Paul Gibbons is an Irish-British public intellectual, author, and “practical philosopher” who bridges the gap between the abstract sciences and the messy reality of business. Best known for his work on culture, the human side of technology adoption, and the future of work, Paul’s career defies categorization—spanning computer science, biochemistry, investment banking, global consulting, and high-stakes poker.
His writing, including the bestseller The Science of Organizational Change and his latest work, Adopting AI, focuses on how we can apply scientific rigor, ethical philosophy, and behavioral science to the challenges of the 21st century.
Early Life and Education
Born in Canada to a biochemistry professor and a science journalist, Paul was raised in a world of empirical inquiry. A precocious student, he attended chemistry classes at Hunter College in Manhattan at age 11 and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at age 15. By 19, he held a degree in Biochemistry, having worked in cancer research under Nobel Prize winner Howard Temin.
He continued his education with graduate work in Economics, followed by Master’s degrees in Organizational Behavior and later Philosophy from the University of London, where he also completed his doctoral coursework (ABD) in Neuroscience.
Career: From Trading Floor to Boardroom
Paul began his business career in the high-octane world of finance, working as a derivatives specialist and money market trader at institutions including Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan Stanley, and Salomon Brothers.
After navigating a period of personal crisis and recovery in the late 1980s—an experience that profoundly shaped his views on resilience—Paul reinvented himself as a consultant. He joined PwC as a quantitative analyst before founding Future Considerations, an “integral” consulting firm serving clients such as HSBC, Shell, and the NHS.
Most recently, Paul served as a Partner at IBM Consulting, in the Talent Transformation practice. He was IBM’s thought leader on the future of work, behavioral science, and the human side of technology adoption.
High-Stakes Decision-Making: Poker, Bridge, Backgammon
Unlike most business thinkers, Paul tests his ideas about risk and decision-making in the real world. He is a high-level competitor in mindsports:
- Poker: A professional player since 2009 with nearly $1 million in live tournament earnings, including a 37th-place finish in the WSOP Main Event and a 10th-place finish in the Seniors Championship (2025).
- Bridge: Winner of the UK’s prestigious Crockford’s Cup (2006).
- Backgammon: Runner-up in the World Backgammon Championship (2000).
Personal Life and Advocacy
Paul identifies as Irish-British and has lived in the US, UK, and across Europe. He is a vocal advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, writing openly about his experiences with ADHD and addiction to help destigmatize these challenges in professional life.
Publications
Books on AI & Strategy
- Adopting AI: The People-First Approach (with James Healy) – A strategic guide to the “Intelligence Transition,” focusing on the human, ethical, and organizational dimensions of AI.
Books on Change and Leadership in the Digital Age
- The Science of Organizational Change (2015, 2nd Ed. 2019) – Cited by Change Management Review as “the most important book on change in 15 years.”
- IMPACT: 21st Century Change Management – A deep dive into the mechanics of modern transformation.
- The Future of Change Management (Editor) – Collected essays from leading thinkers on the evolution of the discipline.
- Change Myths – A critical examination of pseudoscience in business management.
Books on Leadership
- Reboot Your Life – A practical guide to personal resilience and cognitive performance.
- The Spirituality of Work and Leadership – An exploration of meaning and purpose in the corporate world.
Honors & Awards
- Global Gurus Top 30: Ranked as highly as #3 worldwide in the “Culture” category.
- CEO Magazine: Voted one of the UK’s “Top Two CEO Super-Coaches.”
- Change Management Review: Book of the Year (The Science of Organizational Change).
- Microsoft Distinguished Author Program: Selected Author.
- Financial Times: “Best Leadership Program” Award (for HSBC).
- Leadership Excellence Magazine: Best Leadership Boutique (Future Considerations).