The Poetry Business School - by Deborah Alma & Mark Constantine & Kate Downey-Evans (Hardcover)

About the Book

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

Book Synopsis

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

A unique and extraordinary business book, The Poetry Business School is both an inspirational take on how to do business better - with more collaboration, communication, and creativity - and a beautiful gift book of inspiring poetry. The narrative journey takes the reader through the dialogue, mentoring relationship, and shared poetry between Mark Constantine OBE, Co-Founder and CEO of LUSH, and Deborah Alma, Founder of the Poetry Pharmacy. Green Door Project Founder and Business Psychologist Kate Downey-Evans offers additional business advice.

Over the course of this book, what emerges is an inspirational and constructive creative pathway for other businesspeople at their own individual stages along the journey, for both business growth and personal development, remembering that business, at its heart, must be a creative act and a communication of ideas.

In essence, that combination of poetry, awareness of our well-being and that of those who work with us, and business practice introduces the potential road map for a harmonious blend of emotional intelligence, creativity, leadership, and meaningful connection. Embrace 'Business as a poem' and discover how to listen to your intuition, overcome fear, embrace risk, avoid burnout, and turn vulnerability into strength - all through the creative power of poetry.

As professionals recognise the power of poetry to enrich their personal lives and enhance their contributions to the workplace, a new paradigm emerges - one where the art of language becomes a catalyst for holistic success.

Review Quotes

'This book is a breath of fresh air. It offers a new perspective and shows you that business doesn't have to be all about the grind or the numbers... It's a great reminder that business is often a creative act, a form of expression and a way to communicate your ideas with the world.'

-Holly Tucker MBE

Founder of Holly & Co and Notonthehighstreet UK Ambassador to Creative Small Businesses

-Author Deborah Alma and the Poetry Pharmacy featured on the Drew Barrymore Show (with 2.5 million viewers per episode) and on the 'What I'm Liking' segment on the Kelly Clarkson Show (1.4 million viewers per episode)

'I read the book in one evening - it's warm and humane, and packed with wonderful poems. ... Poetry gives a different perspective: try it next time you need to take a step back to see things more clearly at work.'

FT ('Working It' section by Isabel Berwick)

Featured on the Frank Off The Radio podcast with Frank Skinner.

Featured in You magazine's YOU LOVES, April 2025 issue