BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERHow any leader can deliver business-changing innovation now.Any leader in any size company, no matter the size or sector, feels the pressure to innovate, find new ideas and business models, and create enduring customer value. There is no one formula or set process to find and execute the ideas that achieve these goals; customers set moving targets, shareholders are unforgiving and demanding, and society expects companies to care about much more than the bottom line. The fast and furious forces of change stimulated by technology, demographics, lifestyles, and economic, environmental, political and regulatory impacts -- or any number of these in combination - are easy to see. They are easy to talk about. They are easy to intellectualize. The problem? The answers are hard to execute and require nuanced combinations of leadership, skills, strategy and tactics. On top of that, innovation has moved from an abstraction that will matter at some distant date to a front-and-center deliverable that must show evidence of impact in the space of the calendar quarter. In the stories, tools, techniques and advice inside The Change Maker's Playbook, leaders will find tangible steps to find and safeguard the plans that will deliver the sustainable business-changing impacts - new customers, new relationships, new sources of value and growth-- their businesses need. Separated from the pack of academic and consultant innovation theories, Radin's approach stems from her own experience sitting in the innovation hot seat at some of the world's most demanding companies and is bolstered by interviews with 50 corporate executives, founders and startup investors representing media, e-commerce, payments, healthcare, government, professional services, and not-for-profit sectors. The book walks readers through Radin's adaptive, 9-part framework, engaging them in ready-to-apply techniques. Her work shows leaders how to find the big ideas that will meaningfully address customer needs, take the insight from idea through implementation in a way that delivers in the short and long-term for the organization, and lead effectively through the obstacles that tend to derail or diminish innovation. Three phases - Seeking, Seeding and Scaling - organize the framework within an intuitive, logical and useable format, with concrete actions outlined every step of the way. The answer to the dilemma every business faces today is that innovation is exhilarating, rewarding and even fun when it is approached as a unique challenge, but it can also be polarizing, unpredictable, and scary. Success requires that leaders rethink how they lead innovation. Leaders know they must set aside preconceived notions of what works, and look to those who have already walked in their shoes. This is why The Change Maker's Playbook was written, and why it will become an ongoing resource for any innovation leader. Table of ForewordThe Change Maker's Framework (image)IntroductionChapter 1: Discovering Real Problems That MatterChapter 2: Purpose, Passion, Promise and PositioningChapter 3: The Art Of Being ResourcefulChapter 4: Prototype, Test, Learn, IterateChapter 5: Business Model LinchpinsChapter 6: The Green Light MomentChapter 7: Launch</
The Change Maker’s Playbook by Amy Radin is a content-packed gem that has truly made a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. From the moment I delved into its pages, I was captivated by the wealth of knowledge and insights it had to offer. Radin’s skillful weaving of valuable steps into each chapter and page leaves no room for fluff, making the book an engaging and practical guide for anyone eager to make a positive impact in the world.
What sets this book apart is the clever integration of real-life examples, which make the concepts more accessible and relatable. I was particularly impressed with the user/buyer/payer/influencer model explained through the author’s own daughter and her Netflix habits. By using such relatable scenarios, Radin makes complex concepts easier to understand and apply, allowing readers to connect the book’s principles with their own experiences.
Radin’s respect for the reader’s time is evident throughout the book. She delivers only the essential pieces of advice without beating around the bush. This approach ensures that readers gain the most from every page, making the book remarkably condensed yet still highly effective in conveying its messages.
Another highlight of the book is the inclusion of terrific anecdotes that were thoroughly enjoyable. These stories not only illustrate key points but also provide inspiration and motivation. They remind us that change makers can emerge from any background, and the journey to success is often filled with interesting twists and turns.
Moreover, the author’s sense of humility, presenting herself as a player just like the reader, is genuinely endearing. Radin’s relatable demeanor fosters a sense of trust and connection with the audience, making the advice and guidance offered in the book feel more personal and relevant.
The impact of The Change Maker’s Playbook extended beyond the realms of personal development. It has proven to be a game-changer in my workspace as well. By incorporating the concepts of user-centric thinking, innovative problem-solving, and the art of storytelling into my work, I have seen remarkable improvements in my professional projects and their outcomes.
The Change Maker’s Playbook is not just a book; it is a transformative guide that empowers individuals to become effective change agents in their personal and professional lives. Its content-packed, no-nonsense approach, coupled with the author’s relatable style, makes it a must-read for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in the world. I consider myself truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this outstanding work, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all those who are eager to take charge of their destiny and embrace their roles as change makers.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a changemaker?
Have you ever wondered what skills a changemaker needs to have the likely “jobs” that a change maker will need to complete to get that change?
In this book, Amy Radin, takes you through the steps all changemakers need to take. From discover of the needs, how to build a prototype, test and learn. Building a business case and then getting a green light and launching. She concludes with section on scaling adapting.
For changemakers young and old that want to start a movement or change their current working environment this is worth a read.