If you want to be a successful leader in today’s business world, you need to think like an activist. If you want to be a successful leader in today’s business world, you need to think like an activist. This urgent and essential book shows how to do just that. The Activist Leader argues that the world needs a new kind of business leader, one that thinks differently about their role in today’s challenges. From climate change to inequality, the major crises facing society have become critical issues for business, and the world expects companies to step up. This is a pragmatic book. Jon Miller and Lucy Parker show what it takes to do business in these challenging times, taking a close look at companies such as Apple, Mastercard, Nestle, Maersk, JP Morgan Chase and Walmart. Most people feel powerless when they look at the problems facing the world – but if you’re a leader in a big business, you’re not powerless. Whether you’re a top executive or earlier in your working life, this book shows that thinking like an activist can have a transformative impact – for yourself, for your businesses, and for broader society.

Following Battle Royal, beloved author Lucy Parker pens another delicious romantic comedy about a fake relationship between a grumpy royal bodyguard and the charming, sunny assistant who melts his cold, hard exterior. Petunia De Vere enjoys being the personal assistant to lovable, bumbling Johnny Marchmont. But the job has its share of challenges, including the royal’s giant, intimidating bodyguard, Matthias. Pet and Matthias are polar opposites—she’s spontaneous and enthusiastic, he’s rigid and stoic—but she can sense there’s something softer underneath that tough exterior… For Matthias Vaughn, protecting others is the name of the game. But keeping his royal charge out of trouble is more difficult than he imagined because everywhere Johnny goes, calamity ensues, and his petite, bubbly assistant is often caught in the fray. Matthias hates the idea of Pet getting hurt and he’s determined to keep everyone safe, even if it means clashing with his adorable new coworker. When a clumsy moment leads to a questionable tabloid photo, the press begins to speculate that Pet is romantically involved with Johnny. To put an end to the rumors, the royal PR team asks Pet and Matthias to stage a fake relationship and the two reluctantly agree. But as they spend more time together outside of work, they begin to wonder what real emotions this pretend connection might uncover. Especially when a passionate kiss leaves both of their heads spinning… 

"Lucy Parker writes deliciously fun enemies-to-lovers perfection!" - Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling author Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits. Ready... Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere. When Sylvie's unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has used her fame to fulfill her dream of opening a bakery. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers...and a princess. Set... Dominic is His Majesty the King's favorite baker and a veritable British institution. He's brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can't stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple. Match... When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they fight to come out on top. The bride adores Sylvie's quirky style. The palace wants Dominic's classic perfection. In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

‘A must read for all current and aspiring leaders’ PAUL POLMAN, former CEO Unilever If you want to be a successful leader in today’s business world, you need to think like an activist. If you want to be a successful leader in today’s business world, you need to think like an activist. This urgent and essential book shows how to do just that. The Activist Leader argues that the world needs a new kind of business leader, one that thinks differently about their role in today’s challenges. From climate change to inequality, the major crises facing society have become critical issues for business, and the world expects companies to step up. This is a pragmatic book. Jon Miller and Lucy Parker show what it takes to do business in these challenging times, taking a close look at companies such as Apple, Mastercard, Nestle, Maersk, JP Morgan Chase and Walmart. Most people feel powerless when they look at the problems facing the world – but if you’re a leader in a big business, you’re not powerless. Whether you’re a top executive or earlier in your working life, this book shows that thinking like an activist can have a transformative impact – for yourself, for your businesses, and for broader society. ‘There is no doubt that the challenges of inequality of access and climate change are not easy. They need long term solutions, while society tends to want short term results. The call to action for today’s leadership is what this book is all about, with some terrific insights and down to earth advice’ AJAY BANGA, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO MASTERCARD ‘The Activist Leader captures the essence of what the public around us wants and expects: Business as a force for good, while staying true to what it is – a business, creating value for its shareholders and all relevant stakeholders. The roadmap for this delicate balancing act is still under development and this book, which builds on many specific examples, will serve as an important milestone’ MARK SCHNEIDER, CEO NESTLÉ

Mr Oak can't help feeling annoyed that everyone just won't leave him alone and now, to top it all off, a family of rooks have nested in his branches Kate and Karl had no idea what they were letting themselves in for when they chose to nest in Mr Oak, but they are soon warned by their new friends in Acorn Meadow. Will they stay and befriend Mr Oak? Or will they be forced to leave by his rudeness and mean tricks? This is an enchanting story of unlikely friendships and unexpected kindness, ideal to read aloud or for independent readers.