Alec Grant: a living tribute

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide a living tribute to the leading autoethnographer, Alec Grant. Design/methodology/approach Alec provided Jerome with a list of names of people he might approach to write a tribute on his behalf. Findings The accounts describe the influence that Alec has had both as an educator and as a trusted colleague for the people approached. Research limitations/implications While this is a living tribute, it is about one man and could, therefore, be described as a case study. Some people wonder what can be learned from a single case study. Read on and find out. Practical implications Alec has carved out a path for himself. In many senses, he chose “The Road Less Travelled”. He has never shied away from challenging “The System” and defending the rights of the marginalized and socially excluded. It is not a road for the faint-hearted. Social implications For systems to change, radical thinkers need to show the way. “Change keeps us safe” (Stuart Bell). Originality/value Alec was a well-known and highly respected cognitive behavioural academic practitioner and the author of key textbooks in the field. He then decided to reinvent himself as an autoethnographer. This has brought him into contact with a much more diverse group of people. It has also brought him home to himself.