For the last year or so, my various news feeds have been filled with dire warnings about the "Rise of the Robots." Apparently, the advances in robotics - hardware and software - are now beyond relatively simple home vacuums, and are poised to become the new drivers and waiters, gardeners and barbers. Simon Wardley has argued that they even could replace higher-intellect roles, such as CEOs. Many are worried that this is an economic disaster in the making, as millions of blue-collar and possibly white-collar jobs could be at risk.

Clay Christensen is famous for his disruption theories. Lately, interestingly, he has been bringing examples of some large companies that have been successful at innovating and hence disrupting themselves. One of the key point so this theory is why existing large players find it so difficult to innovate disruptively, and therefore give opportunity for tiny startups to overturn their markets. Essentially, it is in their DNA, and hence organization structure, projects, budgets and even comp plans, to protect their existing markets and squeeze more cash out of them.

In response to the unending requests I have received for recommended reading, I have posted a permanent page with a list of books that I recommend. Obviously, they vary depending on circumstances, but all of them have jewels of wisdom to impart. The list is short and just beginning, but is expected to grow as I have time to add books. You can always access it from the "Pages" section of the blog's sidebar.