Intelligent Automation Network's 2022 Summer Reading List

Summer's almost over, are you prepared for the next iteration of your digital transformation? Given the turmoil that many warn lies ahead, now is the time to get caught up on the latest DX thought leadership. Here are 5 recent releases we recommend. 

The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI 

By Paul Leonardi and Tsedal Neeley

In their new book, Paul Leonardi, Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara, and Tsedal Neeley, Professor of Business Administration Harvard Business School, not only define what the “digital mindset” is, but set out a clear roadmap on how to cultivate one.

They argue that those who will thrive in the digital age won’t necessarily be expert technologists, but rather those who master “Collaboration, Computation, and Change.” People who ask  understand just enough about technology (30%, to be exact) to “ask the right questions, make smart decisions, and appreciate new possibilities for a digital future.”

For those who worry about their place in an increasingly technology-driven professional world, this book is absolutely a must-read. In addition, those responsible for spearheading digital transformation efforts will likely also find this book a worthy read as the writers don't only break down what cutting-edge technology can and cannot do, they offer substantial insight into the human psychology behind digital transformation success (and failure) 

Build

By Tony Fadell

Known to many as the “father of the iPod,” Tony Fadell has spent the bulk of his 30 year career developing some of the world’s most popular technology products alongside the industry’s biggest names (i.e. Steve Jobs). In his new book, Build, he shares some of the wisdom he’s gained along the way as well as his take on current and emerging technology trends. 

Part memoir, part management manifesto, the book is divided up into six parts: Build Yourself, Build Your Career, Build Your Product, Build Your Business, Build Your Team and Be CEO. Though Fadell is sure to recount his considerable successes, the book is most interested in failure. And not just why people, companies and products fail, but what can be learned from the process. 

The Work of the Future: Building Better Jobs in an Age of Intelligent Machines

By Elisabeth B. Reynolds, David A. Mindell, and David Autor

Worried about technology displacing human workers? Then this is a must-read for you. 

Based on research conducted by MIT Work of the Future, The Work of the Future explores the relationships between emerging technologies, work and public policy. It’s well established that, at least in the United States, the number of high quality jobs has decreased while the number of low paying, poor quality jobs has increased in recent years. While this offers ample opportunity for applications of AI and automation, these trends could have potentially catastrophic economic and societal impacts. 

MIT professors Elisabeth B. Reynolds, David A. Mindell, and David Autor argue that employers, schools, governments and other institutions need to rethink the way they approach these challenges. Big picture in nature, the book argues that we as a society need to do more to enhance the quality of work, push our government to invest in R&D initiatives and ensure public policy supports technological innovation. 

How Minds Change

By David McRaney

How and why do people change their minds? According to David McRaney, it’s all about assimilation and accommodation. 

In his new book, self-delusion expert McRaney explains how individual human reasoning is flawed and why true innovative thinking requires collaboration. He also delves into the power of storytelling as a tool for driving change.

Though written from the perspective of driving societal change (i.e. convincing people to vote, get vaccinated or support various social changes), How Minds Change is a must-read for organizational leaders. Not only does the book break down the psychology of belief, Mcramey offers practical guidance on how to inspire change in others. 

Beyond Digital 

By Paul Leinwand and Matt Mani

Digital transformation not only requires new technology, but new approaches to leadership and business model development. To shed light on what it takes to truly transform and thrive in the digital age, PWC advisors Paul Leinwand and Matt Mani take a deep dive into how 12 leading-edge companies approached digital transformation. No frills and straight to the point, case studies include Microsoft, Adobe, Citigroup, Eli Lilly, Hitachi, Honeywell, Inditex, Komatsu and Cleveland Clinic.