How can leaders adapt to the rapid change of technology’s impact on business? How can AI be leveraged for more intelligent decision-making? Can our choices be simultaneously good for business and the world? This book provides leaders with the first steps to answer these important questions.
For over thirty years, technology has become more interwoven with both our professional and personal lives. In the future, the integration of tech, business, and life will become even more seamless. With the current exponential growth of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, business leaders must learn how to adapt their decision-making to look beyond short-term profits and create insight for long-term impact and growth.
In Time is A Journey into Demystifying AI, Raj Verma, CEO of SingleStore, takes readers on an insightful journey to not only demystify emerging tech like AI but to demystify how today’s leader must make decisions. Through engaging storytelling and relevant examples, Verma shares the lessons from his personal and professional life to glean timeless and universal lessons.
At the crux of this journey, is the power of Now, which Verma defines as a convergence of Information, Context, and
Information is data, the collection of memory which shapes our identity. Context is the analysis of all information in the present. Choice is focused on the future, approached with courage and conscience. From these three pillars of Now, we write our future—for better or worse. As the speed of Real Time increases, so will the consequences of our decisions. In the explosion of AI, leaders have a responsibility to learn before they act. We must wield the tools available with the insight that our decisions will impact the world for generations to come. Doing so will require both great courage and conscience. It cannot wait. The time is Now.
I was pleasantly surprised by Time Is Now: A Journey Into Demystifying AI by Raj Verma. Though I approached the book with a technical lens, I quickly realized its unique blend of personal anecdotes, profound insights on technology, and spiritual undertones make it a truly exceptional read. It's not just another narrative on AI but a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
He takes you on a journey from the humble shoe shiner to the strategic moves between Wipro, TIBCO, Hortonworks, Apptus, and now the CEO of SingleStore, which has not only painted a vivid picture of resilience and adaptability but also pays homage to his mentors and the people who shaped his path, like Vivek Ranadive, Cofounder of TIBCO.
The book is not without its gripping dramatic moments. Raj dedicates pages to the challenges he faced during COVID-19 and the chilling downfall of SVB. These moments underscore the necessity of being proactive and relying on grounded wisdom, highlighting the urgency and foresight needed in leadership.
He introduces us to the Trinity of Intelligence —Information, Context, and Choice—which I found is a robust framework that will guide many leaders in making smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving AI landscape.
For leaders and captains of industry, Raj's insights are particularly relevant. He shares how no one is immune to setbacks and how he stays grounded by spending time with family and maintaining his routines and rituals. These experiences are profoundly relatable, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience required at the helm of any venture.
He ends the book on the importance of culture in an organization—choosing missionaries over mercenaries and the essential nature of communication—which was particularly impactful. It's a lesson in what sustains a company's soul beyond its successes.
I feel a sequel is in the works, and I eagerly look forward to devouring it. It takes courage to be open and vulnerable and share the wisdom and experiences of someone I deeply admire. It has been an enlightening read, and I continue to ponder as I walk away from this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway... thank you for the opportunity to review Time is Now.
First of all, this book was personally inspiring as it touched heavily on the fact that there is always hope for the future, no matter how much it changes. Many people are afraid of changes and think that change will wreck everything.
More often than not, technological change results in a better lifestyle and gives us more of a life of ease. But it's hard to see that when it first pops up. Rather than dwelling on the fact that technology will replace a certain job, remember that technology in its many forms has created the life we are able to live today. Of course, it's not perfect, but we don't have to make food from scratch if we don't want to, and we have the option of using a vehicle cruising at 70 mph.
This is all relative when it comes to the development and expansion of AI. AI will change and greatly affect the way we live in the future. It's like the internet 3.0. Literally. It is like we are back in the early 90s again in regards to how much life will change due to AI. In the 90s, the internet was just beginning to come into everyone's home. It took over like a storm and changed our way of life forever. AI will do the same thing. If you aren't using some form of AI now, everyone will soon be in some way or another.
What I really liked about Time is Now is that not only was Raj able to give a good sense of how AI will assist in the way we view and work in the world, but he also gave a huge amount of entrepreneurial advice. He has been personally very successful and has helped pave the way for a more adaptive AI to help everyone with SingleStore.
Raj also has had a lot of success in business overall. He shares many of his ideas and projects that have been successful. More importantly, I think, is the ones he shares that were not successful. In being open, honest, and humble about his failures, he is able to paint a descriptive view of the reality of what it's like being an entrepreneur and in he edge of technology today.
I gave Time is Now 5 stars, mostly because I was encouraged personally by Raj to continue learning about AI to stay more on top of the curve we are rounding.
I do wish the author would have given a little more time to explain more about how AI works itself. He assumed the reader was very informed about AI already.. and I think this book could be a little confusing to a person who knows little to nothing about AI and is trying to understand it better. That being said, this book is more like a memoir than a book about AI in general. I did have an easy time reading Time is Now, and I would recommend it to anyone who 1) wants to be inspired to have an open mind about the future of AI, and 2) wants to learn about some of the history of AI and learn the basics of how AI reacts to our human input. His personal journey from India through other countries and landing in the US is an inspiration in and of itself.
Firstly, a huge thank you to the publisher, Forbes Books, the author, Raj Verma, and Goodreads for the privilege of winning a digital copy of Time Is Now: A Journey Into Demystifying AI in a giveaway. It is an insightful read for any kind of organizational leader grappling with the fast-paced world of changing technology. It's a great guide for anyone looking to use AI for smarter decision-making while also considering the impact on society. I will also post my review to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Verma, who finds his experience through the role as the CEO of SingleStore, does an excellent job of blending his personal stories with professional advice. This book has a lot of personal stories and anecdotes and is more inspirational and motivational than your everyday business book. He explores how technology, business, and life are becoming increasingly intertwined, particularly with the rapid growth of AI. Not having a detailed understanding of the technology of AI, I thought some bits were harder to understand. I’m not necessarily the target reader, but perhaps some more background explanation could’ve made these parts feel a little more complete for those who aren’t well-versed.
Central points of the book are the pillars of information, context, and choice. Verma describes information as the data that shapes who we are; context as how we analyze this data in the present moment; and choice as about making future decisions with courage and conscience. Verma uses these pillars woven through his own experiences to help readers navigate the challenges - and risks - associated with using AI in your business practice.
Time Is Now is a valuable resource for leaders of any kind of business or organization aiming to make decisions in the AI-driven world with thought and rigor. Verma's message is pretty clear. We should take his advice and act now, with both courage and conscience, to ensure our choices benefit not just business and capital, but also the world. I would recommend this to anyone in business, anyone running a business, anyone dealing with AI in their business, and those who enjoy interesting and unique memoirs.
Verma is right to point out that all this boom in technological advances and the possibility of beginning to talk about a fourth industrial revolution have had accelerating factors such as the pandemic. Companies had to force themselves to use technology to function and not enter into deeper crises. What has that shown us? We are in a moment where there is no turning back, whoever does not get on the technology train will never reach the next stop, mainly because we are not talking about just any train, it is a supersonic train.
I like that Verma is aware of the risk factors and effects that these advances are bringing from certain perspectives such as the delivery of information (Facebook case) and that is why he does not stay in this propagandistic current in which he simply sells technology as the best thing that can happen to us, but as in everything, we must know how to rationalize the moments and thus make conscious decisions not only from the economic but from values and ethics. What makes this message so powerful is that he transmits it through experiences and feelings of his personal life.
Today’s companies are being driven by AI. As a leader, it is important to understand “the discovery of now” to better understand the past and work towards the future. This rest on the pillars of Information, Context, and Choice. In this book, the author explains how to use these three pillars to navigate the challenges, risks, and lessons learned of AI. He uses his personal experiences and expertise to help readers demystify AI and making leadership decisions. This book is well-written, engaging, and provides insight into the world of AI. His approach to rethinking and visualizing how AI can help businesses is practical, useful, and informative. The information is well-laid out, easy to follow, and insightful. Readers interested in AI, business intelligence, and leadership will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library business collections.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.
This work by Verma is a stimulating book that raises awareness about the importance of time and action in our lives. With a direct and motivating style, the author managed to invite me to reflect on how to make the most of every moment. A process that has personally been my biggest challenge. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, the book encouraged me to stop postponing my goals and dreams, and to take action with determination and focus. The narrative is highlighted by optimism and positivity, reminding us that the present is the only guaranteed moment. This book is a compelling read that drives you to take action and pursue your goals with passion and commitment. With its powerful and motivational message, this book is an invaluable tool for all those who seek to transform their lives and reach their full potential. I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend this read to those who are looking for an amazing guide for business leaders facing the rapid technological changes in today’s market, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence. The author, CEO of SingleStore, leverages his extensive industry experience to clarify how AI can enhance decision-making processes, pushing businesses towards both profit and positive societal impact, and that was something I was looking for a long time, to have a better understanding of the AI impact. So, I stop having all this fears of something I really don't understand. I enjoy that the author uses engaging storytelling and real-world examples to make complex ideas accessible, encouraging leaders to adopt a new decision-making framework that emphasizes ethical considerations and long term thinking.
This book by Raj Verma is a guide for leaders piloting the complexities of artificial intelligence in business. Verma, CEO of SingleStore, clarifies decades of experience into actionable insights that demystify AI's impact on decision-making and business strategy.
Through engaging storytelling and real-world examples, Verma illustrates AI's potential for intelligent decision-making and long-term impact. He emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use and responsible leadership in a quickly evolving digital landscape.
This book is a fascinating call to action, urging readers to embrace AI's power while considering its societal suggestions. "Time is Now" is essential reading for professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking to harness AI's potential for positive change in business and beyond.
Time is Now by Raj Verma is a forward-looking guidebook for business leaders on the importance of keeping up with the times and staying abreast of developments in technology, such as AI, and making sustainable choices both for their business and for the planet. In a world where AI is quickly permeating every aspect of our existence, it is important for those in leadership roles to adjust and learn how to successfully integrate both the new opportunities and the very real challenges and pitfalls that the emergence of AI technologies bring. Verma focuses on the “three pillars of Now”, namely Information, Context and Choice. I like Varma’s focus on the need for conscientious and future-driven decision making.
This book talks about the ethical, intentional, and conscientious development of AI, which is a crucial aspect of technology nowadays that often goes unaddressed. Here Raj Verma draws on his extensive experience in the tech industry to provide valuable insights into AI’s role in business and society and what are our duties to be informed and take the correct decisions with a pragmatic approach. One of the things I like the most about this reading is that it includes real-world examples from the financial sector and the IT industry, illustrating how AI can bring people and information together rapidly. The author also provides importance to his career path which, at times, can take away the focus of the book. Solid reading.
AI is here to stay, but most people, including myself, have little knowledge regarding the applications and benefits it can achieve when using it the right way, especially when talking about the business world. The author shares his insight on the advance of this new technology, while also diving into a controversial topic, such as decision-making.
It's not the first book I read about Artificial Intelligence, but let me tell you I'm not impressed (in a good way). Yes, it is a tool worthy of exploration. Yes, for business purposes could make a difference. BUT looking at the big picture it's hazardous and, as a matter of fact, with the right instruction is already capable of hacking systems. Not a big fan, even though the author presents some valid arguments.
"Time is Now" offers a captivating perspective on leadership in a rapidly evolving world of technology, especially in artificial intelligence. Verma shares valuable insights on how to harness AI for intelligent decision-making and consider its impact on society. Through narratives and real-life examples, he makes complex concepts understandable and underscores the importance of acting with courage and conscience in the face of technological advancements. The book emphasizes the urgency of learning and adapting to technological changes, where through its insightful narrative and practical advice, it invites us to navigate the complexities of AI integration to achieve an innovative future. Without a doubt, I recommend it!
This book was written in just the right time. It talks about a topic that we all deal with in our day to day: artificial intelligence. It is inevitably a part of our lives and we better learn how to deal with it the right way, if we want to grow and overcome ourselves. I liked the approach this book has regarding this topic. Al can really be incredibly helpful! And the author explains exactly how. I tended to see it as the enemy. But actually it can be a good thing. Technology will inevitably keep on improving and evolving. So we might as well get along with it. The structure of this book makes it easy to understand the authors train of thought, which I have to say is a huge plus.
In these times of rapid technological advancement, this writing manages to capture the essence of the intersection between artificial intelligence and effective leadership very accurately. This book has completely captivated me from its first pages. It is not simply a guide; it is a manifesto for contemporary leaders seeking to navigate the complexity of new technologies with a perspective that transcends immediate benefits and aims toward meaningful, sustainable impact. From my perspective, what makes this book really interesting is the author's ability to break down complex concepts, and does so in a way that is understandable and easily applicable. It is a very interesting and useful book that I recommend 100%.
If you want to learn how to make sense of why AI matters and how to view it well into the future, while also enjoying a person's journey on the technology road that leads to AI, this is the perfect book for you!
This is not your typical business book read. Yes, it does provide a framework that helps to simplify AI in ways that the technical and non-technical alike can understand and gain value from. Yet it also tells a story along the way, that helps put the AI boom we are experiencing right now into context so it just makes sense. It is an entertaining and engaging read, both colorful and thought provoking. You will love it, as did I.
The book proposes some triggers that will serve for the development of the plot, and there is one that completely caught my attention: Can our choices be simultaneously good for business and the world? There are many books that talk about the benefits of AI in business but few contemplate the impact on society. Time Is Now by Raj Verma is a deep and comprehensive read about technological advances and their current and future consequences, what the author calls the fourth industrial revolution. I liked it because it is more than a lot of information, it includes personal experiences and reflections about these issues. It is a very interesting read for the world today.
A book to demistify de AI and make it part of your life.
The first thing I want to tell you is that AI needs to be demystified and if you put it to good use, the benefits of making it an ally are enormous. This book allows us to get an idea of how important it is to make future business and economic projections using technology to have exponential growth in our businesses.
“Time is Now” is a text that proposes to all leaders to be strategic and have technology as an ally, so its author Raj Verma, who has extensive experience, allows us to inquire about how his life has improved through the application of different techniques not only professional but personal growth.
Consider this book as a point of view or a movie trailer (like the author called it) about technologies advancements, artificial intelligence and what to expect from the future. The interesting layout and overview are based on the personal story which helps a lot to get the context of where the ideas are coming from. I enjoyed reflecting on how AI can impact (or not so much) leadership, personal and business areas. There is a good point in historical event of a good rush and thoughts of whether AI can be a digital version of it.
I believe the right info for leaders navigating the evolving landscape of technology and business. I agree to the author's insights because of my own experiences, as I've witnessed firsthand the integration of technology into both professional and personal spheres over the years. What I liked the most about this book is the author's emphasis on the importance of making decisions that not only drive short-term gains but also have a positive impact on the world in the long run. His concept of the power of Now is profound and actionable.
Verma, a seasoned CEO, expertly breaks down the complex world of artificial intelligence into actionable insights that emphasize not just business growth but ethical considerations as well. His approach to intertwining personal anecdotes with professional advice enriches the narrative, making the sophisticated content accessible and engaging. This book is particularly valuable for its forward-looking perspective, urging leaders to make decisions that are both courageous and conscientious, thereby shaping a future where technology and ethical business practices coexist seamlessly.
Time is Now: A Journey Into Demystifying AI is an introductory guide to understanding AI (i.e. Amplified Intelligence) in the broader context of executive leadership as seen through the biographical lens of a tech CEO. The book introduces some key concepts such as the power of now, data, context, and purpose, and some basic leadership. While I did enjoy the backstory, I'm hungry for more about AI. I rated the book 4 stars because I would recommend the book to anyone in business interested in AI.
I read this book almost entirely in one sitting, and was continuously enthralled despite my initial mindset of not being in the tech or business space. While I learned a lot about the way AI functions, I learned more about the way to conduct my life and work ethic to acheive my goals. Verma eloquently combined views on philosophy and spirituality with what it means to live in the Real Time of the 21st century to create an enjoyable motivating read.
It's an eye-opening exploration into the role of AI in modern leadership. The book excels in making complex AI concepts accessible, while also emphasizing the ethical dimensions of technological decisions. It’s an urgent call to action that inspires you to embrace the present and shape a better future with courage and conscience.
Raj Verma details his life story and his connection to the AI journey. His book is insightful and enjoyable. He demystifies the premise that AI alone is dangerous. There is a great deal of accountability with the developers of AI platforms. He uses some good analogies on how AI is a prediction tool.
I wouldn’t typically pick up a book about AI, as mentioned in another review, however, I am so glad I did. The author did a phenomenal job of relaying important messages and offering insights he learned through his journey, while keeping the writing engaging and including personal anecdotes about his life. This book finds the balance between pleasure and teaching, as the author emphasizes important lessons and concepts to get his main points across, while offering laughs and exciting stories. This book challenges beliefs and inspires readers to become a better leader. There is a great emphasis on the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and taking a chance on yourself. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend as it offered invaluable information anyone could apply at any stage of their life.
I have told my team of itquru that AI whether we like it not is going to take the world by storm. This book has highlighted all the key thing one need to know about Ai.
This was a great read, especially for incorporating AI and other tech into our work to remain relevant. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an intro into this realm, especially as the world is changing with more technology advances.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, so thank you to Goodreads and to Amazon.
This book really helped me understand what AI is and it truly helped demystify all my questions about it. I now know what AI is and how it will help our future.