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Brave Together: Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation
" Groundbreaking. Get ready to be inspired and join the co-creation movement with this remarkable book." - Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and NY Times bestselling author of The Earned Life
" Exhilarating ." - Daniel Pink, #1 NY Times bestselling author of Drive , To Sell is Human , and The Power of Regret
Brave Together is a powerful book that can transform the lives of leaders, creators, or anyone looking to shape the future. It comes from the thought leaders who helped Apple shift the culture from "thinking different" to "working different together".
How did Apple overcome a culture of secrecy? How did Pixar out-innovate Disney? Why do companies kill creativity? Does Shark Tank teach us something about the way we pursue success that isn't true?
We've been told that working harder and smarter is the only way to succeed in business and life. But it's not true. Hustle culture is causing burnout and pain in our lives, making us feel divided. What if instead we focused on working creatively with others? And asked How can we shape cultures people love? There is hope in co-creation.
Brave Together is a deep exploration into how we can live and lead as co-creators, filled with unexpected stories, powerful principles, and a future-oriented framework. The authors have pressure-tested this work with startups and Fortune 500s—including Apple. Coaching leaders how to reimagine their approach to culture, converting creative ideas into billion-dollar solutions with the help of these
The Mirror Test : Take ownership of your reality and your creative identity.
The Hero's Sacrifice : Break free of ego to connect with others in inspiring ways.
Become the Future : Create a synthesis, manifesting the best in mind, heart, and spirit.
Chris Deaver and Ian Clawson have written a handbook that challenges the status quo approach to leadership, work, and culture. It offers the path to a bright future that isn't self-made but shared.
" Exhilarating ." - Daniel Pink, #1 NY Times bestselling author of Drive , To Sell is Human , and The Power of Regret
Brave Together is a powerful book that can transform the lives of leaders, creators, or anyone looking to shape the future. It comes from the thought leaders who helped Apple shift the culture from "thinking different" to "working different together".
How did Apple overcome a culture of secrecy? How did Pixar out-innovate Disney? Why do companies kill creativity? Does Shark Tank teach us something about the way we pursue success that isn't true?
We've been told that working harder and smarter is the only way to succeed in business and life. But it's not true. Hustle culture is causing burnout and pain in our lives, making us feel divided. What if instead we focused on working creatively with others? And asked How can we shape cultures people love? There is hope in co-creation.
Brave Together is a deep exploration into how we can live and lead as co-creators, filled with unexpected stories, powerful principles, and a future-oriented framework. The authors have pressure-tested this work with startups and Fortune 500s—including Apple. Coaching leaders how to reimagine their approach to culture, converting creative ideas into billion-dollar solutions with the help of these
The Mirror Test : Take ownership of your reality and your creative identity.
The Hero's Sacrifice : Break free of ego to connect with others in inspiring ways.
Become the Future : Create a synthesis, manifesting the best in mind, heart, and spirit.
Chris Deaver and Ian Clawson have written a handbook that challenges the status quo approach to leadership, work, and culture. It offers the path to a bright future that isn't self-made but shared.
- GenresLeadershipBusiness
320 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2023
8 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 30, 2024
"Brave Together: Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation" by Chris Deaver and Ian Clawson is a transformative guide that advocates for the power of co-creation in fostering innovation, personal growth, and meaningful collaboration. In a world often dominated by individualism and relentless pursuit of success, the authors propose a paradigm shift towards collaborative creativity as the foundation for progress and fulfillment.
The book begins by exploring the transformative potential of facing fears together and the critical role of self-reflection in personal growth. Through the example of Ian Clawson and Dave Arcade's collaboration on the animated series Spaceland, readers are introduced to the concept of being "brave together" – overcoming personal barriers and embracing collective courage to achieve creative success. The mirror test, a introspective exercise aimed at aligning personal values with future aspirations, is presented as a crucial tool for fostering self-awareness and integrity.
Embracing co-creation as a means to unlock creativity and foster meaningful connections is at the heart of the book's message. By shifting workplace dynamics towards collaboration and inclusivity, individuals can tap into their collective potential and redefine traditional notions of success. The cocreator mindset, which merges the strengths of traditional employment and entrepreneurship, is presented as a powerful catalyst for innovation and personal fulfillment.
Moreover, the book explores the concept of transforming adversity into creative power, emphasizing the importance of resilience, passion, and forgiveness in overcoming challenges. Through inspiring stories like Clint Schaff's journey with the LA Times Studios, readers learn how to harness their experiences and emotions to fuel creativity and innovation.
The compassionate principle is introduced as a guiding philosophy for empowering change and fostering meaningful connections. Drawing from the example of Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education, the authors highlight the transformative impact of prioritizing collective well-being over individual success.
Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity as a collective endeavor and celebrates the power of collaboration in shaping a brighter future. By championing a culture of empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve greater heights together.
Overall, "Brave Together" offers a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of success and champions the transformative power of co-creation. Through inspiring stories, practical exercises, and actionable insights, readers are empowered to embrace their fears, cultivate resilience, and build a future defined by collaboration, compassion, and creativity.
The book begins by exploring the transformative potential of facing fears together and the critical role of self-reflection in personal growth. Through the example of Ian Clawson and Dave Arcade's collaboration on the animated series Spaceland, readers are introduced to the concept of being "brave together" – overcoming personal barriers and embracing collective courage to achieve creative success. The mirror test, a introspective exercise aimed at aligning personal values with future aspirations, is presented as a crucial tool for fostering self-awareness and integrity.
Embracing co-creation as a means to unlock creativity and foster meaningful connections is at the heart of the book's message. By shifting workplace dynamics towards collaboration and inclusivity, individuals can tap into their collective potential and redefine traditional notions of success. The cocreator mindset, which merges the strengths of traditional employment and entrepreneurship, is presented as a powerful catalyst for innovation and personal fulfillment.
Moreover, the book explores the concept of transforming adversity into creative power, emphasizing the importance of resilience, passion, and forgiveness in overcoming challenges. Through inspiring stories like Clint Schaff's journey with the LA Times Studios, readers learn how to harness their experiences and emotions to fuel creativity and innovation.
The compassionate principle is introduced as a guiding philosophy for empowering change and fostering meaningful connections. Drawing from the example of Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education, the authors highlight the transformative impact of prioritizing collective well-being over individual success.
Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity as a collective endeavor and celebrates the power of collaboration in shaping a brighter future. By championing a culture of empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve greater heights together.
Overall, "Brave Together" offers a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of success and champions the transformative power of co-creation. Through inspiring stories, practical exercises, and actionable insights, readers are empowered to embrace their fears, cultivate resilience, and build a future defined by collaboration, compassion, and creativity.
January 13, 2026
The cover instantly reminded me of highschool when we all thought we had cool wallpapers. Some great ideas, just not executed enough in my opinion to be all that revolutionary - 3/5.
Main Notes:
- We've been told that working harder and smarter is the only way to succeed in business and life. But it's not true. Hustle culture is causing burnout and pain in our lives, making us feel divided. What if instead we focused on working creatively with others? And asked How can we shape cultures people love? There is hope in co-creation.
- Great things . . . are never done by one person. They’re done by a team.
Other Notes:
- asking yourself how you can foster cultures that not only drive innovation but are also deeply cherished by those who inhabit them
- collaborative creation wasn’t just about merging talents – it was a test of overcoming the fears that accompany any creative endeavor: fear of failure, fear of losing identity, and fear of negative judgment.
- In the modern workforce, it’s common for professionals to navigate between the stability of traditional employment and the independence of entrepreneurship, each embedded in outdated models that fail to fully satisfy
- the cocreator mindset is a concept to revolutionise the workplace by merging the strengths of traditional employment and entrepreneurship (sounds great but really just redefines leadership, innovation and every other model companies need to stay ahead in a vuca world)
- the compassion principle – teaches that true fulfillment comes not from self-centered pursuits but from dedicating yourself to the betterment of others
- ompanies are beginning to recognize the untapped potential of “misfits” – those who operate on the fringes, questioning and reinventing the way things are done
- Collective courage, self-reflection, and cocreation are key to transforming adversity into opportunity and creativity into innovation
Main Notes:
- We've been told that working harder and smarter is the only way to succeed in business and life. But it's not true. Hustle culture is causing burnout and pain in our lives, making us feel divided. What if instead we focused on working creatively with others? And asked How can we shape cultures people love? There is hope in co-creation.
- Great things . . . are never done by one person. They’re done by a team.
Other Notes:
- asking yourself how you can foster cultures that not only drive innovation but are also deeply cherished by those who inhabit them
- collaborative creation wasn’t just about merging talents – it was a test of overcoming the fears that accompany any creative endeavor: fear of failure, fear of losing identity, and fear of negative judgment.
- In the modern workforce, it’s common for professionals to navigate between the stability of traditional employment and the independence of entrepreneurship, each embedded in outdated models that fail to fully satisfy
- the cocreator mindset is a concept to revolutionise the workplace by merging the strengths of traditional employment and entrepreneurship (sounds great but really just redefines leadership, innovation and every other model companies need to stay ahead in a vuca world)
- the compassion principle – teaches that true fulfillment comes not from self-centered pursuits but from dedicating yourself to the betterment of others
- ompanies are beginning to recognize the untapped potential of “misfits” – those who operate on the fringes, questioning and reinventing the way things are done
- Collective courage, self-reflection, and cocreation are key to transforming adversity into opportunity and creativity into innovation
December 29, 2023
📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)
The book has a great concept but did find the structure not accommodation.
👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)
Great things . . . are never done by one person. They’re done by a team.
From creative control to shared flow:
T1: Organization—Centralized Authority (The Industrial Age)
T2: Expert—Knowledge Worker (The Information Age)
T3: Co-Creators—Shared Wisdom (The Contextual Age)
⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)
• Lead with questions to provoke a culture of curiosity, where anyone can imagine and express a better future.
• Turn pain into power by creating gains, letting your sacrifices become the building blocks of your success.
• Make others the mission by setting aside ego and pursuing work based on one measure: how it inspires the lives of others. Help others feel seen, respected, and understood.
• Define the situation by the actions you take. Your efforts must be connected to value systems that bring out the best in you and in others. Change things and contribute to a mission larger than yourself.
• Create context by focusing on the deep work that not only is different but makes a difference. Be inspired by your future story and who you need to become. Be that now.
• Follow true north by building alignment of principles, collective courage, and creative energy to achieve the best outcomes.
The book has a great concept but did find the structure not accommodation.
👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)
Great things . . . are never done by one person. They’re done by a team.
From creative control to shared flow:
T1: Organization—Centralized Authority (The Industrial Age)
T2: Expert—Knowledge Worker (The Information Age)
T3: Co-Creators—Shared Wisdom (The Contextual Age)
⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)
• Lead with questions to provoke a culture of curiosity, where anyone can imagine and express a better future.
• Turn pain into power by creating gains, letting your sacrifices become the building blocks of your success.
• Make others the mission by setting aside ego and pursuing work based on one measure: how it inspires the lives of others. Help others feel seen, respected, and understood.
• Define the situation by the actions you take. Your efforts must be connected to value systems that bring out the best in you and in others. Change things and contribute to a mission larger than yourself.
• Create context by focusing on the deep work that not only is different but makes a difference. Be inspired by your future story and who you need to become. Be that now.
• Follow true north by building alignment of principles, collective courage, and creative energy to achieve the best outcomes.
December 24, 2025
As an HR leader working with startups and tech companies, I spend much of my time helping leaders navigate disruption. AI acceleration, constant change, unclear roles, and pressure to move fast place real strain on trust, communication, and accountability. Brave Together, by Chris Deaver and Ian Clawson, addresses this reality directly.
The authors provide a clear framework for building teams that stay grounded and effective while everything around them is shifting. This is not abstract leadership theory. The book focuses on the daily moments that shape culture in fast-moving environments. How leaders create safety during uncertainty. How teams surface hard truths before they turn into failures. How accountability works without fear when the stakes are high.
What makes Brave Together especially relevant in an AI-disrupted world is its emphasis on human responsibility. As technology reshapes work, the real differentiator is how people think, decide, and relate to one another. Deaver and Clawson show how trust, shared ownership, and courageous dialogue scale as organizations grow and transform.
I recommend this book to founders, executives, and HR leaders who want to build resilient teams in volatile environments. Brave Together provides language, structure, and practices you can apply immediately to lead through uncertainty with clarity and care.
The authors provide a clear framework for building teams that stay grounded and effective while everything around them is shifting. This is not abstract leadership theory. The book focuses on the daily moments that shape culture in fast-moving environments. How leaders create safety during uncertainty. How teams surface hard truths before they turn into failures. How accountability works without fear when the stakes are high.
What makes Brave Together especially relevant in an AI-disrupted world is its emphasis on human responsibility. As technology reshapes work, the real differentiator is how people think, decide, and relate to one another. Deaver and Clawson show how trust, shared ownership, and courageous dialogue scale as organizations grow and transform.
I recommend this book to founders, executives, and HR leaders who want to build resilient teams in volatile environments. Brave Together provides language, structure, and practices you can apply immediately to lead through uncertainty with clarity and care.
March 30, 2024
Collective courage, self-reflection, and cocreation are key to transforming adversity into opportunity and creativity into innovation. By embracing our fears, leveraging our individual and collective strengths, and focusing on compassion and collaboration, we can navigate personal and professional challenges to build a more fulfilling and innovative future. This way of thinking can unlock our potential and foster a culture of empathy and shared success, guiding us toward a future where we achieve more together than we ever could alone.
March 30, 2024
Summary:
Collective courage, self-reflection, and cocreation are key to transforming adversity into opportunity and creativity into innovation. By embracing our fears, leveraging our individual and collective strengths, and focusing on compassion and collaboration, we can navigate personal and professional challenges to build a more fulfilling and innovative future. This way of thinking can unlock our potential and foster a culture of empathy and shared success, guiding us toward a future where we achieve more together than we ever could alone.
Collective courage, self-reflection, and cocreation are key to transforming adversity into opportunity and creativity into innovation. By embracing our fears, leveraging our individual and collective strengths, and focusing on compassion and collaboration, we can navigate personal and professional challenges to build a more fulfilling and innovative future. This way of thinking can unlock our potential and foster a culture of empathy and shared success, guiding us toward a future where we achieve more together than we ever could alone.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews