A Career Carol

A Career Carol is an irreverent take on the classic Christmas Carol, graduation commencement speakers, and Generation Z expectations. A wry and insightful take on how to successfully navigate a 30-to-40-year professional career. A Career Carol, bridges analogue and digital eras. What constitutes a successful career may have dramatically changed over the last 50 years, but the deeper journey we make as human beings across different life cycles, is eternal.Drs Schuster & Oxley’s take a different and decidedly modern approach to business and life advice. They set out to share real stories of how to navigate the big crises that most of us will have to navigate at some point. In the process, they give the past an entertaining and relevant future.The world, and business literature in particular, is overdue for Shey Sinope. As we witness his journey from reclusive cynical social critic to tentative member of a flawed, and sometimes unkind society, we are amused, provoked, saddened, but ultimately uplifted.

Helmut Schuster and David Oxley are long-time collaborators and former work colleagues. It is their shared outlook that has bound them together as authors. They are optimistic futurists, advocates for next-generation talent, pioneers of new approaches to work, enthusiasts for new technology adoption, and crusaders against entrenched thinking.

As Drs Schuster and Oxley, they have set out to address several subjects that have been over-intellectualised, complicated, misdiagnosed, or outdated. With a whimsical eye and deep belief in humanity’s strength to prevail against the absurdity of aspects of modern society, they are committed to presenting helpful business and leadership concepts for the next generation.

Dr Helmut Schuster is a dual Austrian/British citizen who lives in London, UK. He is the former Group HR Director of BP PLC. Helmut is currently Chairman of the Board of Ivoclar Vivadent AG, an active entrepreneur, investor, and frequent contributor to leadership and AFS Intercultural programs. Helmut was awarded his doctorate in Economics from the University of Vienna.

Dr David Oxley is a dual UK/US citizen based in Austin, Texas. David started his career as a management consultant before leading major people and corporate restructuring projects for BP PLC across Europe, the USA, India, and the Middle East. He worked closely with Reliance Industries in India, one of BP’s partners, as they embarked on their big corporate restructuring. David was awarded his doctorate in Organisational Change at Cranfield University and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Customer Reviews

5.0

52 reviews

Gagandeep Singh

David Oxley’s A Career Carol is a refreshing and inspiring read for anyone reflecting on their professional journey. Through a unique blend of storytelling and career advice, the book encourages readers to pause and reevaluate their goals and aspirations. Oxley does a brilliant job of capturing the emotional and psychological aspects of career decision-making, offering insights that are both practical and deeply personal. This is the kind of book that can reignite your passion for work and help you find clarity in your career path. A must-read for professionals seeking direction and purpose!
Amy O

A Career Carol was such a refreshing read that totally changed the game on typical career advice books. This book not only equips you with essential tools for professional growth but also keeps you entertained from cover to cover. The authors, Dr. Helmut Schuster and Dr. David Oxley, have blended humor, relatability, and genuine career wisdom to create an informative guide on navigating a professional career in the modern world. In opposition to other business books I have read, I found myself unable to put this book down. I was thrown into the world of Shey Sinope and found myself relating to the story in many ways. The book is also visually engaging with clever illustrations to complement the text and bring the story to life. Whether you're a recent graduate, a mid-career professional looking to change direction, or simply seeking to improve your career prospects, A Career Carol is a must-read.
MISS JAYNE EMMITT

What a great read and insight using a modern approach to business. Light hearted and an easy and pleasurable read with some very useful tips and direction to help with moving forward in the business world and situations we may have to tackle along the way. A highly recommended read.
Sophie

"A Career Carol" is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a fresh perspective on their professional life. It offers a compelling narrative, practical advice, and a renewed sense of hope for a brighter and more fulfilling career. This book is a remarkable fusion of timeless wisdom and contemporary relevance, making it an essential addition to the bookshelves of professionals at any stage of their careers.
Roman

Can only recommend this book! It gives great career- and life lessons. Advice of how to deal with setbacks and recommendations of how to find your purpose. Especially the Gen Z, people who come out of school or people who are a little ``lost`` in life will benefit from this book. And all of it is packed into a great story. Seriously, one of the greatest books I have read. Can only recommend!!!
Daniel F.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part is super engaging and easy to read. Innovative way of giving advice to those who need. It describes how it’s important to take action so one can take control of their lives. The second part of the book, the authors share their personal life stories. Very inspiring and recommended it.
glynis murdock

"A Career Carol" by Dr. Helmut Schuster and Dr. David Oxley is an inspiring and thought-provoking read that encourages individuals to reflect on their own career choices and consider the long-term impact of their decisions. It is a must-read for those looking to inject new life into their professional trajectories while learning from the lessons of others. I thoroughly enjoyed reading real-life case studies that bring the advice to life. I found the exercises and reflection prompts a unique and refreshing approach. These interactive elements allow readers to engage with the material, making the learning experience more immersive and actionable.
Tom

I found A Career Carol easy to read and entertaining. As someone that can relate strongly to the main character, Shey, the book does at times hit home. It's inspired me to think differently and motivated me to consider what a career looks like for me. It successfully toes the line between reading for pleasure whilst being informative. I have recommended that my friends and family (younger brother) give it a read.