Artificial intelligence is changing everything—fast. This book gives you the tools and tactics you need to define your future . . . before AI does it for you.
AI is here to stay, advancing more rapidly than most can comprehend. In the years ahead, it will rewire how people work, live, and love. Turning On Machines explores our evolving relationship with AI: what it means to activate it, resist it, and form emotional bonds with it. Structured around three phases—Rise, Revolt, and Reverence—this book blends historical parallels, strategic foresight, and practical reflection to help readers navigate the accelerating impact of AI. Inside, you'll find the Trifurcation of Work, the Great Divergence, and the Sycophantic Spiral, concepts designed to help you locate yourself in an AI-shaped future. Whether you're a leader, innovator, educator, or curious skeptic, this book is a guide to help you ask better questions, and to find the answers that suit you best, rather than waiting for the machines to answer for you.
Zac Engler is a futurist, AI strategist, and founder of Bodhi AI, a consultancy helping companies harness artificial intelligence to optimize team performance. As Chief AI Officer at C4 Technical Services, he advises enterprise leaders on AI adoption strategy, agent automation, and workforce transformation. Since 2016, he's forecasted AI's trajectory and prepared teams for its impact. With over a decade building high-performing teams at Apple, Amplifon, PAR Systems, and Sanctuary AI, Zac's leadership blends technical insight with talent development. His work has reduced workflow timelines by over 60 percent, saved thousands of labor hours, and earned industry recognition for innovation. Holding a MBA and multiple leadership certifications, Zac brings historical perspective, systems thinking, sustainable techniques, and practical expertise to help audiences navigate the age of intelligent machines. A Minnesota native, Zac enjoys the outdoors and supports conservation through nature nonprofits.
