The New Automation Mindset

CHAPTER 1The New Era of Automation

“‘Automation‐native’ companies will emerge and enjoy tremendous growth and profitability at the expense of their competitors.”

—Leslie Joseph, Forrester Research

The word “automation” covers a lot of ground. For some, it's a way to replace manual work with bots. For others, it sparks worry. It's important to think about automation in a new way so we don't miss out on its benefits. In the future, companies with the right mindset about automation will thrive in the face of challenges rather than succumb to them. This mindset will determine whether they tap into exciting opportunities such as generative AI (GenAI) or are disrupted by them. In other words, how we think about automation and AI will decide if we succeed or fail.

Companies with the right mindset apply the advances in automation and generative AI to become unstoppable. They look at the big picture, with an ethos that embraces challenges and an approach that is inclusive of all of the talent in their companies.

That sentiment might sound like wishful thinking in tough economic times. But I think it is needed precisely when we're “up against the wall.” How we respond in times of challenge and fundamental change will dictate our future. To understand, let's look at the company Toast.

Many Restaurants Would Have Been Toast Without Toast

When Wayne Carrington left the New York Police Department after 18 years to open a ramen shop, he didn't expect to be furloughing all his employees ...