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The Art of Unexpected Solutions

Using Lateral Thinking to Find Breakthroughs

Paul Sloane

Shows readers how to experiment and capitalise on unexpected discoveries in order to find innovative ways of doing business.

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EAN: 9781398625938

Edition: 1

Published: 03 Jan 2026

Format: 198 x 129

256 pages

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About the book

Unlock creativity, embrace the unexpected and turn chance discoveries into innovation. The Art of Unexpected Solutions shows you how to think differently, experiment boldly and uncover new ways of doing business that others overlook.

Through real-world examples and research, this powerful guide reveals how openness to surprise can spark breakthroughs and redefine your approach to problem-solving. By taking risks and learning from unintended outcomes, you'll find unconventional solutions that drive innovation and set you apart from the competition.

Written by bestselling author and innovation expert Paul Sloane, author of Lateral Thinking for Every Day, this book helps you see opportunity where others see obstacles and make creative thinking your greatest business advantage.

Themes include: innovation mindset, creative problem-solving, business experimentation, divergent thinking, lateral thinking, business transformation.

About the authors

Paul Sloane is an experienced speaker, course leader and facilitator. A recognized authority on innovation and creative speaking, he speaks and gives workshops to leading corporations around the world. He is also the best-selling author of How to Be a Brilliant Thinker, The Innovative Leader and editor of A Guide to Open Innovation and Crowdsourcing, all published by Kogan Page. He is based in Surrey, UK.

Paul Sloane

- Chapter - 01: Why the Unexpected is So Important;
- Chapter - 02: Spurn Certainty and Control;
- Chapter - 03: Welcome Serendipity;
- Chapter - 04: Cultivate Curiosity;
- Chapter - 05: Ask Questions;
- Chapter - 06: Challenge Assumptions;
- Chapter - 07: Don't Underestimate Luck;
- Chapter - 08: Build a Culture of Experimentation;
- Chapter - 09: Ensure Psychological Safety;
- Chapter - 10: See What Others Miss;
- Chapter - 11: Exploit Mistakes;
- Chapter - 12: Turn Obstacles into Opportunities;
- Chapter - 13: Unexpected Actions in Marketing;
- Chapter - 14: Work in Diverse Fields;
- Chapter - 15: Seize the Unexpected Opportunity;
- Chapter - 16: Why Do we Not Seize Opportunities?;
- Chapter - 17: Recognize Hidden Patterns;
- Chapter - 18: Unexpected Outcomes in the Arts;
- Chapter - 19: Surprising Combinations;
- Chapter - 20: Unexpected Failures;
- Chapter - 21: Serendipitous Collaborations;
- Chapter - 22: Put Your Product to Another Use;
- Chapter - 23: Trust Your Intuition;
- Chapter - 24: Play More;
- Chapter - 25: Welcome the Random;
- Chapter - 26: Tell More Stories;
- Chapter - 27: Accept Productive Boredom;
- Chapter - 28: AI can aid the Unexpected and Innovation;
- Chapter - 29: Build a Physical Environment for Serendipity;

Reviews

Brian McBride, former CEO of Amazon UK

Paul Sloane has hit another home run with this winner. If you only buy one business or self-improvement book this year, it has to be this one. Paul brings his concepts to life with an amazing collection of examples of serendipitous successes. It includes a terrific history of many of the best and the worst business decisions in history. If you want to be a winner, get this book!

Alistair Phelps, Senior Managing Director, Chief Strategy Officer, Nomura

A great addition to the business bookshelf. It is packed with inspirational stories and practical tips to produce unexpected solutions.

Tim Leney, Managing Director of TCC Marketing Agency

A masterful guide to embracing creativity through curiosity and courage. The Art of Unexpected Solutions reminds us that true innovation is born from openness to surprise. This insightful, practical and inspiring read is a must for anyone looking to lead with imagination in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Paul Sloane has hit another home run with this winner. If you only buy one business or self-improvement book this year, it has to be this one. Paul brings his concepts to life with an amazing collection of examples of serendipitous successes. It includes a terrific history of many of the best and the worst business decisions in history. If you want to be a winner, get this book!
Brian McBride, former CEO of Amazon UK

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