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Navigating What’s Ahead

Fred Voccola Author Interview

The Coming Disruption provides readers with the tools needed to survive the coming changes associated with Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Because too many people are being told half the story about what’s coming. Most conversations about AI focus on tools, trends, or fear — not on how work, organizations, and leadership are actually changing right now.

I wrote The Coming Disruption because this shift isn’t theoretical. It’s already reshaping who wins, who struggles, and who gets left behind in the workplace. Organizations that don’t adapt quickly won’t slowly decline — they’ll fall behind all at once. I wanted to give leaders and workers a clear, honest framework for navigating what’s ahead, without hype and without sugarcoating the consequences of inaction.

I also wrote this book in honor of my father. He believed deeply in hard work, responsibility, and adapting to change rather than resisting it. This book reflects those values — and my hope is that it helps people face what’s coming with clarity, courage, and agency, just as he taught me to do.

Can you share a little about the research behind The Coming Disruption?

The research behind this book isn’t academic; it’s operational.

It’s based on decades of building and scaling technology companies, leading through rapid growth, market disruption, and crisis, and watching firsthand how organizations behave when pressure increases.

I also studied historical inflection points – from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of digital platforms, to understand how productivity shocks change labor, management, and power structures. The patterns are remarkably consistent: technology doesn’t eliminate work, it redefines value. AI simply accelerates that process faster than anything we’ve seen before.

The book combines real-world experience, economic data, and pattern recognition, not speculation.

Did you learn anything while writing this book that surprised you?

What surprised me most was how fast the gap is widening.

I expected AI to create advantages for early adopters. What I didn’t expect was how quickly organizations that move first begin to outpace everyone else, not incrementally, but dramatically in speed, output, and decision-making.

I also came to appreciate just how much of today’s work exists to manage friction, not create value. AI exposes that immediately. Writing this book made it clear that the disruption isn’t just technological, it’s cultural and structural.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

That they still have agency, but not unlimited time.

This book isn’t meant to scare people. It’s meant to wake them up. The coming disruption will reward those who adapt early, learn continuously, and focus on producing real value. It will punish hesitation, denial, and comfort with outdated roles.

If readers finish the book understanding that this moment requires action — not someday, but now — then it’s done its job.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | YouTube | Website | Amazon

From small businesses to Fortune 500s, from universities to governments, every organization is being reshaped by AI. The winners and losers of this new era will be defined by one thing: who wins the race to become AI First. In this groundbreaking book, Fred Voccola reveals exactly what your organization must do to thrive in the age of AI — because if you’re not AI First, you’ll be dead last.


The Coming Disruption: How AI First Will Force Organizations to Change Everything or Face Destruction

The Coming Disruption is a blunt, high-energy warning shot aimed at anyone working inside an organization that hopes to survive the AI era. Author Fred Voccola lays out a simple message. AI is not a future trend. AI is a meteor already hitting the atmosphere, and every business, institution, and worker must adapt fast or get wiped out. He explains how AI multiplies productivity at a pace that makes earlier revolutions look sleepy, and he pushes the idea that becoming “AI First” means rebuilding the entire structure of an organization from top to bottom. The book blends history, economic analysis, and practical guidance, and it uses a vivid, almost urgent storytelling style to keep you moving through concepts that could reshape every part of modern work.

Voccola writes with a mix of confidence and impatience. Sometimes I nodded because the urgency made sense. Other times, I felt a little overwhelmed because the pace is relentless. Still, his arguments are sound. The idea that AI requires zero infrastructure change right now, and that the only barrier is leadership willingness, really resonated with me. I liked how he compared past transformations to the present because it made the speed of what’s coming feel real. I occasionally wished he explored a few examples more deeply.

What I liked most was his emphasis on internal AI. Not the headline-grabbing model wars. Not AGI speculation. The boring stuff inside every company that nobody glamorizes. I appreciated that focus. It made the book feel grounded. I kept thinking about how many organizations cling to outdated structures because they’re afraid to rip up the old playbook. His frustration with bureaucracy is loud and clear, and I found myself agreeing more often than not. His call to eliminate the “organizational deep state” is sharp, but it definitely made me think about how much waste we accept as normal. The book made me look at leadership, communication, and speed through a different lens.

I’d recommend The Coming Disruption to executives, founders, managers, and anyone who feels responsible for guiding others through change. It’s also a useful read for students and curious workers who want to understand the forces reshaping their careers. If you want a wake-up call that pushes you to think bigger, move faster, and challenge the comfort of slow adaptation, this book delivers.

Pages: 295 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G2CNYPN6

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Visibility is Everything

Melanie Johnson Author Interview

Be Recognized is a step-by-step guide that lays out a clear path for experts who want to build authority, grow their business, and embrace AI rather than fear it so that they can stand out in the crowd. Why was this an important book for you to write?

This book had to be written! Jenn and I saw this huge shift happening right before our eyes. AI was exploding, and people were either running toward it with curiosity or running away in fear. We thought, what if we could show experts how to embrace it? Because let’s face it: if you’re not standing out, you’re blending in, and no one gets discovered by hiding in the shadows.

We’ve helped hundreds of authors build their brands through books, but this time, we wanted to take it up a notch. We wanted to empower entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and business owners to not only be seen but to be recognized as the authority in their space. And AI, when used right, can supercharge that.

AI has a negative reputation, particularly in the creative and publishing industries. What advice do you have to help those hesitant to use AI recognize its value, the direction this technology is taking, and how it can add value to their industry and business?

AI is not here to replace your voice. It’s here to amplify it. The way we look at it is this: AI is a tool, just like your laptop, just like your phone. It’s how you use it that matters.

I always say, imagine having a research assistant, an idea bouncer, a content booster, all available 24/7. That’s AI! And in publishing? It helps with brainstorming, outlines, editing, and even marketing strategies. But the soul of your book, your brand, your story, that’s all you. AI just helps you get it out there faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

So my advice? Don’t ignore it. Leverage it. Learn to work with it and let it enhance your creativity, not replace it.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

There were so many, but a few key ones stand out. First, visibility is everything. You can’t be in business if no one knows you exist. So we really hammer in on how to build your personal brand strategically, through publishing, speaking, and showing up online consistently.

Second, authenticity beats perfection. AI can help polish and scale your message, but your story, your voice, that’s what makes the difference. And finally, we wanted to show that being a thought leader isn’t reserved for celebrities. You can start right where you are with the knowledge you already have. You just need the right engine, and that’s what we give you in this book.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published?

If there’s one thing, it’s this: you already have everything inside you to be recognized. You don’t need to wait for someone to discover you. You have a story, expertise, and value the world is waiting for. The only thing you need is a system to shine, and that’s what this book gives you.

I want every reader to walk away feeling inspired, equipped, and empowered to show up as the authority they are. And when you combine that with the tools of today, like AI and publishing, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

 
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website | Amazon

International Bestseller
Dominate your niche. Automate your growth. Become the authority.


In a world where AI is reshaping every industry at lightning speed, standing still is not an option. Be Recognized: The AI Authority Engine for Experts Who Want to Be Known, Be Profitable, and Be Published is the ultimate playbook for business owners, CEOs, consultants, and thought leaders ready to rise above the noise and lead with unstoppable momentum.

Authors Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster, trailblazers in digital marketing and authority publishing, pull back the curtain on how high-level experts are using AI not just to survive, but to scale, sell, and succeed faster than ever before. This isn’t a book about future trends or theory. It’s a step-by-step execution plan to:
Position yourself as a Category King in your industry
Build an AI-powered content machine that never sleeps
Automate customer engagement, sales, and visibility
Turn a single book into a lead-generating empire
Launch high-ticket offers with authority and ease
Future-proof your brand with intelligent systems that scale

Whether you’re just AI-curious or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, this book meets you where you are and takes you where you need to go. The strategies inside have already helped countless entrepreneurs go from overlooked to iconic.If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start dominating, Be Recognized is your blueprint to become the face of your field in the AI age.

The old game is over. It’s time to build your authority engine and own your future.

The Paradox of Progress: Book 2: The Roses and Thorns of Artificial Intelligence

Michael M. Karch’s The Paradox of Progress is a thoughtful and personal exploration of artificial intelligence and the tangled web of benefits and risks it brings to modern life. The book is framed around the central idea that progress never comes without a price. Each chapter highlights a paradox, such as self-driving cars that promise safety yet pose new dangers, batteries that drive clean energy but scar the environment, and AI in war that might save lives but could also escalate conflicts. Karch skillfully balances the roses with the thorns, using vivid historical parallels, personal anecdotes, and contemporary case studies to show how every leap forward reshapes society in both hopeful and unsettling ways.

Karch’s writing feels conversational, even playful at times, yet it never loses sight of weighty ethical questions. I especially liked how he wove his own experiences into the narrative. The self-checkout story, his Ironman accident, and his work as a surgeon with AI-driven tools. These moments gave the book texture and heart, reminding me that discussions about AI are not just technical but deeply human. The prose is clear, free of jargon, and sprinkled with humor, which makes even the most complex topics easier to digest.

What I liked most was the author’s mix of optimism and unease. His fascination with AI’s potential is genuine, but so is his fear of its misuse. I shared his awe at the possibilities. Medical breakthroughs, global problem-solving, and smarter systems that could ease human suffering. And I shared his anxiety about the darker flipside. Bias in algorithms, surveillance, widening inequality, war machines that act faster than human conscience. The book stirred both excitement and caution in me, sometimes within the same page. It left me reflecting not just on AI, but on human nature, since at its core, this isn’t a book about machines. It’s about us, our flaws, our hopes, and our choices.

I think The Paradox of Progress is a book best suited for readers who are curious about AI but not looking for a technical manual. It’s written for people who want to think, not just learn facts. I’d recommend it to policymakers, students, teachers, and anyone who has felt both wonder and dread at the pace of change around us. It’s not a book that will tell you what to believe about AI. Instead, it invites you into a bigger conversation, one that we all need to be having before the thorns outgrow the roses.

Pages: 236 | ASIN : B0FNDN4FYY

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Reimagining Government: Achieving the Promise of AI

Reimagining Government: Achieving the Promise of AI is a comprehensive examination of how artificial intelligence can transform government from the inside out. It mixes history, technical detail, and practical advice in a way that feels both ambitious and grounded. The authors walk through the basics of AI, explain different models and their strengths, and then shift into how these tools can be applied in real government settings. They discuss frameworks such as OPEN and CARE, portfolio approaches to project management, and the importance of leadership and culture. The book argues that AI is not just about technology, but also about people, values, and institutions, and that governments must rethink themselves to keep pace with the changes AI brings.

The writing is clear and avoids the usual hype that surrounds AI, which was refreshing. Instead of promising magic, the book insists on responsibility and balance. I appreciated how it didn’t gloss over risks like bias, hallucinations, or policy drift. The authors don’t just flag these issues; they provide ideas for handling them. That gave the whole thing a sense of credibility. The frameworks felt a bit rigid at times, but I understood why they were there. They give structure to a messy and fast-moving space, and in a government context, structure is probably what’s needed.

What struck me most was the way the book spoke about leadership and culture. I could feel the urgency in their words, almost like a call to action. It reminded me that technology alone doesn’t fix anything. It’s people who make the choices, who decide how much to embrace risk, and who shape whether AI becomes a tool for service or just another layer of bureaucracy. I liked that tension. It made the book feel real rather than utopian. I wished for more stories or case studies of where this has worked well already. I think that would have given it more life and less of a playbook vibe.

I would recommend this book to policymakers, civic leaders, and even curious citizens who want to understand where government and AI are heading. It’s approachable and avoids drowning in jargon. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and practical guide that treats AI as both a promise and a problem, this is a book worth your time.

Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0FLDZHCR5

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Life’s Greatest Mysteries

Robert Plant Author Interview

Dark Matter is a tightly woven collection of techno-thriller novellas that dive into themes of surveillance, data manipulation, artificial intelligence, and ethical collapse. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?

The inspiration for almost everything I write comes from fear. Each story dives into a fear that I have, whether it be wasps or having my online data used against me. I tend to get into the “what if” scenario, and that really drives my speculative theories. The future is coming at us so fast in real life that some of my scenarios may even seem like they’re already happening in a way, and I think that really hits home with readers.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

Our relationships are what drive our experiences in this world. Imagine going through life without interacting with another living being–it would almost be impossible (or it would be incredibly boring). These relationships create drama and tension needed to establish a relevant story that readers will enjoy. From those relationships come actions–I often find myself debating what actions my characters should take, and it makes it fun for me. Almost like I’m playing God. Great fiction showcases these relationships and actions in a unique way by shining a spotlight on our fears and desires. We all want something in life, and I lean on that with my characters.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of stories?

Definitely artificial intelligence. It’s such a hot topic as we are in an AI revolution that will put the Industrial Revolution to shame (in my opinion). Death is also one of life’s greatest mysteries, and I always enjoy tapping into that theme. But to be frank, I don’t sit down and say, “Okay, what theme do I want to drive with this new story?” I typically come up with a premise, start to build the characters and world, and let the muse guide my story. The themes will often expose themselves through character development and their growth. For example, in the story “The Chair,” the main character has a distaste for the lower class. I didn’t start the story thinking the division of economic status would be a major theme; it naturally grew to end up being a main piece of the main character’s arc and the conclusion of the story.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I’m definitely focused on the launch of Dark Matter coming out in September, but I am working on my next novel. It’s called Zero, and it’s actually based on a short story I wrote in college. I’ve been wanting to dive back into this particular story and can’t wait to expand on it. I’m hoping to release it in 2026, but it will most likely be available later that year. I love books and movies on time travel, and this book will be in that genre. Expect a twisty, epic adventure with a lot of heart.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Seven Stories. Seven Chills. One unforgettable descent into darkness.

In this haunting collection of speculative tales, Robert Plant examines the razor-thin line between innovation and annihilation. While technology has crept into the cracks of human life, the potential for destruction and chaos lurks beneath the surface.
Within these pages you’ll discover a dating app with deceitful intentions; a family off the grid desperate for help; a game show blurring the lines of reality; a woman trying to save her game with unthinkable consequences; a writer’s getaway turned trap; the possibility of eternal life but at a cost; and an AI assistant who will do anything to make you happy.
Terrifying yet familiar, Dark Matter shines a light on the shadows of our relationship with technology. These stories not only envision our future, they warn us about the present.

Featuring “The Perfect Match” – the grand prize winner of the 2025 Small Bites Short Story Contest from Indies United Publishing House

A Bridge

Author Interview
Lari Spire Author Interview

Eagles Fly ABOVE AI is a sweeping and heartfelt exploration of the human relationship with artificial intelligence, told through personal stories, historical reflections, and rich metaphors. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Eagles Fly ABOVE AI isn’t just a book—it’s a bridge. Between humans and machines. Between technical concepts and personal stories. Between confusion and clarity. I wanted to write something that felt like a conversation around a campfire—not a cold lecture hall. A place where metaphors guide understanding, where readers see AI not as an overwhelming force, but as a partner we can shape and work with.

It was important to write because how we relate to AI will define our century—and I wanted to offer tools, stories, and hope that help us rise above fear and thrive through understanding. On a deeply personal level, with five granddaughters of my own, I felt a profound responsibility to help shape a future where they—and all young women—view AI not as a threat, but as a powerful and positive force for their education, progress, and future prosperity.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about artificial intelligence and its use as we advance?

One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that AI is either a savior or a destroyer—that it’s coming for us, rather than with us.

People often think of AI as some robotic entity “out there”—a black box plotting in the background or a sci-fi villain gaining sentience. But the truth is far more grounded: AI is a reflection of us. It learns from us, it adapts to our inputs, and it mirrors our intentions—flawed, noble, or somewhere in between.

Another myth is that AI will inevitably replace human creativity or wisdom. But AI doesn’t dream. It doesn’t suffer. It doesn’t love or reflect in the way we do. What it can do is amplify our strengths, free up our time, and challenge us to evolve—not into machines, but into better humans. The real danger isn’t in AI’s autonomy—it’s in our apathy.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Several core ideas carried this book like thermals under an eagle’s wing:

The power of story and metaphor: I deeply believe that stories make the unfamiliar feel familiar. If someone can understand binary through light switches or deep learning through kites on a beach, they’re already halfway to understanding AI.

Collaboration over replacement: AI is not here to steal our humanity—it’s here to partner with it. The future is not man or machine. It’s man and machine, working in harmony.

Nature as a guide: From jellyfish to mycelium to eagle flight, the natural world holds blueprints for systems that adapt, evolve, and collaborate. These metaphors aren’t just poetic—they’re instructive stories.

Inclusive & Ethical Design: We cannot program values we haven’t first practiced. Building ethical AI requires that the teams doing the building reflect the diversity of humanity itself. It was essential to me to highlight the contributions of female leaders in the field and model a future where all voices, especially those of women who are currently underrepresented, are central to shaping this technology.

Resilience and reinvention: Just as I adapted from paper maps to GPS, we’re all being asked to evolve. But this isn’t a story of loss—it’s a story of expansion. The eagle doesn’t fear the storm; it uses it to soar higher.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Eagles Fly ABOVE AI?

I hope they leave with courage—and a sense of co-creation.

This book isn’t just about AI—it’s about us. How we choose to engage, what questions we dare to ask, and whether we will help steer this unfolding intelligence toward wisdom and shared purpose. If readers finish the last page and feel more curious than afraid, more empowered than overwhelmed, and more human than ever, then this journey will have been worthwhile.

My hope is they’ll look at AI not as something to fight or fear—but as something to fly with and above, using their uniquely human insight as the wind beneath their wings.

Because in the end, it’s not just about artificial intelligence—it’s about intelligent humanity.

Eagles Fly ABOVE AI

Eagles Fly ABOVE AI is a sweeping and heartfelt exploration of the human relationship with artificial intelligence, told through personal stories, historical reflections, and rich metaphors. Lari Spire, drawing on decades as a surveyor, technologist, and lifelong learner, uses vivid nature imagery and accessible storytelling to walk readers through the complex and evolving world of AI. The book is divided into thematic sections that cover everything from the roots of human intelligence to the ethical challenges of modern AI systems. Rather than aiming to turn readers into engineers or coders, Spire focuses on fostering understanding, ethical reflection, and a deep appreciation of AI’s potential to work with us rather than against us.

I liked how Spire anchors high-level AI concepts in deeply personal and emotional experiences. Whether recounting his childhood travels, the awe of surveying sacred land, or witnessing his children grow up with emerging tech, every idea is grounded in lived reality. The writing is poetic and often tender. I loved the story about the light switches. It’s a charming memory that perfectly captures the beauty of binary logic. It’s rare to find a tech-centered book that makes your eyes sting with emotion, but somehow, this one did.

Some chapters feel like detours that might have fit better as stand-alone essays. The blend of memoir and tech can sometimes stretch when it leans heavily on analogy. Still, those moments are forgivable because Spire’s heart is in every word. You can feel his urgency, his reverence for both ancient wisdom and cutting-edge tools, and his hope that we humans don’t forget what makes us human as we build machines that think. I like how this book feels like someone reaching out, trying to help others understand the biggest shift of our time in a way that’s warm.

I’d recommend Eagles Fly ABOVE AI to anyone curious about AI but intimidated by the usual techno-jargon. This book is perfect for educators, lifelong learners, and thoughtful readers who care about ethics, nature, and the soul of progress. If you want to come away feeling both smarter and more inspired, then sit down with this book and let it carry you to the sky.

Pages: 380