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book cover for The Unexpected Power of Boundaries

The Unexpected Power of Boundaries

Rethinking the Rules, Risks, and Real Drivers of Innovation

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Pub Date Mar 03 2026 | Archive Date Not set


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Description

What if the secret to breakthrough innovation isn’t thinking outside the box— but knowing where the box ends?

In The Unexpected Power of Boundaries, bestselling author and innovation strategist Sheri Jacobs challenges everything we’ve been told about creativity.

Innovation doesn’t just happen, and it’s not about luck or timing. It’s about creating a structure that nourishes ideas, allows people to experiment, and provides clarity around constraints.

Through powerful stories, candid interviews, and lessons from unexpected places—from Pixar to polar expeditions—Jacobs reveals why boundaries don’t limit innovation; they launch it. This book is a practical, inspiring guide for leaders and teams who want to move faster, take smarter risks, and make innovation a repeatable habit.

You’ll learn:

  1. Why boundaries fuel creativity
  2. How to make risk-taking safer
  3. Why some of the best ideas come from unexpected people and places
  4. How to separate the “what” from the “how”— and why that changes everything
  5. Why you need to “take more shots” if you wish to innovate

When people know they have creative freedom— and equally important, clarity about exactly what to explore—they stop hesitating. They start experimenting. And that’s exactly where meaningful innovation begins to take root. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, launching a product, or shaking up the status quo, The Unexpected Power of Boundaries will help you create the perfect conditions for bold ideas to lead to true innovation.

What if the secret to breakthrough innovation isn’t thinking outside the box— but knowing where the box ends?

In The Unexpected Power of Boundaries, bestselling author and innovation strategist Sheri...


Advance Praise

“The Unexpected Power of Boundaries flips the script on everything you thought you knew about saying no. It’s not about building walls—it’s about creating the space you need to grow, thrive, and lead with clarity. Whether you’re burned out, resentful, or just tired of people-pleasing your way through life, Sheri Jacobs offers a bold new framework for setting boundaries that feel good, do good, and make you unstoppable.”—Laura Gassner Otting, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Wonderhell and ABC contributor

“The Unexpected Power of Boundaries is a refreshing and essential guide for anyone navigating high-stakes leadership. Sheri Jacobs challenges the myth that innovation requires endless freedom and shows, with clarity and conviction, how real creativity thrives within smart constraints. I’ve seen Sheri speak on this topic, and she brings the same insight, energy, and practical wisdom to the page. This book will shift how you think about risk, leadership, and what it really takes to spark breakthrough ideas. A must-read for ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs ready to innovate with intention.”—Shelby Meyer, Western US regional director, YPO

“I’ve led in combat zones, boardrooms, and bureaucracies. The same pattern shows up everywhere: people hold back when the edges aren’t clear. Sheri Jacobs gets this. Her work strips away the noise and shows what actually unlocks bold thinking: boundaries that create safety, not control. If your team feels stuck or slow to act, this book gives you the tools to spot what’s missing and shift it. This is for leaders who want action, not theory. It’s direct, grounded, and immediately useful.”—Col. (ret.) DeDe Halfhill, founder and CEO, TAIOH Partners, keynote speaker, senior executive advisor

“From the first page, Sheri dismantles myths and boldly redefines how boundaries fuel innovation. This paradigm-busting book shows leaders how to clarify chaos, unleash creativity, and build resilient, inspired teams. Read it, cling to it, and start now.”—Gary LaBranche, CEO, RIMS, the risk management society

“Imagine trying to land on the moon when disaster strikes—and your only way home is to solve the impossible with what’s right in front of you. That’s the story of Apollo 13, and it’s the same lesson Sheri Jacobs brings to The Unexpected Power of Boundaries: When you define the mission, set the timeframe, and work with the tools you have, you unlock focus, creativity, and results. Without boundaries, you’re just floating in space.”—Spencer Hulse, editorial director, Grit Daily

“The Unexpected Power of Boundaries flips the script on everything you thought you knew about saying no. It’s not about building walls—it’s about creating the space you need to grow, thrive, and lead...


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Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9798891388239
PRICE $28.00 (USD)
PAGES 208

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