Becoming a Changemaker

Book excerpt: “The tools you need to step up, play bigger and increase your impact.” —New York Times Bestselling Author Liz Wiseman Hailed by CNBC as a “top 5 non-fiction book everyone should be reading about work,” Becoming a Changemaker is a call to action, showing how leading change from where you are can transform your career, community and even the world. Alex Budak, a celebrated UC Berkeley faculty member, distills the essence of successful changemakers in this accessible guide, unveiling the essential mindsets and leadership skills needed to spark change and create impact across roles, sectors, and hierarchies. Through a powerful blend of data-driven insights and diverse, relatable case studies, Budak builds a compelling case, one that frames being a changemaker as an inclusive, aspirational identity for everyone. Inspired by the lessons and philosophies from Budak’s wildly popular course of the same name, which he created at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Becoming a Changemaker will show you how to: Develop your own unique voice as a changemaker, to lead effectively, empathetically, and authentically in any setting. Transform setbacks into stepping stones and uncover the art and science of turning failures into powerful catalysts for growth and innovation Influence without authority to inspire and mobilize others towards your vision – even when you're not in charge. Create a sustainable action plan to turn your aspirations for change into reality with the Changemaker Canvas tool and its tangible, manageable steps. Pursue Your Purpose and learn to harness your individual strengths and passions to drive meaningful change from wherever you are, in a way that’s true to who you are. To begin leading change, you don’t need a fancy title, or a perfectly polished idea. But you do need to start. This book is your first step.