Synopses & Reviews
THE BUSINESS OF BIOMIMICRY COMPANIES THE WAY NATURE INTENDED
Simply the best new book on business and management in many years!
Hazel Henderson, president, Ethical Markets Media and author, Building A Win-Win World
A timely, paradigm-shifting book, reframing how business can thrive in the challenging times ahead whilst being a force for good
This is a brave book and a must-read for those seeking to make positive change happen in business and beyond.
Hunter Lovins, president, Natural Capitalism Solutions and co-author, Natural Capitalism
Nature has already provided the key to solving many human problems, from deciphering simple engineering puzzles to unlocking the mysteries of flight. In The Nature of Business,author Giles Hutchins makes a compelling case for applying the same principles of biomimicry to the development of a new business paradigm.
Eclipsing current approaches to responsible and green business, Hutchins focuses on the emergence of new ways of operating and creating value in an increasingly volatile and interconnected world. He presents the challenges to the prevailing business as usual” model, explaining the pressing need for transformational change and revealing the concepts and mindsets required to create the businesses of tomorrow.
Showcasing the pioneers of the new paradigm through a multitude of examples and case studies, The Nature of Business is an essential guide to the tools and techniques needed to create resilient, adaptive businesses capable of flourishing in turbulent times.
This book beautifully maps the transformative journey for todays and tomorrows leaders. Dr. Monika Winn, Business Strategy and Sustainability Director, Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation, University of Victoria
The Nature of Business is not just a very entertaining read, but also a redoubtable sparring partner. A must-read for everyone involved in the business of the future
and arent we all?
Mick Bremans, chairman, Ecover
Giles Hutchins,/b> is a management consultant who guides business and organizations through the process of redesigning for resilience in challenging times. He is the co-founder of BCI: Biomimicry for Creative Innovation.
Review
A timely, paradigm-shifting book, reframing how business can thrive in the challenging times ahead whilst being a force for good. Giles Hutchins powerfully blends insights from human nature and nature, brilliantly applying them to business transformation for organisations of all shapes and sizes. He provides a compelling pathway for business leaders and change agents ready to make transformative change in their organisations. This is a brave book and a must read for those seeking to make positive change happen in business and beyond.Hazel Henderson, D.Sc.Hon. FRSA, author , Building A Win-Win World and other books, President, Ethical Markets Media (USA and Brazil)
Simply the best new book on business and management in many years! Hutchins combines the latest understanding of ecology, biology, sociology and behavioural science with a review of the best company practices and applications. If more company executives use this book as their guide to our global common future, we might actually see acceleration of the needed shift underway to long-term sustainability and a cleaner, greener, more equitable, information-richer global economy.
Mick Bremans, Chairman, Ecover
In times, when business leaders are struggling with volatility and uncertainty about the future of their organizations, Giles Hutchins lays out a path for transformational change. Giles guides us to the essence of the role of business in society. By closing each module with a set of pertinent and personal questions, The Nature of Business is not just a very entertaining read, but also a redoubtable sparring partner. A must read for everyone involved in the business of the future
. and aren't we all?
Gunter Pauli, Founder of ZERI and The Blue Economy
Ever since I stood under a tree as a young boy - I was inspired by nature. It never tries to reattach the leaves that dropped in the fall to the branches in the spring. Nature has no unemployed, and is incapable of producing something no one desires. Giles takes us through this remarkable world of business seen through the eyes of nature. Finally a guide to take this to the next level!
Paul Drukman, CEO of The International Integrated Reporting Council
This book not only brings together the current best practice and analysis of transformational business, but also seeks to find solutions. Giles Hutchins has for many years been an innovative thinker based squarely in business and this book demonstrates that thought leadership, the book leaves me thinking much more clearly and feeling inspired to transform. There is a quote from Albert Einstein that comes to mind - we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them”, Giles in this book brings that to the fore.
Marianne Hewlett, Senior Vice-President, Atos International
Under the inspirational guidance of Giles we pioneered the firm of the future approach and engaged our clients and partners on this exploratory path to a more sustainable and agile business ecosystem. This book will be an inspiration to the leaders of the future and I highly recommend it to anyone ready to be inspired by nature.
Dr. Monika Winn, Business Strategy and Sustainability Director, Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
Infused with ancient wisdom, and in equal parts provocative and practical, this book serves as a compass for business leaders to build the firm of the future a firm that creates conditions conducive to life and well-being. Hutchins compellingly connects value creation, human constituents, and natural foundations of business. The book is a rich source of inspiration and practical advice, bound to become a reference for business leaders and those teaching students of business. To be viable, the firm of the future will need to create conditions conducive to life and well-being. This book beautifully maps the transformative journey for todays and tomorrows leaders.
Dr Alan Knight OBE, Chairman of the Global Association of Corporate Sustainability Officers
I have been working in the arena of sustainable change for many years and I find that The Nature of Business is a refreshing practical manual to how we can all challenge and adjust our thinking and take some profound actions to make a difference.
Michelle Holliday, Principal of Cambium Consulting and author of Humanity 4.0
For organizational leaders, The Nature of Business represents a compelling invitation and a comprehensive map for the journey not only toward sustainability but toward thrivability. It outlines the principles and practices necessary for life to thrive at every level individual, organization, customer, community, and biosphere. Thoroughly researched, with bite-sized but powerful case studies sprinkled throughout, it sparks insights and ideas at every turn. For the survival of our species, my greatest hope is that leaders everywhere will embark on the journey Giles Hutchins describes in this important book.
Gev Eduljee, Director of External Affairs, SITA
Synopsis
The business of biomimicry—companies the way nature intended.
Synopsis
Nature has already shown us the way to solve many human problems, from deciphering simple engineering puzzles to unlocking the mysteries of flight. In The Nature of Business, Giles Hutchins makes a compelling case for applying the same principles of biomimicry to the development of a new business paradigm. He demonstrates clearly how behaviors and organizations found in nature can be applied to help companies flourish in chaotic and uncertain times.
Eclipsing current approaches to responsible and green business, Hutchins' focus is on the emergence of new ways of operating and creating value in an increasingly volatile and interconnected world. He presents the challenges to the prevailing "business as usual" model, explains the pressing need for transformational change, and reveals the concepts and mindsets necessary to inspire the businesses of tomorrow, including:
- Resilience
- Optimization and adaptation
- Systems integration
- Values-based navigation and life-building activities
Showcasing the pioneers of the new paradigm through a multitude of examples and case studies, The Nature of Business presents the tools and techniques required to effect the transformation to an organization fit for purpose, fit for the future, and inspired by nature.
Giles Hutchins is a management consultant who guides businesses and organizations through the process of redesigning for resilience in challenging times. He is the co-founder of BCI: Biomimicry for Creative Innovation.
About the Author
Giles Hutchins is a management consultant who guides business and organizations through the process of redesigning for resilience in challenging times. Drawing on a range of theories and practices such as biomimicry, cradle-to-cradle design and industrial ecology, he develops solutions which take inspiration from nature to create sustainable business transformation. He is the co-founder of BCI: Biomimicry for Creative Innovation, formerly the Global Director and Head of Sustainability Solutions for Atos International, and a highly sought after speaker on the subject of sustainable business practices.