be recommended to entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals seeking motivation and insights on love-driven success and creativity. Its inspiring success story, love-driven business insights, and emphasis on creativity make it valuable for this category of people.

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When Business Is Love
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Juma Florence
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Post by Juma Florence »

I read this novel, and my highlight was Chapter Two, which delves into Jan Ryde's life story. He candidly shares his childhood experiences, the adversities he faced, and the profound shift in his mindset that enabled him to overcome the challenges.
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