AI Is Changing Everything—These Are the Books to Read Next

CPG Insiders
CPG InsidersJun 3, 2026

Why It Matters

Because AI will redefine value creation, leaders who adopt a curiosity‑driven, input‑focused approach and upskill through targeted reading will preserve competitive advantage while others fall behind.

Key Takeaways

  • Adopt a childlike curiosity to leverage AI’s creative potential.
  • Focus on the first and last 10% of AI workflow for value.
  • Prioritize timeless sales psychology over fleeting technology trends.
  • Use “who not how” mindset to scale efficiently with experts.
  • Read recommended books to master AI, branding, and growth strategies.

Summary

The episode of CPG Insiders pivots around the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on consumer‑product businesses and how leaders must rewire their mindset to stay ahead.

Hosts Mark Young and Justin Jer explain that AI learns by predicting the next token, much like the human brain, and introduce the “1080 rule” – the first and last 10 % of the workflow supply the real value while the model performs the middle 80 %. They stress curiosity, imagination, and childlike thinking as the most powerful assets in this new era.

Illustrative anecdotes include a knock‑knock interruption to show how novel inputs reshape learning, Dr. Peter Demandis’ forecast that 47 % of today’s jobs will disappear by 2030, and the “who‑not‑how” principle that shifts focus from figuring out tasks to recruiting experts. The hosts also list a curated reading list—from their own “27 Unbreakable Rules” to Ben Hardy’s “The Science of Scaling”—to help listeners build the necessary intuition.

The takeaway for executives is clear: treat AI as a team member, master the framing of inputs and outputs, and continuously upgrade mental models through the recommended literature, or risk being outpaced as the market transforms.

Original Description

The future belongs to the curious.
In this episode of CPG Insiders, Mark Young and Justin Girouard discuss why mindset, imagination, and continuous learning are becoming the most valuable skills in the age of AI.
They also share the books that have had the greatest impact on their thinking around entrepreneurship, growth, leadership, influence, communication, and innovation.
Topics include:
✓ The 10-80-10 AI framework
✓ Why 10X thinking changes decision-making
✓ Who Not How and scaling through people
✓ The psychology of influence and persuasion
✓ Entrepreneurial operating systems and business growth
✓ Negotiation lessons from FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss
✓ The future of AI, technology, and human potential
Plus, a complete reading list featuring books from Benjamin Hardy, Dan Sullivan, Byron Sharp, Robert Cialdini, Angus Fletcher, Peter Diamandis, Chris Voss, and more.
Featured books include:
The 27 Unbreakable Rules
Hypnotizing
The Science of Scaling
10X Is Easier Than 2X
Who Not How
The Gap and the Gain
Traction
The Greater Game
How Brands Grow
Influence
Pre-Suasion
Primal Intelligence
Never Split the Difference
We Are As Gods
#CPGInsiders #Entrepreneurship #AI #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Marketing

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