Review of When Business Is Love

[Claudia Angelucci]

[Following is a volunteer review of "When Business Is Love" by Jan Ryde.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"When Business Is Love" by Jan Ryde unveils Hästens' 170-year journey, highlighting love, joy, and gratitude as guiding success principles. Originally crafting horse saddles, the Swedish luxury bedding company shifted to horsehair mattresses with the rise of automobiles.

Jan Ryde, the fifth-generation Executive Chairman, leads Hästens, renowned for crafting the world's finest beds through traditional methods and premium natural resources. His non-fiction book blends memoir, self-help, and family business history, subtly weaving in promotional elements. Ryde shares Hästens' narrative alongside his personal life, emphasizing the pivotal role of "avsikt," a Swedish term for "meaning" or "intention." Avsikt suggests that having a purpose breaks the cycle of aimless repetition, akin to escaping a hamster wheel.

The book promotes a win-win mindset, highlighting life's interconnectedness, embracing abundance, and practicing gratitude for personal growth. Drawing inspiration from unconventional commerce, it reveals secrets for joy and success akin to the wisdom in "Think and Grow Rich."

Touching on philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, the book enriches the reader's experience with profound insights. At its core, the message revolves around thriving in business based on love rather than competition, violence, or hatred. Hästens' success is attributed to embracing love as its foundation, resulting in the creation of comfortable, beautiful, and masterfully crafted natural beds.

Running a business on the basis of love involves humility, awareness, integrity, and a commitment to doing what is right. The narrative emphasizes values, continual improvement, and the willingness to admit limitations, fostering a positive impact on both product quality and the environment. Ultimately, it encourages readers to explore spirituality and love for fulfillment and success.

I found the book highly captivating, informative, meticulously researched, and expertly written. The lack of errors suggests professional editing, enhancing the overall reading experience. Overall, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Yet, from my perspective, a significant drawback emerges: a bed with a price tag comparable to that of a car or a house remains out of reach for many. Regrettably, some individuals lack access to even a basic bed. Despite the company offering substantial value, its focus seems tailored to the elite, leaving those without financial privilege excluded. This underscores the prevalent theme of ideals coexisting with the complexities of the real world.

******
When Business Is Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Paris Kumar]

Claudia, your insightful review of "When Business Is Love" by Jan Ryde truly captivated me. Your attention to detail, appreciation of the book's depth, and eloquent expression of its themes are commendable. Well done, Claudia !
Best wishes to you, and may your future endeavors be as enriching and fulfilling as your reviews.