DARE TO DISRUPT

A guide to transforming a business (and possibly entire industries) via disruption.

Keegan, a successful capital fundraiser, author, and podcast host who has sold a number of his own businesses, here teaches readers how to disrupt an industry or transform a business; the prerequisite, per the author, is learning to be a fearless leader. “To truly disrupt, you must channel your courageous self and instill that same level of courage in others,” Keegan writes. “And to do that, you must have true faith in yourself and your team, and they in turn must have that same faith in you.” Keegan takes readers through a thorough and engaging breakdown of his “eight pillars for transformational growth,” which include leadership, culture, people, systems, intelligence, emotional intelligence, flexibility, and fearlessness. The book begins with a concise description of what constitutes disruption (think of Amazon changing the way we shop or Google Maps changing the way we get driving directions) and proceeds to explore successful examples—and even some failures, such as Bed Bath & Beyond. A look at Lego and how it has evolved and changed over the years is particularly compelling, as is a discussion of Keegan’s own Merchants Fleet, which he led through transformations as chairman, CEO, and president. The bulk of the book takes deep dives into the author’s eight pillars, which aren’t anything new; plenty of books have been built around these concepts. What distinguishes this work is how engagingly and practically the author presents these ideas. It’s a near-perfect mix of Keegan’s considerable real-life experience (relevant and entertaining anecdotes are sprinkled throughout) and business theories that should work for anyone aspiring to become a stronger leader. The text is nicely paced and progresses logically, ending with four lessons the author learned while leading Merchants’ transformation: Use the author’s pillars framework, value your employees, expect short-term pain for long-term gain, and be daring. Here, Keegan serves up guidelines to do all of this successfully.

A practical and well-considered road map to success through innovation.