Kelsey
The Outside Edge
‘This is not another quaint book about how outsiders have an edge. This is a subversive manual for how outsiders can carve an edge for themselves with hard work, creativity and the right mental framework.’
‘This stopped me in my tracks. Robert has articulated and explained something which to many of us is just a feeling of outsider-ness. More than that he has explained what to do about it.’
‘Ignore trendy commentators telling you being an outsider's advantageous: it's actually highly disabling. Kelsey gets on top of the issues to find a practical (and uncompromising) way through. With Kelsey's help – being an outsider won't f*** you up.’
‘The Outside Edge is a terrific book for anyone who ever felt they didn't belong. The author has written a highly personal analysis of how outsiders can succeed in work and in life. He has drawn upon a vast range of references across psychology, self-help, literature, philosophy and business to provide advice and encouragement to readers who feel they are not a member of the club. Kelsey has found fulfilment in middle age by building his own company and becoming a husband and father, and describes his journey – trying to be cool but feeling constantly alienated – brilliantly. I found The Outside Edge to be both pragmatic and uplifting. If you are looking for an enjoyable guide to both meaning and purpose in the 21st century, then I strongly recommend this title.’
‘This is a thorough investigation into a neglected and often misunderstood area. Empathising with outsiders isn't always easy – they are the (often self-declared) ‘misfits’ after all. And, as Kelsey points out, outsiders themselves are prone to ‘distorted empathy’ (i.e. identifying with the bad guy). Yet this makes Kelsey's highly readable text and positive methodology all the more noteworthy.’
‘Robert's book is a brilliant resource for anyone who feels stuck in the ‘grey zone’ or is working in the area of people development. It helps to explain why people behave in the way that they do, and provides many practical ideas and tips to help them and/or others make the changes they need to find meaning and purpose.’
‘This is a book that totally resonates. Outsiders tend not to be positive thinkers and pessimists can find themselves feeling shut out. Kelsey not only understands this, but finds a way through. The Outside Edge is defensive pessimism in action. Bravo!’
‘This is an excellent read packed with both cautionary tales and optimistic insight, for anyone who's ever felt on the periphery. It's revealing, compelling and highly practical – not least in offering life-skills to those without the innate advantages of the insider.’
‘As Kelsey so eloquently demonstrates, outsiders are often highly creative, and are usually best placed pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions – something that certainly chimes with my own outlook. What's unique about this book, however, is Kelsey's explanation of the sometimes discomforting reasons why people become estranged from their tribe. Its message is uncompromisingly positive, although it also deals well with the genuine struggles outsiders face.’
‘I can't believe how many excellent insights Kelsey has drawn from such diverse and wise sources. With his characteristic honesty and ability to reflect on personal experience, he has created an inspiring and practical guide for outsiders. Kelsey's books have the rare quality of encouraging the reader to reach beyond current limitations without over-promising, denying our vulnerability, or pretending that life isn't sometimes (often) unpredictable, random, and difficult. The Outside Edge is a book outsiders will certainly appreciate if we want to increase our chances of success and well-being, however we define them, in a world made, and dominated, by insiders.’
‘Having helped generate 60 start-ups in six years, I've seen many outsiders succeed – on their own terms – as entrepreneurs. To make the most of their unique perspective, however, outsiders must acquire a degree of self-awareness as well as certain specific skills: knowledge that's expressed brilliantly in this book, which I heartily recommend.’
The Outside Edge
How Outsiders Can Succeed in a World Made By Insiders
Robert Kelsey
This edition first published 2015
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