A Thinking Backward publication
ChasingEdges
Field notes on finding your AI edge — and making it last.
Free. New essays in your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Field notes, not hype
Practical essays on designing AI that actually lasts — drawn from real engagements, not press releases.
Think backward
Start with the outcome you want, then work back to the right approach. Every issue sharpens the method.
No noise
New essays land in your inbox when they're worth your time. Free, and unsubscribe in one click.
Recent essays
View all →
Stop Thinking Small About AI Transformation
Most executives reach for "do more with less" when they talk about AI. It sounds responsible. It's also a ceiling. The companies pulling away are running a different equation entirely.

AI Empowerment Is a Test of Leadership, Not the Workforce
Your people are already using AI — many of them in secret, because no one gave them permission to do it openly. The adoption problem was never theirs. Here's what the data says, and what it actually takes to lead through this.

The Rising Value of Human Connection in the Age of AI
Something's happening in professional services that doesn't make logical sense. AI can analyze data faster, generate insights more consistently, and deliver recommendations without bias. Yet people consistently choose (and pay more for) human involvement. This comprehensive research reveals why human communication skills become more valuable as AI capabilities expand, backed by data showing 32% premiums for human-verified information and 250% ROI on interpersonal skills training.