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THE IDEA BEHIND THE BOOK

Organizations that thrive don't just respond faster. They anticipate differently. Growing Forward gives executives and people leaders the framework to make that shift.

About the book

The book that changes how you see your organization
Most leaders are skilled at fixing what they can measure. The harder challenge is seeing what drives results in the first place. The connections between departments. The patterns in how talent moves. The hidden dynamics that determine whether your strategy actually takes hold. Growing Forward: An HR Guide for Adaptive Talent Management was written for HR leaders and executives who are ready to move beyond fixing isolated problems and start cultivating organizations that are built to adapt. Drawing from doctoral research, two decades of organizational experience, and the real story of transforming a waterlogged backyard into a thriving ecosystem, this book gives you a practical way to develop systems sight and put it to work. Ranked number one in Human Resources and Personnel on Amazon.
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What readers are saying

A great read and resource on people, organizations, and systems!
Adena has written a fantastic book on applying systems thinking to the complexity of talent and the workplace. She brings insights from her work as a consultant, coach, executive, and gardener/landscaper to help us think differently about organizations and how to optimize performance, engagement, and creativity in work. It's a great read and so inventive as she applies ideas from ecology and sustainable gardening to help us see the world of work from a fresh lens!
Barry dornfeld
If you still believe in people...roadmap for thriving organizations
"Growing Forward is a standout guide for anyone who wants to lead and manage talent more effectively in today’s rapidly changing world. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all “best practices,” it shows how to see organizations as living ecosystems, avoid the trap of quick-fix solutions, and create lasting impact through practical, adaptive frameworks. What makes this book so compelling is its mix of real-life stories and actionable strategies. It doesn’t just inspire—it gives you tools you can put to work immediately. If you’re serious about building stronger teams, developing talent, and leading with vision, this is a book you’ll want on your shelf."
Bob schatz, d.mgt.
A great example of interdisciplinary thinking and its application
Growing Forward is a fine example of interdiscplinary thinking and application. Dr. Johnston brings systems thinking and adaptive management --- well-honed tools used by ecologists and others who study and manage non-human biodiversity --- to bear on human organizations. And like ecologists who study and manage ecosystems for the long-term, HR professionals and business executives who apply the GARDEN Framework will have to learn to accept short-term ups and downs if their organizations are thrive for the long haul.
Aaron m. ellison
A practical handbook for growing your business
Growing Forward, by Dr. Adena E. Johnston, MCEC, is sure to be welcomed by HR and Talent Management professionals seeking to collaborate with diverse business leaders in applying innovative solutions and advancing strategic growth within complex businesses. Dr. Johnston’s analysis draws fresh insight from her deep experience in helping to support talent strategy and manage change in complex business organizations. The author engages throughout by inviting the reader to recognize organic business ecosystems, and to approach business challenges like a gardener who successfully leverages the complex interrelationships among the components of any garden. Growing Forward offers the reader plenty of systems theory, but truly succeeds as a handbook of strategic frameworks and practical exercises for HR collaboration with diverse leadership partners. Read this book and grow your business!
Charles m. carr

It all starts with an idea

Listen

Lead the People with Matt Poepsel, PhD - A panel conversation
Transforming Your Leadership into a Strategic Advantage
Re-envisioning Talent Management for the 4th Industrial Revolution
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June 16, 2026
Forbes Coaches Council Expert Panel Contributions:How to Thrive in the Future of Work: Must-Have Leadership Skills
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October 14, 2025
October 7, 2025
November 5, 2025
September 24, 2025
September 11, 2025
September 5, 2025

The Book is Just the Beginning

If Growing Forward resonates, there is more where that came from. Adena speaks, coaches, and consults with organizations ready to build real adaptive capacity.
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