From Coping To Thriving Amid Rising Complexity

Here I share a book review of my latest book Keys for Future-Fit Leadership. This book review is written by Dr Chris Nichols, formerly Professor of Practice in Systems Leadership & Transformation at Ashridge Business School, was previously Director of Innovation at Ashridge Consulting, and he co-led the Strategy Engagement consulting practice and jointly directed the MSc in Sustainability and Responsibility. Prior to Ashridge, Chris was a Director and Partner in Price Waterhouse (later PwC). Now, he’s Partner in GameShift helping transform senior leadership teams internationally.

“You probably deserve a bit of context to appreciate why I am so delighted to see this latest book of Giles’ emerge into the world.   Many years ago, when I taught at Schumacher College and co-directed the Ashridge MSc in sustainability, I met Giles for the first time. Back then, Giles was about to leave his corporate consulting role and move to the northern edge of Dartmoor to re-think his work and impact on the world. Giles and I met for many conversations, and quite a few long walks and talks.

This was in the early days, before the first book emerged.

Over time Giles started to develop his material, and he came along to work with groups I convened at Ashridge. It was already developing into good stuff, and our groups loved the work he did.

I have been thrilled to see Giles’ work mature and blossom over the years to the place he occupies in the world today, as author of several important books, as a widely regarded coach and podcaster, and as a spiritual guide and facilitator regarded by many as the best they know. It’s been wonderful to witness.  

So, I am especially delighted to recommend Giles’ new book, Keys to Future Fit Leadership: From Coping to Thriving Among Rising Complexity (2025).

I’d describe this as a generous book. It is generous because it brings together in one volume a compendium of Giles’ thinking and practice developed over the past two decades. From the reasoning behind the need for “future fit” leadership, to a wealth of tools, models, perspectives and practical frameworks, to physical, spiritual and embodied practices – this is a truly comprehensive sharing of his work.

In addition to all that, there is also a treasury of stories, of applications featuring people using this work in practice. The book includes sixteen guest chapters, where leaders and practitioners share their use of the ideas and inspirations in practice in many fields and contexts.  

This is a big book, at well over 400 pages. Don’t be daunted! The font is helpful, the structure is clear, and the writing is excellent. This is a book with high production quality, with plenty of full colour illustrations and images.

Some books are meant to be read at a sitting and put down for ever. Some get a second reading. Others become a reference work that you go back to time and again. I think Giles has written one of this third kind of book.

You could pick up this book every day for a year and still be discovering something new. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone interested in pushing the edges of their sustainable business practice into something more deeply future fit, with an earth-wise regenerative intention that goes beyond much of the emerging hype.

Giles really has done the work, and now he has shared the work. The world will be better for it.”

Keys for Future-fit Leadership – can be purchased through major book channels, or ordered directly from the sustainable/ethical publisher and shipped globally using this link: https://www.wordzworth.com/sales/authorbooks?ISBN=9781783243532

‘Keys for Future-fit Leadership is nothing short of revolutionary—a compass for our times, providing the formula humanity urgently needs to navigate the seismic shifts we face.’   Marc Buckley, Founder ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation

Next Deep-dive Immersion on Future Fit leadership is 8th/9th September – see more details here: https://thenatureofbusiness.org/2025/04/15/keys-for-future-fit-leadership-8th-9th-sept-immersion/

'The nature immersion with Giles exceeded all expectations.  This is real space to develop strategies fit for the 21st century.' - Stephen Passmore, CEO, Resilience Alliance

This two-day overnight deep-dive is for leaders and practitioners who wish to gain an embodied experience of Future-fit Leadership and also apply tools for activating Regenerative Leadership Consciousness in their own work and lives. The immersion will provide advanced techniques and frameworks for your own work as a leader and for practitioners/coaches working with clients/leaders and Future-fit L&OD (leadership & organizational development).

‘Feel I’ve been with a real master. What beautiful profound lessons’. - Simon Milton, CEO of Pulse Brands

For more details see: https://thenatureofbusiness.org/2025/04/15/keys-for-future-fit-leadership-8th-9th-sept-immersion/

‘Giles is a visionary and guide for anyone exploring the journey toward Future-fit/Regenerative Business. He's been called a wise medicine man for our time and a magician of consciousness. When you are with Giles you get why these words are apt.’  Jannine Barron, Founder of The Growth Experience

To book for 8th/9th September Immersion or explore 121 Coaching with Giles contact him via his website https://gileshutchins.com/

To sign-up for free content, newsletters & whitepapers go to https://gileshutchins.com/newsletter-subscribe/

You can watch a short 2min video about Keys for Future-fit leadership here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjQ6s80ewNU&list=PL4fiSooXivB7D83ut1Igssgg0xZcf-mGN&index=34

‘Giles doesn’t just share his wisdom with the invigorating charm of a natural breeze—he embodies nature itself. He reminds us of our deep connection to the natural world, a bond we’ve neglected to our own detriment. Knowing Giles is like rediscovering the path back to nature.’  Lucy Cleland, Editorial Director, Country & Town House

 Keys for Future-fit Leadership