I read the book "Adventures of an IT Leader," by Robert Austin, Richard Nolan, and Shannon O'Donnell � not by choice necessarily, but because it was aI read the book "Adventures of an IT Leader," by Robert Austin, Richard Nolan, and Shannon O'Donnell � not by choice necessarily, but because it was assigned reading for one of my graduate courses. It is a very novel educational tool in that it is both a “textbook� complete with end of chapter work and reflection exercises, but it is written as a fictional novel � meant to be entertaining as well as educational. It succeeds. It is a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities and challenges faced by IT leaders in modern organizations. The book presents a fictional yet realistic portrayal of the life of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) through the character of Jim Barton. Because the book is structured as a novel, it’s an engaging read while providing valuable insights into IT management and leadership. So engaging in that, I would read ahead a few chapters, and I finished it early. I can honestly say that is rare for a college “textbook.� The story begins with Jim Barton, the head of Loan Operations at IVK Corporation, being unexpectedly appointed as the CIO by the new CEO, Carl Williams. Barton, who has no prior experience in IT, is chosen for his critical perspective on the IT department. The company is struggling with slowing growth and falling stock prices, and Williams believes that Barton can bring a fresh approach to the IT organization. As Barton steps into his new role, he faces numerous challenges, including gaining the trust of his team, understanding the technical aspects of IT, and aligning IT strategy with business goals. Throughout the book, readers follow Barton's journey as he navigates through crises, makes critical decisions, and learns the intricacies of IT management. The book emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in IT. Barton learns that being a successful CIO requires not only technical knowledge but also strong leadership skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and the capacity to inspire and motivate the team. One of the central themes is the alignment of IT with business objectives. Barton realizes that IT should not operate in isolation but must be integrated with the overall business strategy to drive growth and innovation. The book highlights the unpredictable nature of IT and the need for CIOs to be prepared for crises. Barton faces several critical situations, such as security breaches and system failures, and learns the importance of quick decision-making and problem-solving. I do wish they would update the book for 2025 to include recent technological innovations such as the ubiquity of IoT, SaaS and cloud services, as well as the emerging AI technologies. At the time of publication, BYOD was the emerging technology. Perhaps a sequel? It did end on a cliffhanger, but I will not spoil it. The book “The Adventures of an IT Leader� is both a fictional tale that also serves as a “textbook via storytelling� designed for anyone who aspires to have a career in IT leadership. The book’s blend of narrative and practical advice makes it an essential read for current and aspiring IT leaders. There’s a good reason it is still used in many professional business degrees programs.
This book was originally published in 2014. I had heard about it from several colleagues and I finally purchased it in 2016. Unfortunately, it sat on This book was originally published in 2014. I had heard about it from several colleagues and I finally purchased it in 2016. Unfortunately, it sat on my shelf for several years and I just now go around to reading it. I had read a very similar book by an ex-Googler along the similar lines “Everybody Lies� (/book/show/2...)
“Dataclysm: Love, Sex, Race, and Identity � What Our Online Lives Tell Us About Our Offline Selves� by Christian Rudder is a great exploration of human behavior through the lens of big data. Rudder, a co-founder of the dating site OkCupid, leverages vast amounts of data from social media and online interactions to reveal surprising insights about our offline selves. The book delves into how our digital footprints can predict personal attributes, societal trends, and even future behaviors.
The book starts off discussing that there’s several different ways to get data, but that ones that are the most effective run into regulations and privacy issues. Google Trends and other sites likes OKCupid reveal truths about human behavior through proactive searches and actions.
Rudder’s book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of human behavior and identity as revealed through data analysis. He begins by discussing how data from platforms like Facebook and OkCupid can predict personal characteristics such as sexual orientation and intelligence with surprising accuracy. For instance, the book highlights how Facebook “likes� can be used to infer a person’s traits and preferences.
One of the key themes of the book is the concept of “big data� and its implications for understanding human behavior. Rudder argues that traditional methods of studying human behavior, such as surveys and experiments, are limited in scope and accuracy. In contrast, big data allows researchers to observe behavior on a massive scale, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human nature.
Rudder also explores the impact of anonymity on online behavior. He notes that people often behave differently online than they do in person, due to the perceived anonymity of the internet. This can lead to both positive and negative behaviors, such as increased honesty and openness, but also cyberbullying and harassment.
The book also examines how data can reveal societal trends and patterns. For example, Rudder uses data to show how language and cultural references vary across different demographic groups. He also discusses how data can be used to track migration patterns and social mobility.
“Dataclysm� is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges readers to think critically about the role of data in our lives. Rudder’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand. The book is filled with fascinating examples and anecdotes that illustrate the power of data to reveal hidden truths about human behavior.
One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on the ethical implications of data collection and analysis. Rudder acknowledges the potential for misuse of data and the importance of maintaining privacy and security. He also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in how data is used.
However, some critics argue that the book’s reliance on data from OkCupid and other social media platforms may limit its generalizability. While the insights gained from these platforms are valuable, they may not fully capture the diversity of human behavior across different contexts and cultures.
Conclusion: Overall, “Dataclysm� is a compelling and informative book that offers a unique perspective on human behavior in the digital age. Rudder’s use of data to uncover hidden patterns and trends is both innovative and enlightening. The book raises important questions about the role of data in our lives and the ethical considerations that come with it.
How Technologists Can Use Lessons from “Dataclysm�
Technologists can draw several valuable lessons from “Dataclysm� to enhance their work and address ethical concerns:
Data-Driven Decision Making: Rudder’s analysis demonstrates the power of data to uncover insights that can inform decision-making processes. Technologists can leverage big data to optimize products, improve user experiences, and drive innovation.
Ethical Data Use: The book emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in data collection and analysis. Technologists should prioritize user privacy, obtain informed consent, and ensure transparency in how data is used.
Understanding User Behavior: By analyzing online interactions, technologists can gain a deeper understanding of user behavior and preferences. This can inform the design of more personalized and effective products and services.
Addressing Bias: Rudder’s work highlights the potential for bias in data analysis. Technologists should be aware of and address biases in their data to ensure fair and accurate outcomes.
Innovative Applications: The book showcases creative applications of data analysis, such as predicting personal attributes and tracking societal trends. Technologists can explore new and innovative ways to apply data insights to solve real-world problems. By incorporating these lessons, technologists can harness the power of data to drive positive change while maintaining ethical standards and respecting user privacy.
Book Review - “Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age� Originally published here:
SatyBook Review - “Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age� Originally published here:
Satya Nadella became the leader of Microsoft in 2014, and he started to encourage us to adopt growth mindsets. He wrote a book called “Hit Refresh� in 2017, and he shared a special version with his notes with all the employees. I read it. It was a good use of time, and I don't say that just because I worked at Microsoft. He let us see his thoughts and how he made decisions. He revealed what happened at the top levels of Microsoft in those first years. It was very informative. I wondered why this great book by Brad Smith did not get the same treatment, which I only got to read in the second edition. I was lucky because the second edition had more COVID and Solarigate coverage from a first-person perspective! This version is like software 2.0. Brad combines elements that affect technology and how technology affects them, such as media, government, and society. If you want a clear understanding of what has been going on in the last 20 years, and you need it in plain language - this is it.
“Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age� by Brad Smith, Microsoft’s President, delves into the intricate relationship between technology, corporate responsibility, and government mandates. Here are some key takeaways:
Holistic Approach to Change: Smith emphasizes that companies and governments must collaborate to address future challenges. He draws on his experience as a lawyer during Microsoft’s antitrust battles to underscore the need for ethical solutions. The book tackles questions about privacy protection, tech companies� role in cybersecurity, and their claims of benevolent digital governance. Historical parallels, like John Wilkes� fight against unlawful search and seizure in the 1760s, provide context for today’s data exploitation issues. Data as a Commodity: Personally attributable data is a valuable global commodity stored within tech companies� cloud services. Smith compares tech companies to financial institutions, highlighting their compulsion to safeguard customer data. Microsoft’s lucrative position underscores the importance of responsible data usage. Social Justice and Equity: The book explores technology’s impact on social justice. Smith cites tech executive Kai-Fu Lee’s concept of “AI superpowers� to illustrate the uneven gains from innovation. He advocates for collaboration between tech companies and governments to ensure morally sound policies In summary, “Tools and Weapons� provides thought-provoking insights into the digital age, combining historical context with a tech industry leader’s perspective.
When I think of those amazing initial chapters on the cloud and data center, I realize that most of my knowledge about the cloud and how cloud technologies work came from our internal and external documentation and detailed explanations from experts like Mark Russinovich. Everything I know about how to communicate it to customers, I’ve learned from Brad Smith. ...more
"Data Story: Explain Data and Inspire Action through Story" by Nancy Duarte is a guide on how to transform data into compelling narratives that drive "Data Story: Explain Data and Inspire Action through Story" by Nancy Duarte is a guide on how to transform data into compelling narratives that drive action. If you are involved in a product management role, this book would be very useful in helping you perform better in story reviews, business reviews, insight reports, and anything else involving data-driven storytelling. The book emphasizes the importance of blending data with storytelling techniques to make information more engaging and persuasive. Duarte provides a framework for creating data stories that resonate with audiences by using a clear narrative structure, incorporating visuals, and focusing on the audience's needs and context.
This is one of the most professionally useful and relevant reads I have had in a long while. If you work in any kind of product development whether it is at the technical, managerial, or leadership level, this is a worthy read (and re-read, and reference, and re-reference.) It takes the techniques of data visualization to the next level � crafting stories with that data in order to shape strategy and make decisions from that data. There are also many great one-liners, too many to list, but some of the great ones are:
· “Facts aren’t memorable as stories.�
· 3 levels of decisions made from data � discrete, operational, and strategic.
· Craft actions with the best strategic insights.
· Leverage the structure of a story arc � tell the data story as any other story.
· Be your own skeptic.
· Which types of charts are great for exploring and which kind are better for explaining.
· Make insights visually consumable.
· A slide deck is a visual book.
· Data confirms an emotional arc in stories.
The book starts with the topic of understanding the audience. The importance of knowing your audience and tailoring your message to their needs and interests. This ensures that the data story is relevant and engaging. It then moves into crafting a clear narrative. The book outlines how to structure a data story with a beginning (context and objectives), middle (methods and findings), and end (conclusions and implications). This helps in making complex data understandable and actionable. Then it dives into how to use visuals effectively. Duarte highlights the role of visuals in enhancing the impact of data stories. She provides tips on how to use charts, graphs, and other visual elements to support the narrative and make the data more accessible.
There are also many examples in the book that can help product groups understand customer experiences better:
Empathy and Relevance: By understanding the audience's context and what matters most to them, product groups can create narratives that resonate with customers' experiences. This approach ensures that the storytelling is relevant and addresses the specific pain points and needs of the customers.
Highlighting Key Insights: The book's emphasis on crafting a clear narrative can help product groups highlight key insights from customer data. By focusing on the most important findings and presenting them in a compelling way, product groups can better communicate the impact of bad customer experiences and the need for improvements.
Making Data Actionable: Duarte's framework for storytelling helps in making complex data understandable and actionable. Product groups can use this approach to present data on customer cloud experiences in a way that drives action and inspires changes to improve the customer experience.
Visual Storytelling: The effective use of visuals, as outlined in the book, can help product groups present data on customer experiences in a more engaging and impactful way. Visuals can make it easier to identify trends, patterns, and areas that need attention, thereby facilitating better decision-making.
Using "Data Story" principles, product groups can better understand and communicate customer cloud experiences, especially negative ones. This helps make informed decisions to improve customer satisfaction. This is now what I consider the official handbook for technical product customer experience.
And finally, there are free downloadable goodies and resources freely available from the author website.
I've actually put this book in several legitimate categories in spite of it being designated as humor. I cannot tell you whether that is a good thing I've actually put this book in several legitimate categories in spite of it being designated as humor. I cannot tell you whether that is a good thing or a sad commentary - I will let you decide that. My boss bought our entire team copies of this book as a humorous gift with the "wink-wink nod-nod" that it came with some humorous self-criticism likely. Yeah.
This book is funny, but extremely based in truth and reality. In other words, it is a kind, humorous damnation of the current corporate culture. A collective roast yet also an indictment of the current culture. Many archetypes and stereotypes (like myself) are rightly skewered. It would be a wise idea for all college graduates (especially tech - even interns) have a copy of this book.
I will also add that this book moves on from the roast and into some extreme comic genius (Famous Meetings through History) incorporating her own "out of the box thinking" and "growth mindset" (Bring your masseuse to work day.) I am ready to call Sarah Cooper the 21st Century George Carlin....more
Marketed to me while teaching college as an option for a 300 level course that was part of a SysAdmin curriculum. Bad choice. Great theoretical book oMarketed to me while teaching college as an option for a 300 level course that was part of a SysAdmin curriculum. Bad choice. Great theoretical book on generic facility disaster recovery and planning. However it needs significant updating. It is pre-cloud, pre 9/11 and post-reality. I've actually thought about going back and re-reading it through those three lenses and annotating - maybe when I retire perhaps?...more
Normally big fan of Vostokov and his reputation proceeds himself. Great not only at debugging, but also the pedagogy behind him. Put him right up therNormally big fan of Vostokov and his reputation proceeds himself. Great not only at debugging, but also the pedagogy behind him. Put him right up there with T-Roy. Started these books a few years ago. The first in the series kind of/sort of tells us this are going to be case studies - however, they come across mostly as blog reprints - which is fine - especially if the blog does not live forever online. This author is one of the best skilled Windows debuggers I've seen never to have worked for Microsoft....more
First real book I ever read cover to cover on Unix System Administration. I had used Unix prior primarily for Internet use (as it was the way back theFirst real book I ever read cover to cover on Unix System Administration. I had used Unix prior primarily for Internet use (as it was the way back then) but getting into a career of actually maintaining those proved challenging until I found a resource that explained to me the importance of sustaining businesses and operations dependent upon the platform for functioning. It helped me to focus as it taught not just UNIX sysadmin techniques but general skills related to the discipline. ...more
Next to Mark Russinovich, Jeffrey Richter is one of the only tech authors (or authors in general) where I've read multiple versions of the same book. Next to Mark Russinovich, Jeffrey Richter is one of the only tech authors (or authors in general) where I've read multiple versions of the same book. Plus Jeffrey has this skill of renaming the book with each edition. :) ...more
My first book on managed code. Probably why I'm biased. I was also a fan of Petzold already.My first book on managed code. Probably why I'm biased. I was also a fan of Petzold already....more
The challenge with finding a good textbook to introduce a student to Computer Programming has always been challenging. When I was teaching at a CommunThe challenge with finding a good textbook to introduce a student to Computer Programming has always been challenging. When I was teaching at a Community College years ago, we discovered this book, and quickly noticed how it caught in with our visual learners quickly. Nowadays, there is a tendency to jump right into syntax and code without the student developing a strong programming and logic foundation. It is like learning to play an instrument without learning music theory. In order for the developer to have a long career portable across multiple code languages and development platforms, they must master the fundamentals agnostically. This book is a great starting point for the absolute beginner....more
Revisiting the definitive book on COM that taught me everything I needed to know. Even if you are not a developer, the first three chapters are worth Revisiting the definitive book on COM that taught me everything I needed to know. Even if you are not a developer, the first three chapters are worth a read simply for understanding it. COM has had a long life in the Microsoft developer ecosystem so that drives home the historical significance of this book even more....more
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