Author: Don Kasprzak

New Dark Age: Technology and the End of the Future by James Bridle.

James holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Cognitive Science from University College London. He is a contributor to Wired, The Atlantic, and The Guardian. He remains an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

So, does the creation of massive data sets make the world better? Perhaps not according to James. It would appear the data models in use are not sufficient anymore. In some cases the algorithms are revealing bias and lack of transparency by vendors.

As a result, James takes a position that even with Big Data accessible to more and more people, we are living in a new dark age. Hence the title of his book.

In general James is acknowledging how recent technology has led to the concentration of wealth to a small group of individuals and key corporations. As a result our social inequalities continue. He position includes the idea that data is no longer about facts alone but is now embedded into our current social conditions.

HBR’s 10 Must Reads 2025: The Definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review.

In the closing days of 2023 I was reading HBR’s 10 Must Reads for 2024. This was a good indicator of management ideas for the coming new year. A year later, closing 2024 seems perfect to begin 2025 with HBR’s annual refresh.

This book is for both new and experienced leaders seeking insights, inspiration, and advice to propel their organizations forward in the new year.

Perhaps no other topic is the continuing role of AI impacting organizations last year and the coming impact of AI Agents. Perhaps their 2026 Must Reads will expand upon the growth of agents we will engage this year.

Why? The chapter ‘Reskilling in the Age of AI’ acknowledged ChatGPT’s impact was not predicted. As a result computer automation was already set to displace and transform the global workforce. Now LLMs, Agents, and ML will perhaps drive those numbers even higher. The message: Reskilling will be a focal point for organizations to thrive in an AI-driven environment. Yet the advice includes the challenge that organizational ups killing simply will not be enough. Worth the read alone especially for colleges and training centers.