Brian Solis’s journey is one of consistent foresight and evolution, making him one of the most impactful voices in the fields of digital transformation, customer experience, and innovation. Over the years, he has established himself as a pioneer, helping leaders, teams, and organizations navigate a rapidly changing world with actionable insights and a profound understanding of technology’s potential. His latest book, Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future, is a remarkable testament to this journey, pushing leaders to rethink their approaches and embrace transformative thinking.
For those unfamiliar with Solis or his extensive career, here’s a detailed look at his remarkable contributions, groundbreaking research, influential partnerships, and his continuing impact as a thought leader.
Why I Admire Brian’s Work
Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply involved at the intersection of technology, design, innovation and customer experience, guiding high-tech companies toward improvement and transformation. Brian’s books have consistently offered me a unique and challenging perspective, helping me refine my focus and prioritize what truly matters. I find it compelling that his books and research, in most cases, steer us as readers in the right direction.
One of the aspects I’ve always admired is Brian’s unwavering commitment to avoiding speculation. Unlike some, he has never resorted to bombastic titles or sensationalist approaches to gain attention; instead, he lets the quality of his work speak for itself. His professionalism, down-to-earth demeanor, and ability to remain grounded make his work all the more relatable and credible. Many of my colleagues have expressed similar admiration for his insightful research and his character. I aspire for my own future work to bring even a fraction of the immense value that Brian continuously delivers to innovators, designers, and leaders like us. Interesting enough, my wife, Miriam, always says that when I read a great book—one that truly makes me reflect and feel challenged—I have a look of happiness and satisfaction afterward. This often happens with Brian’s works therefore I decided to post this short article about his work.
Here are some of Brian’s books that I have up here; the rest are in one of our boxes downstairs.
1. The Beginnings and Rise at Altimeter Group
Brian Solis’s career took a significant leap forward during his tenure at Altimeter Group, where he served as Principal Analyst. Working alongside renowned experts like Charlene Li, Jeremiah Owyang, and Susan Etlinger, Solis developed essential frameworks that addressed digital transformation, social business strategy, and customer experience. Altimeter became a platform where Solis refined his research, helping shape the field at a time when businesses were just starting to recognize the importance of embracing digital change.
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Engage! – Laying the Foundation for Social Media and Customer Connection
Solis’s first book, Engage!, established a foundational understanding of social media’s role in business. When I first read Engage!, I was exploring the concept of “No Distance” in social media, and initially, it took me time to connect with Solis’s insights. But a few years later, it became clear just how accurately he had anticipated the future of digital interaction and customer engagement. His frameworks were well ahead of their time, becoming essential guides for brands seeking to cultivate meaningful connections online. Engage! included a foreword by actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher, underscoring the book’s relevance in bridging entertainment, technology, and social media.
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The End of Business as Usual – Forecasting the Disruption of Traditional Business Models
In The End of Business as Usual, Solis explores how “connected consumers” are reshaping conventional business models, stressing the importance of customer-centric strategies. This book highlights Solis’s remarkable ability to anticipate the digital revolution and became essential reading for businesses facing evolving consumer expectations and behaviours. Journalist Katie Couric wrote the foreword, emphasizing the book’s importance in understanding the shifts occurring within media and consumer landscapes.
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What’s the Future of Business? (WTF) – Defining Customer Experience (CX)
What’s the Future of Business? (WTF) emphasizes customer experience as a strategic differentiator for businesses. Solis redefined CX as more than a trend, positioning it as central to brand strategy. His insights have guided countless companies to create impactful customer interactions that have become the benchmark for customer expectations. Charlene Li, co-founder of Altimeter Group, wrote the foreword, recognizing their shared vision for digital transformation and the power of CX.
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X: The Experience When Business Meets Design – Bridging Business and Design for CX
In X, Solis introduces the concept that experiences must be intentionally designed to align business goals with customer needs. This book presents a strategic framework that positions design thinking as fundamental to business success, inspiring companies to prioritize design in creating valuable customer experiences. The foreword was written by Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, reinforcing the critical role of design in shaping modern CX.
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Lifescale – Balancing Productivity and Creativity in a Distracted Digital World
Lifescale addresses the challenge of maintaining focus and creativity in an increasingly distracting digital world. Solis’s shift from corporate strategy to personal growth showcases his versatility and understanding of technology’s impact on individuals’ daily lives. In this book, he introduces “Lifescaling” as a means to regain creativity and purpose amidst digital distractions. The foreword was provided by Whitney Johnson, an influential author on personal growth, emphasizing the book’s importance in finding balance and focus. This is the only book by Brian that I haven’t read yet.
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Current Role at ServiceNow: Driving Global Innovation
Today, Solis serves as Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, where he shapes the company’s strategic direction for global Innovation and Executive Briefing Centers. His work focuses on advising enterprises on digital and business innovation, guiding them through the complexities of a fast-evolving digital landscape. This role allows him to put his insights into practice, translating theory into actionable strategies that drive real-world impact.
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Recognized and Celebrated as a Thought Leader
Solis’s pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades from respected publications and industry leaders. Here are some of the titles and recognition’s that reflect his far-reaching impact:
- “A world’s top superforecaster.” – Entrepreneur
- “One of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time.” – Forbes
- “One of the greatest digital analysts of our time.” – Antonio Lucio, CMO of HP
- “Top futurist speaker.” – ReadWrite
- “One of the 21st century business world’s leading thinkers.” – ZDNet
- “Top 20 digital transformation pros you need to follow.” – The AI Journal
- “Top AI Leader.” – Rethink Industries
- “The futurist we all need now.” – The Conference Board
- “Top 10 people to know in Silicon Valley.” – HuffPost
These accolades highlight Solis’s forward-thinking approach, creative vision, and his expertise across multiple industries. His insights have consistently helped businesses stay ahead of trends and adapt to ongoing change.
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Brian Solis: The Visionary Who Will Mindshift Your Perspective on Innovation, CX and Leadership @briansolis #transformation #change #innovation #CX Share on X
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Masterful Public Speaker and Communicator
Beyond his publications, Solis is also a dynamic public speaker. When I was learning the art of public speaking, I studied his videos to understand his unique style. Solis combines storytelling with data and practical insights, creating presentations that are both inspiring and thought-provoking. His ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging way has made him one of the most impactful speakers in the industry.
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A Social Media Influencer and Forbes Contributor
Brian Solis extends his thought leadership across digital platforms, where he frequently shares insights on digital transformation, customer experience, and technology trends. His Forbes column is followed by thousands, and he actively engages with his social media audience, fostering discussions that broaden the reach of his ideas and perspectives.
Mindshift: The Pinnacle of Solis’s Visionary Insights
This is my copy, and if you enjoy Brian’s work and want to learn more, you can find it on Amazon in your country.
Mindshift is not only a continuation but a culmination of the insights Solis has cultivated throughout his career. The book encourages leaders to adopt transformative approaches to leadership and innovation. Like all of his previous books, Mindshift challenges readers to move beyond conventional thinking, providing actionable strategies to drive meaningful change in today’s complex business environment.
Brian Solis’s career is marked by constant evolution, from pioneering research at Altimeter to his impactful role at ServiceNow. His books offer more than knowledge—they inspire readers to question, adapt, and transform their understanding of digital and customer experiences. Mindshift is a testament to Solis’s legacy and is an essential read for anyone committed to leading in today’s world.
For those serious about personal and professional growth, Solis’s work remains indispensable.
Solis’s Legacy and Why Learning from His Evolution Matters
Understanding Solis’s journey—from his early days at Altimeter to his current role at ServiceNow—offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complex intersection of technology, business, and customer experience. Each stage of his career, each book, and each accolade underscores the depth of his influence and the precision with which he identifies emerging trends.
Moreover, Solis’s consistent emphasis on putting the customer at the heart of innovation is a cornerstone of his work. This approach has transformed how companies see and interact with their customers, helping them create more meaningful experiences, enhance design, and drive loyalty in a digitally dominated world. With Mindshift, he continues this narrative, urging leaders to adopt new ways of thinking, lead with purpose, and foster environments where creativity and customer focus drive success.
Captured by my wife, Miriam, just five minutes after finishing my read—nothing like the look of a satisfied reader!
My Final Thoughts
Brian Solis is not just an author or a futurist; he is a visionary whose work spans industries and disciplines. His insights, from early thoughts on social media’s power in Engage! to the frameworks for overcoming digital distraction in Lifescale, have profoundly influenced how businesses operate today. His foresight, paired with his hands-on approach to innovation, makes him a trusted guide for those seeking to stay competitive in an increasingly complex world.
In Mindshift, Solis encapsulates the wisdom of his career and offers a compelling call to action for leaders at all levels. This book is more than just a resource; it is an invitation to rethink, reshape, and ultimately transform the way we approach leadership, customer experience, and innovation. For anyone passionate about growth and resilience in the face of change, Brian Solis’s work is essential reading.
If you enjoyed this article and my blog, feel free to follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: Ricardo Saltz Gulko
Discover everything about Brian and his work here: https://briansolis.com/
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