A book by Brad Nelson
I Think, Therefore I Know
Scientific Thinking for Unscientific Organizations
Most books prescribe antidotes.
This one provides the diagnosis.
Companies spend billions installing frameworks into operating systems that were never designed to run them. The language changes. The behavior doesn’t.
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Paperback
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Book reviews
What readers are saying
“Brad’s book dives into how unexamined assumptions and ‘common sense’ thinking can hinder meaningful learning inside organizations… It’s a useful reminder that improvement is rooted in curiosity, humility, and a willingness to test our assumptions.”
Mike Rother, author of Toyota Kata
“I read a lot of books, but this one felt special to me. Brad was able to capture thoughts and feelings that I’ve had for years and express them in ways I have always struggled with. If you want to understand why organizations struggle to change, why frameworks never feel quite right, and learn to diagnose the problems, I would highly recommend this book.”
Jim Hendriks
“For CEOs, founders, and executives, this book is invaluable… Despite its intellectual depth, it remains accessible, engaging, and clearly structured. No buzzwords. No self-promotion. Instead, it offers concrete insights and numerous moments that make you think: ‘That is reality.’”
Roman Didier
“I Think, Therefore I know made a huge impression on me. It is insightful, easy-to-read and full of great advice. Definitely in the top 10 books I ever read.”
Bertold Kolics
Latest writing
Ideas in progress
2026 speaking engagements
Speaking engagements and slides
- 01/15 CodeMash 2026 Sandusky, OH
- 02/11 IIBA Columbus Virtual
- 07/08 AgileIndy Virtual
- 07/31 CincyDeliver 2026 Cincinnati, OH
- 09/24 Tech Week GR | Hosted by Bravo LT Grand Rapids, MI
- 10/16 Professional Development Day 2026 Little Rock, AR
“I loved your talk yesterday. I sent the slides to my wife because I think she could really use it right now.”
Agile & Beyond 2024
“Excellent presentation and delivery, very timely to our organization, thank you.”
CodeMash 2024
“Thank you for your talk on Human Intelligence… It was the happiest activity of my day!”
The Job Hackers 2024
Projects & community
Beyond the book
Agile for Agilists
Conversations about the ideas, assumptions, and systems shaping modern organizations.
Agile Detroit
A local community for learning, connection, and better conversations about how work works.
About Brad
Author, speaker, and content creator
Brad Nelson is the author of I Think, Therefore I Know: Scientific Thinking for Unscientific Organizations, co-host of The Agile for Agilists podcast, and organizer of Agile Detroit. His career has taken him from assembly lines in West Michigan to Fortune 500 technology companies on the West Coast. His writing and speaking offer practical lessons on building organizations that learn, adapt, and create value. He is based in Metro Detroit.