The phrase, “the only constant is change,” perfectly summarizes life. Many go through periods of dissatisfaction, transition, and restoration and reinvention if lucky. This cyclical nature of ebbs and flows, boom or bust, dysphoria and euphoria is the crucible that gave birth to the self-help genre.
The recognition of this life cycle and the acknowledgement that it is a universal characteristic inherent in us all enables the continued growth of this genre. As each person goes through their own journey, they gather insights, advice, coping mechanisms, and community.
The Phoenix Career Principles relates to the cycle of career and purpose, which can be a metaphor for life. While this book focuses on transitioning from dissatisfaction to fulfillment in your career, you can adapt its principles to many facets of life. The Phoenix Career Principles isn’t exploring something new or saying something that hasn’t been said before. It is, however, saying it in a refreshing way that allows for another side of life’s prism to shine.
Pisanelli’s concept of a phoenix rising from the ashes is incredibly apt and gives a distinct vision readers can latch on to. It is relatable, and its symbolism permeates each chapter. It is easy for a writer of this genre to veer into a macro outlook and seek to address various facets of life, but Pisanelli’s focus keeps the reader engaged and on task. Incidentally, this focus on message allows for an expanded vision of that message to be adapted into other fields.
While the book’s foundation is based on Pisanelli’s background and experience in business and finance, its essence captures life and reveals how the principles can be used in decision making for other careers—and life. This book was well-presented and researched. The quotations, definitions, and citations complimented the personal stories and reinforced the book’s thesis and goals. The format was precise, and the bubbles that highlighted key concepts and quotes enabled personal annotation, which is always handy when reading a text in this genre.
The narrative’s pacing was equivalent to talking over a puzzle with a friend over coffee. The examples used and the chosen stories reflected Pisanelli’s transition process, which again offers insight by example.
Post pandemic, many have found themselves in flux. As the world’s economy seeks to decelerate the free fall of an oncoming, devastating recession, careers are unstable, and dissatisfaction is at an all-time high. People are not only experiencing mid-life crises but crises in general. Existentialism is prevalent, and finding one’s purpose has become the new Holy Grail. In this search, Pisanelli’s book is equivalent to a road map offering insights, instruction, and direction, supported by giants in the field, such as Maslow, Herzberg, and DeMartini. Transition, like change, is challenging and scary.
Pisanelli’s approach removes some of that fear and replaces it with methods and techniques that can help solidify and focus the reader on the next steps. Being reminded of these strategies always happens at the best possible time, and this book is THE reminder that many will not be aware they needed.
One of the images Pisanelli used, “a tumbleweed,” was so succinct and descriptive that I was amazed I hadn’t encountered it before. This image, like the phoenix, is incredibly insightful and profound, especially concerning transition. Like tumbleweed, this book can easily be overlooked for its unassuming and simple presentation, but make no mistake, it is a capable resource for everyone on this journey.
Pisanelli’s experience as a career coach is evident in his focused yet personable approach. Indeed, this book can be, is, and should be his calling card. It is the very aesthetic of brand marketing. Pisanelli is giving an introductory session; while some may find it presumptuous or off-putting, his tone makes the biggest difference.
This book is more than timely. It is essential reading! At a time when life is basically a dumpster fire, this book is the perfect reminder that something beautiful can arise from the ashes.
Pros:
• Personal stories were relatable
• Key concepts and quotes to pay attention to were emphasized in bubbles
• Timely, relevant, and well researched
• Brand marketing
• Phoenix concept and tumbleweed metaphor – novel and insightful
Cons:
• Brand marketing
• A couple of typos, and on pages 28-29, a small paragraph repeats
Scribble's Worth 
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