We wrote a book to help you thrive in an environment of increasing change.
Globalization and technology are increasing the frequency of catalyst events—which trigger big changes with broad-reaching effects—ranging from innovations to socioeconomic crises. The consequences of these upheavals will transform industries, communities, and nations. Leaders who seek to ensure their organization’s success in the evolving environment must be prepared and proactive.
“Joseph and Bret have brilliantly captured the forces shaping our future and the challenges and opportunities they present the private and public sectors. A must read for tomorrow’s leaders.”
General (retired) George W. Casey, Jr.
Distinguished Visiting Lecturer of Leadership, S.C. Johnson College of Business, Cornell University; 36th Chief of Staff, U.S. Army (2007 – 2011) and Commanding General, Multi-National Force – Iraq (2004-2007)
Who Is This Book For?
Reviews of Catalyst
“Kopser and Boyd explore demographic and technological changes reshaping the developed world. Catalyst is a vital resource for policymakers trying to understand and respond to disruption and high-tech innovation.”
Susan A. Shaheen, PhD
Adjunct professor and codirector of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center, University of California, Berkeley
“We are living in a period of exponential change, as Ray Kurzweil teaches us. Joseph and Bret are very accomplished military and business leaders and have unusually blended these two schools of leadership into their brilliant book, Catalyst, taking account of the more rapidly changing era we are living in. Leadership is more important than ever, and Joseph and Bret’s book will help you survive—and thrive—during this very important period, where opportunity is more abundant but also risks are more perilous.”
Brett A. Hurt
Founder of Bazaarvoice, Coremetrics, data.world, and Hurt Family Investments
“Kopser and Boyd offer a sweeping tour of the big technologies and future shifts that are catalysts for change now—as diverse as genomics and 3-D printing, robotics and new sources of energy. They make the case that leaders in all sectors must be alert, flexible, and innovative in order to turn the possible threats from these changes into major opportunities.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, PhD
Harvard Business School Professor and best-selling author of MOVE: Putting America’s Infrastructure Back in the Lead and Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End
“Joseph Kopser and Bret Boyd are unique individuals who combine real-world leadership and hardship experiences in the field, in the line of fire, and in the theater of battle with world-class academic pedigrees to produce lasting insights that we can all apply to our personal, business, and policy challenges. Their ideas are what we need to get things back on track, and they share them with anecdotes, stories, authenticity, and a refreshing dose of humility. I recommend this book.”
Michael Webber, PhD
Deputy director of the Energy Institute and codirector of the Clean Energy Incubator, University of Texas at Austin
Meet The Authors
Joseph Kopser
“Change is about people and we must focus on the human element when we implement new strategies.”
Joseph Kopser is a lifelong problem solver committed to building the teams needed to take on our toughest challenges. Currently he serves as an Executive-in-Residence at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. In addition, he is President of Grayline where he works with people and companies to bring together experts, data, and solutions to help companies and public institutions manage disruptive change. Prior to co-founding Grayline, Joseph co-founded and served as CEO of RideScout, before it was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2014. Joseph served in the U.S. Army for 20 years earning the Combat Action Badge, Army Ranger Tab and Bronze Star. He is a graduate of West Point with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and also received a Masters from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2002. Read Joseph’s full bio.
Bret Boyd
“Strategy can only succeed when it is built on correct assumptions about the future operating environment.”
Bret Boyd is a strategy and corporate development executive with extensive experience in the defense, energy, technology, and finance sectors. Bret cofounded the Grayline Group, where he works with organizations on strategy and change management issues. Previously, Bret served as the CEO of Knoema, a technology company focused on data integration, machine learning, and analytic products. He also built and led the enterprise business unit at Stratfor, where he advised a variety of multinational corporations and investment groups on strategy and international growth issues. Bret began his career as an infantry officer in the United States Army and served under the U.S. Special Operations Command in the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his military service, Bret led teams on numerous deployments to both combat and stability operations around the world. Bret is a graduate of West Point, where he studied international relations and systems engineering. Read Bret’s full bio.
