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Imagine It Forward summary

Beth Comstock Thal Raz

Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change

3.9 (64 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Imagine It Forward by Beth Comstock with Thal Raz is a memoir that explores the future of business innovation and the obstacles faced by innovators. It offers valuable insights on how to embrace change and cultivate a mindset that fosters creativity and progress.

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    Imagine It Forward
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    A capacity for decisive action kick-started Beth Comstock’s career.

    Beth Comstock was the first female vice chair of General Electric (GE), one of America’s biggest companies. But Comstock’s professional life wasn’t always so promising. When she was in her early twenties, her life was headed down an entirely different track.

    That’s when she took big risks to change her life and shake up her career.

    Though she had long had ambitions of becoming a science journalist, by her mid-twenties, her career was stalling. Holding down two jobs as a part-time waitress and a minor news reporter in her hometown, she couldn’t seem to land any of the more promising jobs for which she applied. Disillusioned, she did what her parents and her small-town society expected of her. She settled down with her college boyfriend, got married and fell pregnant.

    Within only a few short months, she felt trapped. She knew there was a better life waiting for her if she only had the courage to reach for it. Throwing caution to the wind, she told her husband she wanted a divorce and moved with her infant daughter to Washington DC.

    Though she was choosing to become a single mother, with all its accompanying challenges, it was clear to her that only by embracing imperfection, complications and mistakes would she be able to get the full life she desperately wanted.

    Soon, her gamble paid off, and she got a job working in publicity at NBC’s news bureau in Washington. Within a short space of time, she was promoted and put in charge of the entire department.

    Significantly, she largely attributes her success to her capacity for action.

    She believes that most people labor under the idea that only those with considerable power – those of us who are already “leaders” in some way – have the capacity to take action. More often than not, those of us who don’t consider ourselves to be powerful are content to accept that we cannot effect change, whether in our personal or professional lives.

    But Comstock has always tended to take decisive action. Whether it was divorcing her husband and starting a new life or boldly implementing new ideas at work, she is proud to say that she has never made excuses to herself about why she can’t do what she needs to do and take the next step along the road to a better future.

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    What is Imagine It Forward about?

    Imagine it Forward (2018) charts the successes and setbacks of one of America’s most prolific businesswomen, Beth Comstock. Combining anecdotes from her tenure at General Electric with surprising insights and indispensable practical advice, these blinks explore the life and times of this remarkable change-maker and innovator.

    Imagine It Forward Review

    Imagine It Forward (2018) is an inspiring book by Beth Comstock with Thal Raz that explores how to navigate through change and embrace innovation. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical strategies and firsthand experiences to help individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
    • With its real-life examples and insightful anecdotes, the book presents a compelling case for the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking risks.
    • Through its thought-provoking insights and actionable advice, it challenges readers to think differently, encouraging them to push boundaries and drive positive change.

    Best quote from Imagine It Forward

    Tension is the price of admission when you are innovating.

    —Beth Comstock with Thal Raz
    example alt text

    Who should read Imagine It Forward?

    • Anyone looking for tips to instigate effective change
    • Those interested in the lives and careers of extraordinary women
    • Managers looking for fresh leadership insights

    About the Author

    Beth Comstock was the first female vice chair of General Electric and also served as the company’s chief marketing and commercial officer. In both 2015 and 2016, Forbes Magazine named Comstock one of the world’s 100 most powerful women.

    Taz Rahl is an award-winning journalist and co-author of New York Times bestseller Never Eat Alone.

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    Imagine It Forward FAQs 

    What is the main message of Imagine It Forward?

    Embrace change, take risks, and push boundaries to foster innovation and drive success.

    How long does it take to read Imagine It Forward?

    The reading time for Imagine It Forward varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Imagine It Forward a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Imagine It Forward is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the future with confidence and creativity.

    Who is the author of Imagine It Forward?

    Beth Comstock

    What to read after Imagine It Forward?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Imagine It Forward, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
    • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Born For This by Chris Guillebeau
    • Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel