Behind the Money Fixable: How to bring a business back to life
14 snips
Jul 30, 2025 Join James Daunt, the Chief Revival Architect and CEO of Barnes & Noble, as he shares his unconventional leadership strategies that resurrected the iconic bookstore chain during tough times. He discusses the transformative power of community-focused independent bookstores and their vital role in a digital age. Daunt emphasizes the importance of inclusive team culture and the shift towards written communication in effective leadership. He also highlights the dynamic interplay between bookstores and e-commerce giants like Amazon, showcasing the enduring love for books.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Banker to Bookseller
- James Daunt moved from investment banking to opening his own bookstore with no clear plan, driven by his love of reading and travel.
- He experienced severe economic challenges early on, giving him a strong sense of caution in business.
Power of Quality Bookstores
- Running a genuinely good bookstore with a focus on careful book selection and a strong team can defy industry decline.
- James achieved monthly sales growth for 21 years through quality and customer experience despite broader industry challenges.
Team Diversity Over Perfection
- Build bookstore teams with diverse skills rather than identical perfectionist hires.
- Teamwork, not individual excellence, creates effective, supportive bookshop environments.