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Changemakers
Book

Changemakers

How Leaders Can Design Change in an Insanely Complex World

Maria Giudice and Christopher Ireland
Rosenfeld Media LLC, 2023
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Applicable
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Change-makers – today’s bold developers of innovative concepts and designs – have a lot to contribute. In this comprehensive book on instigating, navigating, and advancing change, business leaders Maria Giudice and Christopher Ireland explain what change-making is all about, how it works, and what it requires. They also outline the pitfalls that threaten those who challenge the status quo. If you’re engaging in relevant, business-driven change, keep this information-packed manual on your desk.

Summary

A change-maker offers the hope of positive, transformational improvements. 

Disneyland and Disney World devote big sections of their amusement parks to a positive, transformational view of the future. Their rosy vision foretells social, technological, and organizational progress that can improve life for everyone.

In the real world, change sometimes works and makes life better – and, sometimes, it fails and makes life worse. New advances may disrupt business or the larger society. Change doesn’t reach everyone: While some segments of the world’s population benefit from cutting-edge improvements, large populations live in hardscrabble circumstances that modern advances barely touch.

With volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) problems facing the world, including destructive climate change, transformational improvements are essential. Such advances do not occur magically by themselves. They require visionary change-makers – leaders, designers, developers, and inventors – tons of hard work, and plenty of money.

Change-makers are courageous, optimistic, passionate, and purposeful.

About the Authors

Maria Giudice is the founder and CEO of the design firm Hot Studio. Christopher Ireland is the co-founder and CEO of Cheskin, a Silicon Valley design-research firm.

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    W. A. 1 month ago
    This summary provides a fascinating deep dive into the essence of effective change-making. It highlights the multifaceted roles, qualities, and strategies needed to drive meaningful transformation in today’s dynamic world. Here are a few reflections and takeaways that stood out to me:

    Courageous Optimism: The emphasis on courage and optimism as the foundation of change-making resonates deeply. These traits are essential to push through resistance and uncertainty while rallying others around a shared vision.

    Iteration as a Core Process: The iterative nature of change-making is both practical and inspiring. It reminds us that failure is not the opposite of success but rather a step toward refinement and eventual achievement.

    Stakeholder-Centric Approach: Treating stakeholders like gold and involving them throughout the process is a powerful reminder that change isn’t a solo endeavor. Building trust and alignment ensures lasting impact.

    Design as Strategy: Viewing the future as a design problem reframes challenges as creative opportunities. This perspective encourages innovative solutions tailored to human needs and aspirations.

    The Futurist Mindset: Considering “alternative futures” underlines the need for adaptability and broad vision. The futures cone is a particularly compelling framework for balancing optimism with realism.

    This summary serves as a strong call to action for those willing to embrace complexity and lead with purpose. Whether you're navigating organizational change or societal transformation, the outlined principles provide a valuable guide.
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    L. A. 1 month ago
    La transformación es un elemento que puede propiciar progresos beneficiosos en las compañías, tales como incrementos en la rentabilidad, la competitividad y otros elementos. La administración del cambio es una disciplina que puede contribuir a que las modificaciones se apliquen correctamente y traigan los beneficios previstos.

    Algunas de las ventajas de la administración del cambio incluyen: Incrementa el triunfo de los proyectos, Asiste en el uso del talento humano, Asiste en el desarrollo de la empresa, Facilita los periodos de transición, Eleva el ánimo de los empleados y llevarlos a ver nuevas alternativas de trabajo.