BOOK #3

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Can '80s pop culture really teach us about life and work? Yes it can! And in the words of the immortal Jeff Spicolli, it is "Awesome. Totally Awesome."

Life skills. Workplace values. Most of us learned them the hard way and the practical way -- through painful personal trial and error or by witnessing the successes and failures of those around us. Experience and observation can teach us a lot. But what if you could learn powerful life and work lessons the easy, fun, and totally awesome way? What if your future mantras and bullet-proof perspectives for a happier, more balanced, and more productive life could be gleaned from the iconic characters, epic dialogue, and unlikely plot lines of your favorite ‘80s movies? Well, you’re in luck.

On the heels of his first two acclaimed books about lessons from ‘80s pop culture, high-energy keynote speaker and ‘80s aficionado Chris Clews takes us back in time to explore the laughter and tears -- and yes, the totally unexpected life and workplace lessons -- in some of our favorite movies and music from the decade that defined a generation ... and that lives on during a resurgence of love for the ‘80s (think Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, Top Gun Maverick, and more).

In Raised on the ‘80s, Book #3 of his hilarious and thought-provoking series, Chris delivers a playful, juicy, entertaining, and surprisingly relevant review of nine blockbuster films, one musician who loved the color purple, countless musical hits, and the fashion and lifestyle trends of the 1980s.

The timeless lessons of '80s movies (taught to some of us as tweens and teens, and just now being discovered by younger generations) still resonate and apply to our lives, our jobs, our families, and our communities. Raised on the ‘80s offers life lessons about confidence, individuality, judgment, legacy, decision making, “going for it,” living your life on your terms, passion, encouragement, negotiating with yourself and others, personal growth, and overcoming our fears and challenges.

Here are a few examples of the lessons -- about life and about work -- that Chris has in store:

Trading Places -- You can be good at what you do and still question yourself. Confident people question themselves. Arrogant people question others.

VisionQuest -- There are really two ways to live your life – you can mark the time or make your mark.

Can’t Buy Me Love -- Doing the thing is greater than buying the thing.

Prince and Suzanne Vega – Encouragement doesn’t cost a thing.

Cocktail -- The difference between dreaming the dream and living the dream is the action you’re willing to take.

Die Hard -- Oftentimes, the best way to face a tough or challenging situation is with levity and humor.

Field of Dreams -- Logical equals safe. Illogical equals crazy. From crazy comes innovation, creativity, and advancement.

Road House-- Trusting the process requires trusting the person.

Dead Poets Society-- Change starts with dialogue but making a real impact requires action.

The Breakfast Club -- Be unique. Be bizarre. But most importantly, just be you.

Discover dozens more relatable, unique, and fun lessons from movies and music that you'll never look at the same way again.

So, go ahead -- put on something neon, start using words like “totally” and “rad” again, and get ready for a book that’s so awesome it will make you feel guilty for having recommended it at work.

Raised on the ‘80s is Book #3 in The Ultimate Series on Essential Work & Life Lessons from ‘80s Pop Culture by Chris Clews.