Books

Four books on what it actually takes to think clearly in an age of data and intelligent systems.

Two are published. Two are in development. All of them work the same intellectual territory: the human capabilities — judgment, interpretation, evidence reasoning, decision quality — that determine whether data and AI actually produce better outcomes for the organizations that use them.

Turning Data Into Wisdom — book cover
Published · 2020

Turning Data Into Wisdom

How we can collaborate with data to change ourselves, our organizations, and even the world

A practical guide to data-informed decision-making for anyone who has to make decisions at work or in life. The book introduces a six-phase methodology, walks through the science of how the brain actually decides, and gives readers a working toolkit of frameworks and models drawn from analytics, psychology, anthropology, and enterprise thinking.

Twelve chapters, five real case studies, and a complete set of templates and job aides. Written for managers, leaders, educators, and everyday decision-makers.

Data Literacy in Practice — book cover
Published · 2022

Data Literacy in Practice

A complete guide to data literacy and making smarter decisions with data through intelligent actions

Co-authored with Angelika Klidas and published by Packt. A comprehensive, applied guide that builds data literacy from the ground up. The book introduces the Four-Pillar Model that underpins all data and analytics work, then walks through the analytics maturity journey, organizational adoption, KPI design, dashboard practice, ethical data handling, and project management.

Thirteen chapters across three parts, with practical templates, real-world examples, and a complete appendix of working tools. Adopted in enterprise learning programs and university curricula globally.

Who Decides? — book cover
Published · 2026

Who Decides?

A field guide to human judgment in automated systems

When a system offers to decide, who actually decides? Kevin's most recent book is a practical, case-driven guide for the people who build, buy, deploy, and sign off on automated systems. It moves past the usual sales-pitch-versus-alarm framing and into the harder question: where does human judgment still belong, and how do you tell?

Eight chapters drawn from real cases. Robert Williams and facial recognition. Mary Louis and tenant-screening algorithms. Wells Fargo and Goodhart's Law. The lawyer whose AI made up cases that did not exist. The finance worker who transferred $25 million after a deepfake video call. Closes with the Automation Trust Check, a five-question tool for the meeting where a machine is about to be handed a decision.

Want Kevin to speak about these ideas at your event or organization?

Many of the keynote topics draw directly from the books. Send a note and I'll be in touch.

Start a conversation Speaking topics