In today’s Book Club, we are discussing Rework by the founders of Basecamp, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Basecamp is the stupidly simple yet powerfully productive software that helps teams get organised, communicate, and get stuff done. 

Rework was published a decade ago, but it is so progressive, forward-thinking, and revolutionary, it feels contemporary and extra poignant in today’s working climate. Rework is almost like the anti-business book because of its strong opinions on some of the traditional stalwarts of the workplace and business strategy in general.

It rejects the status quo and uses the authors’ experience from creating Basecamp to prove that things can be done differently and still be successful. 

Joining us in the book club discussion is Amber Bonney, founder and managing director of the award-winning business, The Edison Agency. She is a branding and identity strategist, guest lecturer, speaker, and current president of the Creative Women’s Circle, one of Australia’s largest communities of women working in the creative industries, and a proud partner of the GrowGetters podcast.

In this Episode

[03:50] What is it about the book Rework that makes it so special?

[06:20] This book was first published a decade ago. Why is Rework so relevant in today’s working climate?

[09:55] “It really made me reassess not just the structure of the business, but how I wanted to approach a business in relation to my lifestyle.” – Amber

[12:33] Constantly fretting about timing for something perfect will keep you and your business stuck. 

[16:47] Larger businesses must learn to operate ethically, instead of treating staff  like commodities. 

[20:35] Whilst working remotely, it is important to make the time to get to know the person behind the email and the phone call.

[25:12] One of the toughest decisions that companies often have to make is assessing whether the actual relationship with the client works. 

[28:49] In the book Rework, the authors mentioned the value of finding a specific solution to a problem during company meetings.

[33:47] The toxicity and the inner resentment that can build towards other businesses makes it hard to form relationships of mutual respect and admiration.

[42:19] Treating people with respect and cultivating a place where they feel like they can be themselves is fundamental to a great working culture.

About Amber Bonney

Amber is the Founder and Managing Director of two award-winning agencies and a branding and identity strategist, guest lecturer, speaker, and AGDA Victoria Councillor.

With over 20 years of experience across diverse industry sectors, Amber has a vested interest in both traditional and disruptive design methods that activate, provoke, and inspire. She offers organisations, businesses, and brand owners intelligent and creative solutions to real commercial problems and delivers a relevant and differentiated experience for the end user.

Amber is an active member of the design and marketing industry with over 10 years of public speaking experience in B2B conferences, workshops, lectures, and talks. Amber believes the principles of human-centred design help shape ideas and behaviours and drive value for brand owners and creatives by connecting with their audiences more.

Connect with Amber Bonney

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Resources Mentioned

Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

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