The most satisfying aspect of writing Lab Rats was the chance to meet so many fascinating, thoughtful people. I’m indebted to the many who shared their stories with me and agreed to let me include those stories in this book. In most cases I’ve used pseudonyms in order to protect their privacy. I’m also indebted to the many scientists and researchers who took time to explain their work to me, including Dr. Gregory Berns, Gary Rees and Sally Rumbles, and Mitchell Kusy and Elizabeth Holloway.
At the headquarters of Steelcase I spent a day talking to a dozen incredibly interesting people who provided me with far more information than I could use in this book. I regret that I could barely scratch the surface, but I still hope to tell their stories. I’m grateful to others whose stories did not go into the book but whose perspectives informed my research, reporting, and writing.
My wife, Sasha, offered emotional support and encouragement, especially in the many months when I was holed up in my office. My daughter, Sonya, helped assemble the bibliography and thus gained her first (but I suspect not her last) professional publishing credit. My son, Paul, restored my sanity with a few much-needed ski days and mountain bike rides and never complained that I was not there to help him with his homework as much as I should have been. I’m sorry to have been away so much. And I am forever grateful for your love and support.
There is no greater gift for a writer than to be blessed with a really great editor, and with this book, as with Disrupted, I’ve had the good fortune to work with the best editor I’ve ever known—the brilliant, thoughtful, compassionate, and generous Paul Whitlatch. I’m happy to work with so many wonderful members of the Hachette Book Group family, including Mauro DiPreta, Michelle Aielli, Lauren Hummel, Sarah Falter, Michael Barrs, Odette Fleming, and art director Mandy Kain, who designed the cover. Production editor Melanie Gold and copy editor Lori Paximadis made enormous improvements in the manuscript. Once again, Elisa Rivlin contributed a sharp legal review as well as wise suggestions on the manuscript. Gary Morgen from Hachette’s technology group oversaw development of a new author portal and also became a pal during his trips to Boston. David Lamb went above and beyond the call of duty by modeling for the cover. Thanks also to Emily Donaldson, who assembled the bibliography.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude and affection for my agent, the incomparable Christy Fletcher, and her associates at Fletcher & Co., including Sarah Fuentes and Erin McFadden. Paradoxically, while writing a book about workplace misery and dysfunction, I have enjoyed the company of the best and nicest colleagues I’ve ever known, people whose friendship I cherish. I’m thankful for each and every one of you.