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Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life
Understand the barriers to change and cultivate a reinvention mindset that will make you impervious to disruption In our world of incessant change, we are all threatened by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity―at the individual and organizational levels. Undisruptable will give you a new lens through which to consider change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. You’ll be inspired to consider the big questions of What does the future hold? What does the exponential growth of technology mean for the world of work? What does a changing job market mean for future generations? What do waves of disruption mean for business leaders? Society is evolving at breakneck speed. What does this mean for all of us? Read Undisruptable to bridge the chaos and build the resilience you need to move forward. While we cannot see into the future, there are repeatable patterns that we can understand. Undisruptable demystifies the principles of change through a blend of analogies, innovation frameworks and exemplars of change such as Fujifilm and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The first step to becoming undisputable is to realize that evolution is a natural part of life, and nature provides many examples. Undisruptable will help you By the end of this book, you will have the essential tools and techniques to foster a reinvention mindset that will help you and your organization to become Undisruptable. This book is part of a 3-part series. Part 2 looks at the biases and mental obstacles that prevent change. Part 3 examines the best ways to communicate change within an organization.
PRAISE FOR UNDISRUPTABLE
“Aidan McCullen has lived a fascinating life of major change. In his book, ‘Undisruptable’; he brings us a method for making sense of the external world, and an accessible and visual approach to letting go of the past, and welcoming the future with a mindset of permanent reinvention. It is a timely, thoughtful book, well worth reading.” – Dee Hock , founder and CEO Emeritus of VISA and author of One from VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization “As the poet Paul Valery said, 'the future is not what is used to be'. Organizations across the board must come to grips with permanent reinvention as their needed way of being. Aidan McCullen's gifted storytelling will inspire you and get you on your way to permanent reinvention.” – Mark Johnson , co-founder Innosight and author Lead from the Future “This book teaches the mindset―the lens of clarity―that we all must develop in order to be undisruptable in a future of chilling disruption.” – Bob Johansen author Full-Spectrum Thinking , Distinguished Fellow, Institute for the Future “The snake may slough off its tail, but there's nothing to be sloughed off with this book. Former professional rugby player Aidan McCullen knows how not to be defeated by victory. He knows how to disrupt himself. He knows what it means to be Undisruptable.” – Whitney Johnson , author of Disrupt Yourself “Aidan McCullen shows us how to embrace a mindset of permanent reinvention. By reading this book, you will learn how to shed outdated assumptions and mental models before it's too late. Moreover, you will learn how to remain perpetually curious no matter your past success. McCullen encourages us to embrace a constructive form of restlessness that can be personally rewarding as well as effective for our organizations.” – Michael A. Roberto, author of Unlocking Creativity , Trustee Professor of Management, Bryant University “A masterpiece! Aidan McCullen’s been through the gristmill of change, and come through with great wisdom and guidance for all of us. This is a book to treasure and reread.” – Barbara Oakley, author of A Mind for Numbers and Learning How to Learn “Come for the evocative metaphors and stories. Stay for the powerful frameworks and practical guidance. Undisruptable is a useful guide to thriving in today's era of constant change. Highly recommended.” – Scott D. Anthony, senior partner, Innosight, author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate and Dual Transformation “In Undisruptable, Aidan McCullen provides the missing manual to thrive in the Age of Disruption. This is the right book for right now.” – Ozan Varol, author of Think Like a Rocket Scientist “Strategic frameworks often feel both academic and stale. Aidan McCullen has built a series of lenses on transformation that are based in real world practice―they are alive and fresh through research and compelling storytelling. It is so much fun to read, and incredibly important for people who work in strategy, innovation and the management of change (which we all do now!)”
– Charles Conn , Board member of Patagonia and author of Bulletproof Problem Solving “If the 1920s was the time of the Great Depression and the 2008-2011 the era of the Great Recession, the COVID-19 has opened the doors to the age of the Great Reinvention. Now is the time to shed the old believes about change - and transform it from a threat into an opp...
PRAISE FOR UNDISRUPTABLE
“Aidan McCullen has lived a fascinating life of major change. In his book, ‘Undisruptable’; he brings us a method for making sense of the external world, and an accessible and visual approach to letting go of the past, and welcoming the future with a mindset of permanent reinvention. It is a timely, thoughtful book, well worth reading.” – Dee Hock , founder and CEO Emeritus of VISA and author of One from VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization “As the poet Paul Valery said, 'the future is not what is used to be'. Organizations across the board must come to grips with permanent reinvention as their needed way of being. Aidan McCullen's gifted storytelling will inspire you and get you on your way to permanent reinvention.” – Mark Johnson , co-founder Innosight and author Lead from the Future “This book teaches the mindset―the lens of clarity―that we all must develop in order to be undisruptable in a future of chilling disruption.” – Bob Johansen author Full-Spectrum Thinking , Distinguished Fellow, Institute for the Future “The snake may slough off its tail, but there's nothing to be sloughed off with this book. Former professional rugby player Aidan McCullen knows how not to be defeated by victory. He knows how to disrupt himself. He knows what it means to be Undisruptable.” – Whitney Johnson , author of Disrupt Yourself “Aidan McCullen shows us how to embrace a mindset of permanent reinvention. By reading this book, you will learn how to shed outdated assumptions and mental models before it's too late. Moreover, you will learn how to remain perpetually curious no matter your past success. McCullen encourages us to embrace a constructive form of restlessness that can be personally rewarding as well as effective for our organizations.” – Michael A. Roberto, author of Unlocking Creativity , Trustee Professor of Management, Bryant University “A masterpiece! Aidan McCullen’s been through the gristmill of change, and come through with great wisdom and guidance for all of us. This is a book to treasure and reread.” – Barbara Oakley, author of A Mind for Numbers and Learning How to Learn “Come for the evocative metaphors and stories. Stay for the powerful frameworks and practical guidance. Undisruptable is a useful guide to thriving in today's era of constant change. Highly recommended.” – Scott D. Anthony, senior partner, Innosight, author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate and Dual Transformation “In Undisruptable, Aidan McCullen provides the missing manual to thrive in the Age of Disruption. This is the right book for right now.” – Ozan Varol, author of Think Like a Rocket Scientist “Strategic frameworks often feel both academic and stale. Aidan McCullen has built a series of lenses on transformation that are based in real world practice―they are alive and fresh through research and compelling storytelling. It is so much fun to read, and incredibly important for people who work in strategy, innovation and the management of change (which we all do now!)”
– Charles Conn , Board member of Patagonia and author of Bulletproof Problem Solving “If the 1920s was the time of the Great Depression and the 2008-2011 the era of the Great Recession, the COVID-19 has opened the doors to the age of the Great Reinvention. Now is the time to shed the old believes about change - and transform it from a threat into an opp...
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2021
26 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 1, 2021
If I had to explain this book in just one sentence, it would be this: A look into the counterintuitive ways by which we can embrace the tides of change, stave off obsolescence, and improve our lives and businesses.
McCullen uses his personal journey from rugby player to author, speaker, and consultant to epitomize the messages of the book: We are not our jerseys or our pasts — we are resourceful beings who can leverage our experiences and passions and reinvent ourselves again and again — in business and in life.
Why I say this book is a look into the “counterintuitive” ways we can embrace change is that it’s filled with stories, studies, and explanations of natural laws that continually show us how disruption and entropy can upend us, even when we least expect it. One of the more fun stories following this theme is that of Nokia, the once market leader in mobile phone sales.
In November 2007, the company could do no wrong. They were the dominant force in the industry, and every investor wanted a part of them. However, just months earlier, Apple launched its first iPhone. Fast forward just a few years, and Apple ferociously unseats Nokia from its throne, sending the once-dominant cell phone player into irrelevance.
The book itself is filled with all sorts of these fun, albeit cautionary, tales, many of which are supplemented with helpful or whimsical drawings and cartoons. All in all, it's a great read, and a fantastic way to learn of the myriad strategies we can leverage to make ourselves impervious to disruption. I definitely recommend it.
-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head”
McCullen uses his personal journey from rugby player to author, speaker, and consultant to epitomize the messages of the book: We are not our jerseys or our pasts — we are resourceful beings who can leverage our experiences and passions and reinvent ourselves again and again — in business and in life.
Why I say this book is a look into the “counterintuitive” ways we can embrace change is that it’s filled with stories, studies, and explanations of natural laws that continually show us how disruption and entropy can upend us, even when we least expect it. One of the more fun stories following this theme is that of Nokia, the once market leader in mobile phone sales.
In November 2007, the company could do no wrong. They were the dominant force in the industry, and every investor wanted a part of them. However, just months earlier, Apple launched its first iPhone. Fast forward just a few years, and Apple ferociously unseats Nokia from its throne, sending the once-dominant cell phone player into irrelevance.
The book itself is filled with all sorts of these fun, albeit cautionary, tales, many of which are supplemented with helpful or whimsical drawings and cartoons. All in all, it's a great read, and a fantastic way to learn of the myriad strategies we can leverage to make ourselves impervious to disruption. I definitely recommend it.
-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head”
September 13, 2025
Some books require proper time of your life to enjoy reading them. Though usually I don’t read this kind of literature, the time I got this book was accurately right. Thanks for the inspiring journey.
March 31, 2023
Just an awesome book for anyone seeking to grow and succeedin life
December 20, 2021
This is one of the most important books you could read. The underpinning philosophy is stated clearly in the subtitle “A mindset of permanent reinvention for individuals, organizations and life”. And in essence, it’s a recipe for how to continuously thrive in a world that changes rapidly around you.
It dives straight in by introducing and exploring the concept of a permanent framework for reinvention. Then takes you through a voyage of discovery of the tools you can use in applying the framework. And wraps up with a series of examples of the philosophy in action.
It’s written by a gifted storyteller who succeeds with ease in drawing you into turning page after page. From start to finish he unifies insights and strategies making them incredibly easy to understand and use. He provides wonderful examples throughout that really help with framing the philosophy so that you can readily visualize how it applies to you or your organization.
I highly recommend this book.
It dives straight in by introducing and exploring the concept of a permanent framework for reinvention. Then takes you through a voyage of discovery of the tools you can use in applying the framework. And wraps up with a series of examples of the philosophy in action.
It’s written by a gifted storyteller who succeeds with ease in drawing you into turning page after page. From start to finish he unifies insights and strategies making them incredibly easy to understand and use. He provides wonderful examples throughout that really help with framing the philosophy so that you can readily visualize how it applies to you or your organization.
I highly recommend this book.
December 19, 2021
This is one of the most powerful business and professional development books I have read. This book delivers what it sets out to do - adjust your mindset about change and innovation. Aidan is a natural storyteller and the book is packed with case studies and examples from nature of how we have to evolve and grow capabilities to survive. It also highlights the importance of not letting victory become your enemy or hold you back in moving forward. The practical approach and structure of this book means that I've been able to adopt several of the mindsets in both my professional and personal life, especially my attitude to risk and change. Highly, highly recommended.
November 24, 2025
Undisruptable is a book that genuinely changed the way I think about transformation.
Aidan McCullen explains complex ideas like S curves, Tabula Rasa, and VUCA with such clarity that you start seeing them in your own life as well as in organisations. The stories and examples are memorable and make the lessons easy to apply in real situations.
It is practical, thoughtful and full of insights that help you understand how to adapt, reinvent and stay curious in a world that never stops changing.
A brilliant and meaningful read for anyone interested in personal or organisational transformation.
Aidan McCullen explains complex ideas like S curves, Tabula Rasa, and VUCA with such clarity that you start seeing them in your own life as well as in organisations. The stories and examples are memorable and make the lessons easy to apply in real situations.
It is practical, thoughtful and full of insights that help you understand how to adapt, reinvent and stay curious in a world that never stops changing.
A brilliant and meaningful read for anyone interested in personal or organisational transformation.
December 20, 2021
I am a student at TCD and attended a course taught by Aidan.
His book was very helpful and inspiring in relation to new approaches in the digital world! Not only that it taught me new approaches to the digital world but it also guided me towards learning more about this newly adapted world. This book is exceptional! I totally recommend it!
His book was very helpful and inspiring in relation to new approaches in the digital world! Not only that it taught me new approaches to the digital world but it also guided me towards learning more about this newly adapted world. This book is exceptional! I totally recommend it!
December 3, 2021
I am a student at TCD and attended a course taught by Aidan.
His book was as educational and inspiring as his course as a student struggling to adjust to the new digital world!
Highly recommended!
His book was as educational and inspiring as his course as a student struggling to adjust to the new digital world!
Highly recommended!
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December 13, 2021A really incredible book on the importance and necessity of being adaptable. In an increasingly changing world, McCullen’s timely take on having an open and embracing mindset is what is absolutely required to bring certainty to the uncertain…could not recommend this book highly enough.
December 15, 2021
A fantastic book that challenges oneself to continually reinvent oneself. Littered with many fascinating stories to emphasise the points, I would thoroughly recommend this book if you are wanting a different perspective and wish to find how to challenge oneself. Also brings into context many of the authors own reinventions, that make’s it realistic and practical too.
September 21, 2021
This book stays in your head! The stories, anecdotes, and connections are very clever and thought-provoking. One aspect I particularly took away is the discussion around Return on Capabilities (RoC). I continue to draw on this concept if I ever feel a task I have engaged in might turn out to be "a waste of time". Instead to think about all endeavors as skills/learning/knowledge that I may one day draw upon at a later time has been a mindset game-changer!
A very accessible, clever book.
A very accessible, clever book.
November 26, 2021
I was a student of Aidan's and was intrigued when I heard about his book. I thought it was a fascinating look into digital transformations happening all around the world! It's extremely readable and breaks down complex ideas into engaging, clear anecdotes and examples.
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December 3, 2021I was a student of Aidan and was excited to read his book. The way he teach innovation emerging trends in the world is amaxing and quite interesting. Would love to read his other books . Would recommend anyone who loves reimagining technology
December 15, 2021
I liked the examples like Fujifilm and Arnold Schwarzegger. The book is not only talking about companies but also talking about the changing job market for the future generations. I liked the way the book guide about what to do for the future.
September 20, 2021
GREAT Read – Never stay still – Keep evolving
The key to any successful person or business is being able to adapt; and if you truly want to be successful … do it before others. Aidan McCullen is a gifted writer, but his brilliance is his ability to translate his vast knowledge into exciting short stories – that really makes you want to read the next chapter. You can tell that he truly wants to help people & stay ahead of what is next. This book was so impactful!
The key to any successful person or business is being able to adapt; and if you truly want to be successful … do it before others. Aidan McCullen is a gifted writer, but his brilliance is his ability to translate his vast knowledge into exciting short stories – that really makes you want to read the next chapter. You can tell that he truly wants to help people & stay ahead of what is next. This book was so impactful!
November 27, 2024
An awesome book especially in a time where the digital world is changing so fast. I was lucky enough to attend lectures by Aidan, where the insights from his book have stayed with me in everyday details.
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April 15, 2021The problem with a lot of books in the "future of work" category is that the core concept can become diluted. Not so with Undisruptable - Aidan has expertly explained the core principals of reinvention in this book. Each chapter is a perfectly digestible length, and ends with takeaways and exercises (both for the individual and for the organisation). To me this really re-enforced the messages in the book.
The books starts by outlining the permanent reinvention framework before moving onto an explanation of the 5 "reinvention lenses". Closing with a selection of inspiring anecdotes covering the re-invention paths of Walt Disney, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Josephine Cochrane, the S-curve concept that Aidan introduces in the book makes more and more sense.
This book is for anyone that feels like they are starting to stagnate, or their organisation is standing still when it should really be considering innovation.
If you enjoy this book, make sure to check out the companion podcast, The Innovation Show!
The books starts by outlining the permanent reinvention framework before moving onto an explanation of the 5 "reinvention lenses". Closing with a selection of inspiring anecdotes covering the re-invention paths of Walt Disney, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Josephine Cochrane, the S-curve concept that Aidan introduces in the book makes more and more sense.
This book is for anyone that feels like they are starting to stagnate, or their organisation is standing still when it should really be considering innovation.
If you enjoy this book, make sure to check out the companion podcast, The Innovation Show!
April 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's not just well written and one you genuinely want to finish but it also brings a lot to the table. A ton of new super relatable analogies support Aidan's theory of reinvention, why it's important, how we have to go about it and most of all when it's time to do so. What I appreciate the most though is that the book is not just a very long to do list but a story that goes full circle (literally!) which makes it relatable and memorable.
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January 3, 2022Wow this book will open the mind to new ideas and ways of thinking. Many ideas generated from nature and philosophers have been discussed and took into a business setting within this book. The book wants to help you with short stories that capture your imagination and make you think, to little exercises at the end of each chapter enforcing what you have just learned. A great read for anyone but especially those in business, tech, or entrepreneurship!
August 4, 2022
I really connected with this one, as it is all about continually reinventing ourselves in our business & personal life. If we become too comfortable with the way we have done things, we may limit ourselves to better ways of thinking. We have to continually allow room for our learning, development, & growth if we're going to continue to thrive in our environment of exponential rate of change. By continuing to value that, I see great opportunities ahead for us https://amzn.to/3OYHmFj
April 29, 2023
Aidan McCullen's Unsdisruptable is an excellent read for any business leader who is keen to stay ahead of the game. The book has easy to read chapters, great analogies and thought provoking quotes. 'Build the capability before you need it' is one key message I took away from the book.
Key takeaways section is a good synopsis.
Thanks Aidan for the great work and making us think.
- Balaji OS, Management Consultant
Key takeaways section is a good synopsis.
Thanks Aidan for the great work and making us think.
- Balaji OS, Management Consultant
March 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book having listened to Aidan's excellent podcast for some time. It's reads like a great mix of wisdom gleaned from contact with many thought leaders over many years and his own experience as an elite athlete, a transformation professional and a father. Nice illustrations throughout too. Great book, thoroughly recommended.
July 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The chapters are well paced and can be read over a tea-break, but engaging enough that you pick it up again for another chapter or 2 in the evenings.
I got a lot from this book and the concepts it introduced in the form of "lenses" to be added to your perception of the world.
I got a lot from this book and the concepts it introduced in the form of "lenses" to be added to your perception of the world.
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November 30, 2022Once I started I couldn’t put the book down. It’s packed with great stories, really great advice and so well-written. I have followed the authors‘ podcast for many years and now I have finally gotten the book. I think it’s really timely. There is so much change and disruption in the world and being prepared and resilient is not just fundamental for leaders but for everyone! Love this book!
May 25, 2024
the mindset and,entail models needed for reinvention
An easy read with good frameworks to knuckle down and get serious about being adaptable. Lean into fear, see reinvention as as growth and evolutionary process. An enjoyable change leadership book.
An easy read with good frameworks to knuckle down and get serious about being adaptable. Lean into fear, see reinvention as as growth and evolutionary process. An enjoyable change leadership book.
February 22, 2022
The message of the book is told in many examples. This makes the book a bit ‘thin’, however it does get a message across which is of great value.
October 28, 2023
Undisruptable is a wonderful book for cultivating the right change mindset at the individual, professional, and leadership levels. The book is written with numerous unique analogies from nature, which makes it easy to grasp the fundamentals. I particularly appreciated the concept of the caterpillar and its connection to the change mindset. It also made me understand that Making a mistake is a good learning to build our knowledge for the future. I must say that the usage of S curves is also a game changer, and personally, I believe that with S curves in our lens, reinvention becomes a more manageable process in the VUCA world. Thank you, Aidan, for this wonderfully and thoughtfully written book.
November 23, 2021
I loved this book and the author! Aiden was my university lecturer and we discussed the book in our class. The book is very inspiring and makes me think a lot about future trends rather than limiting myself to learning a certain tool.
Also, as I am an international student, I would like to highly recommend it, especially some idioms and allusions in it, such as the black swan theory. That's the content I really need because I don't know it before. It was very thought-provoking, and a great help for international students to build a new and clear framework of logical thinking! Highly recommended!
Also, as I am an international student, I would like to highly recommend it, especially some idioms and allusions in it, such as the black swan theory. That's the content I really need because I don't know it before. It was very thought-provoking, and a great help for international students to build a new and clear framework of logical thinking! Highly recommended!
June 15, 2024
An Irish ex rugby players tells us about adaptation and inevitable change.
At least they got an irish audio narrator!
3 stars
At least they got an irish audio narrator!
“Every time we add a lens, it modifies how we experience the world. The difference between that contraption and a world view is that each time a new lens is added to our world view, the lenses remain in place. We must be vigilant about the lenses we admit, because they colour our view of the world, sometimes to our disadvantage. They can limit us, encourage us to seek to confirm evidence and make us hold on to mental models, business models and convictions even when they no longer serve us.”
3 stars
October 30, 2021
Took a class at Trinity Business School with Aiden and it was very helpful not only from the standpoint of academia, but in understanding how the brain works and how to identify emerging trends. In class we discussed much of the content in his book, and it kept me fascinated for the whole week! Would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for interesting ways to improve yourself and how you think!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews