2020 Pandemic: Gone but far from forgotten
The pandemic reshaped the nation in ways we're still yet to fully realize.
Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity
By Scott Galloway
Post Corona, one of my favorite books of 2021, offers a searing analysis of the unprecedented disruptions caused by the pandemic and paints a sobering picture of the reshaped world that has emerged from the chaos. Galloway, ever sharp-witted and incisive, skillfully dissects the impact of COVID-19 on various sectors, from tech giants to higher education, and his predictions about the future are both thought-provoking and, occasionally, unsettling.
As only he can, Galloway unapologetically critiques the excesses and inequalities exposed by the pandemic, particularly in the realm of big tech. His dissection of what he calls "The Four"—Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google—was a clarion call to reevaluate the unchecked power and influence of these corporate behemoths.
Galloway, a professor at the NYU Stern School of Business and a serial entrepreneur, argues that the pandemic has accelerated a number of trends that were already underway, such as the rise of artificial intelligence, the decline of brick-and-mortar retail, and the growing concentration of power in the hands of a few large tech companies.
The book is divided into three parts.
Part one examines the immediate impact of the pandemic on the economy and society. He argues that the pandemic exposed the weaknesses of our current system, such as the high cost of healthcare, the growing inequality, and the fragility of our supply chains.
Part two looks at the long-term impact of the pandemic on different industries. Galloway argues that some industries, such as education, healthcare, and travel, will be permanently disrupted by the pandemic. Other industries, such as technology and e-commerce, will emerge even stronger.
Part three delivers advice to businesses and individuals on how to thrive in the post-pandemic world. Galloway argues that businesses need to focus on innovation and customer experience. Individuals need to be prepared to adapt to new technologies and new ways of working
What I enjoyed most
The book's strength lies in Galloway's candid and often contrarian perspective, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our socioeconomic systems. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his assessments, the book is a compelling and unapologetic exploration of the seismic shifts in our world and a valuable addition to the ongoing conversation about our post-pandemic future.