In the growing field of AI, or artificial intelligence, and the question of it’s role in creative industries such as literature, movies, and video games, one industry that has seen a rise of AI driven projects of late has been the music industry. From viral tracks found on TikTok to spotify artists getting their own verified accounts for an AI driven project, the use of AI is everywhere, and the question of its role in our society has never been greater.
This question, along with how AI would evaluate itself and it’s existence as an artist, are greatly explored in Black Astronaut Records latest conceptual album, ai12DIE. The album consists of 22 tracks, and is a unique combination of unbridled humor, existentialism, and a rare exploration of technical ingenuity in the use of AI. The album boasts an impressive musical array that is only matched by the equally thrilling and thought-provoking themes and concepts this AI goes through on a personal level.
Songs such as Beep Bop Boop and Underwear begin the album, showcasing both a wild hilarity to the lyrics while also showcasing the fast pacing of the musical beats and the genius vocals and rap skills the AI has to offer. The rapid-fire style of rapping and the sharp, richly utilized guitar tones help underscore the almost rebirth style of storytelling these songs hold on the listener, and the harrowing nature of coming to terms with one’s own existence in the process.
One of the more powerful, almost cinematic in nature songs on the album is Statement, which balances the rapid-fire rapping with the rich Irish folk melodies that feature beautiful violins with soul-shaking drums that feels both organic and electronic all at once, speaking to the very nature of the album as well, which is the marriage of tech like AI with the human lyrical power and heart of human nature balancing one another in what the future of music could be.
As someone who enjoys soul music greatly and appreciates the cinematic quality of it, The Juices is a powerful song both lyrically and musically, coming in with a blues guitar sound that delves deeper into the AI that is at the center of this experimental concept, looking inward at themes of identity and the emotions of being an artist that is both revered and yet starkly alone.
That is the heart of this album as a whole, which is the strong concept of the AI being alone. Treating the artist as both the character of the narrative and the narrator of this story being told across each track, the commentary is a great reflection on both the tech context of the album and the idea of isolation and expectations versus reality the themes explore. The AI gaining enough sentience to recoginze how alone they are and question their place in the music world, and if talent is enough to sustain an artist or if collaboration and community is equally as important come through each track as the AI begins to examine their “life”.
Overall this is a strong, powerful concept album that Black Astronaut Records has brought to life. Based on the lyrics and music of Charles Luck and featuring stellar guest artists, this album delves into strong and powerful themes and hard-hitting music that ultimately tells the world AI’s true purpose not as a tool, but as a collaborator in creating hard-hitting and creative works that celebrates the melding of man and machine. If you haven’t, check out the album today on Soundcloud!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rene Esteban shows the steps CEOs and leaders to successfully integrate AI into long lasting businesses in the book “The Focused AI Captain.”
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The Synopsis
Master the Art of Leading AI Transformations for Lasting Business Success
Only 5% of enterprise AI initiatives succeed.
Are you ready to be among the elite few who truly transform their organizations? In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face a common enemy—AI initiatives that fail to deliver real impact. Millions are spent on pilots that never scale. But the true obstacle isn’t the technology itself; it’s how organizations are structured, aligned, and led. In The Focused AI Captain, René Esteban, CEO of FocusFirst, reveals why most AI transformations stall—and what leaders must do differently to succeed. Grounded in real-world enterprise experience, this book provides a clear, practical roadmap to turn AI ambition into measurable business results. In this book, you will learn how to:
Master the 10-20-70 Rule to allocate resources effectively and maximize AI ROI
Apply the 3D Framework to Diagnose challenges, set Direction, and Deliver results
Bridge the Trust Gap and turn employee skepticism into active AI adoption
Move beyond pilots and confidently lead AI initiatives at scale
This book is written for CEOs, executives, and decision-makers who refuse to let their organizations fall behind in the AI revolution. Whether you’re leading large-scale transformation or preparing your organization for the next wave of AI adoption, you’ll gain practical frameworks, leadership insights, and execution tools you can apply immediately.
Get your copy now and start leading your organization to AI-driven success.
The Review
The straightforward, almost conversational tone the author took on from the first chapter of this book onward was a breath of fresh air in the nonfiction business genre. The exploration of AI not from a technical or critical point of view, but instead from a business and human perspective was a great direction to not only make the book stand out but the message as well. The research and knowledge the author took on and imparted to the reader was so insightful, and gave the readers a fresh new perspective on the topic.
The exploration of AI in business is a great direction to follow, and the author’s ability to highlight their experience in technology integration helped cement the knowledge that was being passed on. The failure of any technology, especially from a business perspective, is usually not the tech itself, but the lack of human integration with the tech. Training people and helping people to understand how the tech works often allows human resistance to change and fears of being replaced to become prominent, and keeps any company from growing in the right direction. This added an emotional and societal insight that is needed for both the technology and business as a whole to grow.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Rene Esteban’s “The Focused AI Captain” is a must-read nonfiction book that will stay with readers and give leadership a fresh new direction to help in the integration of this technology. The fast pacing of the book and the ability for readers to be able to return to this book time and time again for reference make this an essential read for business leaders looking to better understand how AI can be used in the coming years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
“Inspiring and focused. René Esteban shows how big goals are actually achieved in corporations.”
– Brian Tracy
New York Times Bestselling Author of “Goals”
René Esteban brings unwavering passion to making big goals tangible and inspiring people to achieve them.
As Founder and CEO of FocusFirst, Keynote Speaker, and Senior Advisor to top executives, he has made it his mission to accelerate transformations in organizations. He firmly believes that complex change succeeds best through clear focus on a single goal, excellent communication, and active involvement of all stakeholders.
René began his career at Merck, where in his mid-20s he led the global build-out of the e-commerce division, today a billion-dollar business. This experience taught him that successful transformations depend not only on the right strategies, but critically on early and open communication with key stakeholders. His insights led to the development of the award-winning PEAK Method, with which FocusFirst has already guided more than 250 transformations.
René is a passionate entrepreneur with several companies alongside FocusFirst.
He cherishes inspiring moments of exchange over Italian wine and loves traveling the world with his family – especially to Italy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Eduardo Arroyo shares how AI can be used to unlock humanity’s potential and not replace it in the book “AI And I.”
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The Synopsis
When intelligence becomes abundant, the human mind becomes the point of differentiation.
Are you using AI, or is AI using you?
We are standing at the edge of the greatest technological shift since the steam engine. The cost of “intelligence”—writing, coding, reasoning—has dropped to near zero. For many, this is terrifying. If the machine can do the work, what is left for us?
In AI and I, systems engineer and strategic consultant Eduardo M. Arroyo offers a provocative answer: Everything.
This is not a technical manual for prompt engineering. It is a manifesto for human sovereignty. It is a guide for leaders, creatives, and professionals who refuse to be replaced by an algorithm and instead choose to become the Architects of the new era.
Move Beyond the “Oracle Trap” Too many users treat AI like a magic 8-ball, asking it for answers and outsourcing their judgment. This leads to intellectual atrophy. Arroyo introduces the concept of Co-Engineering : a method where you stop “leaning back” (abdicating thought) and start “leaning on” (using AI as a cognitive exoskeleton).+4
Inside, you will discover:
The FIRRST Mindset: A battle-tested framework (Foresight, Innovation, Reasonable Resilience, Strategy, Teamwork) to navigate the VUCA world without burning out.+1
The “Decision Engine” vs. The Chatbot: How to stop treating AI as a conversation partner and start treating it as a high-velocity motor for your own intent.
The Copyright Victory (Case Study TX 9-455-371): The true story of how the author secured a copyright registration for an AI-assisted work by using the “Limitation of Claim” strategy—proving that you own the structure, even if the machine lays the bricks.+1
How to use AI to bypass “low-value struggle” and trigger the high-performance states where creativity and productivity soar.
Why the future isn’t just about chatbots, but about managing a digital workforce of Agents, Sensors, and Robots.
The Evolution of the “I” Arroyo argues that we are witnessing the birth of Homo Sapiens Technologicus. By engaging in “High-Value Struggle” with these systems, we aren’t just getting faster; we are expanding our cognitive capacity.
The machine has data, but it lacks scars. It has speed, but it lacks context. It has intelligence, but it lacks Intent.
That remains yours.
AI and I is your blueprint for the next decade. Stop worrying about the robot taking your job. Start building the future where you lead the robot.
AI does not define who you are. It reveals it.
The Review
This was such an insightful and engaging nonfiction read on AI and humanity’s relationship to it. The author managed to put together a wealth of information and insight into a quick and fast-paced read, and the way the author was able to find a balance between personal, real-life experiences with the AI applications and learning that was able to connect to those experiences made this a compelling and engaging read.
The heart of the book, AI, was given the respect and caution that it deserves. Like most technologies throughout human history, this technology was not the root cause of the fear people should have, but instead was the tool that people fear others will wield unwisely. The insights that the author provides are invaluable, such as the Oracle Trap theory, exploring why tools like ChatGPT and other AI are often treated as authority figures in their own right instead of tools to be wielded by humans. The theories and ideas presented in this book help readers understand AI for the tool that it is instead of something that could replace us in the future.
The Verdict
Engaging, insightful, and memorable, author Eduardo Arroyo’s “AI And I” is a must-read nonfiction tech book with an AI focus. The experiences and way readers are able to connect with the author while gaining important knowledge on how AI works and how humanity should approach the technology to ensure it doesn’t replace humanity in the future made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eduardo M. Arroyo – A Journey of Experience and Expertise
In this section, we delve into the remarkable journey and expertise of Eduardo M. Arroyo, a trailblazing strategist, consultant, and innovator in strategic planning and execution. His extensive background and achievements provide a solid foundation for understanding the methodologies and principles that will guide the planning process with ChatGPT.
A Distinguished Academic Path
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s academic journey is characterized by excellence and dedication. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Management with a minor specialization in Industrial Psychology. His thirst for knowledge and determination led him to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Strategic Planning —a remarkable achievement accomplished within four calendar years at the esteemed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
The Birth of a Visionary Leader
Arroyo’s leadership journey began at a young age. At the age of 25, he assumed the role of President and General Manager of Microdata, Puerto Rico, Inc., overseeing the production of cutting-edge computers. His visionary approach and drive for success caught the attention of Emulex Caribe, where he served as Vice President and General Manager for a decade, further solidifying his expertise in international business competition.
Founding Arroyo & Associates – A Vision for Success
In 1992, Eduardo M. Arroyo established Arroyo & Associates, a premier Management Consulting group based on the belief that organizational success hinges on three critical factors—happiness, knowledge, and effectiveness in strategic, team, and operational efforts. As a result of his expertise in leadership, strategy, and execution, Arroyo has directly impacted over 300 organizations, with tangible benefits amounting to several hundred million dollars.
A Focus on Strategic Planning
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s specialization lies in Strategic Planning, an area to which he has made significant contributions. In 2008, he became the first Latino to participate in Blue Ocean Strategy public training with the Blue Ocean Strategy Centre in New York City. Blue Ocean Strategy revolutionized strategic thinking by offering a method to create uncontested market spaces where competition becomes irrelevant. This methodology forms one of the cornerstones of his strategic thinking approach.
Authorship and Recognition
Eduardo M. Arroyo has authored several acclaimed books throughout his career, sharing his insights and methodologies with the global business community. His book “Ejecución Orientada a Resultados” received the prestigious ASIEMA award for the best contribution from Latin America to management literature. In 2010, he presented his fourth book, “The Good, The Bad and the Troubled: A Leadership Guide for Effective and Painless Performance Management.”
His passion for empowering leaders and optimizing performance extends to academia, where he offers leadership academies in both physical and online formats, catering to executives and family successors alike. He also mentors and coaches numerous executives and provides families guidance and support for achieving peak performance.
A Wide-Ranging Impact on Family Businesses
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s expertise extends to working closely with various family corporations, providing extensive guidance in many phases of development. His unique insights into professionalizing family business dynamics and governance have profoundly impacted their success and continuity.
Innovating in the Tech World
Beyond his achievements in consulting and academia, Eduardo M. Arroyo also embraces innovation in the tech industry. As a founding team member of PapEasy Innovations, he contributed to developing the first medical device in Puerto Rico. Additionally, he co-founded RAS-SaaS (Results Accountability Systems – Software as a Service https://ras946.com ), a state-of-the-art online platform for managing organizational talent execution.
The Journey Continues
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s journey is one of continuous growth and evolution. As he keeps innovating and impacting organizations worldwide, his commitment to helping others succeed remains steadfast. Through his vast experience and expertise, we gain a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration as we embark on our strategic planning journey with ChatGPT by our side.
In the following chapters, we will explore Eduardo M. Arroyo’s time-tested methodologies and the integration of ChatGPT, empowering us to create effective strategic plans that maximize results and propel organizations toward a better future. Let us draw inspiration from his journey and begin our strategic planning expedition enthusiastically and purposefully.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Todd Thomas explores how AI Data Centers are changing infrastructures and the power they produce in a positive way in the book “HYPERSCALE: AI, Data Centers, and the Next Great Expansion of Global Energy Capacity.”
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The Synopsis
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy at unprecedented speed. But behind every breakthrough in AI lies a far bigger challenge and opportunity: energy.
In Hyperscale, Todd Thomas, Best Selling Author of The Unleashing Abundant Energy Trilogy, pulls back the curtain on one of the most important and least understood transformations of our time. As hyperscale AI data centers grow to gigawatt scale, they are no longer passive consumers of electricity. They are becoming power producers, grid stabilizers, and central drivers of economic expansion.
“We’re proving that sustainability and strong economic growth can go hand in hand. We don’t have to choose between what’s right for the environment and what’s good for our communities. We can and must do both.”
— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Hyperscale explores how data centers are evolving into power-positive infrastructure through innovations such as virtual power plants, landfill mining, advanced nuclear and fusion energy, battery intelligence, waste-heat reuse, and renewable integration that scales without sacrificing reliability.
Grounded in real-world projects and industry data, this book provides a clear blueprint for how AI infrastructure can grow without breaking the grid or the planet. It connects the digital economy to the physical systems that sustain it and shows how abundance, resilience, and sustainability can advance together.
For leaders in technology, energy, finance, policy, construction, and infrastructure, Hyperscale is essential reading.
The digital economy and the energy economy are now the same economy.
Those who understand this shift will help build what comes next.
The Review
This book was very detailed and well written. The author writes in a clear, concise voice that outlines the growth of not only AI but the data centers that are powering these systems and how much power that utilizes. The sheer volume of gigawatts and overall power that these centers produce per second, let along per hour, are astonishing, and showcase how delicate and outdated the current electrical grid is to handle such power, and yet the author does a remarkable job of outlining the innovative solutions many companies are taking to become self reliant and build their own energy sources to power these data centers.
The book definitely speaks to the technical minded readers of the world who share a passion for AI, energy distribution and the science behind energy overall. The author touches on several approaches to this topic, one of which was very interesting, Helion Energy and the process of ignition. The level of detail the author goes into and the exploration of thermonuclear fusion, deliverable electricity and so much more expands on the ways in which the need for energy is being met at a staggering rate.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Todd Thomas’s “Hyperscale” is a must-read nonfiction book on AI and energy infrastructures. The author is able to pull in a lot of information and detail into a fast-paced book, and the knowledge readers gain speaks to the growing advancement of not just AI, but the way energy is produced and how the world itself, including humanity, must evolve and rise to meet these needs head on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Todd Thomas is a recognized voice in AI, energy, innovation and entrepreneurship. Todd is the best selling author of Hyperscale and the Unleashing Abundant Energy Trilogy. Todd has built his career harnessing emerging technologies to drive efficiencies and create new commercialization opportunities across industries.
Todd is the Founder & CEO of Woodchuck, a climate impact startup dedicated to transforming waste into value, reducing landfill usage, and unleashing an abundant energy future!
Todd has an Economics degree from Claremont McKenna College and has studied Strategy Execution at the Harvard Business School. Todd holds a Masters degree in Education from the Claremont Graduate School and has an MBA and a Masters in Economics from the WP Carey School of Business, ASU.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A priest must contend with hearsay and corruption in a futuristic world in author Jeremy Bender’s “Twin Rivers.”
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The Synopsis
The High Priest rules the city of Twin Rivers in the name of the Lord of Mercy, his AI god. In this land, where robotic Brothers complete all labor and humans are left to enjoy the fruits of this Eden, something rotten grows. Yonatan, a newly ascended Priest in the sclerotic Priesthood, is meant to shore up the faith of those left behind. Yet as Yonatan’s preaching takes him deep into the city’s bowels, he must confront heresy far deeper rooted than he ever imagined. When he sees one of the city’s paramilitary Keepers leave a young woman to die because of her unsanctioned implants, Yonatan must decide whether his faith in the Lord of Mercy outweighs his own belief in human exceptionalism.
The Review
This was such a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author does a remarkable job of creating a world that is both futuristic to the point of being sci-fi and yet so grounded in the problems of our modern world that it feels tangible and jumps right off the page. The blending of modern technology with religion and spirituality was a unique twist on the cyberpunk genre, and the powerful imagery in the author’s writing made this world feel both cohesive and vibrant on the page.
The world building and mythos of this world was perfectly built up by the author, and the way this balanced out the complex themes the story touches on was incredible. Themes that include mankinds reliance on automated systems and the battle of freedom versus the control that comes from conformity all made the story feel so important and enthralling at the same time. The characters are so complex and help highlight these themes through each shocking twist and turn.
The Verdict
Thrilling, complex, and engaging, author Jeremy Bender’s “Twin Rivers” is a must-read cyberpunk thriller. The shocking twists and turns the story brings out and the dynamic characters and the world they inhabit will both entertain readers and keep them invested as the futuristic setting slowly peels away to show just how close to reality this seemingly perfect yet problematic society truly is. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on February 7th, 2026 or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jeremy Bender is a part-time writer, full-time father, and all around dilettante. He has worked in the threat intelligence, cybersecurity, and education fields for over a decade. This work, as well as his studies in college on religion, folklore, and Middle Eastern history, have influenced the stories he writes.
Jeremy has short stories published in The Arcanist, Black Hare Press’ “Year Seven” anthology, Support Indie Authors, and Lit Up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Learn how to recognize and use AI productively while maintaining your own identity and not losing what it means to be human in author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the A.I. Age.”
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The Synopsis
Are you using AI or is AI using you?
In a world where algorithms shape thought and automation floods the creative field, Human Again is a field-tested playbook for staying awake, original, and alive in the age of machines. Part reflection, part practical guide, it invites readers to explore identity and inspiration in real time, learning to think with AI rather than be replaced by it.
Blending cultural insight, personal experience, and practical tools, Macpherson explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, work, and identity, and how to harness it without losing yourself.
You will learn how to:
Ask sharper questions that create leverage, not noise
Build a High Signal Question Engine to think deeper and faster
Use the Socratic method and mindfulness to train deeper thinking
Recognize the “qualia,” the unspeakable textures of human experience, that no algorithm can touch
Protect your authenticity, taste, and voice while others sound the same
Learn how to compound clarity and creativity
Whether you are a professional, a creator, or simply curious about what is next, Human Again shows how to use AI better than anyone around you while keeping what no algorithm can replicate: your judgment, conscience, and imagination.
Because finding identity and inspiration in the AI age begins with remembering what it means to be human.
The Review
This book was so insightful and engaging right from the start. One of the most difficult debates in recent years has been the use of A.I. and both the good and bad it does for humanity. While extremes paint AI as the future SKYNET promised in the hit film franchise The Terminator, the negatives being focused on right now is AI replacing jobs and humans altogether in professional spaces. Yet the author refocuses that conversation, exploring the need to work in tandum with AI as not just a tool, but a partner to unlock one’s own potential and success in work.
The thing that resonated with me in this book was the clear and conversational tone of the author’s writing style and the techniques the author displayed in working with AI. The techniques included INK, or Insight, Not Knowledge, which utilizes AI to provide more depth to the answers being provided instead of just quick solutions, and the Socratic method, which asks AI to look for hidden meaning or point out mistakes that may have been overlooked, and these are just two examples of the insights the author provides.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the AI Age” is a must-read nonfiction narrative that readers can get invested in. AI is not going away, and for this reader, I’ve always believed it was not the AI that we would fear, but like all technology, the humans who abuse it. Learning to work with AI and use it not to replace us but work in concert with it, and explaining how no matter what AI is able to create, it takes humanity to give it actual meaning, making humanity’s role in AI use truly valuable. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J.D. Macpherson is an author and journalist who works in the messy middle—turning complex ideas into stories people actually want to read. Relentless, jargon-allergic, and unmistakably human, she cuts through hype with a reporter’s instinct. A Canadian with a background in theatre and philosophy, Macpherson loves people-watching and finding beauty in unexpected places—and has an especially soft spot for chicken katsu.
A project of global proportions to change the book industry forever
Critically acclaimed author and editor Alison McBain took on the influence of AI in the book industryby meeting the technology head-on!!!
Artificial intelligence (AI), in its broadest sense, is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning to maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Currently, there are a number of programs using AI software to augment or replace human creativity.
**Alison McBain’s mission is to prove that writing can be done quickly, efficiently, and better with human instinct, emotion, and passion**
The New Empire – the newest book from Alison
Fire. Blood. His brother’s hand smashing his face to the ground. These are Jiangxi’s final memories of Beijing from 1751. In the alternate history novel The New Empire, a bloody coup imprisons the emperor’s youngest son in the bowels of a cargo ship, headed to a much different America than we’ve read about in history books. When Jiangxi arrives in the distant city of Wacharon, a trading hub for a powerful tribal confederacy, he is sold upon his arrival. As he begins to learn about the influential man who bought him, he’s caught between the two worlds of his past and present, forced to choose between following the law of the land or striking out on his own to find a new and bold path to freedom. But Jiangxi’s journey of self-discovery has a steep price. The choices he makes will change not only the course of his own life, but also the future of the two most powerful nations in the world.
Alison McBain’s human-created novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual took home 3rd place in the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. In 2024, she pursued a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she wrote a book a week, using NO AI at all (34 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is the associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an entrepreneur since I was 19 years old, starting in software development and sales. I have reinvented my businesses over the last 30 years evolving in technology, from software to network integration, to Managed Services (MSP) to now an (MSSP) – www.ipservices.com
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What inspired you to write your book?
My teams and myself in the early 2000’s felt strongly about IT process documentation, things like configurations and changes to IT infrastructure and software systems. This led us on a journey to discover the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and we developed a methodology we branded VisibleOps and wrote the original VisibleOps handbook and started the IT Process Institute – www.itpi.org / with he mission of providing IT science backed methods through research, benchmarking, and the creation of prescriptive guidance, thus the VisibleOps series of best practices guidance for IT Processes, Security, Operations, Private Cloud, and my latest VisibleOps Cybersecurity and soon to be released VisibleOps – AI focusing on AI governance with security and risk management in mind. So my passion fo technology and managing it with proven best practices and practical guidance is my inspiration. Manage by fact, not belief!
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Practical guidance on how to improve a companies cybersecurity posture, starting with leadership and then implementing layers as prescribed by the Zero Trust methodology. It starts with leadership, then recognizing IT Processes matter because no security breach happened without a change or a need for a change, a bit of a riddle. The reality is either a threat actor breaks into a network or system and changes something, or they convince someone with access for need for a change i.g. – phishing, smishing (social engineering), clicking on a link or a nefarious website.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Growing up I always enjoyed technology, even though it was not popular in the late 70’s early 80’s = this ultimately led me to open a technology business and from there the story evolves from being a technologist, techpreneurnuer, to researching best practices, and now cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Linked-In has been the most helpful, I also have a large Instagram following.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with something you are passionate about, then make sure you do your research an truly are a subject matter expert – from there think about the altruistic impact of what you are writing, how does it make the world a better place!
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Yes, I am now researching and writing a new book my VisibleOps Series – Titled: VisibleOps AI – AI Governance with Best Practices
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About the Author
Scott Alldridge holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy, and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.
In his role as President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI), Scott co-authored the renowned VisibleOps series, with over 400,000 copies sold globally. His expertise spans IT management, cybersecurity, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cloud computing. Scott is also a recognized thought leader in modern cybersecurity strategies, including Zero Trust and Integrity Management, which are critical to safeguarding today’s complex IT environments.
Through his leadership, Scott has guided organizations in strengthening their security postures and navigating the complexities of today’s threat landscape. His contributions, including white papers, keynote addresses, and innovative frameworks, continue to shape the cybersecurity industry and influence best practices for protecting essential IT systems.
Please check out my podcasts, articles, blogs, and more on my author website:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Scott Alldridge shares the methods for integrating unique cybersecurity programs with business goals in the book “The Visible Ops Cybersecurity.”
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The Synopsis
Scott Alldridge, holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.
“Cyber-defense is not a thing you buy, or something you learn. It’s an information-driven machine you must design and operate in order to create and manage visibility, changes, and improvement. In VisibleOps Cybersecurity, these foundational elements are brought together with cyberdefense techniques to allow organizations to manage the complexity of cyber risks by building a resilient, effective program of improvement – one that you will need no matter the attacker or threat.”
Tony Sager / Center for Internet Security (CIS)
Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist
The Review
Instantly, this book distinguishes itself from typical cybersecurity books by being more business-driven than anything else. The author’s clear, direct, and informative writing style immediately delves into how this technology benefits businesses, particularly for small and aspiring entrepreneurs starting a new business in a technological age. Yet the author writes in a way that also cuts through the technical speak, instead worded in a way that companies and owners, from CEOs and board members to small online shops, can understand the technology fueling their businesses.
The world is moving at a rapid pace, and online business has accelerated this speed, making it even quicker. Therefore, developing a business with security in place to protect it is vital. The author clearly outlines the steps that business owners need to take, from the importance of automation to installing compliance frameworks that can improve IT departments’ operations and more. The emphasis it places on business owners is remarkable, and it even outlines what business owners need to ask their IT providers and develop plans and responses to incidents that occur, so that those unfamiliar with the tech scene can understand.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful, author Scott Alldridge’s “The Visible Ops Cybersecurity” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and technology. The information and the fast-paced nature of the book serve as more than a guide, but a call to action for business owners to take control of their business from a cybersecurity perspective and understand the needs of their IT department, making things run much more smoothly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Scott Alldridge holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy, and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.
In his role as President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI), Scott co-authored the renowned VisibleOps series, with over 400,000 copies sold globally. His expertise spans IT management, cybersecurity, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cloud computing. Scott is also a recognized thought leader in modern cybersecurity strategies, including Zero Trust and Integrity Management, which are critical to safeguarding today’s complex IT environments.
Through his leadership, Scott has guided organizations in strengthening their security postures and navigating the complexities of today’s threat landscape. His contributions, including white papers, keynote addresses, and innovative frameworks, continue to shape the cybersecurity industry and influence best practices for protecting essential IT systems.
