Contributors
About the author

John K. Thompson is an international technology executive with over 30 years of experience in the business intelligence and advanced analytics fields. Currently, John is responsible for the global Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence team and efforts at CSL Behring.

Prior to CSL, John was an executive partner at Gartner, where he was a management consultant for market-leading companies in the areas of digital transformation, data monetization, and advanced analytics. Before Gartner, John was responsible for the advanced analytics business unit of the Dell Software Group.

John is coauthor of the bestselling book Analytics: How to Win with Intelligence, which debuted on Amazon as the #1 new book in Analytics in 2017. Analytics: How to Win with Intelligence is a book that guides non-technical executives through the journey of building an analytics team, funding initiatives, and driving change in business operations through data and applied analytical applications.

John's technology expertise includes all aspects of advanced analytics and information management, including descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics; artificial intelligence; analytical applications; deep learning; cognitive computing; big data; data warehousing; business intelligence systems; and high-performance computing.

One of John's primary areas of focus and interest is creating innovative technologies to increase the value derived by organizations around the world.

John has built start-up organizations from the ground up and he has reengineered business units of Fortune 500 firms to enable them to reach their full potential. He has directly managed and run sales, marketing, consulting, support, and product development organizations.

He is a technology leader with expertise and experience spanning all operational areas, with a focus on strategy, product innovation, growth, and efficient execution.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Ferris State University and an MBA in Marketing from DePaul University.

Acknowledgments

• To my wife, Jennifer; as she knows, I would have never written one book, let alone multiple books, without her encouragement, guidance, and support. She knows before I do what I need to do and should do, and even more importantly, she moves me to the realization without letting me know that she was the one who helped me arrive there. She is kind, gentle, fiercely intelligent, and the most caring person I have ever known. Thank you, Jennifer, for over 25 years of love and support. Here's to 25 more!
• To my daughter, Kathryn, who shows me the beautiful confluence of her deep intelligence and incredible creativity each day. I am continually impressed by your insights, energy, and wide range of interests, talent, and verve. I enjoy our conversations and time together immensely. Thank you for your love and support.
• To my son, Zachary; your steadfast determination and unwavering efforts in moving forward the things in your life that you set your mind on is impressive to me. I look to you for inspiration when my motivation starts to flag. You are fun, witty, and a great joy to be around and with. Thank you for your love and support.
• To Tom Davenport; I have no doubt that you agreeing to write the foreword for my previous book, Analytics: How to Win with Intelligence, played a significant role in its success. Thank you for agreeing to contribute to my initial foray into becoming an author, and thank you for all the conversations and meetings we have had, which have inspired me to put my thoughts forward on how analytical projects, technologies, and teams should be built, managed, and grown to achieve measurable and substantial change in the world. Thank you.
• To my best friend of over 40 years, Joseph Pistrui; we have had some incredible times and great fun. Thank you for being there through thick and thin. Your perspectives, ideas, and guidance have been invaluable to me personally and professionally. Your steadfast attitude and insights have moderated some of my more radical ideas and adventures. Thank you for your gentle guidance and insights. Thanks, buddy.
• Special thanks to John Whittaker for contributing his time, experience, and insights as a peer reviewer. John's unique perspective enriched and improved the book during the editing process. Thanks, John.