Business Books Trade Highlights 2026

Business Books Trade Highlights 2026

Dear Readers, Our award-winning Business & Economics titles challenge, inspire and empower visionary leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators with cutting-edge insights. Bestselling authors and experts explore ground-breaking themes in business strategies, sustainability, leadership, AI and more. Shape the future on your own terms with Max Mckeown’s Superadaptability, combat burnout with Relentless by Chris Lovett or balance wealth, work and welfare with Sarah Brennand’s Balancing Act. With each and every book designed to put the reader first, the De Gruyter Brill programme is your key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

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Subscribe to our newsletter Matthew Smith Senior Acquisitions Editor Matthew.Smith@degruyterbrill.com

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Jaya Dalal Acquisitions Editor Jaya.Dalal@degruyterbrill.com www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-dalal

“In Formula 1, I learned that every second, every stop and every setback is part of the loop. You adapt fast, you learn faster and you go again.

Superadaptability captures that mindset – how to live, learn and lead the loop when everything is on the line.”

“Some books fill your head, some your heart, some educate, some set you alight; Jean’s book does all of these.”

Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director, Henley Business School, Africa

Marc Priestley, Former McLaren Formula 1 Pit Crew and Host of the Pitlane Life Lessons Podcast

Superadaptability

The Dao of Complexity

How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm

Superadaptability by Max Mckeown reveals the powerful RUN loop – Recognise, Understand, Necessary Action – a unique framework for navigating uncertainty. Blending storytelling with real-world business insights, it shows leaders how to adapt faster, turn change into opportunity and shape resilient, purposeful success.

Dr Max Mckeown is a strategic psychologist, bestselling author of The Strategy Book and coach to Fortune 100 leaders. A global keynote speaker, he helps organisations unite strategy, innovation and culture to adapt and succeed.

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Making Sense and Making Waves in Turbulent Times November 2025 £ 14.00 / € 14.99 / US $ 16.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-157512-4

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Understand, adapt and act. Process complexity, informed by science, philosophy and Daoism, provides a fresh lens on turbulent times, helping readers navigate interconnected systems, deepen their worldview and create meaningful impact in a complex, fast-moving world.

Jean Boulton, PhD, MBA, FInstP, is a complexity theorist, consultant and visiting academic at the universities of Cranfield and Bath. She applies science and social insights to strategy, change, sustainability and leadership worldwide.

September 2024 £ 19.00 / € 24.95 / US $ 24.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-099264-9

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“The simple manifesto every overworked employee needs.”

“A unique approach not only aimed at readers with a political and sociological interest in oligarchs but also at readers who want to improve their own skills and career opportunities.”

Simon Alexander Ong, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Coach and Author of Energize: Make the Most of Every Moment

Jonas Montenarh, University of Portsmouth

Games Without Thrones 8 Leadership Lessons from Oligarchs

Master uncertainty like the world’s most powerful leaders. Eight actionable lessons show how to anticipate disruption, turn chaos into opportunity and make bold, strategic decisions – equipping readers to lead confidently and thrive in a fast-changing, unpredictable world.

David Lingelbach, PhD, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore, and Valentina Rodríguez Guerra, researcher, strategist and policy consultant, co-founders of The Center for the Study of Oligarchs and co-authors of The Oligarchs’ Grip, are leading experts on wealth, power and leadership, combining global research to decode uncertainty and strategy.

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July 2026 £ 14.50 / € 15.95 / US $ 17.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-914513-8

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Relentless

The Power of Doing Less in a Workplace that Demands More Relentless exposes the deadly toll of modern workplace culture, revealing how busyness fuels burnout and overwork. With practical, research-backed strategies, this guide empowers professionals to reclaim focus, work smarter and achieve more by doing less – no fluff, all impact.

Chris Lovett, TEDx speaker, executive coach and author of Discovery of Less, is a UK thought-leader in professional minimalism, empowering individuals and organisations to boost wellbeing, productivity and impact through simplicity.

April 2026 £ 14.50 / € 15.95 / US $ 17.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-222630-8

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— Age is an asset, NOT a liability

— The future will not be predictable, but it will reward the adaptable

— Diversity includes age.

Let’s challenge workplace ageism together

Age Against the Machine New Rules for Working in an Ageist World!

A timely examination of ageing, work and retirement, this book shows why older workers are being failed by outdated systems and assumptions – and how they can navigate change, reclaim purpose and become part of the movement for a fairer working world.

Lucy Standing is a Chartered Psychologist specialising in midcareer development and founder of Brave Starts CIC. Dr Maggi Evans is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist who helps individuals and organisations navigate change and thrive at work.

Martin Hyde is Professor of Management at the University of Leicester and an expert on work, retirement and inequality.

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April 2026 £ 15.50 / € 16.95 / US $ 18.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-170689-4

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— The competitive advantage of the future will be human capability not technology

Futureshift

Business Success Strategies for a Rapidly Changing World Twenty-five top leaders share strategies for navigating accelerating change. This forward-focused guide shows executives how to anticipate disruption, align priorities and make decisions that ensure organisational resilience and success in an unpredictable world.

Andy Milligan, award-winning author and founder of consultancy Caffeine, guides leadership teams worldwide. His books, including Bold and Brand It Like Beckham, provide insights on bravery, strategy and brand success.

Louisa Clarke, author of Catalyst and The Work Smarter Guide to Presenting, advises leaders globally on strategy, communication and personal impact, helping organisations win customers, engage employees and drive meaningful business growth.

June 2026 £ 15.50 / € 16.95 / US $ 18.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-170787-7

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Real women. Real stories.

A toolkit to position that non-linear career.

The world of work is shifting faster than anyone predicted. AI is redrawing the map.

And women – who have always had to reframe, reimagine and find new angles of light – are more prepared for this moment than anyone is giving them credit for.

This Kaleidoscope Career Empowering Women to Build Unconventional Careers and Redefine Success Showcases women turning challenges into wins. Learn how to connect your journey, share your story and harness your skills, passion and resilience to create a meaningful, successful and authentic career.

Helen Jonsen, journalist, entrepreneur and founder of Helen Jonsen Media, explores women’s non-linear careers in her This Kaleidoscope Career podcast. She advises leaders on strategic communications and has authored books for both children and adults.

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September 2026 £ 20.00 / € 21.95 / US $ 24.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-914366-0

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— Leadership strategies for introverts, neurodivergent professionals and nontraditional thinkers — A blend of personal insight, research and practical tools you can apply immediately

Lead Anyway

10 Rules for Leading When You Break the Mold Challenging traditional leadership norms, this book provides 10 practical strategies for leading from the margins.

Laurence Paquette demonstrates how embracing neurodiversity, authenticity and unique perspectives can transform perceived differences into powerful tools for influence and lasting impact.

Laurence Paquette, VP of Marketing at Vestas, is a neurodivergent executive, keynote speaker and advocate for non-traditional leadership, helping introverts and atypical leaders thrive with authenticity, inclusion and impactful influence globally.

October 2026 £ 14.00 / € 14.95 / US $ 16.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-222953-8

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“So many books focus on how to succeed at work – this one ensures you can succeed in life as well, and THIS is success! Balancing Act recognises that real success has to include wellbeing, family and purpose as much as performance. It’s practical, sustainable and refreshingly honest about what it takes to build a life that actually works.”

“This is the book I wish I’d had by my side when I returned to work after having my children. A helpful mix of practical advice and science-based evidence with a bit of positive cheerleading thrown in, all designed to help parents ‘return well’.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community & Membership Participation, Co-op

Sarah Willingham, Entrepreneur, Investor and Former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den

Balancing Act

Returning Well

Mastering Work, Wealth and Wellbeing A strategic guide for ambitious professionals, offering practical tools and real-world stories from leaders and high performers.

Learn to navigate work, wealth and wellbeing pressures, perform with clarity and build long-term, sustainable success under pressure.

Sarah Brennand, executive coach and international speaker, helps leaders and organisations strengthen performance sustainably. Founder of L7 Executive Coaching, she combines emotional intelligence, communication and resilience through her globally used Balancing Act Calibration Model.

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A Guide for Working Parents and Their Managers February 2026 £ 18.50 / € 19.95 / US $ 21.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-168026-2

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A practical, evidence-based guide for returning parents and their managers. Offers tools, strategies and checklists to navigate career gaps, manage expectations and support successful reintegration, fostering shared responsibility and confidence in the post-parental leave workplace.

Kirstie Sneyd, organisational psychologist and executive coach, draws on her psychology research at Birkbeck, University of London, and extensive coaching of parental returners and managers to help navigate transitions, maintain careers and balance work and family successfully.

May 2025 £ 14.50 / € 15.95 / US $ 17.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-161827-2

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“From foundation models to agentic systems, this book offers a strategic framework leaders need to harness AI’s transformative potential.”

Shirin Mojarad, Senior Product Manager, Google

“In this short, crisp and surprisingly deep book, MartínRetortillo draws from a rare range: boardrooms, classrooms, C-suites and consulting. This is strategy writing at its best, and her frameworks around knowns and unknowns apply beyond business. They hint at human shifts we do not yet fully understand but that any serious leader will need to grapple with in the age of AI.” Carin-Isabel Knoop, Executive Director, Harvard Business School

New Series

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Shaping the Future of Innovation Demystifies artificial intelligence for leaders and innovators.

Covers key concepts, practical uses and its role in driving innovation, giving readers the clarity to understand and apply AI across industries and organisations.

Alfred Essa has led AI and analytics teams in academia and industry, including at Carnegie Mellon, McGraw Hill and MIT Sloan, bridging research and practical implementation in AI, data analytics and advanced learning systems.

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Rethinking Business Strategy Series: AI Essentials for Leaders 1 November 2025 £ 20.00 / € 21.95 / US $ 24.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-158238-2

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A practical guide for leaders facing AI-driven change. Learn to spot opportunities, plan for the future and make smart decisions using real examples and simple strategies for business, technology and global uncertainty.

Teresa Martín-Retortillo, senior executive and thought-leader, has global experience in strategy, innovation and digital business models. She advises corporations and serves as Non-Executive President at IE University after roles at Goldman Sachs and Bain.

Series: AI Essentials for Leaders 2 April 2026 £ 20.00 / € 21.95 / US $ 24.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-158240-5

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“This is more than a book about technology; it is a call to action for how we lead in this new era... a roadmap for ensuring that AI amplifies human potential rather than diminishes it... for leaders who want to innovate with purpose.”

Shelley Zalis, CEO and Founder, The Female Quotient

Katie Page, Content Director, GlobalData

Creativity in the Age of AI Toolkits for the Modern Mind A practical guide for anyone looking to boost creativity. Learn proven techniques and AI tools to solve problems, spark new ideas and build a personalised toolkit for personal, professional and organisational innovation.

Jerry Wind, Wharton Professor Emeritus, innovation expert and author, created the MBA creativity course, bridging academia, consulting and non-profit leadership.

Mukul Pandya, Oxford Associate Fellow and Knowledge@ Wharton founder, is an award-winning journalist and author with decades of global experience.

Deborah Yao, award-winning journalist and editor-in-chief of The AI Innovator, has experience at Amazon, Wharton and the Associated Press.

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“At last, a fresh approach for today’s fast-changing world.

Speedy results in every task: plan – implement – get to the point – and persuade!”

October 2025 £ 20.00 / € 21.95 / US $ 24.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-169810-6

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Which4Words

Business Writing for Humans A practical guide to mastering communication in a fast-changing world. Learn to write authentically, creatively and effectively using the Which4Words framework, while leveraging AI to enhance your unique talents and gain a lasting career advantage.

Fiona Talbot is an internationally acclaimed business writing author and founder of the #wordpowerskills four-step business writing system. She works in the UK and internationally, training and advising on how to deliver premier written corporate communication in today’s digital, global economy.

Alexander Talbot is a Big Business alumnus and Product Innovation specialist. A dual English and German citizen, he has international experience, including at VP level, across finance, operations, production, project management, engineering and innovation/R&D in the fast-moving FMCG sector.

June 2026 £ 14.50 / € 15.95 / US $ 17.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-914443-8

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“The need for creative problem solvers is greater than ever. Clive brings such humanity and warmth to this subject. It shouldn’t just be on all designers’ reading lists – it should be part of the school curriculum.”

Minnie Moll, Former CEO of the Design Council

“This book belongs on every leader’s bookshelf. It presents the personal stories of FDNY responders, on the ground, during 9/11 and what followed. Moving and inspiring, it is a story of crisis, endurance and healing. It is also a story of transformation and how to transform even the most elite of organisations. Any leader navigating stormy seas or facing the daunting task of organisational renewal should read Rising from Ground Zero – carefully.”

Admiral James Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and author of 2084: A Novel of Future War

Redesigning Thinking How Service Design is Solving Our 21st Century Challenges Learn how to design better experiences for customers and users. This guide shows how creativity, research and understanding context can solve problems, improve services and help businesses, governments and organisations succeed more effectively.

Clive Grinyer, internationally renowned designer, has led global teams at Samsung, Cisco and Barclays, co-founded consultancy Tangerine and pioneered service design for social impact.

He now delivers executive training to leading organisations worldwide.

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June 2025 £ 27.50 / € 29.95 / US $ 32.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-139282-0

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Rising from Ground Zero 9/11 and the FDNY’s Path Through Crisis to Transformation Through extensive interviews with New York City firefighters, the authors compile a rich oral history of how the FDNY responded to 9/11, navigated crisis and transformed the organisation. The book offers practical lessons in leadership, crisis management and guiding organisations through profound change.

Gregory P. Shea, PhD, is Adjunct Professor and Senior Fellow at the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change Management, UPenn. Paul Brown, retired FDNY captain and educator, served 30 years as a first responder and was deployed to incidents nationwide, participating in incident management operations.

Andre Kotze, CEO of AirtimeBA and senior partner at Teamworks Training and Development, is a performance coach, veteran and former South African mountain rescue responder.

August 2026 £ 14.00 / € 14.95 / US $ 16.99 Paperback ISBN 978-3-11-224720-4

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Excellence recognised.

Shortlisted for The Business Book Awards

We are incredibly proud of our exceptional, award-winning authors, whose books invite, inspire and arm researchers, leaders and innovators with the cutting-edge insights needed to shape tomorrow.

CMI Management Publication of the Year 2024 longlist

Finalists of the Goody Business Book Awards

Finalists of The Business Book Awards

Silver Medal Winner of Axiom Business Book Awards CMI Management Publication of the Year 2024 longlist

CMI Management Publication of the Year 2024 longlist and SME Growth Category Winner

American Book Fest Best Book Awards Finalist

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CMI Management Publication of the Year 2024 longlist

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Editorial Enquiries: Matthew Smith Senior Acquisitions Editor Matthew.Smith@degruyterbrill.com www.linkedin.com/in/matthewvsmith Jaya Dalal Acquisitions Editor Jaya.Dalal@degruyterbrill.com www.linkedin.com/in/jaya-dalal

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Or online via degruyterbrill.com

De Gruyter is part of De Gruyter Brill.

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“Any leader navigating stormy seas or facing the daunting task of organisational renewal should read Rising from Ground Zero – carefully.”

Admiral James Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and author of 2084: A Novel of Future War

The FDNY didn’t just recover after 9/11 – they actively chose to rebuild and reinvent themselves. A powerful story of healing, leadership and transformation within America’s premier fire department.

Discover how the FDNY chose to heal, adapt and lead after unimaginable loss.