Radical Simplicity: How Simplicity Transformed a Loss-making Mega Brand into a World-class Performer

by Ken Allen

Overview

The key to rising to the top of your company lies in a simple message and philosophy.

The ultimate inspirational story for ambitious innovators, market-disruptors, and global business entrepreneurs.

Celebrating DHL’s fiftieth anniversary as a world-leading delivery company, global CEO Ken Allen tells the unique story of his journey to the top of the industry. In this business memoir, he shares the strategies and skills he has developed throughout his career, drawing on both his core values and extensive experience.

This book is an inimitable guide to succeeding in any business, focusing on strategy and practical advice while revealing the simple lessons you need to learn to excel in life and work. It is an accessible read for entrepreneurs and managers at any stage of their career, packed with motivational material and no-nonsense tips.

This simple and honest book is a must-have for anyone looking to reach the top of their field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529104721
Publisher:	Penguin Random House UK
Publication date:	05/01/2020
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.38(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Ken Allen is the CEO of DHL – the world’s largest employer and most international company, with operations in 220 countries and territories.

Ken is a no-nonsense, miner’s son from Yorkshire, credited with DHL’s astounding financial turnaround after years of stagnation and loss.

When he isn’t running the show as global CEO, he is travelling around the world, sharing the secret to his success. He has rung the bell on Wall Street, shaken hands with the pope, consulted with the Prime Minister of France, and even met the Rolling Stones.

Table of Contents

Preface: DHL, The Mature Disruptor ix

Introducing the DHL Turnaround xiii

Introduction: Simplicity, The Forgotten Discipline 1

Chapter 1 A Yorkshireman's Guide to Strategy 3

Chapter 2 It's Not About Who's Right 10

Chapter 3 A Simple History of DHL 23

Chapter 4 Call the Troubles hooter 33

Chapter 5 Always be Open to Destiny 41

Chapter 6 Business is a Contact Sport 48

Chapter 7 Creating the Original Local Global Company 61

Chapter 8 Time for Radical Simplicity 72

Chapter 9 Constructing the Four Pillars 81

Chapter 10 The World's Most Global Employee Engagement Programme … Ever 97

Chapter 11 Becoming World Class 116

Chapter 12 The Best in the World for the Future 127

Chapter 13 The Simplicity of Happiness 138

Chapter 14 How to Deliver a Package 146

Chapter 15 Reflections of a Mature Disruptor 154

Chapter 16 A Simple Finale 164

Afterword: The World at its Best 167

Appendix 1 A 50-Year Timeline of DHL 171

Appendix 2 The Simple Power of Partnerships 177

Appendix 3 The Score Card 185

Appendix 4 Global Cargo Carriers 187

Appendix 5 The Dream Team Beside Me 189

Endnotes 195

Index 199

Acknowledgements 207