August already. I hope you are enjoying your break. I had a few “duh” moments in the last month.
Duh I
Last month, I recommended a few holiday books. I was wrong. The book to read is “Stellar”. It is a hard book to read, you can read this blog instead. However, conceptually it is a great thought experiment. If we combine solar, wind, batteries, with (public) AI and programmable biology, we have all the elements for a positive transformation of our current systems.
Maybe read
Links closely to “The day the world stops shopping“. And in a strange way also connected to “Careless people“, a book about the culture in Facebook. If that book is any indication of how big business operates, we simply cannot leave AI in their hands. Those companies all should read “Return to oneness” (do you think companies have chakras?). If innovation and digital transformation are your thing, read “Unbundling the enterprise“. A book on how to automate innovation and serendipity.
Not read
The book not to read is “The uncertainty principle“. I am a huge fan of Peter Hinssen. I think “The network always wins” and “The day after tomorrow” are classics. Must reads. Less a fan of “The uncertainty principle”. Lots of concepts. Little coherence.
Some household announcements:
Narrative gap
As I am gearing up for September, I have some places left for a programme that helps you close the strategy, differentiation and narrative gap. It happens all the time. You are leaving high value on the table by not telling the right story and using the wrong future framing. Fixed price. Four places left. More information here. Drop me an email if you are interested.
Event on / August 7, 16:00 CET
Marco van Hunre and myself are organising an ever, titled “The future of AI inflated” on August 7, 2025, 16:00 CET.
Hosted on LinkedIn – RSVP via the listing on LinkedIn. Love to see you there.
Duh II
On the topic of AI (and it has been staring me in the face), when you write about ANI Augmented Natural Intelligence), you get in the realm of BuddhAI, ChakAI or AyurvedAI. These are all part of my book about books about the power of the mind. Anyone who buys “You are the upgrade” (my book about books about AI) will get “The power of the mind” for free. It will make you unbeatable (ish). Same applies for when you buy on Amazon (you just have to let me know).
Cairo
A good friend of mine is based in Cairo. That means that Bookin2days will also be available from there. Irrespective of location, and I mean this genuinely. The window to claim your thought leadership is closing. Because of AI. Think it over while you are still on your break. It is time to write your book.
My next book
My next book project is not a book about books, but a collection of quotes/lessons/tips for entrepreneurs. The first ones have already come in:
- Magic happens when clarity meets velocity.
- Success favours speed and boldness. Go all in before the moment passes, because in business and life, hesitation costs more than failure.
- Serenity is always the key insight.
What would be the key lesson/tip you would share from this year?
Finally
I expect that the agenda for the rest of the year will be about AI, well-being, acceleration, sense-making, knowledge management (tacit and explicit data), future fitness and clock speed. It is a lot. If you want to bounce off, shoot the breeze, clarify your thinking, gaze into the crystal ball or just have a chat about business books and future trends. I am always happy to chat (I always learn a lot). Book here.
Have a great weekend.
Ron
