Think Forward: Conversations with Futurists, Innovators and Big Thinkers Think Forward EP 129: The Dao of Foresight with Alex Fergnani
Alex Fergnani takes us on a journey from his beginnings as a martial arts student in Asia to becoming a provocative voice in futures thinking with his groundbreaking approach to foresight wisdom. His upcoming book "The Dao of Foresight" with Penguin represents a fresh approach to teaching foresight concepts through an entertaining narrative set in a fictional world.
Following a hero's journey structure, the novel follows a young disciple seeking a master to help save his endangered village. Through this adventure, readers learn foresight techniques while engaging with wisdom from Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism. Alex shares the comprehensive world-building process behind the book—creating maps, character backgrounds, and plot structures that form a rich universe accessible to audiences from teenagers to seasoned practitioners.
Some highlights from our conversation:
- Entered futures accidentally after pursuing Asian studies and discovering a Future Studies program in Taiwan
- Views Kung Fu as the primary influence on his approach to foresight—focusing on rigorous fundamentals, discipline, and systematic processes
- Created "The Dao of Foresight" as an edutainment novel set in the Land of Pangu
- Developed a comprehensive world-building process with maps, character backgrounds, and a hero's journey narrative structure
- Believes the foresight field should first distinguish between futurism (speculation) and foresight (systematic approaches)
- Pivoting his career toward becoming a "communicator of wisdom" rather than a traditional foresight practitioner
His personal revelation that his initial attraction to foresight's ambitious scope was partly compensating for deeper psychological needs offers powerful insight for anyone drawn to futures work. Whether you're curious about alternative approaches to futures thinking or interested in how storytelling can transform complex concepts, this episode offers a thought-provoking blend of Eastern wisdom and foresight practice.
Find Alex on LinkedIn and YouTube, and join his mailing list to receive updates about "The Dao of Foresight" and when it is available here for pre-order:
Enjoy the show!
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🎧 Listen Now On:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-forward-conversations-with-futurists-innovators-and-big-thinkers/id1736144515
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IOn8PZCMMC04uixlATqoO
Web: https://thinkforward.buzzsprout.com/
Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.