Overview

Why do so many transformation efforts fail-despite clear strategies, strong leadership teams, proven frameworks, and massive investment? Because organizations continue to underestimate the only force that determines whether change takes hold: human behavior. In this revised and expanded Second Edition, strategy and transformation expert Kevin Novak exposes the truth behind why business model evolution is so difficult-and why the gap between vision and execution remains stubbornly wide, even in a world transformed by artificial intelligence. Drawing from decades of frontline experience leading large-scale transformations across industries, Novak reveals how organizations unintentionally sabotage their own change efforts through misaligned incentives, cultural blind spots, unexamined assumptions, and the deeply ingrained behaviors that keep legacy thinking alive. New in the 2025 Edition: The real impact of AI and automation on culture, leadership, and decision-making The rise of transformation fatigue and why employees are out of capacity Why leaders face a new identity crisis in the AI era How AI acts as a mirror that reveals-and accelerates-organizational dysfunction A contemporary framework for navigating the emotional and psychological realities of disruption

Full Product Details

9798986620121

Table of Contents

Reviews

Steve Crane, CEO ""The Truth about Transformation"" is the most comprehensive and insightful book on organizational change and the human factor that I've ever read. I've seen a lot of praise for this book from industry professionals and experts, but as a lay person I can attest that this book is rich, informative, and insightful, excellent in its ability to break down complex concepts and transformation practices into simple and essential truths, easily-understood even by newcomers like me. I learned a LOT reading this, and I think many would benefit from checking this one out! The author of The Truth about Transformation draws on his years of knowledge and experience to guide organizations through the changes that all organizations face. The book is very insightful for both leaders and employees to embrace these changes, learn from them and grow. Planning for the unexpected is essential for your success as a leader. The author presents, in an easy to read and digest format, how and what to prepare for from a variety of perspectives: technology, workforce, customers, economic, political and internal operations. As a forward-looking guide, you are presented with new ideas, questions, and roadmaps to help you navigate through the constancy of unexpected changes and challenges. The author reinforces the key traits of a transformative organization: courage, critical thinking, authenticity, trust, leadership, and accountability. ""Through his book, The Truth about Transformation, Kevin Novak provides those wishing to lead and succeed in organizational change a detailed understanding of the myriad forces impacting efforts directed at transformation within organizations, and a set of guidelines and tools to make such efforts more successful. The scope of his analysis is broad encompassing such diverse fields as organizational theory, psychological and social dynamics, technology, politics, and generational change. The book, however, is not about theory but practice and the application of real-world learning. His presentation is replete with examples drawn from his own work, as well as the insights and sometimes painful experiences of the people with whom he has collaborated on change in organizations. As someone who led major national associations for 25 years, I would like to have had this book sitting on my desk for reference and guidance on how to implement change more effectively."" Stephen Crane, former CEO, American Academy of Physician Assistants and American Thoracic Society.

Author Information

Kevin Novak is a recognized leader in strategy, change, and transformation. He is the Founder and CEO of 2040 Digital, LLC, a strategy and transformation consultancy serving clients since 2014, and an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, where he teaches marketing and digital media. Kevin is the author of The Truth About Transformation (2022) and publishes the weekly Ideas & Innovations newsletter, now with more than 231 issues exploring organizational change and decision-making.A four-time Webby Award winner, Kevin has advised leading organizations including APA, AAFP, NEJM, Wiley & Sons, and the World Bank. He previously served as Vice President of Digital Strategy at the American Institute of Architects and as Chief Digital Officer at the Library of Congress, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the World Digital Library and forged partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Stanford.Kevin has held significant governance roles, including Board President of the Business Information Association (BIA-Connectiv), board member of SIIA and SIPA, and chair of national and international working groups with the W3C, the U.S. National Academies, and the MOBI Foundation. His work bridges executive leadership, technology, and organizational culture, making him a trusted advisor to associations, enterprises, and global institutions.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available