Data Executive’s Read 2023 | Book suggestions

Staying sharp in the data realm is like juggling flaming laptops – challenging and a tad risky. To keep my executive skills from going the way of the floppy disk, I’ve committed to tackling a whopping 10,000 pages of books annually. Like private brain gym, but with more words and fewer sweaty towels. (Not only) for executive, reading 300+ pages book is a large time investment, so you better pick a worthy one. Therefore, below I( offer list of this year’s best reads in 2023, curated to inspire, educate, and maybe even give you a chuckle. Think of below listed books an potential beacon in maze of staying tuned to data wizardry!

Blue Ocean SHIFT

Topic | Innovation, Strategy

If you ever went through some Strategic management training, this name might ring the bell with you. You also might roll your eyes, as Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim published their first introduction to Blue Ocean in 2004, so whooping 20 years ago. But wait I am not that ignorant, there is more to this suggestion.

Blue Ocean strategy (BOS) is one of the major concepts in strategy how to differentiate your business from (blood thirsty, break-the-neck) competition. It is framework that enables you to innovate no matter how good/bad or unique your products or services are. If you have not read this book before, close the gap immediately. I used it several assignments of my career and the methodology always yielded interesting new business strategies.

However, even if you did read the original 2004’s Blue Strategy book, this one is different. Authors of the original concept bring additional insights how to not only design the differentiating strategy, but foremostly also how to implement it. They added and rewritten original scope of BOS based on learning from 20-years of implementing it in industries and public organizations. Hence the updated name reference to “SHIFT” in Title. I honestly think, this is a must read for any middle or top manager.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Shift-Competing-Confidence/dp/0316314048

AI 2041

Topic | Sci-Fi Fiction + AI commentary

Many authors and books try to explain the major shift in ArtificialIntelligence (or AI) in last days. Few writers also dare to predict or speculate about where it might takes us from here further.

️ However, the book from Kai-Fu Lee and @ChenQuifan is very special and different. Kai-Fu is formal Executive from Google, Apple and likes, responsible for implementing AI solutions. When he talks AI methods, he most likely headed implementation of the early pilots of that. Real well of AI knowledge and experience.

He teamed with Sci-Fi author to write unique piece narrated by dozen of stories (all happening around year 2041). In each story/chapter they first introduce the future use of AI in real life, only to finish the chapter with facts and details of how this will be implemented and what is the realistic stage of future AI to expect before 2041.

The book is somewhat thick, but absolutely worth and easy to read, as you can dig through it one story at a time. I think it is especially good gift for somebody who wants to understand the (future) of AI, but does not have technical background to read white papers.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/AI-2041-Ten-Visions-Future/dp/059323829X

Becoming a Data Head

Topic | Data-driven, Management, Data literacy

Decision to put this book on my reading list was stemming from the curiosity. The book reviews suggest that this book is good entry-book for executive trying to be data-driven or AI-ready. Being SVP Data & Analytics (and seasoned Data Scientist) myself, hardly the fit for my career phase. But I have seen so many books claim (and fail) to introduce you to Data Science bushes, that I was tempted on how this book will be doing? Yet another flat-falling promise?

No, quite the contrary! This book really walks its talk. Namely walks you as user through different stages of Data analytics and Data Science smoothly. Even the basic concepts are explained in no-nonsense style that does not require any previous knowledge from you, but also does not insult (your intelligence) neither gets you bored, if you are reading things already obvious to you. You can also decide how “far into the woods” do you want to dive and stop reading any time you think this is exactly the level of understanding that is enough for you. Or maybe you look even deeper to understand the principles of what you just read?

I strongly recommend this book for anybody trying to change career into data jobs. I find it also great present for any manager or executive if you want to enlighten them in data.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Data-Head-Understand-Statistics/dp/1119741742/

COLORWISE

Topic | Data Visualization, Storytelling

As somebody shaping (literally) thousands of visualization year after year, I welcome books describing the rules and good (and bad) practices for creating visualizations. I have few in my library (and suggested them in my previous reading lists), but they often talk more about what kind of graph to chose and how to shape the composition. Many of them take use of color for granted (or touch the issue only from the side).

The ColorWise is book giving “color choice” and “color coding” in graphs and visualization full spot-light. It explains the background of colors in very non-academic way and surely taking you beyond your previous knowledge about color usage. It also gives clear guidance on how to create your graph color schemes, if you are anchored with some of the brand (must-have) colors. What is more, it goes also deeper into psychology of different color schemes and warns you about cultural or color deficiency pitfalls of your graphs. If you are already pro, you will often nod your head with “Exactly!” on your lips … and you still learn few new aspects to think about. If you are “regular” color user, your color coding skills will take significant boost. I strongly recommend for anybody , who needs to produce dashboards or presentations regularly in their work.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/ColorWise-Storytellers-Guide-Intentional-Color/dp/1492097845

BUILD

Topic | Strategy, Data, Product management

Many admire TonyFadell for what he achieved. He built iPod for Apple and basically saved Apple from falling. And then humbly he built iPhone on top. And if that would not be enough for you, then he built the brand new company Nest that started the whole SmartHome category of technology and sold it to Google for few billions. So certainly inspiring person enough. But if you are not a tech geek, you probably did not hear his name before or care too much. Nor did I. And I regret so.

His book BUILD is interesting mixture of advice and guidance for people who want to have their life (and career) a bit more in their hands. He narrates the story from the adolescence through earlier years in job up to CEO-part of your life. And yes, maybe you will never (want to) be CEO, but the story is still a good guidance. It might sound fluffy, but whoever you are in business, I am quite sure you can take some benefit from some chapter of this book. Yes, occasionally you have to pardon him Tony’s American optics, but the smell of it is more like fragrance you know, but would not wear yourself, not a sensoric disgust.

‍ I especially admire a chapter on how data plays different role in building individual phases of the product. It gives you clear idea guidance on where data is horse and where it is (still needed but rather) cart. Going through 3 layers of management (Team Lead to SVP) myself, I can confirm that his views of how to perceive your role is very accurate and I was amazed how he can compress the essence into (often just) few pages of the text.

All in all, this book is Masterpiece (uh, I told you that already, right? ). And I strongly suggest you to read it. The earlier the better. Because some of the lessons he gives I had to learn hard way and I only wished he had written that book earlier. Have a great read!

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Build-Unorthodox-Guide-Making-Things/dp/B09CF2YB6Z/

All in on AI

Topic | AI, Growth, Strategy

I have read most of 15 books that @DavenportTom authored and mostly were happy about them. Therefore, when I saw his newest piece ALL IN ON AI, I was full in anticipation.

Author introduces group of businesses that decided to make artificialintelligence the center piece of their business strategy and operation. They really went ALL-IN on it. Book walks you first through how does such a AI-ALL-IN company looks like. What are common denominators, but also industry specific aspects. Quickly you understand how to spot the markers.

But that’s only start of it. In the remainder of the book Davenport (and his co-author) provide examples of how to your existing business into AI-ALL-IN state. They do it cleverly, picking real companies (‘ stories) from different maturity levels and industries. Authors also methodically link the needed AI-markers to the development in the stories, proving that common denominators are actually fitting and well chosen.

Who is this book for?
Well, for anybody who envisions or dreams about taking benefit of progressive technologies in their work. For those wanting to step-up or future-proof their business.
It’s also good gift idea for employees trying to pitch the AI change to top manager(s).

Link: https://www.amazon.com/All-AI-Companies-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1647824699/

Good Data

Topic | Data, Ethics, Search data

Reading Sam Gilbert’s book Good Data is stimulating and entertaining at the same time (you just need to see through authors masked humor). Sam is seasoned data professional, who does not fall into cliche and mental short-cuts oof today’s data speak.

Not always had I agreed to his opinions, but all the questions he raised in the book made me really (re)think what I considered role of data to be in different corners of business and our society. Thus, if you ask “What questions should we have about future of data?” , this book will get you there.

Just for the answers to those questions, please, think a bit more critically than the author suggests. All in all, quick and fun to read, opening new horizons. Worth few days of reading.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Good-Data-Optimists-Digital-Future/dp/1787396339

Don’t Make Me Think (Revisited)

Topic | UX, Product management, Web design

Web and App’s became our window of everyday activities, social interaction, shopping and most of of work (certainly so during COVID). In 1990’s and 2000’s institutions and businesses were trying to impress us by physical real estate. But how do us digital institutions treat now?

This book is for everyone, who wants to grasp the basics (yes, it is starting from ground) of how to design digital interface on web or app. Even though this might sound like UX designer guideline (which I was happy user if it was), it is really served in down to earth language and does not require from you any design domain knowledge. (but it leaves you with some after you read through).

It is not long read and I strongly encourage anybody interacting in our with Web and App’s (or have a say in their design) to at least skim through this. No regret move!

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515

Extremely ONLINE

Topic | Creators, Social Media

At first glance, the subject of online influencers might not seem like a page-turner. However, a friend’s recommendation led me to Taylor’s exploration of the hidden layers behind social media’s evolution, and I was instantly captivated.

This book isn’t just a timeline of social media from the late 90s; it’s a narrative that weaves through the changing social dynamics influenced by online platforms. It provides an intriguing mix of statistical data and storytelling, revealing how various online communities engage with social media.

The book also offers surprising insights into questions like:

What was the first major topic that sparked the blogging revolution?
How did the requirement for influencers to disclose sponsorships impact the effectiveness of advertisements?
What truly contributes to societal polarization if not social media algorithms?
Which other social networks suffered at the hands of Twitter?

️| For those in marketing or content creation, this book is an essential read from start to finish. It’s equally crucial for parents or soon-to-be parents to understand the evolving relationship between kids and social media.

For me the book has a bit special twist, that is likely to work for you as well if you are in your late 30’s or 40’s. It maps the development of internet consumption for our generation, as when blogs hit the internet was exactly the time that our generation started to interact with it.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Extremely-Online-Untold-Influence-Internet/dp/1982146869

Machine Learning Design Patterns

Topic | Machine Learning, Data Science

This book feels like the Swiss Army knife for machine learning enthusiasts. It’s the first of its kind as it dives into the wild world of ML design patterns. Forget about dry, technical jargon; this book is like a treasure map, guiding you through 30 quirky, yet ingenious design patterns, each one a secret weapon against those head-scratching ML problems. It’s like finding cheat codes for a video game, but for machine learning!

Imagine a cookbook, but instead of recipes for apple pie, it’s chock-full of solutions for when your AI project decides to go on a coffee break. Whether you’re a seasoned data scientist or just someone who accidentally wandered into the machine learning aisle, this book is your trusty sidekick. It’s the kind of read that makes you think, “Ah, so this is what Google’s brainiacs do for fun!” – solving problems and making ML as approachable as a friendly robot assistant.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Machine-Learning-Design-Patterns-Preparation/dp/1098115783

CRUX

Topic | Strategy, Business Analysis

As someone with a background in Strategic Management, I’ve devoured nearly every strategy book available. Through my extensive reading, I’ve discovered two authors who consistently deliver valuable strategic insights: #GaryHammel and #RichardRumelt.

‍♂️ Therefore, to no surprise, Richard Rumelt’s #CRUX stands out as a masterpiece (again). It skillfully guides you in crafting authentic strategies for your business or team and shatters common executive misconceptions, like the necessity of a mission statement, misconstruing international expansion as strategy, or overvaluing shareholder interests. It’s also an excellent resource for learning to spearhead genuine strategic development.

I strongly recommend this book to all executives. Be prepared for a reflective and sometimes uncomfortable journey through your previous strategy endeavors. It’s equally insightful for middle managers, equipping them with the knowledge to challenge and refine the strategies proposed by their higher-ups. Overall, it’s a perfect read to gift yourself or others during a vacation.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Crux-Richard-Rumelt/dp/1788169514

The Choice Factory

Topic | Marketing, Psychology, Feature engineering

The Choice Factory” by Richard Shotton is an exceptional read, especially recommended for data analysts focused on human behavior modeling and prediction, as well as marketers seeking to boost their marketing conversions via leverage (or taking tail-wind of) natural human tendencies.

What sets this book apart is its reliance on proven real-world best practices, presented not as isolated case studies, but as principles backed by comprehensive research. Another key strength of the book also lies in its concise, easily digestible chapters, each ending with practical, actionable advice on how to implement these insights.

I strongly endorse this book for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior in feature engineering for ML prediction models or for marketing optimization context.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Factory-behavioural-biases-influence/dp/085719609X

The Ruthless elimination of Hurry

Topic | Work-Life balance, Mental health

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” as the title aptly indicates, is more than just a book; it’s a compelling manifesto advocating for a deliberate shift away from the relentless pursuit of speed for its own sake.

In our fast-paced world, where speed is often synonymous with efficiency and success, this book presents a refreshing perspective. It acknowledges that while speed can be beneficial (except when it leads to a speeding ticket!), it shouldn’t be the primary objective. Speed should be a tool, employed judiciously and only when truly necessary. The book emphasizes the importance of intentionality in our actions, encouraging us not to rush mindlessly but to consider the purpose and value of our speed.

Authored by John M. Comer, a U.S. pastor, the book is understandably infused with religious references and teachings, particularly focusing on Jesus and other Christian elements. For some readers, this religious aspect might seem predominant, but the book’s core message transcends religious boundaries. If one can look past the religious overtones, or perhaps even draw insight from them, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” reveals itself as a deeply thought-provoking and intriguing read.

It’s a book that challenges the status quo of our hurried lives. It invites readers to pause, reflect, and reconsider the pace at which we live. The author’s insights offer a unique perspective on how slowing down can lead to a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life. This makes the book an essential read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the ceaseless rush of modern life and seeking a path to a more balanced, intentional existence.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually/dp/0525653090

Data Science on AWS

Topic | ML operations, Data Science, Data engineering

Ah, the wild ride of prototyping machine learning models! Many of us have gone through fast prototyping (or toy examples) of the Machine learning clustering or prediction models in notebooks or sand-box environments. It’s like building a Lego castle in your living room – fun, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. But then, you decide to move that castle to the real world, and suddenly, it’s like trying to assemble it in a windstorm. Surprise! Porting your perfect little prototype into the jungle of a live environment is like herding cats while juggling.

Most of today’s implementations are left with no choice but to run in cloud, virtual machines set-up. Requiring additional complexity and care to even deliver the bleak functionalities of the easy, local machine PoC. This book is about how to think of Machine Learning aspects of live solution in advance. To understand what combo of the tools one should expected to be deployed, to run your machine learning train properly on rails. It is must-read text not because you will be ever coding the things and connectors mentioned in material. It is essential rather because you need to understand what everything your teams have to go through to make it all happen for you.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Data-Science-AWS-End-End/dp/1492079391

Text As Data

Topics: NLP, Machine Learning

As the title of the book rightly suggests, text has been for long perceived as special “animal”. On the edge of the data analytics, much more obscure than analysis of the relational data by SQL or by Predictive analytics. Text analytics was also managed by dedicated (python) packages and often by NLP-specializing-only staff. If you were not one, you would probably just reach out for (simplified) predefined functions in NLTK (or similar code library).
Those times are over. Text is mainstream. If you were not convinced before ChatGPT burst, now there is no way to disprove it. But Text analytics still finds the audience (and practitioners) left in pre-text era, only having rough idea how to address data that is stored in troves of text.

Therefore, This book comes as a kind of gift. If you admit to be one of those having general (read limited) only understanding of insight extraction from text and how to set-up the text analytics in your team, if you have not been treating text equally heavy as ML or Reinforcement learning, this book helps you to close that gap. It’s well written and always illustrated on telling examples. If you missed to buy the ticket for departing text analytics “train”, this is your fast track to get on it.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Text-Data-Framework-Learning-Sciences/dp/0691207550

The Coming Wave

Topic | AI, Philosophy

Hold onto your hats, folks! Mustafa Suleyman’s “The Coming Wave” isn’t just a book; it’s like a roller coaster ride into the future, where your coffee maker might be plotting world domination. Suleiman, the AI whiz-kid and DeepMind co-founder, is dishing out a buffet of mind-boggling predictions. Imagine a world where your vacuum cleaner is judging your music taste and your fridge is gossiping about your late-night snack habits. That’s the kind of AI party Suleiman’s inviting us to.

But wait, there’s a catch. It’s not all about tech wizardry and gadgets having a mind of their own. Suleiman waves a big, bright warning flag about AI’s dark side. Picture a world where AI is like that one overachieving cousin who’s great at everything but sometimes scares the living daylights out of you. He’s like the cool uncle of the tech world, telling us to enjoy the party but maybe hide the fine china just in case.

So, whether you’re a tech-head, a skeptic, or just someone who’s curious if your phone is silently laughing at your TikTok attempts, “The Coming Wave” is your handbook for the AI age. It’s like a survival guide for the digital jungle, complete with a map, a flashlight, and a slightly ominous warning about the creatures lurking in the shadows. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride into the future, where your toaster might just be the smartest thing in your house!

Link | https://www.amazon.com/The-Coming-Wave/dp/1847927491

Julia High Performance

Topic | Data engineering, Data Science

No, this is not a mesh of the Shakespeare’s famous love novel and Performance marketing guide. Julia might still be the new kid on the block in the programming world, especially compared to Python, the reigning “lingua franca” of data science. But don’t be fooled – this emerging language packs a punch with its speed and efficiency. “Julia High Performance” by Avik Sengupta and Alan Edelman is like the ultimate guidebook for this speedster of a language.

Think of this book as your go-to manual for making your code run like a sprinter on a caffeine high. It’s like a masterclass in getting the most out of Julia, from understanding its high-speed capabilities to avoiding performance roadblocks. While some readers might wish for a deeper dive into the more intricate examples, the book remains an eye-opener, proving its worth by empowering users to supercharge their projects, leaving Python in the dust. Some users even boasted a tenfold performance boost after switching from Python/NumPy to Julia – think about leaving the comfort zone and head towards a coding glow-up!

This book, admittedly, is a bit of the Joker card, but if you did not pick anything above and you are reasonably fluent in Python coding, maybe give it a try.

Link | https://www.amazon.com/Julia-High-Performance-Avik-Sengupta/dp/178829811X

Späť na domovskú stránku

Nead a 2020 resolution? Try to read some of these TOP BOOKS

People who know me for a long time know that I can’t get much offended if labeled as bookworm. I really like to read (and do it a lot). However, only those closest to me know that I have every year resolution to read more than 10,000 pages of books in calendar year (beyond other than magazines, blogs and news articles.) To my pleasure, I have missed on this commitment only once in last 10 years. On the contrary, 2019 was one of my record reading years as I managed to read 39 books (and in middle of 5 more of them). The imaginary 10K pages bar was exceeded by thousand of the pages in past year. However, I don’t aim to bore you too much with quantities, this blog strives for a different goal.

I carefully consider the books I buy, as I refrain from running away from started reading (even if it later proves to be not the best choice). Paying respect to author’s efforts, I try to finish the book till its end. Of course, even master carpenter sometimes cuts his finger, but thanks to careful selection, the pleasant surprises are outstretching the disappointments. And that’s why I decided to share with you Best of My 2019 Reading List. (Filtered for books that fit TheMightyData topics)

Data For The People

Topics: Data, Data Analytics, Privacy

Without hesitation and long introductions: This book is one of the best books on data analytics (and its implications) I’ve read in the last decadeIt not only gives you an overview of the trends in data and their analytics that you should understand. It also offers interesting social insights on how to work with data to benefit our civilization. If you read between lines, you will also understand in which areas we still underestimate the impact of the data and we need to add it properly. Therefore, if you are involved in data analytics or processing, I simply recommend reading this book as soon as possible.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B06XKTWVY9/

AI for Marketing and Product Innovation

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Marketing

Many dare to drag sugar coat how artificial intelligence will affect your business. But did they also give you specific recommendations on where to start and how to achieve your first success with AI solutions in your particular situation? Your answer may not surprise me. There is plethora of Oracles moving in mute AI waters. This book, in contrast, provides concrete examples of how to apply advanced data analytics and individual forms of artificial intelligence to Marketing and Product Management. Very unique, thus the more valuable cookbook and inspiration for almost every employee in the company.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1119484065/

Meaningful: The Story of Ideas That Fly

Topics: Management, Strategy Principles

Are you trying to come up with a concept or solution? Did you get a task you don’t know how to grab? Did you get burned on a project that seemed straightforward at first sight. Then you stand in front of a book that will guide you through how to design (and realize) ideas so that they are really useful and deliver what is expected of them. In short to be Meaningful, indeed.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0994432801/

AI Superpowers

Topics: Artificial Intelligence

Finding a good book on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on society is really difficult feat. Topic is intensely hyped and real AI awareness is more pretended than achieved. Thus it is of immense value when someone truly knowledgeable explains the nature of Artificial Intelligence and its social impact, step by step. Kai Fu Lee is such a person. Moreover, as he comes from the Chinese environment first place, his views depict true country capabilities (and weak points) and goals of AI in China to the reader with neither Chinese shine nor Western propaganda. He serves valuable insights to why China’s development is moving the very direction and pace it takes. Let me, thus, express my forecast that Lee’s book will be a mandatory reading for the next decade for anyone who is aware artificial intelligence advent.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1328606090

Platform revolution

Topics: Web, E-commerce

Have you ever stumbled upon a book, you said, “Oh, God, if I had seen you before?” A few quarters back I led a project that sought to build a marketplace for services. Despite the fact that the project was full of experienced people, we were very anxious (and now I know that we have) made many serious mistakes. The Platform Revolution book intriguingly summarizes the principles of such E-commerce marketplaces and explains how to avoid the most common failures of this type of business. So if you are also “up to” to an E-commerce project, I recommend you reading this book.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0393354350/

Blitz Scaling

Topics: Business strategy, Growth strategies

Sometimes there is no need to tip-toe around hot pot. The reason to read this book is very simple. As is it is to frame target audience for this book. If you have the happen to have responsibility for getting a business (or process) into higher gear, be sure to read Blitz Scaling. Moreover, it is also interesting read for ordinary mortal who wants to understand which services around us will grow steeply in the near future and which will curb instead.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1984822454

The Only Game In Town

Topics: Financial Markets

As the saying goes: After the war everyone is a general.” In economy this maxim turns into small variation of “After the crisis everyone is an economic analyst who predicted it”. However, what should you do if you work among central bankers (and others who run the financial markets), you see an upcoming problem, but you are in a brutal minority. Well, if you are a Mohamed A. El-Erian (manager managing perhaps the largest portfolio of mutual funds), you will write a good book about it so that you open the eyes of many others. If you are eager to understand why another crisis is in baking up and who to blame for it this time, invest a few hours of your time in reading this book.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0300222637/

AI Does Not Hate You

Topics: Artificial Intelligence

Did you read Nick Bostrom’s 21st Century Bible? Did you get interested and would like to expand your horizon even further? Then I have good news for you. Tom Chivers took the effort not only to write some sort of free continuation (and conclusions extension) brought to Bostrom. He has also worked out a sort of summarizing layer that will give you a better understanding (of Bostrom himself and) why most people who understanding the AI trends are more cautious pessimists than current development enthusiasts. As the title of the book itself suggests, it is not necessary to take it personally. That AI (apparently) will replace your work is no less or more certain than it replacing your neighbor’s work. But how to look despite these prospects with joy into future can be found in this very book.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1474608787/

The Shortest History Of Germany

Topics : History, General Knowledge

I admit, this recommendation is a little consequence of me living in Germany for last years. But the reason why I recommend you read this book is that in, literally, few hours you will embrace the whole relevant European context. You will understand why Germany is Europe’s driving force today, even though most of history it was not. You will understand why a third of Berlin spoke French even before Napoleon arrived, how the Reformation was related to the advent of Hitler, and why, in fact, East Germany was a Cinderella whom many were still afraid of. This book is an instant extension of your cultural IQ. Even if you do not live in Germany neither you are a history fan, I still urge you to read this subtle book.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1910400734

Turning The Flywheel

Topics: Business Strategy, Development, Growth

You may laugh loud, but I would criticize this book for just one thing: it is too short. Turning The Flywheel is actually one of the shortest books I’ve read. (only 48 pages). But the shorter the print, the more intense her message is. Even in such a limited space this booklet offers, you will find instructions on how to make your business or teamwork self-propelling. In other words, how to do things that in return synergically help to keep themselves well above average successful. If I wanted to be too simplistic: How to do ingenious things that spin on the flywheel yourself while you take a rest.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1847942555/

The AI Advantage

Topics: Artificial Intelligence

I had the chance to meet Tom Davenport in person (at a conference in London), and I have always been eager to swallow his books because I consider them to be a high-quality summary of important data analytics principles. In building analytical teams throughout my career I often gained inspiration. However, to be honest, his latest book was personally a bit disappointing to me. Maybe this is my bias (and that’s why perhaps a little controversial item in this reading suggestion). In some chapters I felt that I was not sure if the recommendations were based on real experience or that someone only “tipped” them to Tom. However, the book also has high-quality passages, so take the chance on it (and let me know how it turned out for you).

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0262039176/

HUMAN + MACHINE

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human Labour

Skepticism about artificial intelligence’s negative impact on jobs is recently emerging quite a bit. There are relatively few books and articles that would compensate for this “bad mood” about AI’s role in the labor market. That is why HUMAN + MACHINE has been a jewel of recent days. It offers a counterbalance to the skeptical view of AI’s future and gives substantial hope for the masses. It strives to show how (realistically) machines and people will work together to fulfill the tasks & goals today done solely by humans. Thus, if you (want to) believe in good, this is a great stepping stone for you.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1633693864/

The Infinite Game

Topics: Business Strategy, Leadership

Have you ever wondered why so many companies went bankrupt and even grandiose business plans fail? Does the waiter service make you cry or do you condemn fraudulent market practices? Simon Simek offers a very interesting look at this topic. Book will gradually guide you through realization that most companies consider business just a way from one mile-stone to another, resembling rather a sport event or a game session than a long-term strategy. As you read, you gradually understand that the human life, society, business (and many other things) has been there, and will stay, even once we individually pass out. It is a form of “indefinite game” in which most KPIs and short-term approaches are not only ineffective but down right counterproductive. This book is vital read for anyone who wants to do business honestly, lead people or live a meaningful life. The script is not necessarily for the masses. But therefore much more inspiring for those who do not seek shortcuts and who search recipe to do things properly.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0241295599/

Surrounded by idiots

Topics: Personality, Personal profile

Do you want to know why people “piss you off”? Are you desperate in dealing with certain person? Then be sure to read this book. You may have encountered MBTI, DISC, or other tools to attribute personality profiles to individuals. Knowing what kind of different people types are around and how to best handle them is really helpful. (and often stress relieving for your life) The book Surrounded by idiots at first glance uses “just another” Carl G. Jung’s color methodology, but it serves it in a very, really very understandable language, opening up the possibility to grasp human differences and (especially how) to use them in life of the ordinary man. That’s why I highly recommend this book to all of us.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/Surrounded-Idiots-Behaviour-Understand-Understood/dp/1785042181/

I kept on suggesting the books in past. However, this year I would like to add one novelty beyond history. I will also reveal something from my future letter for 2020. These books are already daringly looking at me from the shelf (and they will come into play soon):

Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control

Topics: Artificial Intelligence

If you have already read (or even programmed) artificial intelligence, you probably have realized that the advent of artificial intelligence carries many, for mankind even existential, hitches. This book zooms on some of them and gives a clear report on whether and to what extent we already are ready to bound human and robot lives together.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0525558616

Permanent Record

Topics: Data a Data Security

Edward Snowden’s story will be familiar to you at least marginally. However, his mission is often narrowed to a single notion of US intelligence and security services confidential information disclosure. Subsequently, he lived a James Bond-like life: in run, hide, dwelling in various embassies. However, more interesting is Snowden’s life before the famous whistle-blowing event as well as the motives that led him to do so. Promising read guaranteed.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/152903566X

How Life Imitates Chess

Topics: Strategy, Values

He was the youngest world champion in chess and remained the longest serving one ever. Garry Kasparov. When asked about secret recipe for that, he joked he had been washing his teeth every night and drinking tonic before each game. But it was just his replica in the spirit of “for silly question, equally solid answer”. When you let him freely talk about his perception of life and decision making, suddenly you fail to keep the notes of all maxims he serves. If Simon Simek sees life as an episode in the eternal Game, this book is like the magnetic counter-pole. Thus, if you want to find out who of these two great authors have come closer to (your) reality, you will not regret to engage in reading this book as well.

Link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/0099489864/

Who Owns The Future

Topics: Privacy, Trends, Values

We have voluntarily let observers into our lives. Social networks and the Web generally collect our ideas, preferences and personal information, combine them to create much more interesting, aggregated data. Some conclusions are truly amazing and sharply helpful. Their only mistake is that we don’t own them. Yes, it’s the perfect digital “about us without us”. Most of us are shrugging our shoulders, as that’s just the way it is. But does it really have to? And could it possibly be completely the other way around? What changes in digital ownership (standards and laws) shall we implement so that we are not fenced completely out of the game?

Link: https://www.amazon.de/s?k=Who+Owns+The+Future&i=english-books

Späť na domovskú stránku

CRM brainteasers or job interview tasks. Do you dare?

If you search the web or social media, you find plethora of math brainteasers. But if you want to put your grayish matter to test in CRM or Marketing there is not that many of riddles from these areas. You sit candidate for marketing position interview and lack some juicy case study to scan his/her real CRM abilities? There is a hope for you, now.

In past, you might have come across some of the beloved, older round of CRM riddles (I. round, II. round or III. round , sorry some only in Slovak) After bit of s short break, here we are with 4th round of the cunning CRM mind/benders. Do you dare to get them correct ?

4th Round Of CRM Riddles

4.1 Drier offer

You really had a weird day today. You are manager of CRM team of larger, national electricity utility for households with more than 800.000 retail clients. The VP of Marketing&Sales stopped by your table in the afternoon and passionately talked you through details of new cooperation contract with major electronic appliances chain, just signed by the board of your company. The pilot project of this new cooperation program will be aimed at offering well-discounted cloth drier to your customer base. You are asked for just a little help: to identify a proper target group for this offer. As you company has digital electricity usage meter installed for each customer, you have a 24 month-long history of electricity consumption in hourly readings from each of the customer. On top of that you have a customer profile with basic client data from contract signed between your company and the end/customer. How would you select the clients for mentioned drier offer ?

4.2 Vitamins at the petrol station

You were fed/up with bank analyst job, so you switched a job and now for more than 2 months you already as data analyst in large chain of petrol stations. Your company, operating aloyalty card program, has recently decided to extend the range of assortment offered at their petrol outlets with additional line of unregulated Vitamin products. You are asked to narrow down the selection of clients that should receive (fancy and thus costly) Vitamins introducing direct mail form the central marketing team. You are still under probabtion period, so you don’t want to spoil this and let your skills shine to superiors. How would you select the customers to be addressed?

4.3 Opening own chain of BIO restaurants

Obviously, more than 9 years in CRM team of the national Telco operator has allowed for loads of bizarre situations. But this made certainly your heart skip a beat. Top management of your Telco company has YESed to launch of new, own chain of BIO FOOD restaurants. You think they must be nuts, but after all its their business to burn the company cash. Or is it? Well would be fine, if only you haven’t been asked to generate list of existing clients that are highly probable to become clients of the soon-to-be restaurant chain. You have extracted all data and behavior insights (from Telco) that you have at disposal on clients had ever passed buy selected locations. How would you pick the correct target group ?

4.4 Interesting travelers’ behavior

For years you have pulled levers of central insight team for public transport operator in large 1.000.000+ European city (think Prague for instance). Your employer has issued local chip-enabled traveller’s ID that stores client identity and his travel season ticket. All of the vehicles operated by your company are fitted with strong chip readers located at any door of the vehicle. Thus, all clients entering and leaving vehicle are logged into your database. For each of the passenger you have at least 2 years of their travel history and these chip/running clients account for more than 85% of all transport company revenue. Propose 20 cunning client behavior parameters that you can distill from the data at your hand. How creative will you be ?

The solutions of the riddles will be published at TheMighyData blog in few days time. If you don’t want to miss their release, become a free-to-be member of TheMighyData community (who receive update on any new blog on this site).

Späť na domovskú stránku

CRM blogs: What to read in EN from this CRM blog?

Within more than 10 years, that I have been working on CRM, this topic morphed from marginal side stuff into multi-branch issue tree living its own expert life. Before creating THE MIGHTY DATA portal, I wrote articles and blogs for leading Slovak economic weekly TREND. To help you to orientate in what my blog has covered in CRM area in given period, below you can find list of those previous blogs before setting-up THE MIGHTY DATA portal:

Modern CRM trends

Central Europe might be business- and CRM-wise intensive, but still, it makes great sense to seek inspiration in other markets as well. Following group of blogs depict some of the inspirational modern trends in CRM and data usage. Blogs include a few reports from top-notch CRM conferences, I had participated in:

One-to-one marketing is dead! Here comes ONE-TO-ZERO marketing!!!

Already planning for 2016? Get inspired by largest CRM insight event – Part I.

Why are we all so sleepy lately ? – II. part [DialogKonferansen 2015]

Data underdogs: what they are and how to spot them?

“Ryanair”-like database test: Big Data layers (not only) in Slovakia

What can we learn from Nordic marketers? [Dialogkonferansen 2014]

Predicting client behavior

Most of us are used to predicting the basic propensities (to buy, to churn, …). How about some more exotic ones? Read-on for some of the less common examples of client behavior prediction:

How to detect “Greek“ tendencies among your clients?

*************** Do you enjoy what you read here? Would you like to get notified on next content from THE MIGHTY DATA? Become FREE member of MIGHTY DATA community. ******************

CRM in various industries

Different industry, different needs. Though there are some overarching principles of CRM, there is plenty of stuff that has been intensified more in some business segment or the other. Following blogs try illustrate the CRM hypes of individual business industries:

SMS from operator “We are sorry your relationship has crashed.” Like what?!

What can supermarket tell about your health status?

ATM, E-banking, Smart-banking. What’s next?

Going for a holiday? Who earns more on you: Bank, Insurer or Telco company?

Would you be good match for CRM job?

There is no shortage of math riddles on web or within social media. However, if you wish to put your brain to text in marketing or CRM riddles, you don’t find that much of them. Are you hiring a CRM person and you look for real-world puzzle to test his/her CRM skills within the interview? Here are few of those:

Marketing riddles (and solutions to them)

(there are 3 more rounds of similar riddles published in Slovak, which are just in progress to get translated to EN, so expect more, soon)

*************** Do you enjoy what you read here? Would you like to get notified on next content from THE MIGHTY DATA? Become FREE member of MIGHTY DATA community. ******************

Do you miss any specific topic? Propose your own topic, on which you desire to red more about.

No one can be possibly expert on on of all the CRM areas. Thus I am proud to listen to those who have something reasonable in CRM arena. Feel free to read through views of other CEE CRM experts.

Späť na domovskú stránku