Common Sense Wisdom

By: Pepper de Callier

Narrated by: Pepper de Callier

Length: 1 hr and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Common Sense Wisdom is a short book with a big message about life and the important transitions, challenges, and changes planned or unplanned that we all must face from time to time. It is at moments like these that some common sense wisdom can help us understand what is happening or should happen, why it's happening or why it should, how we should respond to it or initiate it, and how we can best apply the insights and lessons from those who have been there and done that to our own lives.

Drawing upon his own life experiences and more than 30 years as an advisor and coach to executives, government officials, and people from all walks of life from Asia, to Europe, and the United States, Pepper shares the insights from these people in a way that will cause you to think about your life and career as never before.

Common Sense Wisdom blends, in a unique way, quotes from ancient philosophers to modern-day business executives, sports figures, and thought leaders from Buddha to Baltasar Gracian and Goethe, to Winston Churchill, Mary Pickford, Oscar Wilde, Wayne Gretzky, and Margaret Thatcher to Walt Disney and Vaclav Havel, and applies them to life in the 21st century, a time when act or be acted upon takes on a whole new meaning about one's life.

The goal of Common Sense Wisdom is to give listeners the tools, understanding, and motivation to become their own career or life coaches and to lead themselves, and those around them, through life's challenges, setbacks, and successes. Common Sense Wisdom offers critical insights into life that will help people find their own true north as they chart the course for their own journeys.

©2010 J.M. Pepper de Callier (P)2016 J.M. Pepper de Callier

Truly indispensable self-leadership coaching!

Would you consider the audio edition of Common Sense Wisdom to be better than the print version?

“Must own” dynamics are in both the audio and printed versions of this book. Pepper’s narration permeated with tone importance, though the printed copy accurately became my pocket reference. We all profess to have common sense, however after experiencing the aptly named, Common Sense Wisdom, new light was given to generate essential self-leadership refinement for success.

What other book might you compare Common Sense Wisdom to and why?

No are no other comparisons. This powerful, easy to read, thought and action provoking little book provides simplistic, effective life changing guidance and wisdom.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Common Sense Wisdom is not just a book…it is a transforming experience for your life and career.

Any additional comments?

Whether you have just graduated from college or a well seasoned professional looking for leadership/executive coaching...this is experience is a necessity. I highly recommend without any hesitation.

As good as it gets for career and life advice

Would you consider the audio edition of Common Sense Wisdom to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. The print version is very good but in the audio book Mr. de Callier does an excellent job of "talking" directly to the listener. His clear, no nonsense style of writing translates extremely well to audio. His spoken words are very convincing. And actionable.

What other book might you compare Common Sense Wisdom to and why?

There are many career and life coaching books on the shelves. Many of them are very involved and hard to get through. This is a slim book and you can listen to it all in the time it takes to commute to work. The first time anyhow because you'll find yourself coming back to it many times. It's more like a meeting with a mentor than a book.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think I like the part about checking the expiration date on your carton (of milk) the best. He's referring to the need to be competitive in business and thus continue to refresh your skills or learn new ones throughout your career. Some knowledge "expires". I also like the chapter On attitude - that it can be more important than specific skills.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Life is a journey, not a destination".

Any additional comments?

I liked this book when I originally read it because Pepper de Callier did not waste my time. He managed to distill years of career and life coaching into a handful of pithy, targeted chapters with suggestions and insights which somehow spoke to me directly. Now Mr. de Callier has recorded his book and it’s even better. Because it’s as if he’s perched on the edge of your desk or sipping a glass of wine in your living room. Talking only to you. And talking with the kind of confident, comforting voice which says, “you’ll be OK. I know you can cope with change. Or lead it. I know you can develop the discipline and positive attitude you need to move ahead in your career. I KNOW you can do it – with a few suggestions from me.”The book is called “Common Sense Wisdom”. And that’s exactly what it is. No high flying, convoluted language, just actionable words and concepts we can all understand and recognize. And apply. To our work and our lives.In his introduction, Mr. Callier says this is not meant to be a book read once – and put on the virtual shelf. And he’s right. Listen to it once, then again and again when you hit those inevitable bumps in the road. The “use by” date won’t expire. And that confident, comforting voice in your ear will help you find your way again and again

A treasure trove

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself. Pepper's book is a precious guide in the journey. Inspirational. Educational. Above all, meaningful.

Both meditative and action-enabling experience

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, that is - if the friend was willing to stop and listen! I see the substantial value of this book in bringing together the wealth of thoughts and wisdom of the great minds in history of man and present them in a structured and sensitive manner. Together with the author's own experience and judgement, it creates a mentoring guidebook not only for leaders but to anyone who is open to learn and advance in his career or life in general.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator, of course :-)

What about Pepper de Callier’s performance did you like?

I have had the unique chance to meet Pepper in person and had the luxury of having him as my mentor for the course of one year. What struck me in his performance on the audio was the authenticity - he is the same in person, as he is in his book or in presenting it. I have heard the same questions in the same tone of voice as when I was sitting in a chair across from him in his cozy and elegant office in Mala Strana, Prague.
I could not imagine anyone else narrating it better. His voice is comforting, yet serious.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think - and think again.

Any additional comments?

Thank you, Pepper.

This book will guide you thru change in your life

Would you listen to Common Sense Wisdom again? Why?

I listen to Common Sence Wisdom already many times, and I guess I will continue to do it. Why? Because the common sense wisdom is something we are often missing. Especially in today fast and wicked times. What's more, Pepper recorded his book personally so that you will hear all the inspiration and smart words with 100% authenticity.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This book is not a novel, so you will not find your favorite character. It's more like a smart puzzle with fragments of witty points and your own stories will unfold automatically in your head once you dive into it.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is not a long book. But Pepper cover all the relevant topics such as a lifelong Interest, attitude, common sense, serendipity, discipline, timing, action. I discover a piece of golden nugget in each of those sections, and I believe that everyone who goes thru a change in life can find it as a useful guidebook as well.

Small book with a lot of power

Would you listen to Common Sense Wisdom again? Why?

I have already listened to it twice and it is certainly not the last time. Like every flower in a beautiful garden has its place, every word in this book has a meaning. Every time you listen to it, something new pops up. There is a new "aha" moment you discover whenever you come back to listen to Pepper's wisdom.

What other book might you compare Common Sense Wisdom to and why?

I do not want to compare it to other books. It has given me an original experience and sparked curiosity about other Pepper's books.

What about Pepper de Callier’s performance did you like?

I am very privileged to know Pepper personally and this audio book is such a wonderful way of listening to Pepper's wisdom - almost like sitting next to him in a nice coffee shop in Prague enjoying his thoughts.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I always did.

Any additional comments?

This book is a journey. You can stop and come back anytime. The more you come back, the more gems you discover for your own journey in life. Thank you Pepper :-)