Let My People Go Surfing cover art

Let My People Go Surfing

The Education of a Reluctant Businessman - Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual

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Let My People Go Surfing

By: Yvon Chouinard, Naomi Klein - introduction
Narrated by: Christopher Grove, Yvon Chouinard
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About this listen

 In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard-legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.-shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. From his youth as the son of a French Canadian blacksmith to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport's equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story of a man who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life-a book that will deeply affect entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.


With a Preface to the Second Edition, Introduction, and Epilogue read by the Author Business Environment Management Management & Leadership Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Professionals & Academics Science Sports Inspiring Leadership Sustainability Pollution

Critic Reviews

"Wonderful . . . a moving autobiography, the story of a unique business, and a detailed blueprint for hope." —Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel

"For everyone who is alternately outraged and depressed by the wave of greed that has been the hallmark of corporate America in the twenty-first century, there is a name that inspires hope: Yvon Chouinard. . . . Unique and compelling." —San Francisco Chronicle

"Chouinard's biography, Let My People Go Surfing, reveals a fascinating and colorful character . . . . For all of our sakes, it seems the responsible thing for companies to do is follow Chouinard's ascent." —USA Today

"No matter what you do, you will find essential guidance and inspiration in Let My People Go Surfing." —Dave Foreman, The Rewilding Institute
All stars
Most relevant
This is amazing, insightful, true and is filled with inspiring values we all need to be living by

Best book ever

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While it certainly doesn’t hold up to the likes of Shoe Dog or Losing My Virginity, this book has left a lasting impression on how to do better in all aspects of life.

I admit that mid-way through I was underwhelmed, but I stuck with it and enjoyed the journey in the end.

It’s really a book about ethics, environment and empathy.

Good overall message.

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Interesting read and a good story as well as some good business learnings. To me it felt a bit preachy towards the end.

Good story, good message - a bit preachy

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The tactical detail and true authenticity stands out in this story. Hopefully you become inspired to act!

The story of striving for integrity

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A excellent insight into a successful organisation that puts people and planet first.

It does provide some hope on what is possible but also makes clear it is not an easy path and needs an enormous amount of focus and desire.

Yvon Chouinard ahead of his time.

Loved it

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