Jerk

Strategy consultant Christopher Surdak argues that disruptive companies have already figured out that information is replacing capital as the basis of wealth. Surdak calls this shift a “Jerk,” the physics term for “an extremely rapid change in condition – violent, uncontrolled and difficult to contain.” He covers some successful, disruptive Jerk companies, such as Uber and Airbnb, and lays out 12 tactics for your Jerk firm, such as using other people’s capital, turning customers into information-mining partners and creating your own virtual money. Surdak, winner of getAbstract’s 2014 International Book of the Year for Data Crush, is an engaging writer with a knack for relevant historical background, and his presentation is a lot of fun to read. getAbstract recommends his insights to CEOs, investors, strategists in mature industries and, especially, start-up entrepreneurs.