SHAPERS is the definitive guide to elevate the way you work and live
Also available at Indigo, Indiebound, B&N, Bookshop, BAM, Waterstones, The Book Depository, and Porchlight.
“Altman shows you that your idiosyncrasies and unique skills are not the obstacles to achievement and purpose--they are the path”
Daniel Pink
NYT best selling author
“With countless nuggets of timeless wisdom, SHAPERS gently nudges us to envision new possibilities to build more meaningful, joyful work and lives”
Amy Edmonson
Professor, Harvard Business School
“If companies followed even a quarter of Altman’s suggestions they would foster a more productive and more satisfied workplace for everyone”
Barry Schwartz
Author of Why We Work
A peek inside
More than ever before, we are working in places, ways, and on things that were once the stuff of science fiction. Yet the reality is that most professionals are unhappy in their work. Whether you want to reset your career, strike out on your own, or just ignite more joy in what you do - SHAPERS shows you the way.
When we connect with something larger than ourselves, we enjoy the fruits of our labour as well as the journey - the sweat and the struggle. It’s the unyielding commitment to a purpose that gives shapers their shimmer.
The stories and anecdotes in SHAPERS come from hundreds of interviews with innovators dedicated to improving our outdated system of work. These trailblazers include CEOs, organisational designers, social psychologists, workplace strategists, and start-up entrepreneurs.
Gain the freedom to approach work in your own unique way, become energised by what you do and let SHAPERS be your guide.
In the Press
Praise for
SHAPERS
"In these times of massive transformations in all spheres of society and the economy, we need to discover and engage in the meaningful work patterns of the future. Altman's book makes the journey light and enjoyable."
- Carlota Perez, Author of Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital
"Learn how to shape the infinite possibilities of life and work with this engaging, easy digestible guide."
- Dave Gray, Founder, XPLANE and Author of The Connected Company
"SHAPERS is a breezily-written, yet thought-provoking book that scans the future of work through the lenses of history, psychology, physiology, business and economics. Altman is a welcome addition to the chorus of voices calling for better ways of working."
- Doug Kirkpatrick, Author of Beyond Empowerment and The No-Limits Enterprise
"Altman invites us into an exploration of the multiple aspects of a work world built around the human spirit and responsiveness to change. This is how we are designed!"
- Samantha Slade, Entrepreneur and Author of Going Horizontal
"In concise and accessible style, Altman takes us on a multi-disciplinary journey through the sometimes thorny and complex topic of work. An impressive experiment that will force new modes of thought upon you."
- Will Stronge, Director of Autonomy and Co-author of Post-Work
"The world is changing, and the future of work is up for grabs. Altman gives us a blueprint for a future of work that’s both sane and humane."
- David Kadavy, Author of Mind Management, Not Time Management
"SHAPERS is less a book about the changing face of work (though it surely is that also) and more a guide to how to be flexible, resourceful, and graceful as a genuine maker of your own path. In jazzy, often galloping prose, Altman shows us how to be free spirits--and why living this way matters."
- Adrew Taggart, Author of Total Work
"Work is no longer just a place, or even a fixed time. How can we make it meaningful rather than just all-consuming? How can we shape our work rather than let it determine how we live? Altman’s SHAPERS offers answers that are thoughtful, practical and bold."
- Alex Pang, Author of REST
"An invigorating look at the changing nature of work and how to thrive in the future."
- Edward Vince, Creative Director, Airbnb
"Altman gives us a timely reminder that we are only limited by our beliefs and awareness. When we do the hard work of examining our assumptions, we can co-create the future with a clear mind and open hearts - where our individual and collective potential will flourish."
- Susan Basterfield, Director, Enspiral Foundation
"With the world shifting under our feet, Altman provides a frank and honest look at how we can create a more meaningful working life."
- Joshua Crook, Author of Essays in AI: Automation, Technology and the Future of 9-5 Work
Featuring tales from
About the author
Jonas Altman is a workologist who guides companies to leave politics and posturing behind in favour of transparent and trusting cultures. After two decades of facilitating culture-defining practices for leaders, you’ll learn everything Altman knows:
- Adopt the mindset for creativity, innovation, and boundless growth
- Amplify your career and inspire others to do the same
- Build fluid and engaged teams to work better together
- Become a better leader through the five new modes of leadership
- Learn what underpins the most resilient organisations in the world
As the founder of award-winning design practice Social Fabric, Altman coaches entrepreneurs around the world to work and live better. He travels the world tirelessly speaking about the future of work and his chronicles have appeared in The Guardian, Quartz, Fast Company, The Telegraph, and The Sunday Times.
Out of Office x SHAPERS Retreat
About the author
Jonas Altman is a workologist who guides companies to leave politics and posturing behind in favour of transparent and trusting cultures. After decades facilitating culture-defining practices for leaders, you’ll learn everything Altman knows:
- Adopt the mindset for creativity, innovation, and boundless growth
- Amplify your career and inspire others to do the same
- Build fluid and engaged teams to work better together
- Become a better leader though the five new modes of leadership
- Learn what underpins the most resilient organisations in the world
Founder of award-winning design practice Social Fabric, Altman speaks globally about the future of work, coaches leaders on culture change, and travels the world tirelessly learning about the changing nature of work. His chronicles have appeared in The Guardian, Quartz, The Telegraph, and The Sunday Times.