The Future Starts Now: Expert Insights into the Future of Business, Technology and Society, reviewed

We look at this book which aims to put it’s finger on the pulse of technology trends coming down the line and how they could impact our lives. Published 15th of April, 2021. The Future Starts Now is available from Bloomsbury here. Edited and coauthored by Theo Priestly and Bronwyn Williams. 

The Future Starts Now Expert Insights into the Future of Business, Technology and Society, reviewed

Books like this are always fun to read. You do wonder though if the Covid-19 pandemic has been a blessing and a curse in terms of discussing future trends. On one had it has created a massive rethinking of what is possible, what could be possible, and how some things could change faster and in more unexpected ways that we might have imagined.

At the same time you also wonder if writers are also so carefully re-examining their world views. Now that a global pandemic has been upon us for over a year, that their thinking becomes over influenced by covid-19 – in that they find it hard to conceive a post pandemic time, now that it has become such an integral part of our daily lives.

These are the challenges that the co-authors, Theo Priestly and Bronwyn Williams have had to navigate in creating this book. We felt that they curated the book well, and managed to cover a range of topics, and to embrace a wide range of authors too. This does help to bring a breadth of opinions, insights and thoughts.

Conversations around increased longevity and retirement are interesting and well worth considering as, overall, we are living longer, and in better health too – a good example of how, despite our current pandemic circumstances, this is an area that requires us to forget about covid-19 for a while to better imagine what the future may hold for us.

It is a thought provoking read, and the bite sized nature of each author’s contribution means that if you don’t agree with one perspective you can quickly move on and take a  dive into another point of view. We enjoyed it, check it out.

About The Future Starts Now

The future is an uncertain, uncomfortable prospect for employees, employers and society at large. A flurry of unprecedented events have proven that, despite what some politicians and economists may tell us, the future is not set in stone. Instead, it is constantly being shaped and redefined by the everyday decisions of individuals and organisations.

In light of this uncertainty, The Future Starts Now looks toward the various innovations and technologies that may shape our future. Authors Theo Priestley and Bronwyn Williams have brought together the world’s leading futurists to articulate and clarify the current trajectories in technology, economics, politics and business.

This is a comprehensive history of tomorrow, exploring groundbreaking topics such as AI, privacy, education and the future of work. While the guidance, insight and predictions are fascinating for anyone curious about what the future may hold, the book also functions as an invaluable guide for business professionals looking to steer their career or their organization with foresight and confidence.

Theo Priestley is a globally recognised and sought after futurist and international speaker, author, and authority on the future of business, technology, and society. He has delivered keynotes at an international array of conferences and corporate events. Theo’s articles have appeared in publications such as Forbes, The European, WIRED, and Huffington Post, and he has provided commentary to UK national press, radio, and television on emerging technology trends. Theo is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Future Starts Now

“The future isn’t what it used to be. It is now open to the dreamers, thinkers and creatives to create the future that benefits us all. Theo and Bronwyn have personally curated the thoughts of those who care about a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone. The future starts now… with you.” –  Brian Solis, digital anthropologist, futurist and author of Lifescale.

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