What Can Ancient Chinese Poetry Teach Today’s Business Leaders?

Budgets, artificial intelligence, customer reviews and staff retention: the modern business leader’s working day rarely lacks urgent questions. 

What it often lacks is time to stop, think and consider whether a different perspective might produce a better answer.

A book from LID Publishing invites managers to find that perspective in an unexpected place: classical Chinese poetry.

Verses of Wisdom, by Dr Catherine Hua Xiang and Zhining Xu, connects 25 centuries of literary wisdom with the challenges facing contemporary business leaders. Its central proposition is that reflections on human nature can offer valuable guidance for those responsible for people, decisions and organisational direction.

Drawing particularly on poetry from the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 CE, and the Song Dynasty, from 960 to 1279 CE, the authors explore themes that remain recognisable across centuries and cultures.

Self-improvement, resilience, difficult choices and the search for meaning are hardly historical curiosities. They are everyday concerns for anyone trying to build a business, support colleagues or lead through uncertainty.

The book encourages readers to approach leadership with curiosity, considering how achievement and purpose, commercial results and human relationships can work together.

Crucially, readers do not need to speak Chinese or have studied Eastern philosophy to engage with its ideas. The invitation is to consider what another culture’s literary heritage might reveal about familiar professional challenges.

For managers accustomed to dashboards and performance indicators, that could provide a useful opportunity for reflection. Figures can identify a problem, but understanding the people behind those figures often requires patience, empathy and judgement.

Advance endorsements suggest the approach has struck a chord with experienced business figures. Sir Tom Troubridge praises its introduction of Chinese poetry to Western business leaders, while Brompton Bicycle chief executive Will Butler-Adams welcomes its combination of ancient verse and stories from successful contemporary businesses.

Verses of Wisdom is the third title in LID Publishing’s Navigating China series, which aims to deepen readers’ understanding of China and its relevance to leadership and business practice.

For That’s Business readers, its appeal lies in the opportunity to broaden the sources from which leadership lessons are drawn. Useful insights can emerge from literature and cultural traditions as readily as from the latest management discussion.

At a time when every working minute seems accounted for, making room for thoughtful reading may feel difficult. This book offers leaders a reason to put reflection back into the diary—and see what follows.

https://lidpublishing.com

Hosting Catered Poetry Readings for National Poetry Day: A Business Opportunity

National Poetry Day, held every October, is a celebration of words, ideas, and imagination. For businesses — especially those in hospitality, catering, retail, or event management — it’s also a golden opportunity to connect with your community, showcase creativity, and attract new customers. 

Hosting a catered poetry reading can set your brand apart and build goodwill that lasts long beyond the event itself.

Why Businesses Should Get Involved

Supporting National Poetry Day isn’t just about culture — it’s smart business. A well-organised poetry event can:

Boost footfall: Draw people into your café, restaurant, pub, bookshop, or bar.

Enhance brand image: Align your business with creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.

Encourage partnerships: Work with local poets, schools, libraries, and cultural groups.

Generate publicity: Local press, social media buzz, and the #NationalPoetryDay hashtag can amplify your reach.

Turning Poetry into a Business Asset

Catering adds another layer to the experience, and it’s where businesses can shine. By offering food and drink alongside the readings, you make your venue not just a host space but a destination. Think themed menus, bespoke drinks, or exclusive offers tied to the event. For example:

A café could launch a “Poet’s Coffee Blend” or “Verse & Biscuit” deal.

A wine bar might create “Sonnet and Shiraz” nights.

A pub could stage Poems and Pints events.

Caterers could offer packages specifically designed for cultural events, with branding opportunities built in.

Planning a Successful Event

If you’re a business owner considering hosting or partnering on a poetry event, here are some steps to maximise impact:

Define your audience – Is this a family-friendly afternoon, a university crowd, or a more refined evening for professionals?

Choose the right venue – Bookshops, cafés, and community spaces often work best.

Partner locally – Work with poets, writers’ groups, or even schools for performances.

Curate the catering – Align food and drink with the event’s theme and your brand’s strengths.

Market effectively – Use social media, email newsletters, flyers, and partnerships with cultural organisations to spread the word.

Branding Beyond the Day

Don’t treat National Poetry Day as a one-off. Businesses can build it into an annual event, establish a reputation as a supporter of the arts, or even create regular poetry nights. Offering loyalty discounts, merchandise, or themed menu items tied to the occasion can reinforce your brand’s cultural identity.

National Poetry Day isn’t only for poets — it’s for businesses too. By hosting or sponsoring a catered poetry reading, you can engage your community, enhance your brand image, and create a memorable customer experience. 

It’s a chance to show that your business values creativity — and to enjoy the rewards that come when customers see you as more than just a service provider, but a cultural contributor.