Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World

by Roger Spitz

Disruption's far-reaching effects are inevitable, bringing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities to creatively shape our futures.

"Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World" is the ultimate guide to thriving in today's complex business landscapes. It offers strategies that will allow you to navigate uncertainty and change through strategic decision-making.

Disrupt With Impact has been endorsed by major publishing industry leaders, including leading librarians and booksellers (2024 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award). It has also been recognized as a standout in its core categories - Business & Enterprise - with top honors such as the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards’ Harvey Chute First Place Winner, and as a finalist in the 2025 International Book Awards (IBA) for both General Business and Management & Leadership. Most recently, the book was also celebrated by one of the largest and most trusted communities of avid readers (2025 Readers’ Favorite).

"Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World" AWARDS TO DATE:

• WINNER - 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA): Harvey Chute First Place, Business & Enterprise (Non-Fiction)
• WINNER - 2024 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award Winner: Bronze, Business & Economics
• WINNER - 2025 Readers' Favorite Book of the Year Award - Bronze, Business & Finance
• FINALIST - 2025 International Book Awards (IBA): Business: General & Management/Leadership

Covering major challenges such as sustainability, AI, geopolitics and cybersecurity, this book is your compass for exploring the uncharted waters of the future. These paradigm shifts will redistribute trillions of dollars, presenting opportunities for immense value creation, while those clinging to business as usual face growing risks of value destruction. Through fascinating research and original frameworks, Disrupt With Impact offers the knowledge and confidence you need to lead your business through disruption.

376 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Roger Spitz (B.Sc. Econ, M.Sc., FCA, APF) is an award-winning author and world authority on strategic foresight, the future of leadership, and systemic disruption. Ranked Top 10 for Management Leadership (Thinkers360), he is an acclaimed futurist speaker who has delivered hundreds of keynotes globally and guest lectured at many of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

As President of Techistential, the preeminent foresight practice, and Chair of the Disruptive Futures Institute in San Francisco, Spitz advises CEOs, boards, and investors on navigating uncertainty, anticipating disruptions, and creating sustainable value. He is an advisor to the World Economic Forum's Global Foresight Network, and serves on multiple boards focused on anticipatory leadership, sustainable futures, artificial intelligence and venture capital.

Author of five bestsellers, including the acclaimed 'Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption' and award-winning 'Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World' (Winner 2024 Harvey Chute Best Business Book Award). Spitz's frameworks are adopted by organizations worldwide and lauded by Global Peter Drucker Forum, MIT Technology Review and World Economic Forum.

A leading expert in AI, Spitz coined the term “Techistentialism,” founded the Techistential Center for Human & Artificial Intelligence, and serves on the AI Council of the Indian Society for Artificial Intelligence. He delivers keynotes and writes extensively on the intelligence shift: the future of AI and strategic decision-making.

Renowned for his pioneering work in climate foresight and bestselling books on sustainability, Spitz is a Climatebase Fellow and a board member of LuxCS (Brazil’s first carbon credit certifier). Through the DFI Nature & Climate Academy, he equips leaders to accelerate the energy transition via transformative change.

A strong advocate for startups, he is venture partner at Vektor Partners and advisor of Berkeley SkyDeck’s fund. Spitz previously led Global Technology M&A at BNP Paribas, advising on over 50 transactions valued at $25 billion. He also spearheaded the launch of the bank’s U.S. M&A investment banking practice in San Francisco, established its European Technology & Digital Corporate Finance platform, and led the Aerospace & Defense Advisory team.

Bilingual English & French, Spitz has lived in 10 cities across three continents.

Reviews

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a relatively young person, I have a variety of questions about the future. Many of these questions are rapidly becoming fairly pressing, given the compounding progress of exponential technologies and shifting societal conditions. For example, "Given what the world could look like in 5 - 10 years, what's worth investing my time in today?"

Engaging with the content in Disrupt With Impact illuminates pathways to answering these types of questions, tangibly. It doesn't necessarily ANSWER the question "what should you do right now", but if a book claims to be able to tell you that, you probably shouldn't be reading it.

Three things about Disrupt With Impact stand out:
1. The breadth of topics (significant) is matched by the depth of examples, case studies, and actually usable frameworks.
2. The topics themselves are incredibly relevant, both in terms of their potential impact on the future, but also in how you can approach the topics themselves. e.g. The book covers AI (of course), climate (of course), but also more esoteric / less common topics, including Eastern Philosophy & other ontology.
3. The author has demonstrated he knows what he's talking about.

If you have questions about the future, this book probably holds the key to how to approach answering them.

[Rodney Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have attended some of the courses of the Disruptive Futures Institute and read the guidebooks from Roger Spitz. His latest book (Disrupt with Impact) was released in the UK and internationally at the beginning of Sept 2024.

The book is compelling and timely as a thorough but original and highly relevant exploration of the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Spitz masterfully weaves together insights from his broad and deep experience, connecting seemingly unrelated fields, technological convergence, artificial intelligence, the energy transition and the blurring of industry boundaries to paint a vivid picture of the complex and unpredictable waters we have to navigate for sustainable futures. Most importantly, he offers practical frameworks and tools (e.g. his AAA Framework and Disruptive Thinking Canvas) to help with the journey.

His concept of UN-VICE is resonates deeply (Unknown, Volatile, Intersecting, Complex, and Exponential), as it captures the fundamental underlying drivers of our times. Our UN-VICE context requires new sense-making and decision-making.

Spitz is a professionally trained futurist, but with his experience is grounded in informing the present realities. His long-term thinking and foresight are critical tools to inform decision-making today. While "another book on disruption" might seem unnecessary, this one clearly stands out, with an updated definition and usage of "disruption", as constant change, systemic and unpredictable (i.e. not narrowly limited to products, technology, or innovation per se).

An important book for today's unpredictable world.

[Daniel Epstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roger clearly lays out effective ways for the reader to understand the changing environment and formulate both preparatory and reactionary responses. The combination of simple and more complex content gives different types of readers opportunities to digest his arguments and take appropriate actions. While it's clear that disruption is a challenge, his recommendations lay the path for readers to thrive in it.

[Samir Bico · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World" by Roger Spitz is a thought-provoking, compelling, and timely guide for navigating the rapidly evolving complexities of today's unpredictable business and technology landscape. Spitz, drawing on his extensive experience, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and leveraging disruptions to achieve business success.

The book is structured around the "Disruptive Thinking Canvas", a six-step process designed to help businesses anticipate and respond to disruptions. These steps include:
1. Reframing Disruptions: Understanding the nature and impact of disruptions.
2. Scanning and Mapping: Anticipating possible disruptions and their implications.
3. Ideating: Embracing new mindsets to harness uncertainty.
4. Dissent and Alignment: Encouraging diverse perspectives and aligning on strategies.
5. Decision-Making and Driving Change: Making informed decisions and implementing changes.
6. Iterating: Continuously applying changes, assessing impacts, and incorporating feedback

With sharp insights into emerging challenges like artificial intelligence, climate change, and cybersecurity, Spitz illustrates how embracing disruption can unlock new opportunities. This book empowers readers with practical tools to rethink assumptions, foster innovation, and build resilient strategies for the future—a must-read for those eager to turn uncertainty into an engine for progress.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly unlocking the potential of Future Paradigm Shifts

Read 'Disrupt With Impact' if you want to learn how to use future trends and understand their limitations (“metaruptions”) to make your business relevant and successful. Roger Spitz has written an interesting book that condenses his years of experience of strategic planning and foresight. I also had the opportunity of attending one of his talks in Paris during his global book tour for "Disrupt With Impact" in November 2024.

One of my favourite parts was Chapter 10, which talks about the AAA framework (Antifragile, Anticipatory, and Agility). This chapter is more than just theory; Spitz gives you practical ways to bring these traits into your organisation. The framework is a plan for building a strong business that can not only handle problems but also do well after they happen, sustain shocks and build both resilience and what spitz calls "futures intelligence"

Later in the book, the part about systems innovation felt new and important, especially when talking about how to integrate climate change and paradigm shifts in business models (what Spitz calls Business-Models-as-a-System, or BMaaS). This is an example of how systems thinking can lead to big, long-lasting change because Spitz's method is both all-encompassing and transformative. It’s easier for leaders to put these strategies into action because he goes into detail about how complicated linked systems are and gives specific steps with relatable examples for coming up with new ideas within these frameworks.

Spitz's experience about how industries are coming together opened my eyes to how the lines between them are becoming less clear. This shows how disruptive thinking can create whole new “emerging” fields – beyond the simple convergence of technologies. This chapter takes the mystery out of technological and market barriers by showing how businesses can benefit from innovations that come from other industries. Spitz talks about how different industries are coming together in a way that is both interesting and useful. He gives us a new way to look at places that could grow – where is own experiences shines through as a practitioner advising leadership teams in real-world situations rather than simply an author or academic.

What makes this book distinctive is that it gives leaders the confidence to act bravely when things are unsure. Spitz doesn't just tell you about things; he gives you the tools and attitude to take advantage of chances when things go wrong. His thorough method will help you confidently get through the rough spots, whether you're figuring out how to think about new technologies and innovations or how to adjust to sudden changes in the global situation.

[Jason Schroder · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone leading innovation in the tech industry, I’ve read my fair share of business and strategy books - but 'Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World' by famous futurist Roger Spitz is in a league of its own. I was delighted to pick up a signed copy in Europe during my recent travels, where he was on a book signing tour. This is not just another book about change or disruption; it’s a visionary blueprint for how to thrive at the edge of uncertainty, where industries collide and something entirely new emerges.

What struck me most was how Spitz captures the essence of our increasingly interconnected and cascading world. He moves beyond digital transformation, understanding what comes next, he maps the dissolution of traditional industry silos and paints a vivid picture of what emerges when tech, biology, healthcare, education, and entertainment begin to merge in unexpected ways. It’s this liminal space - between sectors, ideas, and systems - where true innovation lives. And Spitz doesn’t just describe it; he equips you to operate within it.

After reading the book, I was inspired to launch a series of cross-sector initiatives within my organization. We began exploring collaborations that fused our core tech capabilities with partners in healthcare and education. What followed was beyond anything we anticipated: VR-based training for medical professionals, immersive learning platforms for schools, and storytelling technologies that redefined how we engage with users. These were more than products - they were breakthroughs made possible by rethinking boundaries, just as the book encourages.

Spitz’s insights on perception, complexity, and adaptive leadership are as inspiring and insightful as they are deeply practical. This isn’t theory for the sake of theory; it’s a guidebook for action in the real world.

If you're in a position of leadership, especially in a rapidly evolving industry, Disrupt With Impact isn’t just recommended reading - it’s essential. It will challenge how you think, expand how you see, and give you the tools to lead innovation where others only see chaos.

[Rob Chapson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Navigating the Complexity of Modern Life

Anyone who is interested in thriving in our uncertain environment will find ‘Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World’ to be an extraordinary gem of strategic insights. Roger Spitz addresses a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence to climate technology, and mixes his extensive knowledge and experience with stunningly practical counsel.

What really captivated me was Part Two, where Spitz delves into how to drive systems innovation and transformational change. It’s a masterclass in navigating the intricate web of modern complexities. Spitz provides a toolkit that is as rigorous as it is practical, enabling leaders to embed resilience and future-readiness directly into their DNA.

The concept of the Greenaissance in Chapter 7 truly stood out—it's a green revolution that doesn’t just talk about sustainability but gives actionable steps for achieving it. This was such a refreshing change from the usual lip service we see around green initiatives. Spitz goes into the granular details of how businesses can align profit with purpose, demonstrating how sustainability and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive but mutually enriching.

Another game-changing chapter for me was scanning the horizon. Spitz’s methods for identifying and interpreting early signals of disruption have been incredibly valuable. This chapter has effectively become my go-to manual for building anticipatory skills.

Moreover, Spitz doesn't just prep you for the now, but for the next big thing! His foresight isn't limited to immediate or short-term challenges. He equips you with long-term strategies that ensure you're always ahead of the curve. Whether it's understanding the ramifications of geopolitical shifts or the implications of rapid technological advances, Spitz covers it all with a finesse that is both enlightening and empowering.

[Deborah Greenbriar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book: A Combination of Foresight, Strategy & Smart Thinking!
Roger Spitz’s latest “Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World” is a remarkable combination of foresight and strategy, with an overarching theme of “Smart Thinking” for our complex times. The book is well-researched and brimming with practical insights and examples, as it addresses significant paradigm shifts such as emerging technologies including the disruptive AI and digitization of everything, as well as climate change and the energy transition, information, disinformation and cybersecurity (or what the author calls “cyber insecurity”). By emphasising adaptability and resilience in this book, readers are equipped with the necessary resources to redirect their strategies and decisions in the face of “deep uncertainty”. The intellectually gratifying and engaging guidance provided is truly impactful. In all seriousness, it appears as though you are pursuing an MBA in managing – and even anticipating – change. It is highly recommended for individuals who are strategic and wish to maintain a competitive edge. Offer this as a gift to friends, your family, colleagues, clients as it covers some of the most important problematics of the 21st century – they will thank you for enhancing their “futures intelligence” at a time where much of the world needs decoding and updating our understanding of what is happening, and what to do about it (“Everything in our world is constantly evolving - except our organizations, strategies, and governance structures. Too often, we act on flawed assumptions, believing in a world that is predictable, linear, stable, and controllable. But the cost and missed opportunities from these misconceptions are on the rise.”). One of my favorite quotes from Disrupt With Impact illustrate this degree of unpredictability: “Relying on probabilities, certainties or crystal balls will fail us. Put simply, there is no data on the future.”

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Navigating Disruption and Shaping the Future

Roger Spitz's "Disrupt With Impact" is a tour de force that equips leaders with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in our increasingly unpredictable world. This book is not just another business guide; it's a comprehensive roadmap for embracing change and leveraging it for success.

Spitz introduces groundbreaking concepts like Techistentialism, which explores the intersection of technology and human existence in decision-making. This framework provides a fresh perspective on how AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping our fundamental choices and actions.

The UN-VICE model (Unknown, Volatile, Intersecting, Complex, and Exponential) is particularly illuminating, offering a powerful updated lens through which to view and navigate the challenges of our era.

What sets this book apart is its practical applicability. For instance, for me the Disruptive Thinking Canvas is an invaluable tool for both individuals and organizations, providing a structured approach to anticipating and capitalizing on change1. Spitz's 6 i's framework (Intuition, Inspiration, Imagination, Improvisation, Invention, and Impossible) fosters a proactive mindset that not only anticipates inflection points but harnesses them for transformation.

"Disrupt With Impact" covers a wide range of critical topics, from AI and climate technology to cybersecurity, blending Spitz's extensive knowledge with practical counsel. Possibly his most well-known framework, the AAA Framework (Antifragile, Anticipatory, and Agility), really provides a solid foundation for building resilience, agility and "futures intelligence".

Spitz has created a very readable guide that not only helps readers understand the forces shaping our future but also provides the tools to actively participate in its creation.

[LNH · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Disrupt With Impact," Roger Spitz skillfully combines foresight, strategy, and practical insights to equip readers for the complexities of our fast-evolving world. At the heart of his approach is the Disruptive Thinking Canvas, a personalized guide designed to empower both individuals and organizations to thrive amid uncertainty. By introducing the 6 i's—Intuition, Inspiration, Imagination, Improvisation, Invention, and Impossible—Spitz fosters a proactive mindset that not only anticipates inflection points of change but also harnesses it for transformation. His AAA framework—building Antifragile foundations, nurturing Anticipatory capabilities, and enhancing cognitive, emergent and strategic Agility—offers a solid foundation for making informed choices despite (or thanks to?) unpredictable times.

Spitz's call for adaptability is particularly resonant in an era where change is constant. He articulates the urgent need to rethink conventional business models in light of challenges such as AI, climate change, and cybersecurity, advocating for a culture rooted in innovation and resilience. With clear examples and actionable tools, "Disrupt With Impact" serves as both a roadmap and a toolkit for those aiming to future-proof their businesses and careers. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of "futures intelligence" and navigate the complexities of the 21st century, making it an invaluable resource for strategic thinkers across all fields.

[Nelida Ferraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma Leitura Crítica para Tomadores de Decisão
"Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World", de Roger Spitz, é um excelente livro sobre ser adaptável e ter um planejamento inteligente. Seus métodos de "horizon scanning" para identificar tendências que podem emergir no futuro são muito úteis para fazer escolhas inteligentes e criativas, mesmo diante da incerteza. A estrutura abrangente de Spitz para sistemas de alerta precoce, que antecipa pontos de inflexão, é uma das melhores características da obra. O livro oferece uma visão equilibrada sobre a disrupção, tanto como um problema quanto uma oportunidade, o que o torna um guia completo para ter sucesso em momentos de incerteza. Excelente livro para líderes e pessoas que tomam decisões inteligentes no instável mundo dos negócios de hoje. Também muito relevante é o foco na importância da educação – do jardim de infância às salas de reuniões, algo que eu apreciei como educadora. Uma leitura essencial e um presente ideal – há tópicos importantes para o nosso complexo e imprevisível século XXI.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disrupt for Impact" stands out as a masterful synthesis of contemporary thinking on innovation and disruption. While many of the individual concepts have existing foundations, Spitz's unique contribution lies in how he's artfully connected these ideas to generate fresh insights – creating an excellent example of combinatorial knowledge creation.
As someone with an architectural background, I was particularly drawn to the visual elements in the book. The diagrams remind me of how architects develop visual representations in studio to capture a building's essence on site. Spitz demonstrates a remarkable ability to distill complex concepts into clear, meaningful visuals, making the ideas both accessible and actionable. This approach has already inspired new ways of thinking in my current work.