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Writer's pictureJeff Hulett

[Book Proposal] Data Unleashed: How to Beat Big Tech at Their Own Game

Updated: 2 days ago


Contact: Jeff Hulett, jeff@financerevamp.com or (443) 620-4219


Proposal Summary:


Title: Data Unleashed: How to Beat Big Tech at Their Own Game


In today’s world, technology influences our lives in ways often feeling beyond our control. From the apps on our phones to the way we make decisions, tools like ChatGPT and other cutting-edge AI technologies are being used by Big Tech to shape how we think and behave. Most people feel this impact but don’t know how to push back.


While many books identify the challenges of technology, Data Unleashed goes further. This book doesn’t just explain the problem—it provides practical tools and habits to help readers take back control of their lives and learn how to partner with technology for their benefit. Rather than being overwhelmed by it, readers will learn to make smarter decisions and avoid falling into tech-driven traps.


As AI and other technologies continue to advance, Data Unleashed offers a timely roadmap for anyone who wants to be informed, empowered, and in control.


It Is All About The Data...


As AI-driven technologies like ChatGPT continue to evolve, the gap between the powerful tools Big Tech uses and the general public’s ability to understand and leverage them widens. This growing divide can make individuals feel like they're losing control. However, when equipped with the right tools and habits, readers can turn the tables, using data to their advantage instead of being manipulated by it.


Data Unleashed offers a practical guide for navigating today’s data-driven world. It helps readers cultivate key habits and build the skills they need to thrive in this new environment. By learning from the great minds of both the past and present, readers will be guided down the path to success. They will discover how to confidently partner with technology, make informed decisions, and shape their own digital future.


I’ve worked on the tech company side—now it’s time to give people the tools to take back control and succeed in this tech-dominated landscape.


Why This Book? Why Now?


As AI becomes increasingly central to our daily lives, there is a growing need for a book empowering everyday decision-makers. Data Unleashed equips readers with the habits and tools to thrive in a data-driven world, helping them become more confident and capable in their personal and professional lives.


Narrative Approach


Author Jeff Hulett combines his expertise in data science and mathematics with over three decades of experience in banking, consulting, and academia. As a father of four and a college professor, Jeff has a unique ability to make complex topics real and relatable for readers. Through lively storytelling and high-impact, real-world examples, Data Unleashed brings powerful insights to life.


Who Should Read This Book?


Data Unleashed serves two distinct audiences. First, it targets professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to enhance their data literacy and sharpen decision-making in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Second, it offers valuable insights to a broader general audience, providing practical tools that help everyday individuals feel smarter about how they interact with technology. This book empowers both groups to take greater control of their lives by navigating the digital landscape with confidence and clarity.


The Structure:


Part I - The Data War: Why Learning Data Is Vital

  • The New Media and Markets of Our Time

  • The Key to Winning the Data War

  • Understanding The Big Shift: From Data Scarcity to Data Abundance

  • The Pitfalls of Bias and Cognitive Distortions

  • The Basics of Decision Confidence


Part II - Building the Moments of Your Life: Your Data Foundation:

  • Seeing the World from High Above – Our Unifying Moment

  • Finding the Middle Ground – Our Average Moment

  • Embracing Variety – Our Diversity Moment

  • Navigating the Flow of Change – Our Momentum Moment

  • Anticipating the Unseen – Our Tail Risk Moment

  • Addressing Ignorance and Bias – The Moment We Overlook


Part III - Embrace the Power of Changing Your Mind: How To Think Like a Bayesian

  • The Power of Bayesian Thinking in Everyday Life

  • How to Update Your Beliefs and Reduce Uncertainty

  • Case Study: Should Mia Seek a New Job?

  • Beyond the Basics: Personal Algorithms for Better Decision-Making


Part IV - Deciding When Good Is Good Enough: How the 80/20 Rule Leads to a Better Life

  • Why We’re Naturally Poor Decision-Makers

  • Using 80/20 to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships

  • Personal Finance and Achieving Great Wealth

  • How Good Enough Leads to Great Relationships


Part V - Outsmarting AI: Winning in a Data-Rich World

  • Building Statistical Habits Without Becoming a Statistician

  • How to Stay Ahead of AI’s Influence

  • Strategies for Financial, Health, and Personal Success in a Data-Driven World


Conclusion - Reclaim Your Power: The Effort Yields Its Own Reward


Appendix: A deeper dive into the mathematics of statistical moments for readers who want a technical understanding.


The Market Opportunity:


Data Unleashed targets a wide audience of professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals who feel the growing presence of AI in their personal and professional lives. Readers who are not data experts but want to leverage statistical literacy for better decision-making in their careers, finances, and relationships will find the book especially relevant. As AI’s influence deepens, the demand for resources making data accessible and actionable will continue to grow.


Given the recent surge of interest in AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making, Data Unleashed arrives at a pivotal moment, offering a strategic resource for readers looking to navigate this complex terrain.


Competing Titles/Market Analysis:

 

The market for data literacy and AI-driven decision-making is growing, with many books aiming to simplify complex concepts for the general reader. However, Data Unleashed stands out by providing readers with actionable tools and empowering them to take control of their data interactions in everyday life. Below are comparable titles in the market that explore similar themes but approach the subject from different angles.

Title

Author(s)

Summary

Comparison to Data Unleashed

Weapons of Math Destruction

Cathy O’Neil

Examines how algorithms can perpetuate inequality and create societal harm.

Focuses on the dangers of data misuse, while Data Unleashed provides solutions for readers to harness data for empowerment.

Superforecasting

Philip Tetlock & Dan M. Gardner

Explores how individuals can improve their ability to predict outcomes through data-driven forecasting.

Both books emphasize data-based decision-making, but Data Unleashed offers more practical tools for daily use in a world shaped by AI.

The Signal and the Noise

Nate Silver

Discusses how data can be both useful and misleading in making predictions, with insights into navigating uncertainty.

Like Data Unleashed, this book helps readers make sense of data, but Data Unleashed is more focused on giving readers personal control over data.

Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms

Hannah Fry

Investigates how algorithms are affecting everyday life and the balance between human and machine decision-making.

Data Unleashed also explores the influence of algorithms but goes further by teaching readers how to take control and benefit from them.

AI Superpowers

Kai-Fu Lee

Explores the rise of AI and how it is reshaping business and society, with strategies for thriving in an AI-dominated future.

Data Unleashed offers a similarly forward-looking perspective but focuses more on empowering individuals to use data in their personal lives.

 

Marketing Plan:

 

Jeff Hulett’s first book, Making Choices, Making Money: Your Guide to Making Confident Financial Decisions, received strong endorsements from thought leaders such as University of Chicago Behavioral Economist John List and Former Ambassador, 9/11 Commissioner, and legislator Tim Roemer. Jeff will leverage this network, along with his platform at Personal Finance Reimagined, to promote Data Unleashed.

 

Jeff has an established social media presence, and Data Unleashed will be promoted through his personal finance seminars, podcasts, and professional networks. Jeff is the President and Founder of Personal Finance Reimagined. The organization's focus on decision-making and financial education will increase Data Unleashed's literary reach. As the role of AI and data literacy becomes more critical, the book will appeal to a broad audience eager to navigate their personal and professional lives in a world increasingly driven by algorithms. The release of this book is particularly timely as AI continues to reshape decision-making, data privacy, and personal empowerment.


Jeff is a professor at James Madison University and has a growing presence among universities. University credentials provide increased heft to the marketing message.


Sample Chapters:


Available upon request


Author Bio:

 

Jeff Hulett leads Personal Finance Reimagined, a decision-making and financial education platform. He teaches personal finance at James Madison University and provides personal finance seminars. Check out his book -- Making Choices, Making Money: Your Guide to Making Confident Financial Decisions.


Jeff is a career banker, data scientist, behavioral economist, and choice architect. Jeff has held banking and consulting leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Citibank, KPMG, and IBM.




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