The Creative Way Forward

A guide for navigating change in work and life

Change is inevitable. If there is one thing we can plan on, it’s that nothing will stay the same. Yet change can also be challenging, especially when it’s unexpected. In times of disruption when we most need to be creative, we’re often reactive. We hang onto what we know, instead of being open to the vast possibilities of what’s next. Professional coach and consultant Jen Martin shows us another way: how to build your creative capacity and ability to improvise forward, even during life’s biggest twists and turns. 

For those navigating any kind of change – whether at work or in life – Jen shares research-backed practices and tools to help you strengthen your agility and adaptability, including regulating your nervous system, reframing your perspective, and generating innovative solutions, among many more. This book is a beautiful reminder that while the future is inherently uncertain, it’s precisely when we don’t have all the answers that we often come up with the most interesting ideas and discover the creative way forward.

  • 2025 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medalist (Personal Development)

  • 2025 IBPA Book Award Finalist (Self-Help and Best New Voice: Nonfiction)

  • 2024 American Book Fest Best Book Award (Self-Help: General)

  • 2024 INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist (Career)

"In a world that's constantly shifting, The Creative Way Forward offers a timely and essential message: embrace change as an opportunity for growth and creativity. Martin's well-researched and thoughtfully crafted book provides a roadmap for staying resilient, adaptable, and true to yourself in the face of life's challenges."

Daniel H. Pink | #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret and Drive

“It's not easy navigating life's curveballs. Jen Martin’s book is a helpful aid in these transitions, offering up a set of practices and tools that can build your creativity, resilience, and purpose. A must-read for uncertain times.” 

Dr. Maya Shankar | Cognitive scientist and host of the award-winning podcast, A Slight Change of Plan

“Jen Martin masterfully provides a practical roadmap to navigate life's constant changes with creativity and resilience. This book is essential reading for anyone facing personal or professional transitions, offering insightful practices and tools that help harness the power of creativity in uncertain times. Martin's engaging writing and real-world examples inspire readers to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Whether you're an individual looking to reinvent yourself or a leader steering through organizational shifts, this guide is a beacon of clarity and empowerment.”

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith | New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“For those who struggle with change, Martin assures you that you are not alone and shows you how to embrace uncertainty. This compact guidebook has a bit of everything—compelling research, memorable anecdotes, practical tips, and easy-to-follow exercises—wrapped up in Martin’s own relatable, personal narrative. It’s my new go-to recommendation for personal change management.”

Julie Pham, PhD | CEO of CuriosityBased and author of 7 Forms of Respect

“The Creative Way Forward is an invaluable guide for today’s constantly changing world. Well researched, practical, and inspiring—it’s a book you’ll keep returning to again and again.”

Lindsey Pollak | New York Times bestselling author of Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work

“Change is uncomfortable, even change for the better. The Creative Way Forward shows you how to navigate change with the courage, curiosity and creativity needed to unleash its possibilities and create a far more rewarding life.”

Dr. Margie Warrell | Keynote speaker and bestselling author of You’ve Got This!