Expert futurists Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith discuss the shift from traditional forecasting to dynamic futuring. They highlight the importance of inclusive strategic frameworks, online communities driving innovation, and communal networks shaping responsive cultures. Emphasizing the active nature of 'future,' they advocate for broader participation in creating better futures for all.
38:24
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Cultivating Futuring Capabilities
Cultivate "HAPPY" characteristics (curious, open-minded, empathetic, uncertainty-comfortable) to foster a futuring mindset.
These qualities enable expansive thinking about the future without formal futurist training.
insights INSIGHT
The Power of Plurality
Diverse perspectives are crucial for futuring, valuing input from all levels of experience.
Those with uncertain life experiences often possess heightened sensitivities to change, offering valuable insights.
question_answer ANECDOTE
UNDP's Global Futures Platform
The UN Development Program created a platform for sharing signals of change, enabling global knowledge transfer.
This allowed for quick scaling of insights without extensive travel or expense.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In the Cohere podcast episode, hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas, along with guests Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith, delve into the shift from traditional forecasting to the dynamic practice of futuring, as explored in their works How to Future and Future Cultures. They discuss the importance of evolving strategic frameworks to foster anticipation and adaptability, particularly in navigating complex crises. The conversation highlights the role of online communities in driving innovation and building future resilience. Through insights and case studies like the UNDP Future Trends and Signals System, they advocate for viewing "future" as an active process and emphasize the critical role of communal networks in shaping responsive and anticipatory cultures. "It's incredibly important for futures to be opened up to a wider group of people because you can't have better futures just for one." Susan Cox-Smith Mentioned in this episode: Links to relevant materials mentioned during the episode About our guest(s): Website: Books: Future Cultures: Author Bios and Contact Information: Call-to-Action(s): If you liked this episode, check out: and Subscribe to the Cohere Podcast For more reflections about the intersection of community and design, subscribe to the Cohere Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review of the Cohere Podcast Have you listened to the Cohere Podcast? We would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and let us know what you think about the show. Your feedback helps us improve and make the podcast even better. ADD EMAIL Share your thoughts about future guests / topics of exploration: ADD EMAIL Check out #BookDNA for a list of books, articles, and whitepapers featured on the Cohere Podcast
Cohere Podcast 