The Innovation Show Navigating the Age of Chaos Part 1 with Jamais Cascio And Bob Johansen
Nov 20, 2025
Jamais Cascio, a futurist at the Institute for the Future and co-author of the BANI framework, teams up with Bob Johansen, a distinguished fellow and leadership expert. They delve into the BANI framework (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) as a new lens for understanding today's chaotic world. The duo explores how traditional models like VUCA are outdated, the impact of anxiety on society, and the fragility of systems. They also highlight the importance of resilience and actionable responses amid rising complexity.
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BANI Reframes How We Make Sense
- The BANI frame (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) reframes how we sense-make in today’s chaos.
- It focuses on lived experience rather than assuming better data or experts will restore predictability.
Two-Decade Collaboration Sparked The Book
- Jamais and Bob have collaborated for nearly 20 years through Institute for the Future and scenario work.
- Their long partnership seeded the book and shaped the BANI concept.
BANI vs VUCA: Action Without Full Understanding
- VUCA assumes better data or experts can restore predictability, but BANI accepts we may not understand events yet still must act.
- BANI privileges human experience and the emotional impact of systemic chaos.
