AVAILABLE ON AMAZON AND IN ALL GOOD BOOK STORES

Release Date UK: 30th March 2023

Release Date US: 18th July 2023

Also available as an e-Book and Audio Book

PRE-ORDER NOW on amazon.co.uk

Proudly published by Nicholas Brealey Publishing, Part of the Hachette Group

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The next shock will come

Whether you run a business, lead a team or have people who depend on you, in today’s uncertain and increasingly unstable world you want to be ready to respond effectively.

Recent history has proven that an unexpected crisis has the potential to turn our world upside down without warning. Things can get bad, but there is always a way through.

From one of the most widely quoted creative industry leaders, The Flexible Method is a tried and tested approach to preparing for and leading through crisis.  

Drawing on hard-won lessons from past crises and offering real world solutions, this book will help you to build a plan you can lean on in challenging times ahead. With 16 concise lessons on taking care of your team, your finances and yourself, this is a guide to emerging from disasters stronger and fitter. 

Act now to look after your people, lead your team and outstrip your industry when crisis hits.

How to survive and thrive

James Burstall

CEO

James Burstall is CEO of Argonon, an award-winning world leading independent television production company. By adopting The Flexible Method, Argonon emerged from Covid-19 with only a single figure fall in revenue and an increased headcount, in an industry which was devastated. Burstall studied at Stanford Graduate School and regularly speaks at Said Business School.

Endorsements

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Gloria Hunniford OBE Endorsement
Dorothy Byrne Endoresment
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Tony Kitous

Tony Kitous, Founder, Comptoir Libanais Group Plc

I simply love this book. It prepares you for the worst crisis and helps you get through it leaner and stronger. This book is like a business bible. Usually, founders/CEOs are either very creative or amazing at growing a business. It is rare when someone is excellent at both. James is one of the rare.
Thomas Dey

Thomas Dey, President and Chief Executive Officer, ACF Investment Bank

James’s commitment to growing his business, the Argonon group, his bravery, commitment, and dedication to the content space, will make this book a must-read for anyone wishing to follow in his steps.
Stuart Chatterton

Stuart Chatterton, Safeguarding Manager, Capital City College Group

Unpredictable futures call for unshakeable truths. I found in The Flexible Method an insightful, confident, bold and refreshingly articulate affirmation of leadership values that get out from behind the desk and into the lived reality of a crisis. Put simply, this is what works, so do this!
Steve Arikian

Steve Arikian, former Chairman and CEO, Genesis Research

James Burstall has created an exceptional guide to preparing, managing and leading through crises to get to the best possible result. The Flexible Method moved me with its practical, personal insights and examples that teach in an impactful and memorable way. It is essential reading for leaders across all industries.
Seth G. Sherman

Seth G. Sherman, Co-President, Parabolic Content, LLC

We’re not prepared. But the good news is, we can be. Thankfully, James Burstall, CEO of entertainment powerhouse Argonon, has created something unique: a business book that is filled with specific actions we can take today to protect and grow our business.
Sarah Shields

Sarah Shields, founder, Thrive Executive Search

Post-Covid leadership is no longer about driving profit for shareholders, against all odds. Now, more than ever before, the global workforce is gravitating toward purpose-driven businesses run by enlightened leaders who truly live by their values. James Burstall shares vital insights and practical techniques that will inspire leaders from all sectors, based on real-life experience, against a backdrop of entertaining stories from the world of television production, and more. The Flexible Method is essential reading for all CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Robert Neill

Robert Neill, international lawyer, Herbert Smith Freehills

The book is just what is needed now, as we emerge from one tsunami and face at least two more on the horizon. Those responsible for risk planning will find it a very useful tool not only to re-evaluate their own plans but also possibly to refocus them, adopting the flexible principles. A great read.
Richard Louis

Richard Louis, CEO, FitSpace Gyms

James Burstall’s The Flexible Method provides readers with a well-organized toolbox containing a coherent set of guidelines and actions for managing crises. As an owner of a small business, I found that the many real-life examples aptly illustrate how the Flexible Method principles can apply to one’s business regardless of its size.
Renee Hauch

Renee Hauch, principal at JM Search

James has a solutions-based mindset, embraces change, and knows it’s critical to growth and success. And he feels that healthy people equal a healthy company. He’s always been a forward-thinking executive and I can’t think of a better person to write this book in today’s climate, since he has been living the Flexible Method for years.
Professor Lalit Johri

Professor Lalit Johri, Senior Fellow in International Business, University of Oxford

The Flexible Method is a first-of-its-kind book that offers leadership lessons for thriving in our crises-ridden world! Award-winning CEO and author of this book, James Burstall, along with his team, has demonstrated resilience and agility in steering a group of business organizations through unprecedented emergencies during recent times. This masterpiece of writing is a must-read for mastering the art and science of leading in a disruptive world.
Professor Doctor Esra Ekmekçi

Professor Doctor Esra Ekmekçi, Professor of Law, University of Istanbul, and Founder, Dream Factory

The Flexible Method reflects the brilliant abilities and multicultural life philosophy of James Burstall, which can be summed up in a powerful motto: ‘Dare! Care! Share!’ Following the steps laid out in this book will be highly effective for readers to maximize success in business as well as in their personal lives.
Professor Alex Connock

Professor Alex Connock, Senior Fellow, Said Business School, Oxford University

James Burstall is both a major league content creator in his own right, plus a successful transatlantic business founder in one of the hardest industries to consistently conquer: TV. He has done this through a combination of great ideas, talent management and empathy. The Flexible Method describes his approach in helpful and well-illustrated detail. It is therefore invaluable for anyone looking to build a business, whether in media or any other industry.
Pinky Lilani CBE

Pinky Lilani CBE, founder, Women of the Future Network

James was listed in ‘Kindness & Leadership 50 Leading Lights 2021’ because he has demonstrated over many years his ability to lead an ambitious, creative business whilst holding onto the core values of empathy, diversity and inclusion. In this book, we see that these values are a key driver to success in the midst of a crisis. It is an invaluable tool for business leaders from all backgrounds.
Paul Jaques

Paul Jaques, Lieutenant General, British Army

This book is of relevance to anyone in a leadership role who wants to understand what it takes to lead a team successfully through challenge and enable an organization to survive and then thrive. It captures the essence and skills of good and practical leadership in a manner that makes one reflect on how you can be a better leader.
Paul Boross

Paul Boross, speaker, author and host of The Humourology Podcast

The Flexible Method is a fantastic look into how resilience can help you through the hardest of times. Overflowing with terrific tips and tricks to help you come out on top, is both incredibly useful and filled with fun.
Nigel Marsh

Nigel Marsh, author, Fat, Forty and Fired; founder of Sydney Skinny; former CEO of Leo Burnett Advertising

In the ocean of same-same business books out there, James’s unique experience, and voice, make this a stand-out fabulous read.
Nathalie Wogue

Nathalie Wogue, Wogue Entertainment

If this challenging world is teaching us anything, it’s to try to find ‘nuances’ in our decisions. The Flexible Method is about those nuances James Burstall gathered in his rich experience: they help us find the creativity to constantly adapt and take the necessary risks, while also taking care of people. It’s about giving both our company and our team a better chance to thrive in a healthy way.
Miles Jarvis

Miles Jarvis, Managing Director, Phoenix Television

Establishing, growing, and steering a successful business of scale through multiple crises not only demonstrates James’ smart business acumen but reveals the wisdom of a first-class leader.
Mathias Dosne

Mathias Dosne, CEO Nautilus Food Group

James Burstall is a true humanist who knows how to put all the inexhaustible qualities and hidden strengths of a team at the service of business. James understands that a company is first and foremost a human collective that alone provides the adaptability and flexibility needed to turn adversity into strength.
Lucy Pilkington

Lucy Pilkington, Managing Director, Milk and Honey Productions

James is a trailblazing and dynamic leading light in the independent television sector. He was one of the first CEOs in the business who understood how to formalize diversity and hardwire it into his business. As a result, he showed the sector just how commercially successful as well as culturally rewarding recruiting and developing a diverse workforce is. And beyond that he understands the value of having a healthy work culture in an industry not always known for this. I can’t think of anyone better placed to write about leadership.
Kevin Maguire

Kevin Maguire, Daily Mirror And New Statesman

Great leaders share their secrets and James Burstall reveals all. Cataclysms are unpre- dictable, but surviving them in the future shouldn’t be.
katy-thorogood

Katy Thorogood, Chief Creative Officer, True North Productions

James Burstall is a natural storyteller and, boy, has he got a great story to tell. Written with wit and warmth, The Flexible Method is full of revealing anecdotes to illustrate that even the most catastrophic change brings opportunity if you face it with the right attitude.
John McVay OBE

John McVay OBE, Chief Executive, PACT, Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television

Forged in the competitive and demanding world of TV production, James Burstall has emerged as one of the most astute, dynamic and creative leaders in the industry. His experience, coupled with a deep connection with his people, has produced a book of merit and insight.
James Ryeland FICS

James Ryeland FICS, Managing Director, George Hammond Marine Ltd

James shares his creative use of ‘the Flexible Method’ within his global business in this inspiring book. Equally appropriate to large international corporations through to small family-owned enterprises, his ‘Flexible Method’ offers a constructive checklist to consider. No wonder the Argonon Group is prospering!
Gloria Hunniford OBE

Gloria Hunniford OBE, Television And Radio Presenter

James Burstall is a thoughtful, constructive and strategic leader and in this book there is a rich series of insights. Leaders from every industry will find this an invaluable tool. I thoroughly recommend it.
Giles Watkins

Giles Watkins, author of Positive Sleep, former MD Shell, Asia Pacific

In The Flexible Method James Burstall illustrates compellingly and eloquently how the ‘up-set’ can truly lead to the ‘set-up’ for growth through harnessing the right blend of culture, resources and attitude. An eminently readable ‘must-read’.
Edward McDonnell

Edward McDonnell, award-winning producer, Sicario, Robin Hood, Eagle Eye

The Flexible Method is a tool we all can use to prepare for the inevitable … a crisis that needs quick and thoughtful management. A book that shows us what we thought we knew but didn’t and how to correct course before the disaster strikes.
Dr Andrew White

Dr Andrew White, Director of the Advanced, Management and Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

This is a timely and important book for all types of leaders. James has brought deep wisdom from his own experience and a diverse set of leaders to think about the crises of our times. It is a critical tool kit for leaders who plan to thrive through these times and seize the opportunities that are inherent within them.
Dorothy Byrne

Dorothy Byrne, President, Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge; Former Head of News and Current Affairs, Channel 4

Burstall’s most important message will surprise some: to protect your revenues, you need to hold onto your values and put your people first. James Burstall is preparing for the next global disaster now. We would all be wise to do the same.
Donna Suarez

Donna Suarez, Publisher, Celebrity Magazine

This is a cracking read for anybody leading a team or running a business. James is a smart, kind and humble business leader and his insights are invaluable. I shall be keep- ing this book to hand as it will be a useful tool for the future.
Dermot Murnghan

Dermot Murnaghan, Award-winning host, Sky News Tonight

Deciphering the code and distilling its essence is where James Burstall has excelled here. His curiosity and interrogative skills unlock many insights into the acquisition and application of leadership skills – a revealing and uplifting work.
David Hudson MBE

David Hudson MBE, military and business leadership coach and mentor

Publilius Syrus said, ‘Anyone can take the tiller when the sea is calm.’ James’s experiences and research identify the essential qualities and functions of an inspirational leader that will ensure organizational resilience in any crisis.
Chris Curtis

Chris Curtis, Editor, Broadcast

James Burstall is one of the British TV sector’s outstanding entrepreneurs, building a successful and truly independent production business during a period of both huge opportunity and unprecedented challenges. Argonon has married organic growth with clever acquisitions and James has navigated its growth for more than a decade.
Chantal Rickards

Chantal Rickards, former Chair BAFTA

Jam-packed with brilliant ideas on how to cope with a catastrophe, both professionally and personally, this book should be read by everyone running a business today. The easy-to-read, practical takeaways on his flexible approach to business management are top-class.
Chantal Rickards

Chantal Rickards, Former Chair Bafta LA

Jam-packed with brilliant ideas on how to cope with a catastrophe, both professionally and personally.
Caroline Norbury

Caroline Norbury, OBE, Chief Executive, Creative UK

James Burstall’s story demonstrates that unlocking our creativity, doggedly pursuing purpose and protecting your core values, especially at times of crisis, is the key to flexible, mission-orientated leadership.
Bill Brand

Bill Brand, actor, writer and leadership consultant

When pandemic pandemonium erupted in 2019, for many panic ensued, followed in short order by paralysis and despair. Not James Burstall. After a deep breath and short period of reflection, he swung into action, armed with a powerful strategy developed during the 2008 financial crisis. Using this ‘Flexible Method’, his company not only became the first TV company to return to filming but took care its people thrived. This hands-on, how-to book shows exactly how James and his team did that, with profound and actionable lessons for us all.
Ade Rawcliffe

Ade Rawcliffe, Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion, ITV Global Networks

Struggling to keep your head and make good decisions in the unpredictable world of modern leadership, where the only certainty is further uncertainty, then The Flexible Method is for you. James shares his insights of running innovative creative companies, and this book shows that you don’t need to compromise your core values in times of crisis, rather you need to hang onto them even more firmly.

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I thought you might enjoy this video, which I recorded back in January 2022 in LA as a first pitch to publishers.

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