Book excerpt: A paradigm shift is a sudden, major change in the way you view something, brought on by new information or a new detail that was formerly unknown. Paradigm shifts occur in every area of life, dramatically impacting everyone they touch and leaving a legacy of large-scale transformation in their path. This book is about seven such paradigm shifts, seven major emerging changes, that will rock the world in the years and decades just ahead. If you don't already know about these seven shifts and use them in your daily leadership, you're already behind the curve. These seven new realities are remaking the world in their image. Understanding them is essential to being an effective leader.