Making It Happen (PDF)

"An inspiring and informative read" - Financial Times
Shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2022

In Making It Happen, Rebecca Stephens argues that the successful implementation of strategy often comes down to one individual - an individual with a clear, unswerving commitment to the cause, coupled with excellent leadership and communication skills. We all have the power within us to create change and get things done, even against the odds. With a variety of case studies and an eclectic selection of interviewees, this book champions diversity of thought and the importance of gleaning practical and actionable insights from a broad array of perspectives and experiences.

And making things happen is more important now than ever. Virtually every organization, institution and business is in desperate need of a practical and actionable strategy to find their way through these difficult times with minimal disruption. According to the Project Management Institute, 37% of projects fail due to the lack of defined project objectives and milestones. Yet there are rare exceptions to this widespread failure to effectively strategize. This book tells the stories of individuals whose extraordinary efforts and persistence have resulted in successful strategy execution. Interestingly, most have effected change not just to the benefit of themselves or their organization, but to broader society too. And most work in organizations that are typically steeped in tradition and resistant to change: the civil service, the UN, the medical industry, education, financial services, and long-established multi-national corporations.

Rebecca Stephens interviews these individuals and uncovers the secrets behind their success, while also drawing upon her own eclectic experiences in implementing strategy - from both her corporate and journalism career and her time as a revered mountaineer. Making it Happen demonstrates that it's a sense of purpose, conviction and optimism - combined with strong commitment and the ability to influence and persuade - that leads to the successful implementation and execution of strategy.