RESOURCES

Top 10 Books I Read This Year

I’m constantly on the lookout for books that spark new ideas, challenge my thinking, and help me stay ahead of trends. This year, I dove deep into topics like leadership, human behavior and, of course, artificial intelligence.

Here are the top 10 books I read (or reread) in 2024 that I highly recommend:

1. AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can't, and How to Tell the Difference (Buy on Amazon)

By Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor

Narayanan and Kapoor cut through the hype around AI with refreshing clarity. Their book feels like having a smart friend explain which AI tools are genuinely useful and which ones are just fancy marketing. They give you practical ways to spot the difference, grounding their insights in real examples that help you make smarter decisions about AI adoption.

Recommended for: Anyone who wants a nuanced, evidence-based understanding of AI’s true potential and limitations.

2. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (Buy on Amazon)

By Ethan Mollick

Instead of diving into doom-and-gloom scenarios about AI replacing humans, Mollick shows us what's possible when we work alongside AI. Through fascinating stories from classrooms to boardrooms, he reveals how AI can enhance our natural abilities rather than compete with them. The book reads like a practical guide to making AI your collaborator rather than your replacement.

Recommended for: Leaders, creatives, and professionals looking to embrace AI as a partner for innovation and growth. If you are starting your AI journey, this is the book for you.

3. Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation (Buy on Amazon)

By Kevin Roose

Roose takes a practical approach to living in an automated world, focusing on distinctly human qualities like curiosity, empathy, and creativity. He breaks down complex ideas about human-machine coexistence into clear, actionable guidance. His storytelling style makes the subject matter accessible without oversimplifying the challenges ahead.

Recommended for: Anyone concerned about staying relevant and adapting to the rapid pace of technological change.

4. Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI (Updated + expanded version) (Buy on Amazon)

By Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson

The authors dig into the sweet spot where human intuition meets machine intelligence. Through real-world examples, they show how companies are finding creative ways to blend human and AI capabilities. Their concept of the "missing middle" - where humans and machines complement each other - offers a practical blueprint for rethinking how work gets done.

Recommended for: Business leaders and managers exploring how to integrate AI into their operations while keeping the human element central.

5. Leading Change (Buy on Amazon)

By John P. Kotter

While not specifically about AI, Kotter's classic on organizational change feels more relevant than ever. His eight-step approach breaks down the messy process of transformation into manageable pieces. The book is packed with war stories from the trenches of corporate change, making abstract concepts feel concrete and actionable.

Recommended for: Executives, managers, and team leaders driving AI transformation in fast-paced or complex environments.

6. Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business (Buy on Amazon)

By Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput

The authors bridge the gap between marketing and AI, offering a roadmap for how marketers can harness AI to reinvent processes, improve customer insights, automate repetitive tasks and much more. Packed with case studies and practical tips, this book demystifies AI’s role in modern marketing.

Recommended for: Marketing professionals at all levels who want to embrace AI tools without the technical jargon.

7. Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI (Buy on Amazon)

By Yuval Noah Harari

The author of Sapiens explores how information networks have shaped human societies throughout history. Harari examines the evolution of communication—from early oral traditions and myths that enabled large-scale cooperation, to the development of writing systems and religious texts that structured societies, and finally to the digital age where AI-driven information networks are transforming human interaction.

Recommended for: Anyone looking for a thought-provoking and context-rich understanding of how humans have evolved to where we are today, plus the challenges and negative aspects of AI.

8. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard (Buy on Amazon)

By Chip Heath and Dan Heath

The Heath brothers tackle the thorny problem of change with memorable metaphors and engaging stories. Their elephant-and-rider framework makes complex psychology accessible, showing why change often fails and how to make it stick. This book feels particularly relevant for anyone trying to introduce AI into resistant organizations.

Recommended for: Leaders, marketers, and change-makers looking to implement change that sticks.

9. The AI Marketing Canvas: A Five-Stage Roadmap to Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Marketing (Buy on Amazon)

By Raj Venkatesan and Jim Lecinski

This book provides a step-by-step framework for marketing teams looking to integrate AI into their strategies. The authors guide readers through a structured approach, from assessing readiness to implementing and scaling AI solutions effectively. With actionable insights and real-world examples, it’s a must-read for marketing leaders.

Recommended for: Marketers who want to go beyond experimentation and dive deeper into AI applied to marketing.

10. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-First Century's Greatest Dilemma (Buy on Amazon)

By Mustafa Suleyman

Suleyman writes with the insight of someone who's been in the room where AI decisions are made (ex-Google and currently leads AI at Microsoft). He examines how AI and biotech are converging to reshape society, raising tough questions about power and responsibility. Rather than just pointing out problems, he offers concrete ideas for managing these technologies thoughtfully.

Recommended for: Leaders and policymakers grappling with the ethical and societal implications of breakthrough technologies.

Each of these books has shaped my understanding of leadership, technology, and the future of work and marketing. Whether you’re looking to lead through change, harness the power of AI, or simply broaden your perspective, these titles offer valuable lessons and insights to guide your journey.