About the Book
The AI Takeover Survival Guide
In a world where AI is quickly transforming the workplace, The AI Takeover Survival Guide: PM Tools, Tricks, and a Dash of Sarcasm to Keep Your Job offers a lighthearted yet practical roadmap to thriving in the age of automation. Written by Joel Frenette, a seasoned CTO and AI expert, this book reveals how to use AI to your advantage—turning it into your overqualified assistant rather than your job-stealing competitor.
From project management tools that streamline your workflow to advanced techniques for building AI agents, this guide is packed with actionable insights to help you stay ahead. Whether you’re a project manager or simply trying to future-proof your career, this book will give you the tools, tricks, and a dose of humor to navigate the AI revolution with confidence. It’s time to stop worrying about robots and start leveraging AI to make your work life easier.
About the Author
Joel Frenette is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM), and Computer Systems Analyst (CSA) with over 22 years of experience in the IT industry. Passionate about the intersection of AI and project management, Joel has made it his mission to help professionals and businesses embrace new technologies without getting overwhelmed or left behind. Known for his ability to break down complex topics into actionable insights, he combines his deep technical knowledge with a dash of humor to make even the most daunting tech topics approachable.
Joel’s love for travel is a big part of his life story. He has visited 90 countries, lived and worked in 5, and even met his wife while working on cruise ships. Together, they own an award-winning boutique host travel agency with 24 travel agents working remotely from around the world. This unique experience not only broadened his global perspective but also strengthened his belief in the power of technology to connect people across borders and industries.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joel is a lifelong learner, currently pursuing a dual MBA while continuing to expand his expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. When he’s not immersed in tech projects or writing, he enjoys exploring new destinations, discovering hidden gems, and experimenting with the latest AI tools. A self-professed “technology optimist with a healthy dose of skepticism,” Joel is always on the lookout for ways to leverage technology to make our lives easier and more fulfilling—without letting it take over completely!
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, The AI Takeover Survival Guide, What is it about?
Absolutely! “The AI Takeover Survival Guide” is not your typical dry tech book filled with jargon and boring theories. Instead, it’s a straight-talking, humor-infused guide designed to help project managers and professionals navigate the rapidly changing world of AI in the workplace. It’s part practical toolkit, part survival manual, and a whole lot of fun to read—covering everything from AI-driven project management tools to creating your own team of virtual agents.
The goal is to demystify AI and show readers how to use it as a powerful ally rather than viewing it as the job-stealing villain we’ve all been warned about. I break down complex concepts into bite-sized, actionable insights while maintaining a light, conversational tone. It’s packed with examples, real-world use cases, and a touch of sarcasm because, let’s be honest, sometimes you need a little humor to deal with the fact that machines might be running the show sooner than you think!
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, The AI Takeover Survival Guide, is it directed at any particular market?
This book is perfect for professionals who want to stay relevant in a world that’s rapidly being taken over by algorithms and automated workflows. I’d say it’s aimed at project managers, business leaders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who’s curious (or even a little terrified) about the impact of AI in the workplace.
But beyond that, it’s also for people who might not see themselves as “techies” but know they need to get up to speed on AI before their job is turned into a fully automated process. If you’re a manager struggling to keep up with all these new tools or a professional wondering how AI will affect your career trajectory, this guide will help you see AI as an asset rather than a threat. So, whether you’re a seasoned project manager looking for an edge, a business leader planning your next move, or someone who just wants to future-proof your career, this book has something for you—served with a side of sarcasm.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
That’s a tough one! If I had to pick a few, I’d say I’m a huge fan of “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. These books dive deep into why some companies and leaders succeed while others get left behind—topics that are super relevant in today’s AI-driven world. They both focus on navigating change, adapting strategies, and making smart decisions in times of disruption, which I think is crucial as we step into this new era of AI.
On the more technical side, I also appreciate “Superintelligence” by Nick Bostrom because it forces you to confront the reality of what happens when machines surpass human intelligence—a thought experiment that’s both fascinating and a little unsettling. And of course, for a lighter (and more sarcastic) take, I can’t get enough of “The Dilbert Principle” by Scott Adams. It’s a satirical reminder that no matter how sophisticated our tools become, human nature will always keep things interesting (and sometimes absurd) in the workplace.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
The best advice I can give to new writers is this: start messy, then edit ruthlessly. The biggest hurdle is usually getting that first draft down. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just focus on getting your thoughts out of your head and onto the page. The clarity and polish can come later.
Another tip: write like you’re having a conversation. Picture your ideal reader sitting across from you, and explain your ideas in a way that would engage them. Avoid jargon, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Readers connect more with authentic voices than with overly formal or complex language.
And finally, read a lot—especially outside your usual genre. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or even a good comic book, every style has something to teach. Pay attention to what grabs your attention and why, then try to incorporate similar techniques into your own writing. The more diverse your influences, the more unique your voice will become.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
Absolutely! Readers can find out more about me and my work by visiting my website at JoelFrenette.com. I regularly share insights on AI, project management, and how technology is shaping the future of work. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn, where I love engaging with like-minded professionals and sharing the latest trends in tech and AI. Feel free to reach out, connect, or even shoot me a message—I’m always up for a good conversation about the future of work, new AI tools, or even book recommendations!
Amazing, thanks