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The Future of Leadership in the Age of AI

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There's a storm on the horizon called Artificial Intelligence. This book is mandatory reading to understand and prepare for the changes.

STORM WARNINGS


Authors, Marin Ivezic and Luka Ivezic describe the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a fast, furious global wind called artificial intelligence (AI) that is going to permanently alter the landscape of life as we know it. In their book, “The Role of Leadership in the Age of AI” they clearly and concisely map out what governments, captains of industry, and individual workers can expect. They offer sage advice on how to minimize the discomfort, increase your odds to not only survive but possibly even thrive in the impending whirlwind.


The authors look at the previous three industrial revolutions to examine successes, failures, and astonishing unexpected consequences that caught everyone off guard. While the Fourth Industrial Revolution will dwarf previous ones, in both speed and seismic shifts, there are lessons to be gleaned by looking at history. Taking the long view helps to understand that there is a rhyme and reason to currents of change.


A major theme is the importance of being agile and preparing for the mandatory shift in skill sets that will permeate all levels of society. AI will replace many manual, repetitive tasks but also open new, more focused, more profitable job categories. Early signs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are already here. One such harbinger of change is the ubiquitous presence of ATM machines. The obvious negative takeaway is that bank tellers were replaced by a machine and lost their jobs. The positive takeaway is that the cutting teller jobs helped finance new banks in small communities that previously couldn’t sustain the cost. Even if a displaced teller learned new skills such as making loans, financing, etc., and stayed employed, it doesn’t mean the disruptions and uncertainty weren’t painful. The key to future employment is going to be lifelong learning. Employers need to motivate employees to learn and employees need to find a way to embrace the new reality.


This is not a doomsday book describing machines taking over the world. The authors provide ample examples of the limitations of AI and the need for human partnership to avoid tragedy. Partnering with AI means people will require knowledge not only of technology but there will be a renewed emphasis on “soft skills” such as: ”emotional IQ, complex problem solving, creativity, persuasion, ability to motivate and mentor others” (17 Ivezic) to augment the deficits of AI.


Resisting AI and the changes it will impose could prove fatal for companies. AI is moving so rapidly that those left behind will likely never catch up. This is a clarion call to action. Passivity will be punished. Action, agility and adaptation will be rewarded. Ignore the Ivezic’s message at you own peril.


As any good sailor will tell you:

                  You can’t change the wind

                  But you can adjust your sails.

 

The time to adjust your sails is now.










Reviewed by

Former book reviewer for the Lawrence Technological University library. Wayne State University 2009 HASTAC (Humanities, Arts, Science, and Technology Alliance and Collaboratory) scholar concentrating on digital storytelling WWII oral historian for the Yankee Air Museum. Public speaker.

Introduction

About the author

Marin Ivezic is a Partner at PwC specializing in risks of emerging technologies. His work on some of the most difficult technology problems that world-class organizations have experienced - including ones that involve AI - has given him ample opportunity to research the transformative nature of AI. view profile

Published on April 05, 2020

40000 words

Genre: Business & Management

Reviewed by