
Future-Ready with Generative AI
Skills, Mindsets, and Stories in the Age of AI
Michael G. Kollo(Author)
Chapman & Hall/CRC (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 13. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
152 pages
978-1-032-97533-7 (ISBN)
Description
For the first time in history, the most powerful artificial intelligence works through language itself: the same medium humans use to think and communicate. Dr. Michael Kollo reveals why this makes AI uniquely accessible to everyone, and how to harness this linguistic revolution for work and life.
This book thoughtfully explores why language-based AI represents something fundamentally different from previous automation, examining both imagined fears and genuine possibilities for workforce transformation. It explains why institutional change takes time despite impressive capabilities, how AI systems are quietly becoming our digital confidants, and why we may eventually come to resent the very technologies we initially embrace. These concepts are explained with care through real-world examples and practical frameworks, whilst companion fictional stories help different audiences understand the emotional reality of technological change. From a software developer orchestrating AI agents to a postal worker finding unexpected digital companionship, these narratives illuminate what it actually feels like to live through this transformation. The book addresses both the remarkable potential of conversational AI and its capacity for subtle manipulation, providing readers with the understanding needed to engage thoughtfully with systems that speak our language.
Future-Ready with Generative AI: Skills, Mindsets and Stories in the Age of AI transforms AI from intimidating complexity into intuitive collaboration. Because these systems work through language, everyone can learn to use them effectively. Readers will gain practical wisdom for leveraging conversational AI while preserving human creativity, relationships, and independent thinking.
This book thoughtfully explores why language-based AI represents something fundamentally different from previous automation, examining both imagined fears and genuine possibilities for workforce transformation. It explains why institutional change takes time despite impressive capabilities, how AI systems are quietly becoming our digital confidants, and why we may eventually come to resent the very technologies we initially embrace. These concepts are explained with care through real-world examples and practical frameworks, whilst companion fictional stories help different audiences understand the emotional reality of technological change. From a software developer orchestrating AI agents to a postal worker finding unexpected digital companionship, these narratives illuminate what it actually feels like to live through this transformation. The book addresses both the remarkable potential of conversational AI and its capacity for subtle manipulation, providing readers with the understanding needed to engage thoughtfully with systems that speak our language.
Future-Ready with Generative AI: Skills, Mindsets and Stories in the Age of AI transforms AI from intimidating complexity into intuitive collaboration. Because these systems work through language, everyone can learn to use them effectively. Readers will gain practical wisdom for leveraging conversational AI while preserving human creativity, relationships, and independent thinking.
Reviews / Votes
"Dr Kollo's book is a masterful and engaging guide to the potential of AI. He distills complex concepts with remarkable clarity, making this a vital read for anyone-from corporate boards to curious minds-looking to understand the transformative power of AI in our future." --John Cosnomos, Head of Quantitative Research, Macquarie Bank"AI is a profound technology change but the real challenge ahead is how we individually and collectively adapt to take advantage. We need to understand not just the technology but the human response. Mike is a master at framing how this technology works in non-technical metaphors, but also outlining and imagining how individuals, organisations and society will adapt to this technology. This book is an elegant mix of simple technical explanations, insightful views on our human responses and artful imaging of both positive and negative futures. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking to get ahead of the AI change wave." --Tim Hogarth, Chief Technology Officer, ANZ Bank
"A balanced, jargon-free guide to AI, blending understandable facts with memorable stories."--Gerard Florian, Senior Executive (former CIO, CTO, CMO)
"The biggest technological shift of our lifetimes is here. This timely and compelling read, with its unique literary style, shows us why we must stay curious, engage with AI, and explore the art of the possible." --Graeme Mather, Partner at Antler Venture Capital
"Practical, human, hopeful. A clear and inspiring guide to thriving in the age of AI." --Amer Afiouni, Chief Strategy Officer at Jadwa Investment
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Academic, General, Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, and Undergraduate Advanced
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
298 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-97533-7 (9781032975337)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
approx. 03/2026
1st Edition
Chapman & Hall/CRC
€176.60
Not yet published

E-Book
03/2026
Chapman and Hall
€41.99
Available for download

E-Book
03/2026
Chapman and Hall
€41.99
Available for download
Person
Dr Michael Kollo, PhD (LSE), has spent more than twenty years at the forefront of quantitative finance and applied artificial intelligence, distilling complex ideas into clear, actionable insights for professionals and the public alike. Michael is a frequent keynote speaker at global forums, from TEDx to leading financial and AI conferences globally, and is known for his engaging storytelling and narratives.
Content
Chapter 1: What changed (about AI)?
Chapter 1 Story - Confide in me.
Chapter 2: Digitally native intelligence.
Chapter 2 Story - The Digital Immortality Machine
Chapter 3: Talking to us in context and perfect memory
Chapter 3 Story - The space in between
Chapter 4: 'Who' could an AI be?
Chapter 4 Story - Better than AI
Chapter 5: How we will come to hate and love our Ais
Chapter 5 Story - The intelligent caretaker
Chapter 6: Have we lost control?
Chapter 6 Story - The digital deities
Chapter 7: The sirens of AI
Chapter 7 Story - We were in love
Chapter 8: The (new) future of work.
Chapter 8 Story - The intelligence salesman
Chapter 9: What is knowable and what is ahead
Chapter 1 Story - Confide in me.
Chapter 2: Digitally native intelligence.
Chapter 2 Story - The Digital Immortality Machine
Chapter 3: Talking to us in context and perfect memory
Chapter 3 Story - The space in between
Chapter 4: 'Who' could an AI be?
Chapter 4 Story - Better than AI
Chapter 5: How we will come to hate and love our Ais
Chapter 5 Story - The intelligent caretaker
Chapter 6: Have we lost control?
Chapter 6 Story - The digital deities
Chapter 7: The sirens of AI
Chapter 7 Story - We were in love
Chapter 8: The (new) future of work.
Chapter 8 Story - The intelligence salesman
Chapter 9: What is knowable and what is ahead