Jan Berger 'Anticipating Change for Corporate Foresight'
Dec 5, 2024
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Jan Berger, Founder and CEO of Themis Foresight and expert in anticipating future changes, shares insights from his diverse background in history and leadership. He discusses the significance of empathy in corporate foresight, exploring its role in addressing working-class alienation. Berger highlights the need for genuine sustainability efforts, contrasting them with superficial marketing. He also examines Europe’s economic landscape and innovation opportunities in rapidly growing markets like India and Africa, emphasizing a balanced approach to future challenges.
Jan Berger emphasizes the necessity for companies to incorporate reliable futures research into their strategic planning to navigate complex global challenges.
The podcast highlights the importance of engaging diverse perspectives in futures studies to address pressing global issues like climate change and food security.
Deep dives
Jan Berger's Journey through Change
Jan Berger reflects on his non-linear career journey, emphasizing the adaptability learned from his childhood experiences during the tumultuous times in East Germany and the USSR. His academic background in history, particularly during the opening of Soviet Union archives, provided him with a unique perspective on societal change, which he later applied to various industries including real estate and fintech. Berger's consistent involvement in innovation throughout his career ultimately led him to a pivotal role in futures work, highlighting the importance of anticipating and adapting to future scenarios. His establishment of Themis Foresight stems from a desire to harness these experiences to drive strategic direction in business.
Thematic Focus on Foresight
Themis Foresight was named after the Greek goddess of justice, reflecting its mission to provide trustworthy futures research that assists companies in making informed decisions. The organization aims to advocate for scientific foundations in futures studies, differentiating itself from superficial futurist trends. Berger discusses the significance of creating enduring relationships with board members, ensuring that their strategies are grounded in reliable foresight. This commitment to scientific rigor and trust has garnered respect from various business leaders seeking to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
International Perspectives on Future Forum
At the Dubai Future Forum, Jan Berger shares insights on the growing field of futures studies, which has seen a notable increase in participation and interest. He highlights the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives from regions like Africa and Asia, where significant growth is expected despite common biases in Western viewpoints. The forum serves as a valuable platform for exchanging innovative ideas and methodologies, fostering collaborative discussions among futurists. Berger expresses concern about the influx of individuals labeling themselves as futurists without the necessary professional training, emphasizing the need for establishing standards in the field.
Addressing Global Challenges through Innovation
Berger delves into the pressing global issues such as food security and climate change, arguing that future innovations must focus on producing necessary materials sustainably. He encourages a shift from solely digital solutions to developing holistic technologies that respect natural cycles while enabling industrial growth. By engaging MBA students in discussions about the future of production, he identifies the potential for innovative solutions that align with environmental sustainability. Companies like Solar Foods and Made of Air exemplify the type of sustainable production practices he advocates, showcasing the intersection of innovation and ecological responsibility.
This episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Jan Berger, the Founder & CEO of Themis Foresight.
Based in Berlin, his company anticipates economic, technological, social and political drivers of future change. He and his team are driven by the conviction that outstanding futures research is key for the strategic direction of Europe's business and entrepreneurial elite.
Jan's academic training was in Modern & Contemporary History and Slavic Studies, which led him to take an MA at Lomonosov Moscow State University. He's lived and worked on four continents, and has held leadership positions in corporations and startups.
So...we discuss all of the above in what I hope you'll agree is a dynamic conversation!
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