Adapt: Mastering change in four steps

by Andrea Clarke, Dominic Price (foreword)

Transform your life and your career with the four steps to adapt effectively to Engage, Accept, Activate, Release.
 
‘A powerful playbook to lead change.’ Dominic Price, Atlassian
 
After the global pause in 2020, we returned to a world that feels faster, looser, and less structured – our professional boundaries have been erased, social and cultural norms are shifting rapidly, and at the same time, we're facing profound developments in artificial intelligence. We're facing more change more often, yet we're applying a mindset that is outdated and no longer fit-for-purpose.

Adapt offers a fresh perspective. Andrea Clarke, the award-winning author of Future Fit, argues that rather than retreat from change or resist it, we must engage with it continuously and learn how to anticipate and shape it. She will teach you practical tools, including how to scan for signals of change to minimise disruption, apply the good advice test to make better decisions, use the 80/20 rule to explore unseen opportunities, and protect your health with the energy curve.

Whether you’re striving to be a better leader, or seeking more control over your life, Adapt will equip you with a new way to master change in an unpredictable world. This book reframes change as a powerful tool for growth, opportunity and meaningful progress.

Genres: Nonfiction

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

Reviews

[Pang Khong Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author highlights the importance of being observant and paying attention to the signals around us. Often, these signals indicate upcoming changes, and recognizing them early can give us a head start in adjusting our course. By acknowledging and acting on these signs, we can take small steps toward potential shifts, cut out unnecessary distractions, gain clarity on our goals, and, most importantly, have the courage to make decisions when change is needed.

This book reminds me of my previous job, when the company was facing financial constraints after losing a key client. Eventually, a few of us were laid off. Even before that happened, I sensed the need for change, which led me to invest in a UI design course as part of my transition into UX research. Looking back, I think I could have done more—actively searching for new job opportunities earlier and connecting with more professionals in the industry. Nevertheless, I have embarked on a new journey as a researcher in a different field, the importance of adaptibility, sensing the signals of change will always remain at the top of my mind.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This popped up in my Libro.fm educator's section right when my company announced another re-org, so I figured it's a good time to give it a read (or a listen, technically). Overall, it has some good advice with a mix of anecdotes from the author and other examples and it was well-organized. I'm not sure if I would call this a "playbook", per se, but it has some helpful mindset and "AQ" habits, though not necessarily memorable. (I finished it this morning and read the book within the past week but already forgot most of what she said, probably because nothing in here is necessarily new to someone who has read a lot on this topic already.)

Thanks Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster for the ALC.

[Miranda English · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically read nonfiction, but I'm glad I read this. Even if you're good at/with change, it's still worth the listen. It helps you understand not only how to deal with change but also how to anticipate and predict change, which is what piqued my interest. What stood out the most to me was the 5 L's exercise and practicing high AQ habits. There are tools given that you can implement professionally as well as in your personal life.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas about how to be more adaptable, especially at work. I liked that it included self care and not over-scheduling yourself.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea presented a great book in Adapt. I listened to the audiobook and found her voice to be engaging. Defineetely, a book to buy for my library.

[Nicolene Murdoch · Rating 2 out of 5]

🎧 Very basic, not helpful at all for larger scale, complex change. Generous 2⭐️ because of 2 interesting bits.