I just finished The Hypomanic Toolbox by Todd Hagopian, and honestly, I didn’t expect a business book to hit this hard, both practically and emotionally. The story follows Jack Whelan, a manufacturing exec whose company is about to tank. He’s desperate, stressed, and honestly pretty burnt out. Then this eccentric billionaire, Eugene Spark, shows up and drops a wild proposition: turn the company around in six months using a system inspired by the focus and energy of hypomania, or lose the business entirely.

At first, I was like Jack, skeptical. But as Eugene started introducing his HOT System, I started to get pulled in. What makes this book different is how it blends a legit business transformation with a very real, human story. You’re not just reading strategies butyou’re watching them come alive through trial, error, and raw experience. Some of the concepts really stuck with me,

I think what I loved most, though, was the idea of “magnificent obsessions.” That’s where the creativity kicks in. And as a reader, it kind of makes you reflect on your own work and whether you're playing it too safe.

What’s so smart about this book is how it takes something misunderstood and often stigmatized (hypomania) and reframes it as a powerful force when channeled the right way. If you’re into business books with actual heart and don’t mind learning through story rather than straight-up theory, I seriously recommend this one. It’s practical, it’s different, and it’ll make you think twice about how you lead and create.

This was such a great read. I have been looking for a book to help me not only better understand my diagnosis, but also one that could help me manage the symptoms and this one was fantastic! I would absolutely recommend this read to anyone wanting better coping skills or even someone who loves a person with BP Type II or loves is hypomania.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for allowing me to read this.

An odd duck this one... Essentially the fictional story of how an eccentric billionaire turned around a shopping cart company via gathering a lot of data and applying it to their problems. If it's intention was to convince me of the importance of accurately measuring and tracking data in decision making, I am convinced. It was worth it for that although it was both uninteresting and strangely compelling at the same time. 4 stars as, unlike many self help fable books, it really did change mind.

"The Hypomanic Toolbox is unlike any business book I've ever read—it's equal parts mystery, therapy session, and leadership masterclass. Todd Hagopian transforms his bipolar disease into a force for corporate innovation, and the results are electric. The story of Jack and Eugene had me enthralled from the first page—imagine a mad, genius billionaire swooping in to save a faltering firm with hyper-focused, 'no sleep till we win' enthusiasm.

The 'Karelin Method' (obsessive attention + unwavering execution) is my new productivity motto. What about the 'Magnificent Obsessions' framework? This is a game changer for fostering collaborative creativity. But the true gut-punch comes when Eugene disappears mid-mania, leaving Jack to adjust the system on his own—a fantastic metaphor for long-term leadership.

As someone who has experienced burnout,
I loved how Hagopian balances hypomanic intensity with guardrails to prevent chaos. 5/5—read this if you’re tired of ‘rah-rah’ business fluff and want real fire."

This book is a unique business parable that blends mental health insights with entrepreneurial strategy. Centered around Jack Whelan, the struggling president of Cartwell Manufacturing, the story introduces Eugene Spark—a billionaire with bipolar disorder—who mentors Jack using the HOT (Hypomanic Operational Turnaround) System. This system draws on traits often associated with hypomania, like creativity, energy, and risk-taking, to reinvigorate failing businesses.
Hagopian’s innovative approach reframes mental health traits as strategic assets, offering tools like the 80/20 Matrix and Karelin Method. The narrative is engaging, making abstract business concepts accessible. However, the book could benefit from more concrete implementation steps and deeper character development. The company’s rapid six-month transformation may also stretch believability.
Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for entrepreneurs and managers looking for unconventional ways to drive growth and innovation, especially those open to psychological insights in business.

I was quite excited when Todd Hagopian reached out to me on LinkedIn to review his new book *The Hypomanic Toolbox*. I had a basic idea of what hypomania was and was genuinely curious to see how it connected with the world of business.

This business fiction follows Jack Whelan, the president of a cart manufacturing company. Just when he feels like he's failing on every front—professionally, personally, and in his relationships—he meets the enigmatic Eugene Spark. Eugene proposes an unconventional deal: he will either help turn the company around in six months using his unique system or buy it himself to save it from complete failure. Though unsure, Jack is desperate for a way out and decides to take the leap. What follows is a compelling journey where Eugene introduces Jack to the HOT System—Hypomanic Operational Turnaround—a method inspired by Eugene’s (and in many ways, the author’s) own life experiences of living with bipolar disorder.

In the foreword, Todd Hagopian opens up about his personal struggles with bipolar disorder and how it once adversely affected his life, until he developed and applied the very system the book is based on. That honest, lived connection makes the narrative feel even more authentic and impactful.

The story was so well written, I couldn’t put it down. I loved how business concepts were seamlessly woven into the narrative, making them easy to understand and much more engaging than traditional business books. The characters, especially Eugene, brought so much life to the story—they made it both informative and enjoyable to read. One strategy that especially resonated with me was “Make Bold Decisions Quickly,” which struck a personal chord as it’s something I often struggle with.

Even though the book tackles a heavy topic, it feels refreshingly different from typical business reads. I’ll definitely be re-reading it to better absorb the concepts because the possibilities the HOT System opens up are genuinely exciting.

If you're someone who enjoys business books with a fresh, storytelling approach—or if you’re just curious about the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship—I’d definitely recommend *The Hypomanic Toolbox*. It’s insightful, gripping, and thought-provoking in the best way.

"The Hypomanic Toolbox is a bold and refreshing take on entrepreneurial strategy. Hagopian masterfully blends storytelling with powerful insights, showing how energy, focus, and even intensity can be tools for growth — not just risks to avoid. Whether you're a founder, freelancer, or simply looking to break through a plateau, this book will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas."