Dear friends:
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I share with you the news that my new book, Disrupters at the Gate: When Visionaries, Trailblazers, and Two Guys in a Garage Turn the World Upside Down, will be released September 22.
Co-written with Harlan Lebo, seven-time author and Center senior fellow, Disrupters at the Gate is based on everything I have learned about disruption from teaching, and from advising governments, NGOs, and companies.
Disruption comes from unexpected places and unknown people, and can turn business models and our social fabric upside down. The book looks at many examples of major disruptions, such as:
- How disruption led to the creation or demise of trillion-dollar companies
- The cargo container changing the world economy
- COVID becoming the first mass disruption to transform everyone, everywhere at the same moment
- Why the music industry, Kodak, the Yellow Pages, and many more companies fell apart because of disruption
- Our best understanding of whether AI will make our lives infinitely better or destroy everything
- How weight-loss medications such as Ozempic may be some of the most important disruptions in the history of healthcare
- Why “denial” is the most dangerous response to disruption
- And how the most successful organizations fail to see disruption coming
The last chapter contains a “battle plan” showing what leaders can do to avoid being disrupted, and what they must do when disrupters are at their gate.
You will recognize the style of writing from classes and briefings I have done over the years. I am looking forward to talks at bookstores, book clubs, conferences – and even in your living room if you ask me.
The response from early reviewers has been extremely gratifying. Barry Meyer, former chairman and CEO of Warner Bros., and former chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, said, “Disruption is something we have all faced. Disrupters at the Gate defines it, dissects it, and takes us through some of society’s most consequential examples. Great read!”
I’d love your help getting the book into the world. If you’re interested, you can order a copy here, or at any of the usual places. Please share this note with anyone you think would enjoy it. Those early orders and personal recommendations really do make a difference.
I have worked hard to make this an important book. I would be honored if you explore it.
All the best,
Jeff
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