Author
As a passionate writer, I’m constantly inspired by a multitude of ideas and thoughts that urge me to express myself. One of the most fulfilling ways to do this is by sharing my insights through articles and books. Currently, I have proudly co-authored fifteen management books, each reflecting a journey of exploration and discovery.
First book: ‘Every Day When the Sun Rises.’
One of my most exciting projects is my debut book, ‘Every Day When the Sun Rises.’ This management novel not only tells a compelling story but also delves into the rich history of the community economy, laying the foundation for a transformative approach to work organization. The book follows the adventures of two protagonists, Miles and Susan, as they embark on a quest to envision a world where companies and banks are not the sole focus of business. Together, they pioneer a visionary path and a new organizational model with disruptive technologies that inspires change.
‘Every Day When the Sun Rises’ uniquely blends storytelling with impactful management principles, offering readers an engaging and accessible narrative that paints a hopeful vision for the future. Within this story, Susan is immersed in the study of organizational science, conducting graduate research within Miles’s organization. Readers are invited to join them on their journey, questioning the assumptions that underpin our current understanding of work, companies, technology and the role of corporate entities in our collective prosperity.
Through their exploration, Miles and Susan come to a remarkable realization: our socioeconomic landscape is primarily fueled not by technology, but by the pursuit of full employment. They foresee sweeping transformations in how we perceive work and unemployment, emphasizing the evolution of firms into data-driven ecosystems and communities. The novel creatively recounts the origins and progression of the community economy, engaging readers at every step.
The vision and innovative ideas that Susan and Miles discuss are further enriched in the subsequent books I have had the pleasure to write and co-author.
My latest book: ‘Data Wisdom’
My latest book: ‘Data Wisdom’, addresses a pressing challenge in our modern world—the staggering volume of data we encounter daily. Consider this: the average Dutch citizen is registered in nearly 400 databases containing overlapping information. Globally, we generate an astonishing 15-40 MB of data every minute for each person, sending and receiving countless emails daily. However, this exponential growth in data doesn’t automatically translate to improved decision-making.
Despite significant investments in technology, we’re witnessing a decline in labor productivity. Our handling of personal data often adds to the challenges we face, inadvertently empowering tech companies while contributing to excessive waste, particularly in office environments. This raises important questions about the purpose and value of traditional office roles. In our digital age, the challenge of organizing data effectively is more critical than ever. What barriers are preventing us from harnessing the full potential of our data? To address this, we need a clear understanding of what data is and how we can optimize its organization—a concept I refer to as “data literacy.”
In ‘Data Wisdom’, I explore the profound significance of data literacy for organizations. Readers will gain valuable insights into how to better understand data and refine its organization. By cultivating data literacy, organizations can not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but also tackle significant societal challenges. We already have the technology at our fingertips to enact substantial change in our communities. If we aspire to create real impact, we don’t have to exhaust ourselves with long hours in the office. In fact, the notion of working fewer hours while enhancing performance for the same compensation is an appealing proposition that resonates with both employees and employers alike.
The book is designed to explain various essential concepts such as data literacy, data-driven organizing, ecosystems, datafication, blockchain, smart contracts, AI, and the digital assembly line—all in a straightforward, accessible manner that highlights their implications for the evolving world of work.
For those eager to learn more about these topics and the exciting work being done, I invite you to visit the Weconomics Foundation’s website (available in Dutch). Your curiosity and engagement could pave the way for meaningful conversations and insights into our collective future!
“The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which makes you think.” (Harper Lee)
Paul Bessems 