Steven Bartlett’s FlightStory Books has won the rights to viral ‘High Agency’ book in a competitive three-way pitch. FlightStory Books, in partnership with Ebury Penguin, has secured the rights to George Mack’s upcoming book, “High Agency,” inspired by his widely acclaimed essay that resonated with millions.
“High Agency” delves into what Mack describes as the “most important personality trait of the 21st century.” The book explores characteristics associated with high agency, such as immigrant mentality, treadmill energy, and the strategic use of disagreeability. It also identifies common low-agency pitfalls, including excessive rumination, mid-wit malaise, and a lack of clarity, guiding readers on harnessing high agency to unlock their potential and achieve success.
The UK and Commonwealth rights were won in a competitive three-way auction led by Géraldine Collard, editorial director at Ebury, and Rik Ubhi, head of publishing at FlightStory Books. The deal was brokered by Rachel Berkowitz on behalf of Crown Currency. FlightStory Books will publish the title alongside Lydia Yadi, executive editor at Crown Currency.
Steven Bartlett, founder of FlightStory and creator of The Diary of a CEO, commented: “George Mack’s game-changing concept of ‘high agency’ lives rent free in my head. I am now updating my hiring processes to search through the lens of high agency. George was one of my team members at my previous company and even then, in the hall ways of my office, he would stop me to share insights and wisdom that was far beyond his years. It’s no surprise to me that he’s gone on to become one of the great thinkers and writers of of generation.”
Lydia Yadi shared her enthusiasm: “As soon as I read Mack’s essay, I was obsessed with the idea of dialling up my own agency, and asked everyone I knew (colleague, friend, stranger at a party) the question that Mack opens the essay with – if you were stuck in jail, who would be the one person you would call to bust you out? As Mack argues, high agency is the most underrated concept of the 21st century. And like Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory or Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, it’s an idea that’s so simple and effective, it may change how you view reality.”
Géraldine Collard added: “We were all lit up by George’s essay. His writing offers readers the best qualities of non-fiction: immediately actionable and thought-provoking, his insights will transform how readers approach the everyday.”
Rik Ubhi concluded: “Everyone at Flight Books reads George because his writing makes us think sharper and act braver. High Agency is a brilliant expression of what we need more of: lives lived with action, impact and a no-excuses sense of purpose. This book will spark a high-agency movement – and it’s one we’re privileged to help lead in the UK and Commonwealth.”
FlightStory is a next-generation media and investment company founded by entrepreneur, author, and podcaster Steven Bartlett. The company operates at the intersection of influence, storytelling, and capital, with a mission to shape culture by building and backing the most meaningful brands of the future.
FlightStory is structured into two core divisions:
1. FlightStory Studio – a full-spectrum media powerhouse producing chart-topping shows, original television content, bestselling books, global live events, high-impact keynote talks, and a suite of editorial channels including newsletters and social content. With innovation, data, technology and storytelling at its core, the Studio is home to some of the most influential media formats and voices in modern business and culture.
2. FlightStory Fund – the investment arm of the company. FlightStory Fund backs, builds, and buys companies at the frontier of consumer behaviour, emerging technology, wellness, AI, and media. Leveraging the studio’s reach and strategic support, the fund delivers not just capital, but cultural relevance and audience at scale.
Together, these two entities work symbiotically: the Studio builds reach, trust, and narrative; the Fund identifies and scales ventures that align with that influence. FlightStory is designed to be a flywheel — where media fuels growth, and growth becomes story.