Adaptability: Seven Lessons to Thrive in a World of Competing Demands

by Denise Lewis DBE, Denise Lewis

Harness the power of adaptability to embrace change, overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Women are facing more pressure and stress than ever before. Between work, childcare, caregiving responsibilities, maintaining relationships and looking after finances, many are struggling to manage the demands placed on them, with a significant number feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope at times. These challenges are something that Denise Lewis understands well; as an athlete, broadcaster, woman, and mother, her life, like that of many women, is one of constant adaptation.

Now, Denise is determined to help women harness the power of adaptability. She aims to teach you how to become your own life coach and navigate the many roles we take on throughout life. In Adaptability, she will guide you through seven key lessons learned from her experiences both on and off the track, including maintaining your identity, building resilience, seeking support, trusting your instincts, and more. By applying these principles, women from all backgrounds can unlock their full potential, develop the tools to overcome challenges, and embrace their multifaceted identities both at work and beyond.

While we may not be able to have it all, we can come close by consciously cultivating the skills needed to thrive in every area of our lives.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Beverley Knight and Gabby Logan

Audible Audio

Published March 13, 2025

Reviews

[Onyeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is my first athlete memoir. I received a copy as part of the Tandem Collective listen-along.

“You are worth the self-investment.”

Adaptability is read by Dame Denise Lewis, which is great because you get to hear her read her own words. It’s split into 7 chapters, which is brilliant given that she is the UK’s Olympic heptathlon champion.

“Rather than seeing difficulty as the end of a track; see it as a hurdle to leap over.”

She uses a lot of sports metaphors, and clearly loves lists. One of my favourites is “How to handle change without falling apart”, which is a breakdown of actionable steps you can take from ‘visualise your success’ to ‘let go and seek support’.

This is as much a memoir as it is a self-development manual, and Denise did a brilliant job of shedding light on her life (personal and professional), challenges she’s overcome, spirituality and tools for success. A good read.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been inspired by Dame Denise Lewis, purely based on the drive, determination and strength she has shown, whilst in the spotlight her life has earned. Yet, I did not know the background behind her wonderful qualities. This book allows you to look into her life, from her strong and loving mother to her determination to be the best she could at what she set her mind to, all these things piece together to create the whole person she has become. This has led to her maintaining an adaptable life, be it in the ever changing world of sport or in the constantly shuffling and flexing needs of parenting and caring. These things have all shown her a path that grows and moves with the adaptable ways she has learned and through this she has become very successful, in all the ways she hopes.
This audiobook is wonderful, in that you get to listen to an idol and complete role model share with you her methods of learning to flow and adapt as your world moves and changes. She shares how to make sure you maintain a handle on who you are and who you want to be, outside of just your job, parenting/caring and partner. It is such a soft, but detailed approach and honestly it is absolutely brilliant and so easy to listen to. I cannot recommend it enough!