In the Trenches of Change
What Readers Are Saying
Voices from diplomats, development professionals, academics, and practitioners who have spent careers where change is the work.
“In the Trenches of Change is more than a memoir; it is a masterclass in navigating the underlying rules of culture and politics to achieve real, sustainable results. It is an essential guide for the next generation of international consultants.
“Kelly and Novak write with the authority of practitioners who have designed reforms, adapted to changes, and taken time to understand the consequences. Essential reading for anyone serious about development practice.
In a transitioning society, trust is a form of infrastructure.
Patricia J. Lerner
Former U.S. diplomat and USAID senior leader
More From the Field
Practitioners, academics, and leaders across the development spectrum.
I would encourage anyone considering working in change management or reform to read this book, and come back to it again over time.
Sally Fegan-Wyles
UN Assistant Secretary General, Director of UNITAR, UNDGO, UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative (ret.)
“Mari and Steven have crafted a compelling narrative of their unique work. You will learn, sometimes laugh, and sometimes gasp, reading about the risks taken to bring about positive change in uncertain times and unstable locations.”
“In the Trenches of Change offers a grounded and highly credible account of what institutional reform requires in practice. This memoir provides valuable perspective for practitioners and decision-makers seeking sustainable, context-aware change.”
“Hard-earned, sometimes humorous, occasionally uncomfortable, and consistently useful.
“This narrative describes how these expert consultants have managed to achieve remarkable success in international development. As such it provides lessons for any consultant or manager in any field facing complex tasks.
“Kelly and Novak show performance improvement as it really happens. It's field-tested practice, told with candor and hard-earned humility.
Kelly and Novak use their vast experience to show in great detail how challenging foreign development can be, what it takes to succeed, and why it is absolutely worth the effort.
Timm J. Esque, CPT
Author of Making an Impact: Building a Top Performing Organization from the Bottom Up
“You will learn, sometimes laugh, and sometimes gasp, reading about the risks taken to bring about positive change in uncertain times and unstable locations.”
Margo Murray, MBA, CPT — Former Chair, IFTDO Executive Board
Stay Close to the Work
Get Appendix I: Ten Key Insights—the core lessons distilled from four decades in the field. Plus book updates, excerpts, and launch news.
No spam. Only book updates, excerpts, and launch news.