Joe Mechlinski

Who Says?

Question Everything and Discover the Genius of Thinking Differently
Pre-Order Now

“A thoughtful question is better than a great answer. As in the good question is the seed on the journey to learning. The journey of WHO SAYS embraces and resonates this essential path to action. From not knowing to knowing. From ignorance to learning. From incremental change to innovation. From memorize to memory. From follower to leader. JOE’S has given us a map.”

Richard Saul Wurman

Founder of TED, author of 91 books

Why blend in when you were born

To Stand Out

Who Says? Question Everything and Discover the Genius of Thinking Differently is a manifesto for those who refuse to live life on autopilot. This book dares you to ask the questions no one else is asking, to defy the gravitational and seductive pull of the status quo, and to embrace a life of authenticity and boundless innovation.

An invitation to venture into the unknown and transform you from a mere reader into a trailblazer, you’ll learn about the grounding-breaking spaces of psychedelic therapy, the transformative powers of artificial intelligence, and the dismantling of outdated workplace hierarchies. This book is your companion in uncharted territory, where the only rule is to question everything.

Who Says? is your invitation to a journey of discovery and defiance. Designed for the visionaries, the rebels, the entrepreneurs, the executives, the innovators, the dreamers, and the creators, Who Says? is a reflection of the boundless potential lying within you, unexplored. It’s for the new generation of leaders who are not afraid to question everything and lead with their inner guidance.

Learn to not just question the world around you, but find the courage to question yourself, to dig deep, and to emerge as the architect of your own destiny.

Inside this book you’ll find powerful ideas for:

  • Living Disruptively: Embrace disruption as a catalyst for living with purpose, energy, and inspiration. This book guides you to a life by design, not default.
  • Finding Your True North: Discover how to identify and align with your core values, transforming them into a compass that guides you through life’s storms.
  • Cultivating Personal Sovereignty through Creativity: Learn how deliberate creative acts can anchor your personal sovereignty, turning everyday actions into powerful statements of autonomy and originality.


Who Says? is your invitation to a journey of discovery and defiance. Designed for the visionaries, the rebels, the entrepreneurs, the executives, the innovators, the dreamers, and the creators, Who Says? is a reflection of the boundless potential lying within you, unexplored. It’s for the new generation of leaders who are not afraid to question everything and lead with their inner guidance.

Learn to not just question the world around you, but find the courage to question yourself, to dig deep, and to emerge as the architect of your own destiny.

“A thoughtful question is better than a great answer. As in the good question is the seed on the journey to learning. The journey of WHO SAYS embraces and resonates this essential path to action. From not knowing to knowing. From ignorance to learning. From incremental change to innovation. From memorize to memory. From follower to leader. JOE has given us a map.”

Richard Saul Wurman

Founder of TED, author of 91 books

Having worked closely with Joe across various platforms, I can confidently say that his strategies drive real performance, both personally and for teams. His words challenge you—whether you're ready for it or not—and that discomfort is where true growth happens. Every conversation with Joe has pushed me toward new thinking and, ultimately, growth. Who Says? is a must-read for anyone looking to be challenged and inspired.
Steve Pruett
Executive Chairman, Cox Media Group
Joe Mechlinski's WHO SAYS? is a powerful reminder that we are all 'making it up moment by moment.' From the cutting edge of psychedelic therapy to the untapped power of flow states, he reveals a vision of work and life that is more expansive, creative, and alive. Pay attention – and take notes!
Daniel Pink
#1 New York Times bestselling author of THE POWER OF REGRET
Joe is one the deepest thinkers on the future of work I know of. His insights are always incredible and come from his own deep personal lived experience and decades in the game advising and working with those pushing the bounds most!
Rian Doris
CEO, Flow Research Collective

Access exclusive content

Buy 25
Get exclusive access to special office hours/AMA (limit 50)
Pre-Order Now
Buy 50
Have Joe appear virtually on a podcast, for your book club or team (limit 20)
Pre-Order Now
Buy 200
Have Joe speak for an hour live at your event (limit 10)
Pre-Order Now
The future belongs to those ready to grab a sledgehammer and shatter outdated assumptions. That's why this book isn’t for everyone. Conformists won’t like it. Rule-followers won’t get it. Bureaucrats will burn it. But let's assume you're willing to challenge the norms. What does your no-compromises future look like? What kind of future could you build? What’s stopping you from building it? In "Who Says?," Joe Mechlinski reveals how to live according to what’s possible, instead of being confined by what is.
Sally Hogshead
New York Times bestselling author of Fascinate
Joe Mechlinski has turned into one of the most powerful voices in America. And I don't say that lightly. He is telling the story about how practicing capitalism differently is actually the path to greater societal and financial value and a life well lived. Who says it can’t be done?
Jeff Cherry
CEO of the Novella Center for Entrepreneurship
“Who Says?” not only asks the right questions but also gives fresh answers. This book challenges readers to embrace the power of having their own true north and honoring it. It gives readers the inspiration and the insight to step out of the herd, listen to your inner voice and dare to chart an authentic path. You won’t find the same old, same old advice. This is a guide—not a template—for anyone who wants to lead with authenticity and until now has felt like they were standing alone on an island trying to do it.
Gerry Sandusky
CEO, Flow Research Collective

about joe

“20+ years of life and business experience taught Joe one lesson: it’s time to question everything and wake-up! No one knows you better than you. No one is here to save you. Your voice and vote matters. Use it. The time is now.”

Joe Mechlinski is a New York Times bestselling author, top-rated TEDx speaker, and CEO of SHIFT, a tech-enabled management consulting firm. Joe’s journey from neglected Baltimore inner city schools to Johns Hopkins University shaped his mission: change the way we work to transform the way we live. With over 20 years of experience, Joe has worked with 600+ companies, including New Balance, Crocs, John Hancock, and Fox Sports. He’s also the founder of Latch, an AI-driven platform helping executives get their teams on the same page. Joe is passionate about equity and service. As Managing Partner of Conscious Venture Partners, he supports and invests in at-risk communities and minority-founded businesses.

Why blend in when you were born to stand out?

Pre-Order Now
Joe Mechlinski’s 'Who Says?' is a masterclass in breaking free from the conventional chains that bind us. By presenting counterintuitive and practical insights, Joe empowers readers to critically and deeply think in ways that challenge our "shoulds" and redefine success on our own terms. Joe's vulnerable and brilliant storytelling, soulful wisdom, and life-changing (and life-challenging) questions, make this book a game-changer for anyone seeking to revolutionize their approach to work and life.
Jackie Insinger
Best Selling Author of Spark
A perfect book for this time. Mechlinski firmly establishes himself as one of the top thought leaders of our era, effortlessly extending his methodology to the reader. This book is not only a must-read but also a must re-read, offering new insights with each encounter.
Jere Simpson
CEO, AtlasUp