Build For Change by Alan Trefler Summary
Overview of Build For Change
In "Build for Change," Pegasystems CEO Alan Trefler reveals why today's businesses fail when facing Generation D consumers who discover, devour, then demonize brands. How did Nokia and Borders collapse? The answer lies in continuous digital innovation that tech leaders now consider essential.
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Key takeaways
The Digital Revolution That's Eating Your Business
Imagine waking up to discover your once-loyal customers have suddenly vanished. This isn't science fiction-it's the "customerpocalypse" that Alan Trefler warns is already underway. In today's hyper-connected world, traditional notions of customer loyalty have been turned upside down by what Trefler calls "Generation D"-consumers defined not by age but by digital behavior patterns. These customers are hyper-connected, tech-savvy, and extraordinarily demanding. They don't just expect good service; they demand perfect experiences across every touchpoint. When pleased, they incorporate brands into their identity. When disappointed, they transform into brand assassins, leveraging social media to inflict maximum damage with unprecedented speed. Remember Microsoft's Xbox One launch disaster? When they announced restrictions on used games and mandatory online connectivity, the backlash wasn't just complaints-it was organized boycotts and viral campaigns that forced a complete reversal within days. This is the raw power of Generation D, and they're reshaping expectations across all consumer demographics. The old power dynamic has flipped: as former GM CEO Rick Wagoner admitted, "We used to 'own' the customer. Now we hope and pray that they want to 'own' us."
When More Data Creates Less Understanding
From Raw Data to Meaningful Relationships
Building Customer Processes That Actually Work
Breaking Down the Business-IT Barrier
Becoming a Digital-First Organization
Your Software Is Your Business Now
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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