Decoding AQ

Adaptability Quotient

Your Greatest Superpower

A New Operating System for Change in an Exponential World By Ross Thornley | Published: September 14, 2022

Adaptability is the most sought-after skill today. But what does it truly mean, and how can we measure and improve it?

“The pace of change is exponential. Meaning, at the start of this sentence, you experienced the slowest change you’ll ever know. Now, as you finish, it’s already speeding up.”

Packed with data-driven insights, neuroscience-backed strategies, and practical exercises,
this book will help you:

Understand the A.C.E Model the first scientifically validated model for AQ®.

Overcome the amygdala hijack and rewire your brain for adaptability and resilience.

Learn actionable strategies to integrate adaptability into your leadership, teams, and culture.

Future-proof your career and organization in an AI-driven world.

Enhance leadership capability and engagement

A guide to unlocking adaptability as your greatest superpower.

“Brilliant—full of practical exercises to improve your AQ. A must-read for leaders and change agents.”

— Donald Henderson, NHS National Services Scotland

“This book explains AQ like never before. As a consultant for 20+ years, it has changed how I approach adaptability with my clients.”

— Verified Amazon Review

“Adaptability is the greatest skill for leaders today. This book is a field guide to navigating change and staying competitive.”

— Debora J. McLaughlin, Leadership & Change Expert

“So relevant to NOW! The AQ framework is something I’ll be using in my business for people development.”

— Politica, Business Leader

“If you feel overwhelmed by change, read this book. Ross breaks down adaptability into easy, actionable steps.”

— Celia Parker, Retired Educator

Business leaders & executives navigating rapid change. 
HR professionals & coaches helping teams build resilience.
Entrepreneurs & consultants seeking a competitive edge.

Anyone looking to future-proof their career & personal growth.

315 pages of insights, research, and actionable frameworks

An overview of the A.C.E. model AQ® including the 15 subdimensions & adaptability science

Practical exercises to strengthen your adaptability skills

Strategies to apply AQ® in leadership, innovation, and AI-driven workplaces

Part 1: From Fear to Fact – Understanding How We Adapt

Adaptability is a science. This section explores the psychology of change, how fear hijacks decision-making, and why the future belongs to those who train their AQ muscle.

Part 2: The AQ Model – Measuring & Developing Adaptability

An exploration into AQ’s three core drivers—Ability, Character, and Environment—revealing the 15 scientifically validated sub-dimensions that determine how, why, and when we adapt.

Part 3: Harnessing the Three Forces – Turning Change into Opportunity

Learn how to leverage storytelling, mindset shifts, and collective momentum to drive positive change at scale

Part 4: From React to Respond – A Framework for Adaptable Leadership

Move from overwhelm to clarity with actionable strategies like paradoxical systems thinking, the 4Rs framework, and re-modeling leadership behaviors.

Part 5: Combating Overwhelm – Mastering Adaptive Cycles

Discover how to reframe challenges, apply curiosity, and break out of mental echo chambers to lead with confidence in uncertainty.

Part 6: Rapid Feedback Loops – The Key to Continuous Growth

Learn how principle-based thinking, community-driven learning, and real-time feedback loops accelerate adaptability and performance.

Part 7: The Paradox of Learning & Unlearning – Future-Proofing Your Thinking

Why knowledge is no longer power and how leaders must unlearn past choices, challenge assumptions, and embrace the imagination economy to stay ahead.

Part 8: A Movement for Perpetual Future Confidence

Rewiring our relationship with change to create a resilient, adaptable mindset and culture, ensuring no one is left behind in the fastest period of transformation in human history.

Get Your Copy Today

Paperback & eBook Available on Amazon