I have been immersed in Artificial Intelligence for several years. My journey has involved attending conferences, reading newsletters, participating in webinars and work sessions, testing various tools, and more. Yet, reading is one "very human" way I've gained significant context on AI.

As of now (March 2025), I believe there are a few essential books worth your time as we navigate the evolving AI landscape. I recommend reading them in the order of their publication dates, with the last being released this summer (but I've had the privilege to review and can highly recommend):

1. Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business

• Authors: Paul Roetzer, Mike Kaput
• Publication Date: June 28, 2022
• Get it here

This book comprehensively examines how AI was/is transforming marketing and business strategies. It provides valuable insights into leveraging AI effectively in your marketing efforts.

Although this book is a few years old, Paul and Mike's vision is still relevant to where we are and where we are going. Their Marketing AI Conference remains a annual highlight for me to learn and grow with AI.

2. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI

• Author: Ethan Mollick
• Publication Date: April 2, 2024
• Get it here

Ethan Mollick's work explores the collaborative potential between humans and AI. He emphasizes how we can coexist and thrive alongside these technologies.

I was first exposed to Professor Mollick when he spoke at the Marketing AI Conference in 2023. He opened my eyes to not a theoretical future but the practical usage of AI, even then and more so now.

3. AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand

• Authors: Adam Brotman, Andy Sack
• Publication Date: June 24, 2025 (I've read the pre-release - it's great!)
• Pre-order it here

This upcoming title is a must-read for anyone looking to future-proof their business and brand in the age of AI. This book includes source content from the authors' conversations with the leaders developing AI and those trying to understand its implications.

I attend a monthly meetup with Adam and Andy as part of their tech-forward AI First Community. They (plus the community members) always have a practical yet informed vision of AI's future.

The Human Advantage

Humans possess "memory" and "contextual nodes" that AI models are only beginning to grasp. Engaging with these books allows us to synthesize ideas in ways that AI cannot (at least not yet). Let's harness this superpower—read, take notes, and reflect on how we can chart our future (and present) with technologies like AI—in both our work and life.

Thank you for reading this newsletter (and hopefully these books) as we explore the exciting possibilities of tech for your business and work! Talk soon.

Your tech pal,

—Joshua

Disclaimer: I use AI to help write emails like these. I review & edit all AI-assisted work I publish.