The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI by Paul Leonardi and Tsedal Neeley.
Paul Leonardi, Ph.D., is Department Chair and Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara. He holds a MA from University of Colorado at Boulder and a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.
Tsedal Neeley is Professor of Business Administration and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Research Strategy at the Harvard Business School. She received her Ph.D. from Stanford University in Management Science and Engineering.
Above all, this book is a great primer addressing well developed digital technologies: algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. Their lessons served include today’s society has become well adjusted to web technologies. Markets and industries are in fact well versed with these technologies. Users must be fully aware that AI is just the next evolution to the way workflows are expected.
As long time collaborators, Paul and Tsedal outline their ‘digital mindset’ across three areas: Collaboration, Computation, and Change. By adopting all three, users can in fact achieve a digital mindset. This includes perspectives that will lead to developing new digital skills. In addition, their message for Leaders is to adopt all three approaches. In leading their organizations, they will prepare current staff for a successful future as digital transformations continue to accelerate.
The next evolution
Digital literacy is evolving and AI is simply the next step. However it is fair they outline how well established services have been giving society access to AI services for many years. In fact, look no further than Apple Siri, Google Search and even Nest thermostats that are so commonplace today run on AI.
So, their book moves quickly crossing just six chapters. Again, Paul and Tsedal deliver a very solid understanding of AI including differences between machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. I can certainly appreciate how they address cybersecurity. However, it is more impactful that they share how rapid advancements in computing technology only results in faster data breaches.
Once you acquire a Digital Mindset, you can more easily understand Tom Davenport’s Working with AI:
So, developing a “digital mindset” means you not only know where data came, but have skills to question initial outcomes. Leaders must become comfortable with learning how this will benefit their organization.
In conclusion, Paul and Tsedal are delivering great insights to AI at the right time in 2023. This book is an easy yet comprehensive overview of algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. This includes the impacts of organizational change. This book is a must read for all leaders.