Our Non-Fiction Book of the Month will equip you with all the valuable tools needed to master change in an unpredictable world, “Adapt” by Andrea Clark is not a release you want to miss.
Since 2020, society has been transforming and changing rapidly in incredible ways with cultural norms and the development of artificial intelligence. Yet, we are applying a mindset that is outdated. 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.
Keep reading for a fascinating Q&A with Andrea!
1. Hi Andrea! To start us off, can you tell us a little but about yourself?
Absolutely! I’ve spent my career forecasting and negotiating change—first as a television reporter covering major events, then as the founder of a learning business helping people build future-ready careers. Now, as an author and speaker, I focus on helping professionals and leaders sharpen their adaptability so they can define wat success looks like and move towards those goals.
My latest book, Adapt, is about mastering change in a way that feels less exhausting and more empowering. I believe that adaptability isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s essential for staying relevant and resilient in a world where the rules of work are constantly shifting. It’s a liberating mindset shift.
2. What inspired you to write Adapt?
I kept seeing the same pattern in my learning and leadership practice: talented, hardworking professionals were feeling stuck—not because they lacked intelligence or drive, but because they were exhausted by constant change. The workplace had become unpredictable, and many people felt like they were in survival mode. I wanted to help people shift from simply reacting to change to actively shaping it.
Adapt introduces four core habits that help us develop a high Adaptability Quotient (AQ), so we can stay ahead, make better decisions, be happier and healthier and feel more in control—even when everything around us is shifting.
2. What inspired you to write Adapt?
I kept seeing the same pattern in my learning and leadership practice: talented, hardworking professionals were feeling stuck—not because they lacked intelligence or drive, but because they were exhausted by constant change. The workplace had become unpredictable, and many people felt like they were in survival mode. I wanted to help people shift from simply reacting to change to actively shaping it.
Adapt introduces four core habits that help us develop a high Adaptability Quotient (AQ), so we can stay ahead, make better decisions, be happier and healthier and feel more in control—even when everything around us is shifting.
3. What is the simplest or most effective ‘hack’ you could use to prepare a team for a big change?
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prepare for change is to normalise uncertainty. Leaders often feel the need to have all the answers before rolling out a big shift, but that’s not realistic. Instead, be upfront about the unknowns and invite your team into the problem-solving process.
A great technique is to ask, “What’s the best question we can ask right now?” This shifts the focus from trying to have all the answers to staying curious and adaptable. It also creates psychological safety, making it easier for teams to navigate change together.
4. What was the most fascinating piece of research that you’ve included in Adapt?
One of the most eye-opening insights in Adapt is how our ability to navigate change is being eroded by cognitive overload. Research shows that the sheer volume of decisions we make daily—combined with the pressure to process vast amounts of information—leaves us mentally fatigued. This is why so many professionals feel stuck or resistant to change, even when they know it’s necessary.
The good news? Our brains are wired for adaptability, and by practicing certain mental habits—like reframing challenges and increasing our exposure to diverse perspectives—we can strengthen our AQ and become more future-ready.
5. Where do you hope to take Adapt next?
Right now, I’m focused on getting Adapt into as many hands as possible—especially those of professionals who feel overwhelmed by workplace change. I’m also speaking with organisations about how to build adaptability into their teams and leadership cultures. Long term, I’d love to see Adapt become a foundational guide for anyone looking to advance in an unpredictable world. I also see a lot of potential for expanding on some of the book’s core ideas in future projects.
6. What other books have you read and enjoyed lately?
I’m always drawn to books that challenge my thinking. I’ve been reading The End of Average by Todd Rose, which explores how standardisation has shaped our society in ways we don’t even realize. I also loved Hidden Potential by Adam Grant—it’s a brilliant take on how we can cultivate skills that don’t come naturally. And, I’m always revisiting Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb because its ideas on resilience and uncertainty feel more relevant than ever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea Clarke is an award-winning author and work futurist who encourages people to be future fit for their careers. Working with top-tier organisations, Andrea’s focus is on using adaptability to drive innovation, engagement and cultural change. A former television news reporter based in Washington, DC, Andrea covered major breaking news for Thomson Reuters and Al Jazeera English before working on humanitarian aid programs to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan with USAID.
You can keep up with all of Andrea’s amazing work on her social media here:
