How refreshing to find a business book that does not inflict formulaic expertise but instead inspires deeper consideration as to what makes us tick as human beings.

Orlov tackles our neglected emotional and spiritual nuances, while exposing societal conditioning for the nonsense that it is. Put simply, he cuts through the noise that so often obscures clear judgement in business and in life. For those starting out in business, this book will re-calibrate naivety and alter preconceptions.

For those already involved, it will challenge the comfort zone, topple complacency and strengthen one’s raison d’etre.

Max Fraser, author

There is a wonderful, lyrical quality to the narrative that manages to walk a fine line between simple anecdotes and hectoring dogma of other texts; throughout,the book is both conversational and deeply thought-provoking.

The author has a lifetime of connections with business leaders and these experiences and observations both inform and amuse. They illustrate how successful leaders are constantly evolve,are frequently idiosyncratic and complex individuals.

Notes from the Margin defies simple classification-is it a business text? A self help manual?

It is rooted in philosophy, economics and organisational psychology. Its strength is all of these and more. For those who live to work, and indeed  work to live, this book brings a balance and realisation that the two things are complementary, compatible and healthy. Notes from the Margin helps to establish concise re–reference points, forcing moments of self-awareness that is provocative in a positive sense. Notes from the Margin also provides great insight on the world of the Internet social media and the way people think and lead their organisations

Jeremy Thompson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK

Notes from the Margin is very elegant, almost poetic, rich in texture and expression, it’s like having a gourmet meal you have to pause and savour every moment.

The philosophy, sentiments and values in the “consider this” sections are very powerful and fully illustrate the examples in each chapter.

This is no ordinary speed  read. Notes from the Margin is a book one needs time and space to read, enjoy, reflect  and is challenging and thought-provoking on one’s own behaviours. This is a book for the reflective leader who wants to be challenged, positively disturbed so that they may reconsider the journey of their business and private life.

Roger Leek,  EVP Fujitsu Ltd

Notes from the Margin takes a very philosophical and original approach. Gone are how-to’s and how not to’s and instead a more spiritual set of beliefs and values.
Notes from the Margin is a very enjoyable read. The stories feed your imagination rather than telling you a very specific answer or set of actions… Room I think to interject one’s own style or interpretation.

Edwina Dunn, co-founder of Dunn Humby

Notes from the Margin is like a companion for success that provides never-ending support and great advice and as a compass remaining authentic and true to the most important brand: You. Alexei  Orlov has a natural ability to make you pause and reflect on your passion and purpose; gently nudging you along until you yourself arrive at your destination-those islands of excellence where you own true personal authority and integrity.

Notes from the Margin sets new standards in the ways of doing business and living life.

Truly a fascinating read-where you will find yourself going back for more.

Sarah Kuehne, I-india

With Notes from the Margin, Alexei Orlov shares experiences and insights that are as diverse as they are rich.

What comes through every page is his passion for both people and brands, and a desire for us all to find the small things that make the most difference. The wisdom he shares along with the thinking he provokes, make this a book that you will come back to time and time again-in business and in life.

Carl Grebert, General Manager, Nike Japan

Notes from the Margin is a book touched with magnificence. It’s full of rich ideas and vivid experiences and a perspective that can only come from someone as experienced and perceptive as the author.

It doesn’t matter whether you read front to back, back to front or just open to any page: you are going to come away with ideas and insights that will change the way you view the world.

Dave Balter, CEO Bzz Agent, Author of The Grapevine

Alexei Orlov is a brave man who has elected to share himself through his collected insights in his own voice and unique style. In choosing not to follow the normal recipe for a ‘business book’ but rather write his book he asks the reader to meander with him a while but the reward is some powerful business and personal insights. The book does enable a precision lens to observe ourselves and others in the life we lead in business – but more so in our own, more complete commentary of who we are and what we do, and who we share it with at home, work and play.

There’s plenty to ponder, agree and disagree with. The transaction in reading this book isn’t typical, it doesn’t aim to please or give you the payback in short action packed prose, and sometimes you shout for this, but it does aim to help us be, and see, a little better in this life we lead.

The collection of stories hit home and the voice around them provides the trusted companion – like watching great movies on aeroplanes it does force you away from the bish, bash bosh of life so take your time on this one.

Des Norton; Regional Director, BAT

Notes From the Margin became my companion for almost a month, my guilt free pleasure riding buses and ignoring commuters on my way to and from work. I realise this may seem prosaic-nothing more than a travellers read, but when you consider I am public transport averse and normally cycle or run to the office you may have some understanding of the enjoyment this book has provided. It has changed my behaviour!

Notes from the Margin has had the greatest impact, savouringing small but fulfilling morsels with each read.

It’s real beauty is expressed through the title-Notes from the Margin-, a collection of thoughts and notions that are without beginning or end , upon reading, leave you with a sense of arrival. The experience has been like jumping into flowing water, not knowing your destination, but gently buffeting against ideas and riding stories to a place that leaves you fresh and cleansed.  Notes from a Margin leaves one with a sense of ownership and belonging in the whole process. This is helped by the exquisite use of prose, the disjunction of words that cerebrally massage.

Jeremy  Powell, Global Creative Director, G2

“Be it for business or for life, Notes from the Margin is rich in advice as well as style. Philosophical reflections written by a born storyteller.”

Stefan Himpe; Chief Financial Officer, McCann; EMEA

“Notes from the Margin is an unusual book that easily fits into more than just a business category. It is the personal story of a seasoned business man, it is a management text book, it is about the psychology of people and it is tremendously philosophical and honest.

It is a not just a great read, but an important one too; it makes one think, but is wonderfully entertaining, never dull. It skillfully captures what fascinates us the most at the end of the day: the many facets of the human being.”

I really enjoyed reading your book. Congratulations Alexei, well done!

Marcus Starke SVP, Marketing: SAP, North America

“Much has been written about the Science or Art of Marketing, but none have captured the emotion and human insights on which brands and companies are built as well as Alexei has in Notes from the Margin. A truly thoughtful companion to anyone who has ever worked in a creative environment.”

Marc Jones; Global Brand Director: Lucky Strike

“Being an integrated advertising agency creative, I’m always trying to better understand how it all works together. Alexei has distilled his years of experience in life and work into an essential handbook for those that strive for excellence. It’s insightful, engrossing and full of valuable personal lessons. You come away feeling a little more confident in who you are and what you do.”

Phil Holbrook, Creative at CHI & Partners London