Think Forward EP 137: Mapping Tomorrows Terrain with Derek Woodgate

What if the key to understanding tomorrow lies not in boardroom predictions but in the rhythms of a DJ's turntable? Derek Woodgate, with his 30+ years as an experimental futurist, takes us on a fascinating journey through his unique approach to futures thinking that blends underground arts with rigorous analysis.

Derek reveals how his background in music management (working with bands like Swans and Sonic Youth) and his immersion in early digital communities shaped his distinctive methodology. "Think like a DJ," he explains, involves deconstructing concepts completely before rebuilding them into something revolutionary. This process requires skills beyond traditional analysis – demanding intuition, comfort with paradox, and the ability to see connections where others don't. 

• Bringing music, art, and cultural experiences into futures work through "think like a DJ" methodology
• Breaking concepts down to their elements and reconstructing them with fresh perspectives
• Finding "colors that are missing" and identifying rhythms between the beats when analyzing trends
• Leveraging intuition and creativity alongside analytical skills for deeper futures insights
• Balancing professional futurism work with real-world immersion in emerging cultural movements
• Developing new educational approaches that break down silos for complex problem-solving
• Working with AI as a collaborative tool while preserving uniquely human foresight abilities
• Understanding "rebel laboratories" and underground innovation that signals future directions
• Living the future rather than just studying it to better anticipate coming challenges

If you'd like to connect with Derek, you can reach him at dwoodgate@futures-lab.com where he welcomes conversations about futures thinking.

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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.