Good for Business book cover

Good for Business by Andrew Benett et al. Summary

Good for Business
Andrew Benett et al.
3.58 (12 Reviews)
Entrepreneurship
Business
Corp Culture
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Good for Business

"Good for Business" reveals how conscious corporations thrive with purpose beyond profit. In a world where 74% of consumers expect businesses to drive social change, this strategic blueprint - praised as "one of the most insightful books on the future of business" - shows why ethics and profits now go hand-in-hand.

Show more

Key Takeaways from Good for Business

  1. Disengagement stems from unmanaged "inner mind games" limiting workplace potential.
  2. Behavioral change requires addressing emotional barriers, not just strategic plans.
  3. Magic enhances retention of leadership principles by creating memorable metaphors.

Overview of its author - Andrew Benett et al.

Andrew Benett, co-author of Good for Business, is a renowned business strategist and transformational leadership expert with over three decades of experience steering global organizations. A seasoned CEO and former Global Chief Commercial Officer of Bloomberg Media, Benett has orchestrated large-scale corporate evolutions. This includes growing a $5 million account to $65 million in two years at EDS and reshaping Bloomberg’s commercial model into an integrated marketing services entity. His expertise in organizational design, governance, and sustainability aligns with the book’s focus on driving ethical, growth-oriented business practices.

Benett, a 2009 Crain’s 40 Under 40 honoree and Aspen Institute Fellow, has authored three influential business books and advised Fortune 500 companies as a Partner at PwC. Currently CEO of Sodali & Co, a global advisory firm serving 2,200+ clients across 70 countries, his strategies are leveraged by multinational corporations and institutional leaders. Good for Business distills his proven frameworks for aligning stakeholder value with long-term success, cementing his reputation as a catalyst for scalable, purpose-driven innovation.

Common FAQs of Good for Business

What is Good for Business by Andrew Bennett et al. about?

Good for Business explores leadership, resilience, and evidence-based strategies for organizational success. It critiques traditional business success narratives, emphasizing adaptability and the balance between deliberate planning and external factors like luck. The book combines research with real-world examples to challenge myths about corporate excellence, offering frameworks for sustainable growth in dynamic markets.

Who should read Good for Business?

This book is ideal for business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and students seeking actionable insights into organizational resilience. It appeals to those interested in balancing data-driven strategies with human-centric leadership and readers curious about debunking common myths in business literature.

Is Good for Business worth reading?

Yes—the book provides a fresh perspective on navigating uncertainty, blending academic rigor with practical advice. While acknowledging critiques of business "success" tropes (e.g., overemphasizing leadership charisma), it offers tools for fostering adaptable teams and purpose-driven cultures.

How does Good for Business address the role of luck vs. strategy?

The authors analyze how randomness impacts success, arguing that while luck plays a role, sustainable organizations build systems to capitalize on opportunities. This contrasts with books like Good to Great, which often attribute outcomes solely to leadership or focus.

What key frameworks does Andrew Bennett introduce in Good for Business?

Bennett emphasizes the "restorative mindset"—transforming challenges into growth opportunities through resilience and purpose. The book also details methods for evidence-based decision-making and fostering psychological safety in teams.

Are there critiques of Good for Business?

Some may argue it oversimplifies complex market dynamics or underplays structural inequities in business. However, the book addresses these concerns by balancing case studies with statistical analysis and advocating for adaptable strategies.

How does Good for Business apply to modern workplaces?

It discusses navigating remote work, AI integration, and rapid market shifts. The restorative mindset framework helps leaders maintain team cohesion during disruptions, emphasizing transparency and continuous learning.

What quotes from Good for Business highlight its themes?

While specific quotes aren’t provided, key themes include:

  • “Resilience isn’t avoiding failure—it’s rebuilding with purpose.”
  • “Great strategies embrace uncertainty, don’t fear it.”

These encapsulate the book’s focus on adaptive leadership.

How does Good for Business compare to Good to Great?

Unlike Good to Great’s focus on “Level 5 Leadership,” Bennett’s work prioritizes systemic adaptability over individual heroics. It also incorporates contemporary challenges like digital transformation and hybrid work models.

Why is Good for Business relevant in 2025?

The book addresses post-pandemic recovery, AI-driven markets, and Gen Z workforce dynamics. Its emphasis on restorative cultures aligns with rising demands for ethical leadership and employee well-being.

Can Good for Business help with career transitions?

Yes—it provides tools for reframing setbacks as growth opportunities and building transferable skills like data literacy and emotional intelligence. The restorative mindset applies to personal and professional reinvention.

What are alternatives to Good for Business?

For complementary perspectives, consider Atomic Habits (habit-building systems) or The Lean Startup (agile innovation). For deeper critiques of business myths, The Halo Effect offers additional analysis.

Similar books to Good for Business

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Explore Your Way of Learning
Good for Business isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Entrepreneurship. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Good for Business Summary in 10 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
Good for Business Summary in 10 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Good for Business into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Good for Business in a Nutshell

Flash Card
Flash Card
Top 10 Insights from Good for Business in a Nutshell

Distill Good for Business into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - Good for Business Lessons Told Through 25-Min Stories

Fun
Fun
Good for Business Lessons Told Through 25-Min Stories

Experience Good for Business through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Good for Business Summary in 0 Minutes

Personalize
Personalize
Experience Good for Business in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

Flash Mode Swiper

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
Start your learning journey, now
Download This Summary

Get the Good for Business summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.