Changemakers: How Leaders Can Design Change in an Insanely Complex World

by Christopher Ireland, Maria Giudice

Every generation demands different approaches from its leaders. Today’s radically complex problems require us to lead with design.

In Changemakers, groundbreaking designers Maria Giudice and Christopher Ireland show how and when design can spur transformation. Backed by decades of experience leading teams at some of the world’s most prominent companies—and featuring insights from some of today’s top minds in business, tech, and social justice—Changemakers offers a pragmatic, people-centered approach to change.

Part playbook, part prayer for a brighter tomorrow, Changemakers is an essential companion for designers and non-designers looking to drive change at work, at home, and in their communities.

Genres: Design, Leadership

260 pages, paperback

Published January 17, 2023

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lessons for both novice and seasoned professionals who want to spark revolutions in their workplace. The book spans the entire change process from idea through planning and execution, so it is also suitable for a variety of organizations and projects. I found myself taking note of several specific techniques to try in my work, like celebrating small wins even in failure and taking note of the tipping point of change in terms of how many people have bought in.

Two things I particularly liked about this book: The fun and memorable photos that kicked off each chapter, and the comprehensive reading lists that concluded them. It's handy to have a set of related resources curated for you after each chapter so that if something especially piques your interest you can dig in further.

I read Changemakers just for and by myself, but I could see it making an excellent professional book club read, especially for a coaching or peer group.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so comprehensive, and it delivers immediate actions readers can put into motion, no matter their role. Maria and Christopher certainly practiced what they preach by creating a compelling narrative with useful data points. They interviewed 40+ leaders, who shared great advice and lessons learned. Every chapter offers valuable frameworks and takeaways. I read this in less than 24, and my copy is filled with highlights and dog-earred pages, particularly around communication tips and the crucial discovery stage. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to improve their collaboration skills and drive more positive change in their org (and possibly in their personal life)!

[Victor Lameiras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro legal e que da uma visão competente sobre os aspectos mais importantes de mudanças em organizações, entendendo o que deve ser focado e porquê. O curso em si foi bem mais legal, acho que por questões óbvias também hahahaha Mas gostei bastante e acho que traz uma abordagem mais processual e técnica pras coisas, com a apresentação de frameworks de priorização, sobre como lidar com os stakeholders, quais são os fatores importantes de serem olhados e etc

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights and concepts. I particularly like the „further reading“ part, you can see there was a lot of work put into it. Still, it did feel a bit generalistic for me from time to time. I did gain a lot of new methods from it though!

[Melissa Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, visionary with a good dose of practicality

The book promotes an ambitious set of philosophies and processes to enacting change, with solid examples. There were multiple occasions where I could see myself bringing these strategies and tactics into my own teams.