Penguin Group (USA) has just launched its own online network called “From The Publisher’s Office.” The goal is to develop lots of original and unique content — video, audio, text and more. Among the nine series now on the Penguin website are “Project Paranormal” (for vampire fans), “Penguin Storytime” (for parents of young kids), “Penguin Classics on Air,” and “A Cup of Poetry.”
Portfolio is playing a role in this project with a new audio series called Penguin Business Thought Leaders. It features interviews with some of Portfolio’s most interesting and thought-provoking authors, as well as those from other Penguin Group imprints.
Our goal is to give listeners fresh perspectives and provocative advice that they can start using at work, in their career planning, and in dealing with their personal finances.
In this age of shrinking mainstream media, we believe this new “narrowcasting” venue will give authors a chance to be heard by people who truly care about provocative business ideas… listeners who will help spread word of mouth via email, blogs, and social networks.
Our first episode — “Secrets Of Great Small Businesses” — features interviews with two experts on small business success and a reading from a classic book. First we hear from veteran retail consultant George Whalin, author of Retail Superstars: Inside The 25 Best Independent Stores In America. Then we share an excerpt from Small Giants: Companies That Choose To Be Great Instead of Big, by Bo Burlingham. We conclude by talking with Tom Szaky, the 27 year old founder and CEO of TerraCycle and author of Revolution In A Bottle: How TerraCycle is Redefining Green Business.
Our second episode — “Career Advice From Unique Perspectives” — features interviews with two popular bloggers who have contrarian views on how we should manage our careers, as well as a reading from another classic. First we hear insights from Pamela Slim, the author of Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner To Thriving Entrepreneur. Then we share an excerpt from The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (And When To Stick) by Seth Godin. We conclude by talking with Hugh MacLeod, the pundit and cartoonist behind gapingvoid.com, and the author of Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys To Creativity.
Looking ahead to future months, we’ll be talking to experts on leading in tough times, resolving workplace conflict, marketing, investing, and social media.
Kudos to all the busy Portfolio staffers who’ve put in extra time to work on the show — especially editor David Moldawer, our tireless interviewer / producer / engineer, and associate editor Courtney Young, who brought in her cello (on the subway from Brooklyn!) to record some background music.
And thank YOU for checking out Penguin Business Thought Leaders and, hopefully, spreading the word.
Will Weisser
Vice President & Associate Publisher, Portfolio
will.weisser@us.penguingroup.com
212-366-2613
PS – to read the full Penguin Group announcement about “From the Publisher’s Office” please click HERE.
