As technological change continues to influence the world of business in ever more pronounced ways, gaining insight from within industry and academia has never been more vital – these four books offer exactly that
Driven by rapid advancements in technology and evolving consumer expectations, the pace of change in modern industry has taken even the most experienced CEOs by surprise. And things show no signs of slowing down. Artificial intelligence has thrown up a host of challenges to large organisations and startups alike, with integration, implementation and team buy-in all giving senior management headaches the world over.
Yet, there’s nothing like valuable insight when you are faced with more questions than answers, which is why Business 4.0 has compiled a list of four essential reads for the modern business leader. So, if you’re looking to navigate the ever-shifting sands of technological change, chances are your path ahead is in the books below.
Artificial Intelligence for Business by Kamales Lardi
Despite increasing adoption rates, research suggests that AI’s tremendous potential for business transformation remains largely untapped. According to research from BCG only 22% of companies have advanced beyond the proof-of-concept stage to generate some value, and only 4% are creating substantial value.
Written by global AI and digital transformation thought leader, Kamales Lardi, Artificial Intelligence for Business closes the gap between AI theory and real-world business execution, providing practical, actionable frameworks and proven methodologies that business leaders can adopt immediately to drive tangible results.
The book cuts through the hype surrounding AI to offer a practical, comprehensive roadmap for business leaders of all industries on how to drive AI transformation at the executive level. With a focus on real-world application and actionable tools, the book equips readers with a deep understanding of AI, how it is already transforming business, and how to navigate the realities of AI adoption.
“This is the ultimate handbook for businesses looking to leverage the full potential of AI”
Artificial Intelligence for Business is the ultimate handbook for businesses looking to leverage the full potential of artificial intelligence and position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Twin Transformation: A Gripping Tale of How AI and Sustainability Converge, and the Race to get it Right by Michael Wade and Konstantinos Trantopoulos
A compelling business novel that shows how companies can integrate AI and sustainability into a single, powerful strategy to drive innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. Told through the fictional journey of ThermaDynamics, an ageing industrial firm betting its future on a radical new direction, it blends real-world insights with storytelling to offer a practical roadmap for business leaders navigating dual disruption.
The book reveals:
- Why AI and sustainability must be tackled together – not separately
- How to turn dual disruption into a strategic advantage
- The leadership mindset required to navigate transformation
- The risks of internal resistance and fragmented thinking
“This timely and insightful story is part novel, part playbook”
Co-authored by IMD digital and disruption experts Michael Wade and Konstantinos Trantopoulos, this timely and insightful story is part novel, part playbook.
Careers in Tech, Data and Digital by Christina Lovelock
Careers in Tech, Data and Digital is an indispensable guide for modern business leaders looking to understand, support and develop digital talent. Written by seasoned senior leadership coach, Christina Lovelock, this book demystifies the tech sector for non-coders and senior managers alike, highlighting the breadth of roles beyond software engineering.
Lovelock outlines how organisations can harness diverse skillsets to meet digital transformation goals. With practical frameworks, case studies, and clear explanations, it’s an essential read for leaders shaping the future of work.
“The book is A must-read to better understand how to recruit, retain, and support digital talent”
Key areas covered in Careers in Tech, Data and Digital include:
- The spectrum of digital roles, from UX and data to DevOps and cyber security
- Entry routes into tech: apprenticeships, bootcamps, direct entry, and more
- Skills frameworks and team structures
- Diversity, leadership and the future of tech careers
A must-read to better understand how to recruit, retain, and support digital talent, essential for any organisation navigating a tech-driven future.
The AI-Centered Enterprise: Reshaping Organizations with Context Aware AI by Natarajan Balasubramanian, Ram Bala, Amit Joshi
AI has profoundly changed the way we work. ChatGPT now has over 200 million users, Microsoft is creating collaborative workspaces using Copilot, and a recent study found that 80% of the US workforce could see a tenth of their work tasks affected by generative pre-trained transformers (GPT)s.
The AI-Centered Enterprise reveals that this is just the beginning. Context aware AI, with enhanced perception and reasoning abilities, will usher in a new era for business leaders – the AI-Centered Enterprise.
“The AI-Centered Enterprise demonstrates the power of AI in transforming organisations”
The AI-Centered Enterprise covers:
- GenAI tools like ChatGPT mark just the beginning – the next step in the evolution of AI has the potential to transform businesses for good
- Written by three professors, including a Gen AI startup founder, who have studied AI extensively and worked with companies on AI initiatives
- The AI-Centered Enterprise draws on real-world examples and academic research to demonstrate the power of AI in transforming organisations