Originals: How Non-Conformists Move The World: Reviewed by Heather Kretzer

Photography by Savannah Jane

A career change earlier this year inspired me to seek fresh ideas and clarity of vision as I pursued my new professional path. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, by Adam Grant (2016), provided just the inspiration I was searching for. I was also drawn to the book by the foreword written by Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, after recently reading her book Lean In as I awaited the birth of my second son.

Grant, a professor of psychology at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, takes a look at case studies of people and companies who are considered originals in their field. He analyzes their successes and failures in illustrations of how to think outside of the box. He does so in a smart way, offering real-life examples of some of the most creative success stories of our time, including Steve Jobs of Apple, Inc., Warby Parker Vintage Eyewear, and Spanx innovative shapewear for men and women.

Grant’s writing style is compelling as he demonstrates how success and failure often include unique creativity. His approach is entertaining yet educational and includes techniques for testing one’s own creative and original ideas. He explains which types of people are most successful and creative with ideas. The book made me think about my vision and purpose in life and what action I can take to be original. It also compelled me to look at the best practices for my career and how I can help my organization.
Grant also wrote Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success and the soon -to-be-released Option B, co-authored with Sandberg.

About Heather Kretzer

Heather Kretzer is the public information officer and a health educator at the Florida Department of Health in Bay County. Previously she was the news director at WMBB News 13 for nearly 10 years. Heather enjoys family time with her husband, Jayson, and her sons, Jayce, 4, and Heath, 1. When she finds time to read, she does so on her Kindle, and prefers suspense, humor, and career-oriented books, anything from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, to Shopaholic, to Yes, Please. She is a member of the Junior League of Panama City. In her spare time, she likes to snap photographs, enjoy the beach, and watch the Florida State Seminoles. She hopes to go back to school to eventually obtain her master’s degree in public health.