Peak

How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow

By: Chip Conley

Narrated by: Chip Conley

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

After a long climb to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry, Chip Conley - CEO and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality - was rocked to his foundation by a dramatic economic downturn. His company was suddenly undercapitalized and overexposed in the post-dot.com, post 9/11 economy. This desperate situation made Conley reaffirm his belief in psychologist Abraham Maslow's iconic concept of the Hierarchy of Needs and rely on Maslow's theory of human motivation to help his business flourish once more.

In Peak, Conley explores how Joie de Vivre - the second largest boutique hotelier in the world � overcame the storm that hit the travel industry by applying translations of Maslow's ideas to his company's winning business practices. Part memoir, part theory, and always practical, accessible, and engaging, Peak offers a behind-the-scenes look at Joe de Vivre's remarkable transformation.

Throughout this audiobook, Conley provides real-world examples from other companies including Google, Whole Foods Market, Harley-Davidson, and Southwest Airlines, and shows how anyone can bring similar changes to their own work and personal lives. Peak reveals the miracle of human potential and shows what can happen when employees live up to their full potential, customers are completely transformed by the experience they receive, and investors are fulfilled by leveraging the potential of their capital.

©2007 Chip Conley (P)2008 Gildan Media Corp

Aggregation of knowledge

Mr. Conley has basically aggregated the knowledge of a large number of business authors into one strategy for the hospitality industry which is difficult to apply to some business sectors. Unfortunately, it appears as though he has since changed his entire business plan to more match those competitors from whom he originally differentiated himself. Thus, the book often feels like a study in idealism versus hypocrisy. To top that off, Mr. Conley himself reads the book without much enthusiasm or fortitude, leaving the performance somewhat flat compared to professional voices and leaving room for doubt in what often comes across as a faith based proposal.
For the most part, the references in the book, which is heavily footnoted, are valuable. They make up the primary reason to recommend this listen.

Buy the hard copy

As noted in other reviews, this is basically Chip's spin on many other business writers' works as they relate to his business. I found it interesting and helpful, but the highlight was adding some new books to my "I've got to read that" list. As such, a hard copy of the book with it's footnotes would be helpful.

Another reason to get a hard copy instead of an audio book is that The author's narration is pretty bad. It is almost unlistenable at times. It's as if he's reading the words for the first time.

Incredibly insightful

Peak helped me reframe both my company and my personal life using Maslow’s hierarchy and the effect have been astoundingly clarifying. Very much enjoyed all aspects and in particular Chip’s approach to building his culture, his team and his company.

Must read for all entrepreneur's

Maslos hierarchy is a best practice method for life and business. Chip summed it up beautifully.

on par with Sinek

excellent read! it was simple and inspiring. lots of parallels with Simon Sinek's Start With Why.

Some Good Stuff But Poorly Read

I've listened to many books now on audible and have found that on the 2 occasions that the book was read by the author I've ended up being very disappointed on the delivery. Even though there was some good stuff here the reader distracted me away from content. I found myself being relieved when the book was over.

Terrible book, only value is in quote collected

This is a terrible book. the author quotes many entrepreneurs. The quotes are the total value of the book. The actual authors contributions are meaningless and illogical.

Valuable Book

A great read with some really valuable insights. He has synthesised many of Maslow's principles in a way that's approachable and very helpful.

excellent review of Maslows work

for those who only read Maslow in MBA program, Conroy really brings it home in greater detail and context.

Amazing book...great insights

I highly recommend Chip's book. Great way to tell a story and weave in very insightful and wise psychologically proven methodologies that are the basis of human behavior and emotion... I was very pleasantly surprised a little into the book, I think you will be too. Enjoy...

The Maslow connection makes so much make sense

Chip Conley has certianly got plenty of scar tissue from the many ups and downs he's faced. I found his explanation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs shed light on so many issues companies and people face in dealing with customers, staff, prospects, shareholders and themselves.

Informative, packed full of examples form real world situations he's had to face, and how he applied Maslow's theories to help him through the tough times and how it helped him get the best out of his engaged and happy people. Worthy reading for anyone in business and particularly for business leaders who may lack a clear set of skills to handle the variety of personalities and situations people create that can quickly blow up in your face.

If you'\re good with people the content will help you better understand them and why they behave in the way that they do.

Dreadful delivery

This may be a book with good content but the delivery of that content is dreadful! This is amazing as it is narrated by the author, he sounds like he is totally bored and reading from a script. If I could get a refund I would as this is the worst title I have ever listened to and I cannot get any value from it. Probably great if you want to fall asleep but don't expect to learn much as that is what will happen