Convergence: Technology, Business, and the Human-Centric Future, reviewed

We look at the new book by Deborah Westphal, who argues the case for a more human focussed future as technology rapidly moves forward. See more about the book here.

Convergence: Technology, Business, and the Human-Centric Future, reviewed

The presence of Alvin Toffler, claimed futurist looks large over this book, perhaps not too surprisingly as she worked for his consulting firm, and a quote by him kicks off each chapter. This is not necessarily a bad thing as his deep thinking about what the future might look like inspired many people including the future man who revolutionised South Korea. Supported by this helpful pedigree Westphal takes us on an interesting journey, across various countries, businesses and strategies on how to plan for a better, more human-centric future.

This last year since global lockdown has helped humanity to reassess many perceived norms, and to not only re-examine how we do things, but to actually just do things differently. People had to be remote, separate, and performing work at as distance. In many ways this may be the perfect storm that nudges, inspires and drives us to make the changes that we need to make to ensure the planet remains habitable for both humanity and also, or perhaps especially, as many other species, of flora and fauna and beyond as possible.

This book is positive, informed and well argued, hopefully it also inspires many others to rethink, in a deep, holistic and systemic way, how we do business, live our lives and treat the planet.

More about Deborah Westphal

As a leader in future-focused strategy, she leverages more than 30 years of experience in helping the world’s most innovative business and government leaders to challenge biases, ignite ideas, and build connections. She delivers this rich insight with an empathetic and thought-provoking writing style to chart a path for readers. Throughout the book, personal stories and historical examples highlight convergences that span the globe, impacting everything from global supply chains to climate change, and reshaping the future of business, technology, and humanity everywhere.

Each day, we see deepening intersections of people, business, and technology. This is a historic inflection point that demands leaders rebalance the energy and focus we place on technology and humans within our organizations. Convergence alerts readers to signals of accelerating disruption and orients us to new mental models, decision priorities, and the human-centric perspective we need to achieve a resilient global future.

Convergence is published by Unnamed Press and available for $26 at all major booksellers and Amazon.com. For more information please visit https://www.convergenceishere.com/.

Deborah Westphal’s career spans more than 30 years, government agencies and Fortune 100 companies, and virtually every continent. A passionate humanist and life-long learner, she has dedicated her work to guiding our era’s top minds and leaders to see and pursue the future with a sense of realistic caution and optimism.

In 1999, Alvin Toffler tapped her as one of the founding members of his eponymous consulting firm. Since that time, she has guided leaders across the globe to challenge biases, ignite ideas, and build connections and resilience for a secure and sound future. The list of organizations she has supported includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Marriott, U.S. Air Force, Baxter International, Bayer, Heinz, Microsoft, Koppers, PPG, DARPA, National Security Agency (NSA), Loral Space Systems, NASA, Qwest, Verizon, and Westinghouse.

Deborah is an active speaker who has presented perspectives on human-centric leading to numerous organizations. She has authored hundreds of short-form essays and blogs, numerous talks, and the Foreword for After Shock, a collection of future-focused essays.

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