The Tom Peters interview

·33 min·3 clips

Legendary Tom Peters explains why he's so pissed off about only 20% of people being engaged by their job.

The episode features an interview with legendary business author Tom Peters on The Marketing Companion. Host Mark Schaefer introduces Peters, noting his previous appearance was the show's most popular episode. Peters explains he hasn't retired because he remains irritated that his straightforward messages about business excellence haven't fully stuck. He opens with a quote from his new book: 'There is no business excellence, only community excellence.' Peters discusses the book's unique design by Nancy Green, emphasizing design as a key differentiator. He strongly criticizes Milton Friedman's 1970 New York Times article that argued businesses have no responsibility beyond shareholders, citing data showing a shift in profit allocation. Peters addresses emotional well-being in the workplace, arguing that stress is normal but bosses must create supportive environments, referencing Vince Lombardi's philosophy. He advocates hiring 'the quiet ones,' based on Susan Cain's research in 'Quiet,' which shows introverts are often undervalued. Peters describes his motivation as 'desperate' to get his ideas across, not boldness. Schaefer reads how he ends his own book with Peters' advice about being proud of one's daily work. Peters concludes with a story about General Melvin Zace emphasizing that leaders must care, tying it to business success. The episode explores themes of community, human-centric business, and leadership accountability.

As heard by us

Tom Peters channels his frustration with workplace disengagement into a candid case for more humane management.

Tom Peters is still annoyed that his plain management message has failed to stick: work should engage people, and businesses should leave colleagues and customers feeling better. That irritation gives the interview a welcome edge.

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Why you'd press play

You'll hear Tom Peters argue that business should help colleagues and customers feel better.

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