Threats, Bets & No Regrets: What You’ll Find In My New Book on Generative AI

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been laser-focused the past few months on a particular force of disruption: Generative AI.

So, naturally, I decided to write a book about it!

And, finally, I’m ready to share all the details of this book, which I’m writing with global business technologist Katia Walsh , with you.?

It’s called Threats, Bets & No Regrets: How to Create a Winning Generative AI Strategy, and it will be available in early 2024.

Of course, one of the first questions I’ve gotten about this is … how do you write about something that is constantly changing?

It’s true: when you think about a book, you imagine it takes months or even years to write and then it’s meant to be a lasting resource once published.?

Well, behold the miracle of modern publishing: We’re printing this book with a technology called Print On Demand. When you order your copy of the book (which I hope you will), it’s more or less printed right then. If a significant change in the AI landscape occurs, we can update the manuscript so the latest version is always ready to go with new case studies and discoveries!

This book isn’t meant to chase every little update. Yes, technology is constantly changing, but the problems organizations face are relatively constant. That’s the purpose of Threats, Bets & No Regrets—to help leaders use generative AI to create a coherent strategy to win with a better competitive advantage. The methodologies behind that won’t call for reprinting!

About the Book

What will the Threats, Bets & No Regrets book cover? Let’s break it down.

Part 1: Why Generative AI Represents a Mega Transformation

Katia and I have been dear colleagues since 1999, when we both worked at Forrester Research. There, we had a catchphrase: “Technology changes everything.” We followed the beginning of the Internet boom and all the transformations that have come since. Neither she nor I can think of anything with the level of speed and impact as generative AI.

This section covers:

• What generative AI is—and the foundational truths about its strengths and limitations.
• The ethical considerations that arise, and what it means to be a responsible user of generative AI.
• A look toward the future and what this new technology means for humanity.

Part 2: Creating a Generative AI Strategy

This is the meat of the book, and frankly, it’s a messy process. As we advise, put your strategy down in writing—but put it down in pencil. (Translation: You’re better off having a strategy you must change than no strategy at all.)

This section covers:

• How to think differently about traditional step-by-step strategy development by spending 90 days creating an 18-month rolling plan that is continually updated quarterly.
• The importance of “playing defense” by establishing safe policies before exploring new opportunities.
• How to place big bets that align with your core principles and values, and how to take small steps to scale toward those overarching goals.
• How to enable regret-free progress by building on foundational elements that won't shift dramatically amid all the technological changes.

Part 3: Making It All Happen

If you’re looking for the nuts and bolts of how to roll out generative AI’s capabilities within your organization tactically, it’s here.?

This section covers:

• What is needed to prepare for AI, from governance and oversight to organizational design and data preparation.
• The importance of communication to build trust in your AI efforts, and when and how to effectively communicate.
• How generative AI impacts the workforce, creates “superhumans,” and requires shifts in management style.?
• The generative AI tech stack and how to phase your adoption of and investment in these new technologies.

How to Get Engaged

Want to find out more? There are a few easy and effective ways to stay up-to-date on the latest developments with Threats, Bets & No Regrets.

1. Sign up for updates.

For a chance to read early drafts, get a pre-release copy in your hands, or have special access to exclusive launch events, sign up here .

2. Be a part of our research.

If you’d like to participate in our research studies, we have created an AI-moderated interview to tap your insights! This isn’t your typical multiple-choice survey form: You’ll have the opportunity to use a microphone and reply verbally in any language.?

We’re looking for people from around the globe who are engaged in adopting generative AI in their organizations and are seeking diverse industries and roles. To take part in this interview, however, we need you to be informed about your company’s use of AI and to work for an organization that has at least US$100 million in revenues.?

Your Turn

Katia and I would love your feedback on Threats, Bets & No Regrets. Based on what you’ve read, what topics are you most excited to learn more about? What’s missing that you want to be sure we include??