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The New Hustle: Don't work harder, just work better
What if we've been served a big, fat lie about what it takes to be successful at work?Pro-hustlers will tell you living in a work-more, sleep-less world is how we get ahead. But on the back of the pandemic, entrepreneur and Business Chicks founder Emma Isaacs believes the hustle is now dead. Moreover, traditional ways of working - long commutes, unproductive meetings and outdated systems of bureaucracy - actually don't work at all.Emma believes we don't have to work harder; we just need to work better. In fact, we can slash our hours, take shortcuts and still get more done - without feeling depleted. By becoming more intentional and reimagining the way we work, we can rewrite the old work rules and reinvigorate our lives.The New Hustle condenses Emma's wisdom into 77 anti-rules for maximum dip-in-and-out efficiency. Drawing inspiration from her team, the member of Business Chicks and the many entrepreneurs and leaders who have graced the Business Chicks stage - from Elizabeth Gilbert to Simon Sinek - she guides us towards embracing radical flexibility, making quick decisions and working smarter, from the emails we craft to the talent we recruit . . . and say no to the things that don't matter, so we can say yes to the things that do.Written with humour, insight and a serving of tough love, The New Hustle is your go-to for more productive, creative and meaningful work by one of Australia's most unconventional and effective a bestselling author, mum of six - and a woman determined to start an anti-hustle revolution.FINALIST FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAREER BOOK AWARD 2022Praise for The New Hustle'For anyone who's committed to becoming their best self at work and in life.' - Marie Forleo'Refreshingly original. Makes so much bloody sense!' - Lisa WilkinsonPraise for Emma Isaccs'Emma has an inexhaustible joie de vivre, and she delivers an intelligent guide for a new way of working.' - Diane von Furstenberg'Emma Isaacs is a delight. She is kind, and she is smart, and she is grounded, and she is brave and she is funny.' - Elizabeth Gilbert
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
24 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 12, 2021
http://jessjustreads.com
Emma Isaac’s The New Hustle is the latest addition to a long suite of go-to business guides with practical, useful advice to people working within a professional environment. The New Hustle will also suit readers wanting to pursue a new passion — people who are perhaps afraid to take a leap towards something different.
Given we’re eighteen months into COVID-19, there’s a lot of content in here that feels relevant and timely. Businesses have had to learn how to adapt to the pandemic, and Emma’s inclusion of COVID makes the book a welcome inclusion in this genre.
“Making better deals is not just about making more money. It’s about being able to enjoy our work more and it’s about being able to truly work smarter and not harder. Sometimes to make a better deal you just need to be a bit more creative and think of alternative ways to structure it.”
There is an element of vulnerability to this book — it’s as much about advice and rules as it is about Emma revealing the lessons that she has learned throughout her career. She’s experienced hardship and failure, and she doesn’t shy away from introspection and delving into personal stories.
The book is broken up into short chapters to allow for easy reading — you’ll devour this very quickly. I can imagine many of Emma’s fans, particularly members of Business Chicks, will enjoy having this on a bookshelf for the odd occasion that you need some life tips.
“Sometimes we’re so used to something being normal, we forget to interrogate why we’re going along with it in the first place. A great example of this is the work hours that most workplaces accept as normal.”
Whilst there is plenty of advice and wisdom in here that readers can take away from, if you’re the kind of reader who regularly delves into these kind of books, you will find a bit of similarity here. There were a couple of nuggets in this book that I felt I hadn't read before, but some of this is common sense and I wonder if the target audience of this book might already know what they’re reading.
Something else I felt when reading this book is that it seems to mostly serve people who work in management roles, rather than professional workers who are lower down the pecking order within the business. There’s a chapter about companies needing to adapt work hours to reflect contemporary lifestyle — great! love it! but that’s not a decision I can make, nor is my boss. We’re a company with thousands of employees. Ideally, we’d need the CEO to read this book.
It felt like the book never really settled on the type of reader it was speaking to. Is this for creative people wanting to start their own business? Is this for bosses? Management? Is this for entry-level workers wanting to move up? What about middle-level? Each category of reader may find something relevant in this book, but interest will differ depending on what chapter you’re on.
What is different in The New Hustle are the personal experiences, the anecdotes, and the life lessons along the way. Whilst sometimes, and it’s just sometimes, Emma tells a story from a time she did something ‘right’ and it comes off like a humble brag, it is nice to have examples tied to most of her advice so that we can gain further understanding. It is also refreshing when authors admit what they’ve struggled with over the years, how they’ve failed, and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way.
“Another great way to keep in touch with the people who matter to you is just to drop them a short email from time to time. I do this regularly with our members. I’m never after anything from them, but a random, unexpected note to say ‘I’m thinking of you’ can go a long way towards making others feel great and building upon a relationship.”
Recommended for readers wanting some direct advice on their career, and how to achieve what they want. Readership skews female, 35+
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emma Isaac’s The New Hustle is the latest addition to a long suite of go-to business guides with practical, useful advice to people working within a professional environment. The New Hustle will also suit readers wanting to pursue a new passion — people who are perhaps afraid to take a leap towards something different.
Given we’re eighteen months into COVID-19, there’s a lot of content in here that feels relevant and timely. Businesses have had to learn how to adapt to the pandemic, and Emma’s inclusion of COVID makes the book a welcome inclusion in this genre.
“Making better deals is not just about making more money. It’s about being able to enjoy our work more and it’s about being able to truly work smarter and not harder. Sometimes to make a better deal you just need to be a bit more creative and think of alternative ways to structure it.”
There is an element of vulnerability to this book — it’s as much about advice and rules as it is about Emma revealing the lessons that she has learned throughout her career. She’s experienced hardship and failure, and she doesn’t shy away from introspection and delving into personal stories.
The book is broken up into short chapters to allow for easy reading — you’ll devour this very quickly. I can imagine many of Emma’s fans, particularly members of Business Chicks, will enjoy having this on a bookshelf for the odd occasion that you need some life tips.
“Sometimes we’re so used to something being normal, we forget to interrogate why we’re going along with it in the first place. A great example of this is the work hours that most workplaces accept as normal.”
Whilst there is plenty of advice and wisdom in here that readers can take away from, if you’re the kind of reader who regularly delves into these kind of books, you will find a bit of similarity here. There were a couple of nuggets in this book that I felt I hadn't read before, but some of this is common sense and I wonder if the target audience of this book might already know what they’re reading.
Something else I felt when reading this book is that it seems to mostly serve people who work in management roles, rather than professional workers who are lower down the pecking order within the business. There’s a chapter about companies needing to adapt work hours to reflect contemporary lifestyle — great! love it! but that’s not a decision I can make, nor is my boss. We’re a company with thousands of employees. Ideally, we’d need the CEO to read this book.
It felt like the book never really settled on the type of reader it was speaking to. Is this for creative people wanting to start their own business? Is this for bosses? Management? Is this for entry-level workers wanting to move up? What about middle-level? Each category of reader may find something relevant in this book, but interest will differ depending on what chapter you’re on.
What is different in The New Hustle are the personal experiences, the anecdotes, and the life lessons along the way. Whilst sometimes, and it’s just sometimes, Emma tells a story from a time she did something ‘right’ and it comes off like a humble brag, it is nice to have examples tied to most of her advice so that we can gain further understanding. It is also refreshing when authors admit what they’ve struggled with over the years, how they’ve failed, and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way.
“Another great way to keep in touch with the people who matter to you is just to drop them a short email from time to time. I do this regularly with our members. I’m never after anything from them, but a random, unexpected note to say ‘I’m thinking of you’ can go a long way towards making others feel great and building upon a relationship.”
Recommended for readers wanting some direct advice on their career, and how to achieve what they want. Readership skews female, 35+
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2021
Definitely an airport read (exactly where I picked it up). Would recommend for those who need a kick of inspiration or maybe some practical tips to sharpen their professional toolkit as we round out 2021 and roll into 2022.
As someone who is already a fairly efficient operator and has spent the last 24 months thinking deeply about career choices and being intentional, not a lot of Emma’s practical tips were new to me. The last two chapters on act - with a focus radical action - and grow, were the two most useful and punchy I thought.
Happy to loan to anyone who wants it - probably not something I would have purchased if not for airport vulnerability.
As someone who is already a fairly efficient operator and has spent the last 24 months thinking deeply about career choices and being intentional, not a lot of Emma’s practical tips were new to me. The last two chapters on act - with a focus radical action - and grow, were the two most useful and punchy I thought.
Happy to loan to anyone who wants it - probably not something I would have purchased if not for airport vulnerability.
May 8, 2023
Nothing new or interesting.
I’m not sure who this book was written for? Lots of pithy quotes with a brief example. Was this book for high level manages? New employees? Start up? Large concerns?
I found nothing of value.
Plus she quoted Thomas Sowell but admitted she did not know who he is. Yikes!
I’m not sure who this book was written for? Lots of pithy quotes with a brief example. Was this book for high level manages? New employees? Start up? Large concerns?
I found nothing of value.
Plus she quoted Thomas Sowell but admitted she did not know who he is. Yikes!
November 20, 2021
There’s a lot of wisdom and useful ideas in this book supported by some great anecdotes and some vulnerable sharing by the author. A lot of it is not new though, and in places the tone is a bit preachy and patronising.
August 25, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of The New Hustle and it was everything I wanted and expected from Emma Isaacs. Engaging story telling, very practical advice and the jolt to action I need right now. If you've read Winging It, you'll love The New Hustle. Actually, I think it might even be better!
May 25, 2022
I listened to this book as an audio, which personally I think worked best for myself. Listening to the author read the book out certainly helped. Whilst there are good tips in this book/ audio, I don’t feel that this is suited for people in the larger corporate community. The small corporate and personalised companies would certainly benefit from this book, but people working in the larger corporate ’world’ not so much. Emails need to be professional and this is not clearly explained in this book. I feel this book could be quite damaging for a fresh person to the corporate world or someone who has rose coloured glasses on in regards to Emma’s position.
A bubbly attitude whilst reading this book assists in some areas of this book but in others (publishers not being interested in her book and saying Emma needed a podcast first, thinking ‘yeah maybe you should clean your desk first’ - childish much?!)
For a time efficient person having 77 rules in a book is mind boggling and I struggle to see how this was not flagged by a publisher for a hustle book for an author that doesn’t like time wastage.
Go into this book with the thought of a nice read.
A bubbly attitude whilst reading this book assists in some areas of this book but in others (publishers not being interested in her book and saying Emma needed a podcast first, thinking ‘yeah maybe you should clean your desk first’ - childish much?!)
For a time efficient person having 77 rules in a book is mind boggling and I struggle to see how this was not flagged by a publisher for a hustle book for an author that doesn’t like time wastage.
Go into this book with the thought of a nice read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
You can count on Emma Isaacs for some high energy inspiration.
The New Hustle is full of tips, although Isaacs refers to them as rules, on how to get ahead at work and in business. Sure, most of them we've probably already heard before, but she includes some examples from her own experiences and those of her friend network which are interesting and also give some insight into her recipe for success.
I enjoyed The New Hustle more than her first book, Winging It. This book felt like it had more heart. Coming out of the brunt of COVID lockdowns and restrictions, The New Hustle is a great refresh and reset for my work life.
The audiobook is great as Emma Isaacs has an easy, friendly and perky narration. You can tell she is smiling all the way through and that is such a mood-lifter.
The New Hustle is full of tips, although Isaacs refers to them as rules, on how to get ahead at work and in business. Sure, most of them we've probably already heard before, but she includes some examples from her own experiences and those of her friend network which are interesting and also give some insight into her recipe for success.
I enjoyed The New Hustle more than her first book, Winging It. This book felt like it had more heart. Coming out of the brunt of COVID lockdowns and restrictions, The New Hustle is a great refresh and reset for my work life.
The audiobook is great as Emma Isaacs has an easy, friendly and perky narration. You can tell she is smiling all the way through and that is such a mood-lifter.
June 11, 2022
This was okay. Not the 'new' the title or blurb promised. Some insightful advice and thoughtful things to consider; some honest things. The author still promotes overwork, with a career and job being almost everything, and following one's own path without regard for others. While it's good to do what you believe is important, and not be dissuaded by those who don't see your vision, people who have other views to you (personally and generally), other ways of living and understanding, aren't all trying to bring you down, or unenelightened. The author is brave and very driven, but a bit unkind in her attitudes towards those who do think otherwise, and this both annoyed and bothered me throughout. I did appreciate the less self-righteous elements (and there were many of them).
September 3, 2021
The future is uncertain. Organisations need to pivot, adapt or recreate, and employees need to thrive on change and be flexible with all the changes. This book takes a personal approach, written in a chatty style, and offers conversational suggestions, examples, and so on. One of the takeaways is to work smarter, not harder, but then the book showcases HOW. Overall, a great read, thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
Exactly the book we need right now. 9-5 what is that? The antiquated idea that we need to be stuck to a desk for a predefined 8 hour period just no longer works. We are expected to be available all day every day and there is a need to navigate what is our ideal balance/what works for us and for our employer.
Take the time to read this and you will be ever thankful for a fresh take on "the hustle."
If you want to hear more I did an IGTV on this @read.byestelle on Instagram
Take the time to read this and you will be ever thankful for a fresh take on "the hustle."
If you want to hear more I did an IGTV on this @read.byestelle on Instagram
September 9, 2025
Vaguely interesting, probably serves as a reminder about things we should already know. What I found most disappointing was the completely tone deaf way of presenting redundancies as an ‘opportunity’ by cherry picking the people who had a good outcome. Didn’t hear much about those that lost their livelihood, surprise surprise. “Let’s all forget our troubles over a big bowl of strawberry ice cream.”
September 2, 2021
Loved The New Hustle. It's written in a super digestible format (perfect for the distracted lockdown brain) and I've found myself picking it up daily for nuggets of inspo as I work. The ideas are really relevant for the world we're living in right now, and it's definitely made me rethink how I do things. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to freshen up the way they approach work!
September 2, 2021
This books is incredible! Half-way through and already buying copies for my friends and colleagues! 10/10 recommend this book, whether you're an entrepreneur, student, or work for someone else. Must- must read!
September 4, 2021
I loved this because it was the perfect mix of real life examples, solid tangible and easy to action advice and all delivered with warm humour. So often business books name drop and don’t offer anything of substance, this one is different.
October 10, 2021
Emma Isaacs You are a star
The second writer to truely reach me with their words (Ryan Holiday was the first), and kick me into action.
Appreciate everything you put into this book.
Thank you!
The second writer to truely reach me with their words (Ryan Holiday was the first), and kick me into action.
Appreciate everything you put into this book.
Thank you!
February 16, 2022
It's so nice to read a book with the voice of a working mother and the pandemic lens. Much of this advice isn't revolutionary and readers if this genre will recognise the concepts discussed. Most will find a few takeaways, but it's light.
June 28, 2022
Great for those with a small business or first starting out in their career. Good easy life lessons... If you had read Emma's first book, I wouldn't recommend reading this one as there is a lot of duplication in stories etc.
August 23, 2022
Cover to cover in just a couple of evenings. Love the pragmatism and reminder to stay focused on the things that matter to drive results. The most relatable part was when the author noted some of her best ideas come to her in the shower…same! Finished this one feeling uplifted.
January 21, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Solid ideas on how to set boundaries at work especially coming out of the pandemic. I disagree with some of her ideas as they deviate from cultivating relationships but I think overall the idea of being productive instead of letting work consume you is worth the read.
September 2, 2021
Fast paced and full of takeaways! Loved it.
September 2, 2021
I read Winging It a few years back so figured this would be a good read too. I loved all the tangible tips and ways to work smarter. Now to get stuck into actioning what I learnt!
September 2, 2021
Such a brilliant read and has totally reshaped my way of approaching my job and my workload! I'm going to head out and buy this for my whole team! So valuable and entertaining!! Love it.
September 4, 2021
Love love loved this book. Emma is so vulnerable on sharing her story and it was such a great reminder that good things take time and they are challenging. But this is normal and it is worth it!
September 6, 2021
Very digestible lessons in work, business and life that are easy to reference (I have about a billion sticky tabs and highlights already), once again, Emma just makes sense - work smarter not harder!
October 31, 2021
A must read for anyone who is or one day wants to lead a team.
January 3, 2022
If you liked Emma’s first book ‘Winging It’ then you will love this book.
February 23, 2022
Loved it! Talked about how to be confident in a company and the dos and don’ts
April 17, 2022
Read as audiobook. Don’t think I am the target audience
October 8, 2022
Really easy to listen to book. Emma comes up with so many great ideas and hacks and she makes you want to go and test them out straight away.
April 25, 2023
This is a great book, easy to read and understand. I think Emma gives some real practical advice and guidance. Emma is raw and real in this book and her genuine nature comes through every chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews