Shaun Sterling Proposes 'Nexus Companies' to Revitalize U.S. Economy at LA Times Festival of Books

At the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 on the University of Southern California campus, VIP Author Shaun Sterling presented his vision for economic transformation through a new book, Nexus Companies and a Reimagined US Economy. The festival, recognized as one of the nation's premier literary gatherings, attracted readers, thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators. Sterling's book introduces the concept of 'Nexus Companies'—organizations designed as economic connection points linking workers, businesses, governments, and emerging technologies. The premise: strengthening these connections can improve efficiency, expand opportunity, support workforce development, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Drawing on experience across agriculture, real estate, and business consulting, Sterling examines how innovative business models can tackle infrastructure investment challenges, workforce skill development, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Rather than relying solely on traditional approaches, the text explores how public-private collaboration and evolving organizational structures may create new pathways for economic progress. During his featured interview, Sterling discussed the importance of improving connections between economic stakeholders and highlighted opportunities to strengthen infrastructure without significantly increasing government debt. He also examined the role of emerging technologies in shaping future economic systems while creating new opportunities for workers, businesses, and consumers alike.

Festival attendees gained insight into how the proposed Nexus ecosystem seeks to increase economic dynamism while enhancing worker mobility, improving access to training and education, and encouraging innovation across multiple sectors. Sterling's book is available on Amazon, and an author interview is accessible on YouTube. The presentation underscores a growing interest in rethinking economic structures to address pressing challenges in the U.S. and other developed economies.