Convergence: Technology, Business, and the Human-Centric Future

Deborah Westphal

What does it mean to be human-centric? The Convergence is here. Each day the human race becomes more connected and interdependent.

There is no longer a choice in the matter. There is no turning back. All aspects of human life are rapidly converging at an intersection of people, business, and environment. With potential for either a historic integration or catastrophic collision, leaders have two clear choices: remain committed to profits above all else; or shift to a human-centric approach that embraces this convergence.

Author Deborah Westphal, a leader in future-focused strategy, leverages her experiences working with some of the world’s most innovative business leaders, to show how the interests of people (as human beings, not customers), overlap with those of companies in ways never before seen. Convergence charts the path forward for those leaders―particularly in business―who seek to shift to a human-centric mental model. This approach addresses realities from our converging world not necessarily related to a company’s business operations, often integrating a tangible response with a change in the company’s core values. Simply put, to be human-centric prioritizes the success of people and redefines success for a company.

Praise for Convergence: Technology, Business, and the Human-Centric Future

"In today's world, there is no shortage of business books about technology, machine learning and what the future will look like. Convergence is a book that adds a much-needed human element to our collective understanding and vision for the future. Through her observations and stories, Westphal provokes us to think and to challenge our assumptions. There is no greater thinker than Westphal and she brings her exceptional clarity, insights about human behavior, and experience to this entire book. This is an essential read for anyone who cares about the future and our place in the world of business." —Elizabeth Ross, Chief Marketing Officer at Bright Health

"Convergence will challenge your thinking about leading in today’s global environment. Westphal provides a compelling perspective for entrepreneurs in every sector to consider as they create tomorrow’s growth engines. This is a timely message about positioning your organization for the future." —Steve Case, Co-Founder of AOL and Chairman & CEO of Revolution

"When automation replaces humans, how should managers leverage the unique gifts that people bring to the workplace? As technological currents swirl and eddy with the currents of human endeavor, the convergence of competencies creates new opportunities. The successful enterprise of the future will understand how to navigate these swirls and eddies. Deborah Westphal brings a lifetime of experience to exploring the components of this convergence, using compelling anecdotes and allegories to identify and expound upon the components of convergence. A must-read for future-looking enterprises, Convergence will advance how you think about the future work environment and how to thrive in that environment." —Dr. Julie J.C.H. Ryan, CEO, Wyndrose Technical Group

"Deborah Westphal uses her own journey to show us how the business environment has evolved and more importantly, what it can become if—I say, if—we stop for just a minute and think about the power of the human system; the system that is one of a kind and always changing." —Loretta Penn, President, PECC LLC

"Expansive, intriguing, and deeply human, Convergence continues the Toffler legacy. Westphal connects seemingly disparate facts to examine the vast opportunities and immense challenges facing a changing society. She offers her readers perspective and a path to create their future." —George Anderson, Partner and Leader of Board Effectiveness Services, Spencer Stuart

"Convergence is must-reading for today’s organizations and businesses. Deb Westphal brings her breadth of experiences and knowledge to remind us of the need for human-centric leadership of all organizations in these dynamic times. She provides a perspective for ensuring humans are at the center of the convergence of technological, societal, and organizational changes facing businesses. Alvin and Heidi Toffler would be extremely proud of her insights for the future." —General (retired) Lester Lyles, Independent Consultant, former Vice Chief of Staff , U.S. Air Force

"In Westphal’s debut book, she lays out clear links between human-centered policy, the proliferation of advancing technologies, and their impacts on society. [Westphal] delivers a compelling analysis of how these trends are transforming business and a pragmatic assessment of what it all means for the world economy. Convergence is an extremely useful book that any business leader, policymaker, or ordinary citizen will find useful." —Maury W. Bradsher, Chairman & CEO, District Equity

"Deborah Westphal’s clear ethical compass extends the visionary work of Alvin and Heidi Toffler into this 21st century. I trust that financiers and business executives heed her wise advice." —Hazel Henderson, CEO, Ethical Markets Media and author of The Politics of the Solar Age

"Deb helps us understand some critical aspects of the world we live in, where we started, and where we are headed. Her insights about the convergence of technology, business, and the future are everything we all must know to create a human-centric tomorrow." —Ian Khan, CEO & Founder, Futuracy

"Too many organizations are being destroyed by complexity, held back by mountains of data and legacy processes. While often with the best of intentions, it may be that our focus is wrong: if budgets are statements of our values, we must invest more in our teams and cultures—empowering them to challenge old systems and reinvent how we work. By shifting our norms to invite change and to kill outdated ways of thinking, we will be better positioned to look externally and create a better future, faster." —Lisa Bodell, CEO FutureThink

"Deborah Westphal shines a new light on how vital human connections are to the convergence of society’s tectonic shifts. This book brings a fresh perspective to understanding the impact trust serves as the bedrock to our globally infused human-centric endeavor. A must read for serious leaders seeking to build sustainable business roadmaps to the future." —Dr. Marsha Ershaghi Hames, Partner, Tapestry Network