Killing It

January 1, 2017

O'Loughlin (cofounder, Plum Organics; former executive director, Ctr. for Entrepreneurial Studies, Stanford Graduate Sch. of Business) shares her experiences and expertise as an entrepreneur. This book is divided into two parts: "Getting Ready--What You Really Need To Know" and "Doing the Work." The first section includes chapters on how to balance running a business with one's personal life--how it impacts marriage, family, and friendships. O'Loughlin also addresses working effectively with partners and coworkers. She candidly addresses the "dark side" of entrepreneurship that she experienced, including anorexia, issues in family life (hardships as a result of time spent away from family), and negative comments she experienced from friends. In the second part, O'Loughlin discusses the nitty gritty of starting and running a business and how to know when to walk away from an entrepreneurial venture. She also covers elements of entrepreneurship such as risks, financing and obtaining start-up funds, effective decision making, and dealing with stress. VERDICT A thought-provoking and honest work by a successful entrepreneur with insights into the realities and issues of starting and running a business. Highly recommended.--Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Queens, NY

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2016
Business school prepares you for business, not your personal life. This book prepares readers to live a fulfilling life while creating a business from the ground up. O'Loughlin, former CEO of Clif Bar and cofounder of Plum Organics, uses personal insights to let readers see first-hand why investing in yourself is key to your success. Having worked through a serious eating disorder and near bankruptcy during her pursuits, she understands the personal and professional stresses of building a business. Her advice tackles the soft side of a start-up, such as preparing your significant other and your family for your business venture, maintaining supportive friendships, knowing when to walk away. Sprinkled throughout are self-awareness tips, such as recognizing your risk tolerance and the types of people who will challenge or define it. She also details the makeup of entrepreneurs (e.g., compulsive but with a strong sense of completion, anxious, hypomanic) revealed by scientific studies. In explaining this background and the risks of tunnel vision, O'Loughlin advises focusing on awareness and emotional well-being rather than success and money. Ultimately, you are your most valuable resource, and her keen insights here culminate in a blueprint for a self-preserving path to success.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)