Summer Reading: The nexxworks’ Selection

Stephanie De Kesel

I must admit, reading books is sadly becoming a rare phenomenon for me. I blame it on a lack of time. You could call it wrong prioritization. But, for a few years now, I “podcast” instead. And I am a real fan. I listen while running, cooking, cleaning, driving… Yep, I am a multitasker. So no “Summer Break book tip” from me but a “Podcast tip”.

Thanks to my colleagues, I have recently discovered the Boss Level Podcasts. This is where Sami Honkonen invites international guests with interesting stories, mostly on leadership and organizations. His invitees range from executives of multinationals over inventors of working methods to a former US Army General. 

I especially enjoyed the episode with Sari Baldauf, former executive at Nokia and once selected as Europe’s most successful female executive. She talks about her career and the executive choices she has made. Her strategic insights and her tips on growing organizations are really valuable. But, above all, I was charmed by her open-heartedness, integrity and vulnerability. - Listen to the full episode here. 

"The Day After Tomorrow" - Peter Hinssen

nexxworks

As for this hot summer’s reading list, Peter Hinssen's new book ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ naturally had to be there. Peter writes about an exponentially changing world and its consequences for organizations of Today. He introduces those pioneers who managed to move (way) beyond Tomorrow-thinking in innovation and were able to change the course of entire industries. Above all, he writes about the business models, the organizational structures, the talent, the mindset, the technologies and the cultures needed to maximize our chances for survival in the  ̀Day After Tomorrow’. Prepare to be blown away by Peter's sharp, shining insights. - Get your copy here. 

"Superintelligence" - Nick Bostrom 

Peter Hinssen (written by Annick Vandezande)

DO NOT READ…unless you’re in for some sleepless nights.

That is the advice my business partner Peter Hinssen gave us about this book. The book Superintelligence asks the questions: what happens when machines surpass humans in general intelligence? Will artificial agents save or destroy us? The book lays the foundation for understanding the future of humanity and intelligent life….and it’s scary…or so says Peter.

The human brain has some capabilities that the brains of other animals lack. It is to these distinctive capabilities that our species owes its dominant position. Just as the fate of gorillas now depends more on humans than on the species itself, the fate of humankind would potentially depend on the actions of the machine’s superintelligence. - Get your copy here. 

Happy reading!