David Abbott

Founder, Abbott Mead Vickers

‘Dear Robert, your book arrived 40 years too late for me to benefit from its wisdom. I shall keep it on my ‘what might have been’ shelf. It’s a splendid achievement.’

 

Jim Hytner

Commercial Director, Barclays

‘I thought the book was fab. Especially its simplicity and non bullshitness. And its size. I read it at work in one sitting. Not many business books are read from cover to cover because they're too big and too dull. Eating The Big Fish and yours are the exception.’

 

Robert Mansfield

CEO, Neuropharm plc

‘The style demonstrates just how good you are at identifying the core issues and focusing the discussion in on them. I wish every book I read put the key messages over as clearly and succinctly as you do.’

 

Dave Trott

Creative Director, CST

‘… it’s very readable. And it’s so well put together: the art direction, the illustrations, the typography. All very nicely done, you must be very pleased. Well done.’

 

Hamish Pringle

Director General, IPA

‘Many congratulations on your achievement. I started it whilst waiting for a plane at Heathrow last Friday and had finished it by the time I landed in Dublin. That speaks volumes for the narrative drive that came from your autobiographical approach, and its visual presentation, which I thought was excellent. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. In particular, I loved your notion of making sure people “have a vision of the cathedral whilst they mix the cement”, and your candour on page 109 was admirable.’

 

Gary Keogh

Global Brand Manager, Glenfiddich

‘The book is awesome - practical, autobiographical, credible & fun - a great experience that's enhanced your reputation & gives great insight in to the culture of your approach.’

 

James Morrison

Product Manager, 1 Series, BMW

‘I read it in one sitting! The BMW section is fascinating and I am sure will be of interest to all who work here. I have already started passing it around my colleagues. All the best of luck with it.’

 

Ben Tuxworth

Director, Forum for the Future

‘Robert, I'm 2/3 of the way through 9.5 rules and loving it.

You wear your authority so lightly it's like drinking magic soup – highly quaffable, and has slipped down before you realise how incredibly nourishing it is. And I usually hate management books.’

 

John Wringe

CEO, Marketects

‘Love it, Love it , Love it!!! Sat down and read it in one sitting yesterday. It is witty, intelligent, informed, ingenious, engaging, crafted and so well written. And beautifully illustrated and put together. A superb business framework and 'manifesto'. I can't imagine a CEO that wouldn't want a bit of this once read!’

 

Eugene Hughes

Founder, People Brands

‘Just to say I can’t stop dipping into your book. It’s a gem.’

 

Andy Hobsbawm

Chairman, Europe, Agency.com

‘Robert - your book is a cracking read. I mean really! I started it and got half way through before I realised I really should get some sleep. Very well written, observed, very engaging layout & graphics - it's basically a great story. I was very impressed - well done!’

 

Simon Jacot

CEO, City Championships

‘Just read your book – in one sitting. Really, really good. You have delivered brilliantly in every aspect. I’m looking forward to reading it again with pen and paper and using it as a check on what I do and how I think.’

 

Hugh Bishop

Chairman, Meteorite

‘The book is marvellous. Already deeply into it, it will sit with my Paul Arden books in a special place, sadly unsigned. I’m sure we can remedy that at a future event – thank you.’

 

Sir Nicholas Lloyd

Brown Lloyd James

‘I read it and I enjoyed it. It has certainly made me begin to re-evaluate the advice I give others. And it's full of great anecdotes. Well done!’

 

Lawrie Haynes

President, Nuclear, Rolls-Royce plc

‘Really enjoyed your book! Well done, and thanks. It’s a triumph.’

 

Oliver Bolitho

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC, Hong Kong

‘I just finished reading it on a flight from HK to Singapore and will definitely pass it to our Marketing team. Well done.’

 

Mark Cranmer

CEO, Isobar

‘The book is charming and useful. I've read it all. Beautifully told. Lovely art direction. Well done.’

 

Paul Weiland

Film & TV Director

‘Have just finished your book and really enjoyed the journey. The tone and your voice came through loud and clear. I do hope more Clients take a leaf from it and invest in tomorrow not just today. Everything now seems geared to stack ‘em high and sell ‘em at a loss. Your book comes as a White Knight at the right time. Good luck with it.’

 

William Kendall

Entrepreneur & Environmentalist

‘I got it, read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. For one who spends much of their life talking about related topics, your book

was a timely opportunity to think about them with a broader perspective.’

 

Alan Brydon

Head of Press, MPG Media

‘May I say what a great read it is - unsurprisingly, but the whole thing was interesting, enjoyable, and really easy to read in style. You should be very proud indeed.’

 

Nick

Managing Director, Anon

‘Congratulations on the book! I devoured most of it on the day I got it. There are some great examples and quotes to steal. What is has done is make me all the more determined to get out of the career cul-de-sac in which I find myself… Apologies for the cynical off-loading (again!), but I just want a decent crack at becoming what you call a "great human being".’

 

Kate Hampson

Sacla', UK

‘I’ve just started reading your book and it’s brilliant. I wish I had had it during my degree.’

 

David Whethey

Chairman, Agency Assessments

‘I'm seriously impressed. Not least the presentation and art direction.’

 

Don Elgie

CEO, Creston plc

‘A major undertaking!’

 

Hugo Eyre-Varnier

Director, Huge PR

‘I came away feeling somewhat inspired that genuine branding still plays a role in post Blair Britain and beyond Apple or Innocent. Emerging entrepreneurs right through to ambitious marketers should understand the rules of branding and encourage those around them to do the same, in this economic climate more than ever.’

 

Lee Marshall

Ernst & Young

‘I found it a very engaging read. I think the biggest hook for the Professional Services Firms will be the idea that really smart CXOs recognise the currency of their brand and its role in making change stick. As far as I am aware this isn't on the radar for the type of services they provide. It is typically change by numbers. There might be interest in how the 'Single Organising Principle' could be the up-front design for how you implement change and achieve a more effective way of sustaining benefit realisation.’

 

Jeremy Miles

CEO, MBDC

‘And a classic it was too!’

 

Rosie Walford

Founder, The Big Stretch

‘I've skipped around in it and got completely gripped. I love how it's written. Very much your tone of voice. Humble, wise.’

 

Rt. Hon. Charles Kennedy
MP (RIP)

‘I much enjoyed it and was very touched by your kind references to me.’

 

Martin Andrews

Senior VP, Global Vaccines, Glaxo SmithKline

‘Great read by the way!’

 

Simon Thompson

Group Managing Director, lastminute.com

‘The book is terrific. Well done! ‘Cock on’… I laughed out loud.’

 

Susan Black

Director of Communications, WYG plc

‘A fascinating mix of practical handbook and a lot of yourself in there too which is lovely to read - what an achievement!!! Well done. I will continue reading it with interest!!!’

 

Tim Evans

Ex-Marketing Director, BT
‘Really well done on the book. I read it this morning from cover to cover as they say. Part of the reason it is so involving is because you can feel it is real and based on your style. I liked the way it reflects the way you work, simplifying complexity and expressing things clearly and in an involving way. Cock-on! ’

 

Aidan Lisser

Dir. Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered

‘I think it captures you, your insights and some wider lessons in a very readable way – congratulations! Very refreshing from the conventional business book (especially on brands)’

 

Bob Prachar

President US Operations, Neuropharm Inc

‘I’m about half way through and it has certainly prompted me to think, smile and laugh out loud a few times. Very clever.’

 

Dionne Cheyne

Sacla' UK

‘Went to the Pathology department this morning at 6.50 to get a blood test – they didn’t open until 7.30 and there were already 18 people in front of me! I rummaged through the bag and found your book which I started reading last night. I got to page 44 and burst out laughing so loud! – “he extended his hand and, still beaming, leant forward and said “don’t f*** it up”!  So funny Mr. Bean! Great start to the day.’

Dominic Moran

Founder GBTV

‘I was a little daunted about reading a book on branding but you managed to demystify the “black art” for me. It was refreshingly entertaining whilst educational at the same time. I didn’t expect it to make me laugh out loud, which it did. Brilliant!

It gave me real food for thought about my own business and I am sure that will be the case for anyone who reads it. Well done!

 

 

 

‘We use the work he created for us as the business driver that determines the future of the Honda brand.’

Ken Keir

Managing Director, Honda UK; VP, Honda Europe

‘I was captivated with Robert from our first meeting over an American Hot and knew immediately he could help us. His ability to work across all levels, ask the right questions, tease out the real problem and help teams get to workable solutions, is second to none. He has a wonderful manner where he values all ideas and yet skilfully navigates the thinking to an output which everyone can connect to - and a strong strategic lens to support the thinking. An utter pleasure to work and socialise with, and would actively find future opportunities where we can work with Robert again.’

Zoe Bowley

Managing Director, Pizza Express

 
‘Robert played a vital role in helping our management team catalyse our thinking about our fundamental purpose and how our strengths, capabilities and culture can be optimally mobilised to support our business objectives. By challenging us to pare back our core attributes to a pithy Single Organising Principle, Robert not only skilfully helped us to consider and address fundamental strategic and tactical issues in our business, but drove powerful collaboration and team-work between disparate executives. We went into the sessions as individuals: we came out as an energised team, armed with a common purpose and set of values, determined to be more than the sum of our parts.’

Rupert Pearce

CEO, Inmarsat plc

 

‘Robert combines a unique understanding of branding, human nature and business common sense to create insights that are truly astounding. His notion of the 'Single Organising Principle' stretches the relevance of branding into areas not usually considered by most companies. With a challenging yet charming style, he is an inspiration to work with.’

Martin Andrews

SVP, GlaxoSmithKline

 

​‘We're a slightly unruly bunch here at Dishoom. We have too many ideas, too many passions. We're all far too excited. Robert is a wise man. He listens to us carefully, smiles, and then distills the insight, helping us separate embellishment from essence. When we completed the process, we were left with what we all knew to be essence. We're now even more excited, and now we know what it is that we do. We all have a clear shared idea, a strong articulation, of what is important and what truly drives our business. Robert, by the way, is also a dude.’

Shamil Thakrar

CEO and Founder, Dishoom

‘He has an uncanny ability, part science part art, to get under the skin of a Brand and bring it to life like nobody else can. He will then mine this rich seam until it pays back manyfold.’

Adrian Hosford

Director, Corporate & Social Responsibility, BT

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​‘His work for our 6 brands across Europe will be the foundation of future strategic decisions, from hiring and training people to new product innovation and internal/external communications. He also managed to keep it simple and make it fun.’

Ian McCaig

CEO, lastminute.com Group

‘Robert Bean is a difficult man. I have never had so many heated debates with anyone in my career. He always tells the truth and this is highly irritating. What really pains me is the man is almost always right. If you want to improve your business, hire him. If you want an easy commercial life and want to continue in  happy denial, don't.’

Simon Thompson

Group Managing Director, lastminute.com Group

 

 ‘Marie Curie needed to reconsider its core messaging as we have come to care for more and more non cancer patients. Robert conducted the orchestra of the senior management team, teased out all our challenges and opportunities, and united the Board around a few core themes. Most importantly he made the whole discussion lively and fun. Well researched and well organised, I recommend him to others.’

Sir Tom Hughes-Hallet

CEO, Marie Curie

 

 

​'During our recent complex and profound business transformation programme Robert’s Single Organising Principle work was fundamental in defining and keeping us focussed on our strategic aims. He was a reassuring and enjoyable presence throughout. I would wholeheartedly recommend him.'

Rohit Samani

MD, TILDA Rice

 

 

​‘Robert has brought clarity to our business model and delivered a strategic solution that has real staying power. It will underpin how we do things, from hiring people to how we talk about ourselves in the market.  In a business environment full of noise and clutter, he brings brevity and simplicity.’

Lawrie Haynes

President Land & Sea, Rolls-Royce plc

‘Robert achieved the impossible. He got consensus from mavericks without tears, and his brand insight and intellect made the journey to a 'Single Organising Principle' a challenging but fun pleasure. 10 years young, we now have a shared set of common values and a reason for being that we all really believe in.’

Robin Rowland

CEO YO! Sushi

 

‘Robert kick-started the process which led the Board to set the company’s long term vision and values. I highly recommend his services.’

John King

CEO House of Fraser

 

The Gaucho brand DNA resided in the Founder’s head and heart.  With him stepping back from the business, no one could succinctly articulate what Gaucho was – where it should, and importantly shouldn’t, focus.  Robert came on board and in short order help align the senior management team around our Single Organising Principle – to provide our guests with the best Argentine Beef & Wine.  While the output was simple in its articulation, it was the journey which proved most valuable.  Robert pushed and probed, asked awkward questions and challenged received wisdom.  His approach was thorough, yet not over-engineered – and was also hugely enjoyable!  I would have no hesitation in recommending Robert as someone who can add huge value to any business that feels it cannot clearly articulate what its brand stands for

Oliver Meakin
CEO, Gaucho Restaurants

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‘He has provided me with the best business lesson I’ve ever had.’

Mike Anderson

Managing Director, The Sun & News of the World

 

 

​‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Robert over the years, not least on the Young’s Brand, which has been transformed. His foresight and strategic input have proved invaluable.’

Stephen Goodyear

CEO, Young’s & Co plc

 

‘He has transformed our approach and focus at all levels, not least pan-European.’

Clare Blampied

Managing Director, SACLA Italia (UK)

‘Robert showed us the way, the truth and the life of our brand. He's one of those truly annoying people who make things seem so simple and so clear, just by asking the right questions at the right time. We hope to achieve remarkable things with the clarity he has given us.’

Dan Houghton & Eric Partaker

Founders, Chilango Mexican Restaurants

 

 

‘Robert picked his way through the many points of view around who we are as an organisation and deftly knitted them together into our ‘SOP’.  The whole process was fun, engaging and seamless.  I'd previously tried it with a "bigger name" service provider but to no avail, so I was pretty relieved when Robert showed us just how "simple" it is to do!’

Mark Fox

CEO RoadChef

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‘Knowing you have something special and being able to articulate it are two very different things – particularly when your brand’s point of difference is intangible.

 

We’ve always known that our people and the experience they deliver to our guests is special, but we’ve struggled to articulate this in a way that our whole organisation could get behind. Working with Robert we’ve finally been able to capture our brand essence in a simple way that we all believe in.

 

Not only will this be used as a mechanism for internal alignment, it will also help us when crafting messaging to our customers and help us to stand out in a crowded market.

 

We believe that the journey is as important as the destination and we appreciated the inclusive and collaborative nature of Robert’s process. He ensured that all stakeholders had a voice and that their opinions were included, meaning that the whole team were bought in and aligned with the output.

 

The work which Robert has helped us with marks the start of the next chapter in our brand’s history.’

Naushad Jivraj

CEO Queensway Group

‘Robert has the unique ability to adapt his well-grounded principles from multi billion corporate PLCs to family run medium enterprises. He helped navigate us to our ‘single organising principle.’ From this we were able to create an effective, robust brand foundation, and build a clear message about who and what we are.’

Phil Wild

CEO James Cropper plc

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‘Our work with Robert reminded us of just how good we can be when we’re all aligned. It’s provided us with renewed focus, energy and purpose. Like getting fit in the gym but with far less pain. He’d make a great personal trainer!’

James Herring

CEO Taylor Herring

 

 

‘Working with Robert we have refined our thinking and our approach. Having a prism which we can use to make strategic and operational decisions has been incredibly helpful, particularly as it feels as if we are all operating in a world that is increasingly more complex.’

Simon Ridpath

Managing Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

 

 

‘It is clear from the moment you meet Robert that he has a brain the size of a planet - but that this is not coupled with Marvin’s world view. He was a pleasure to work with and managed to get the brilliant best out of our opinionated team who were each looking for something different from the process. In the end we landed on a simple thought that encapsulated our brand but with a clear commercial focus. Quite an achievement - and now we totally believe in the power of the Single Organising Principle.’

Thom Elliot

Founder, Pizza Pilgrims

 

‘Robert proved to be the fist in a velvet glove. Charming, amusing and eloquent, he led us to the right conclusion with a ruthless determination. With his leadership and support we have successfully developed an engaging partnership approach for our people and our customers. He brought flair and marketing poetry into our lives.’

Marion King

CEO VocaLink

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‘Working with a Robert was a smooth, enjoyable and highly productive process. Robert managed to engage all stakeholders and make a complex process flow efficiently. Everyone found it useful at the time, but, more importantly, the output has proved invaluable over time and still serves as our go-to reference for all matters relating to our culture, our why and our mission. I couldn’t recommend Robert and his approach highly enough.’

Sacha Rose

CEO, Derek Rose

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‘When we decided to revamp our company’s image, we never thought of the impact such revamp would have had on our business culture and corporate communications.

 Such striking visualization of our Brand gave us a competitive advantage and allowed our Architects to design around our new logo a minimal, elegant but at the same time impressive and dominant booth for the 2018 Poseidonia exhibition in Athens.

 

We thank Robert for all his contribution and assistance to fulfill our vision to create a modern brand that will Navigate the Future with Creativity, Reliance, Agility and Knowledge. Once again thank you very much Robert.’

John Laderos

CEO, SRH

 

 

​‘He is an outstanding individual who brings inspiration to others and leaves a wonderful footprint on life. Paraphrasing a recent quote: "No one will care how much money I had in the bank or what car I drove, it's the contribution I made that will be remembered." On that score he is truly a star.’

Robert Mansfield

CEO, Neuropharm plc

 

‘He makes you think differently. That’s why he does such a good job. He’s forced me to take a sideways look at politics and the Party’s role
within it.’

The Rt Hon, Charles Kennedy, MP (RIP)

 

​‘Robert uses a unique approach to branding by helping organisations collectively understand their business values through an enjoyable process which captures hearts and minds in the process. This is much more than branding – it’s a fundamental building block in changing the culture of organisations. Robert is the only individual I have met who has the respect and character to make this work.’

Paul Brown

CEO, Operations Improvements Limited

 

‘His no-nonsense yet innovative approach is refreshing. The work he’s done will underpin our strategic direction for the next few years. Best of all, he knows how to keep it simple.’

Sally Winfield

Managing Director, LOOT

 

 

‘He has the ability to discover what is deep in the company and bring it to life. It’s making life so much easier… He’s great to work with, slightly intimidating when you first meet him, but you know you’re getting somewhere when he begins to smile!!’

Juliet Davenport

CEO, Good Energy

 

 

‘Robert played an instrumental role in helping us to understand what’s core for us, our clients and our culture. We're all excited by our 'Single Organising Principle' which has resonated with the whole company and unified us in a simple way. Thank you Robert!’

Tomas Kratochvil

CEO Moravia Worldwide