The first purpose of this book is to present the most powerful principles of personal innovation in a way that makes them useful for everyday human beings going about their daily lives. This book is the simplicity inside what is often a complex and disorganized universe called innovation.

The second purpose of this book is to provide a structure for personal innovation that embodies a compelling reason to engage. This is important because the historically unruly nature of the subject leaves some feeling overwhelmed and others suspicious of its usefulness. CATS: The Nine Lives of Innovation provides a structure that clarifies the what, why and how of personal innovation.

"At the beginning of the twenty-first century, a great realization occurred, giving rise to an exceptionally exciting new age that might well be the longest – possibly everlasting – age that we humans experience. This was brought about by the realization that far more important than the knowledge of knowledge, is the knowledge of the manager of knowledge. And that manager is the super-bio computer we all possess: our brain. Not only is it necessary to have knowledge of the human brain; it is necessary to know how to use it.

The revolution we are now embroiled in is the Intelligence Revolution. We are taking just the first steps into the Intelligence Age.

The Harvard Business Review declared, on its October 2004 front cover, that there was a ‘looming creativity crisis’; the British Institute of Management, in a global survey, confirmed that international business leaders felt that the graduates from universities and MBA programs were comparatively ‘useless’ because of their lack of mental flexibility, inability to solve problems, robotic methods of thinking, and their demonstrable lack of creativity and inability to innovate. In the last seven years, a number of countries – including China, Singapore, Mexico, Scotland and Malaysia – have spearheaded initiatives to raise the level of national creativity. Such initiatives were seen as the only way to forge ahead in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace.

In summary, a new globally accepted awareness has emerged. Right now, any individual, company or country wishing to survive and thrive in the twenty-first century must develop the brain’s seemingly infinite capacity to create and to innovate. To develop these capacities you need excellent guidance and your own application to the task. CATS will launch you on this journey.

Steve has once again demonstrated that he is a leading master-guide to the personal side of innovation. Steve has conceived a book that is accessible, relevant and playful, and designed to help you apply the excellent lessons you will receive from these pages. Having read and received its wisdom, you most surely will be a more relaxed, active, confident, productive and innovative person."

forward written by Tony Buzan

Tony Buzan is the originator of Mind Maps®, the thinking tool popularly called the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of the brain. He is the world’s leading author, lecturer and advisor to governments, businesses, the professions, universities and schools, on the brain, learning and thinking skills. In addition, Tony is the founder of the Brain Trust charity and the Use Your Head/Brain Clubs. He is the creator of the concepts Radiant Thinking and Mental Literacy. Tony has written 82 books published in 100 countries and in 30 languages.