Book

Testimonials

“Kevin Empey has done a masterful job of folding the future into the present in one of the most prevalent settings in life: our work and working life. By focusing on the rapidly changing nature and future of work, Kevin builds a compelling case for embracing agility for the uncertain and changing business world. With the logic, insights, tools, and examples contained in this book, mastering agility will turn threat and uncertainty into future opportunity and daily practice. Bravo!”

Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor of BusinessRoss School of Business, Partner, The RBL Group

“This book is a ticket to a transforming future. All you have to do is read it, do what Kevin recommends and find yourself free to define your own working life. It should be read by everybody interested in shaping the future world of work for themselves and for others. And it should definitely be read by everybody under 50, because it will change their lives and ultimately change the world we live in. It is that important.”

Charles HandyBest Selling Author of The Empty Raincoat & The Elephant and the Flea.

“Thank You Kevin for writing this amazing, easy to read book that summarizes so many important future of work concepts to the individual and organizational level. This book is a gem for anybody who is curious about the agile mindset and understanding how fundamental it is for adapting to the changing world of work. Read it to understand what agility looks like - and ultimately to thrive in the future of work.”

Pia Mia ThorenFounder and Inspiration Director, Agile People

“The future of work is not only about 'work', it is also about our human condition and our society as a whole. Kevin addresses this elegantly in this highly informative book and provides hugely valuable insight for anyone rethinking their strategy and wishing to be prepared for that future.”

John Herlihyex VP Google and ex VP, EMEA & LATAM LinkedIn

“The future of work has approached to all of us in a much faster pace than we expected. Individuals, teams, and organizations need to be agile to not only cope with the challenges but also to thrive during the uncertain and challenging times. If you are looking for answers to what, when and how we work and live better in the present and future, this book is for you.”

Na Fu

“This is a wonderful book that provides a clear and practical roadmap how to embed agility into the systems and DNA of an organisation as well as in the mindsets of individuals. This book will therefore be an invaluable resource for the Board room and the HR department as well as for individuals and leaders. Don’t just buy this book, read it!”

Costas Markides, Professor of Strategy and EntrepreneurshipHolder of the Robert Bauman Chair in Strategic Leadership, London Business School

“In a space dominated by general trends, sound bites and predictions about the world of work, Thrive in the Future-of Workputs the individual at the center of the debate.”

Tracy DoddHead of Global Talent, Tiffany & Co.

“In tackling the practical realities and implications of the future of work, Kevin Empey’s book demystifies the skills needed for business and personal agility which are such critical and strategic topics across industry today.”

James O’ConnorManaging Director and VP, Microsoft International Operations

“Thrive is a joy to read with every page giving practical and accessible accounts and tips for leaders, for HR and for individuals to navigate the changing world of work, in the most engaging way. This isn’t an ordinary business book, this is a powerful, engaging and inspiring piece of work, that will keep you thinking, long after you put it down. Kevin Empey explores the realities of a very different employment deal and what is needed to future proof our organizations and our workforces – and ourselves. What’s particularly impressive is how this book inspires you to think from different perspectives on an organisational level but layers on what you, as an individual, can do to thrive. Thrive helps us to plan for success and to shape our own future of work, rather than just reacting to the realities that unfold before us. Packed with practical and insights, it is an essential guide for anyone who wants to navigate success and to thrive in the changing world of work. The rich frameworks and empowering tips and messages included in these pages will particularly resonate with HR and business leaders who have a critical role in shaping work and the workplace in the coming years.”

Aisling TeillardCo-Founder and CEO at Our Tandem

“THRIVE in the FUTURE OF WORK is an essential primer on the ‘irrefutable realities’ facing us as business leaders of the post-pandemic era. Kevin Empey provides evidence and actionable roadmaps to sense, proactively respond and to lead ongoing change coming at us with increased frequency in the modern age. Throughout, Empey offers tools and techniques for what we can do to be a pro-active shaper of our own organizational and individual working lives.”

Kevin MulcahyCo-Author, The Future Workplace Experience

“The future of work is here; and ready for the taking. Kevin takes readers on an eye-opening and most fascinating journey into the challenging yet inevitable and rewarding world of agility. It is a book full of important information for those brave enough to shape and thrive in the new world of work.”

Fabiola EyholzerCo-Founder Just Leading Solutions | New York, April 2021

“For years, Kevin Empey has been at the forefront of the future of work topic. As always, his analysis is distinguished by a refreshing focus on practicality: exploring the reality of how organisations and working lives are changing today and tomorrow… And what leaders must do to get ahead of, andnavigate these trends. In “Thrive”, Kevin provides an invaluable blueprint that enables us all to make sense of changes that are already all around us, and to hone our agility skills for the journey ahead.”

Simon BoucherChief Executive Officer, Irish Management Institute

“As organizations struggle to tackle new sources of competitive disruption that challenge both customer and colleague retention, C-suite execs should reach for this pragmatic playbook on how to best navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow. Kevin Empey’s deftly written book demystifies the future of work and provides an easy-to-follow guide that will benefit leaders of organizations big and small as they chart the course to continued success.”

Susan SteeleChief HR Officer, Ocean Technologies Group, and Advisory Board Member, Open Classrooms London

“Navigating a world of work that is in a constant state of flux is a critical challenge for organisations and individuals alike. In Thrive In the Future of Work Kevin Empey charts a path through the complexity with an ambition not only to navigate these challenges but to help individuals to thrive in the new world of work. The book is packed with practical insights for leaders and employees to lead themselves and their organisations in the exciting and precarious times we find ourselves in. This book is essential reading for anyone with the ambition to take ownership of the future of work for their individual career and / or their organizational strategy.”

David CollingsProfessor of Human Resource Management, Dublin City University, Ireland

“Thrive in the Future of Work offers a combination of strategic models, use cases and industry research to challenge leaders at all levels to rapidly adapt and not simply react to the multitude of competing requirements. HR has an opportunity to act strategically and to create a more integrated, agile and self-sustaining system of personal and organizational engagement. As individuals and organizations navigate the complexity of new ways of working, Kevin Empey offers clear and actionable guidance to create skill sets and mindsets essential for the future of work.”

Amy LoomisPh.D. Research Director, Future of Work, IDC

“The world of work is changing rapidly. Kevin’s book skilfully navigates us through the practical implications of these changes and how we can all thrive in the future. Thrive contains a powerful blend of facts, research, case studies and tools, all underpinned by a clear focus on acting with purpose and agility. This is an important read for all of us in business and in the people profession.”

Peter CheeseChief Executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)

“This is a great book that systematically details how to create future-ready teams and individuals. Kevin’s holistic view, covering both outside-in and inside-out approaches to rethinking organisation structure, skills, and culture helps us all to move forward in the uncertain, post-covid 4th Industrial Revolution.”

Shu-Tze TANAuthor of Human Race 4.0: The Science of Getting Ahead in the New World Order

“As events in recent years have proven, the uncertain nature of our future is one of the only certain things in life. What Kevin has so eloquently brought to life in his book is the understanding that, for all of us, the future of work is essentially about agility and how we build agility into our organizational and individual lives.”

Evan LeybournCo-Founder & CEO, Business Agility Institute

“There's nothing quite like a global pandemic to underscore the value of agility. Kevin's book has arrived just-in-time for the next phase of adaptation in the world of work. His practical guidance helps readers make tangible steps forward as we reimagine how work will evolve for years to come. Kevin strikes a healthy balance between what is good for the individual and the organization, as both need each other. The principles he outlines are evergreen but are put in today’s context - fostering a growth mindset in our ability to learn, adapt and thrive in an environment that will remain ever-changing.”

Mary SlaughterGlobal Head of Employee Experience, Morningstar, Inc.

“There are times as senior leaders when we need to get out of the weeds and look around us to see and appreciate what is happening, particularly in times of rapid change and great uncertainty. To have Kevin’s thinking as a guide, and a source of good practical advice and insight,will really help us understand the context in which we must operate and the tools and skills necessary to not just survive but to thrive.”

David CagneyChief Human Resources Officer for the Irish Civil Service

“In 2020 organisations globally were catapulted into a virtual world. (include or exclude due to dating ?) Today organisations need to reshape work and the workplace – to allow both the individual and the organisation to continue to thrive and adapt. Kevin’s book, an insightful and practical guide, will help both organizations and the individuals who lead and work in them to take on learnings from recent years, to help shape a new and better world of work for the individual, the organisation and society. A highly valuable and timely book.”

Julie SinnamonCEO, Enterprise Ireland

“To start with the conclusion: If you believe that the Future of work will be not the same as it is today, read this book. Why?Because Kevin‘s roadmap will definitely help, his insights are provoking, his many case studies inspiring. However, I hope, you will not only read the book, but actually start doing, start implementing what’s inside. Start your journey today, shape your future! Your people deserve it, your organisation deserves it, you and your family deserve it! Let’s change work for good!”

Tom Van der LubbeCo-Founder Viisi mortgages, Writer, Speaker, Podcaster & Board Advisor

“By bringing his talents to unpack concepts associated with the future of work, Kevin has produced an essential text for our time. ‘Thrive’ combines compelling evidence, practical guidance and a genuine empathy and kindness for everyone seeking to carve out routes to success amidst shifting organisational landscapes.”

Dr. Jean CushenAssociate Professor of HRM, Maynooth University School of Business

“Kevin’s book offers a hands-on approach and guide to the future of work. He helps us on a practical journey towards greater agility, guiding readers through the essential need for personal agility and then exploring the roles of Leaders and HR in enabling organizational agility. Kevin also importantly touches on the societal imperatives for the future of work so that no one is left behind in the emerging and ever changing work environment. The book offers plenty of fresh ideas and tools so that you are equipped for this journey – after all you cannot solve tomorrow’s problems with yesterday’s thinking.”

Mihaly NagyFounder and CEO – The HR Congress Summit Series

“A rare gift of simplicity and common-sense in an overcooked library of complexity, mumbo-jumbo and clichés. Kevin has brought the possibility of our working tomorrows into our today in the most relatable and consumable way. A must-have for everyone with leadership ambitions and curious about the realities of the future of work.”

Ger MitchellCHRO & Corporate Development Director, permanent tsb

“Kevin’s stimulating book, full of insights and practical advice, is a thought-provoking invitation for business leaders and HR professionals to embark on a purposeful learning journey towards enterprise agility: start now, and start small; find your “buddy group”; get the right talents; and, together, let us all ensure we will truly thrive, rather than just survive, in the “future of work”! A really great read.”

Otti VogtCOO and Chief Transformation Officer C&G at ING

“Kevin Empey is a leader in the future of work debate and this book again takes his work to the international stage. Thrive in the future of work combines both academic research and practitioner insight in a highly readable way. The need for personal agility to thrive in the new world of work is clearly presented. The book is full of practical advice on how to prepare for the future world of work. His recommendations on how to master personal and organizational agility will find a receptive audience amongst employees and leaders. The lessons which are distilled for leadership development will resonate with HR practitioners internationally. I strongly recommend this book.”

Patrick FloodProfessor of Organizational Behaviour, Dublin City University Business School

“Any leader who wants to be more successful must read Kevins book. After 40 years as a leader in the military, business and public sector, much of it developing senior leaders, it’s clear that agility is one of the top 3 drivers of success together with effective task delivery and engaging people. In a dynamic world both of those are themselves dependent on agility to optimise them to the environment. Agility as a deliberate and core capability has been neglected for far too long in the development of all but military leaders. Kevin shows agility is not some mystical gift you are born with giving every reader the opportunity to truly understand, develop and deliver agility to become more successful and future-fit. Buy it, read it, do it!”

Chris RoebuckHon Visiting Professor of Transformational Leadership, City Business School, London

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