Think Forward: Conversations with Futurists, Innovators and Big Thinkers

Discover how organizational foresight sets leading companies apart in a rapidly changing landscape. Learn about balancing current operations with future opportunities through a three horizons framework. Understand the importance of building diverse teams for effective foresight and starting with small initiatives like trend newsletters. Explore tools and strategies to create a culture that prioritizes foresight, leading to significantly higher profitability and growth. Finally, audit past decisions to find areas where foresight can generate value.

Organizations today face an urgent need to be future-ready. The conversation with Dr. Rene Rohrbeck emphasizes the critical role of strategic foresight in achieving business resilience and success in a rapidly changing environment. Companies that prioritize foresight not only adapt to emerging market trends but also enhance their financial performance.• Introduction of future fitness focused on proactive preparedness • Personal background influencing Dr. Rohrbeck's foresight perspective • The necessity of foresight in strategy and its impact on performance • Exploration of the future fitness framework: thinking, storytelling, and systems • Discussion of ethical considerations in corporate foresight • Call for democratization of foresight education to empower individuals and organizationsFor the VIDEO Episode: https://youtu.be/ilafVPx7dW8Order your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

Welcome to Episode 125 of the Think Forward Show! This episode features a conversation with Dr. John Sweeney, who discusses the evolution of futures studies and the importance of transformative foresight. The episode delves into using play and culture in futures work, advocating for broader futures literacy and anticipatory governance while stressing the ethical responsibilities of futurists in shaping inclusive narratives for diverse communities.  In this episode we explore:• John's journey into the field of futures studies  • The distinction between strategic foresight and transformative foresight  • Importance of interdisciplinary approaches to futures thinking  • The role of gaming in reshaping futures dialogues  • The need for futures literacy in education and society  • Anticipatory governance as a pathway for adaptive policies  • Ethical considerations in futures work and inclusive practices  • Closing thoughts on shaping futures pluralismOur conversation with Dr. Sweeney also ventures into the ethical dimensions of future thinking, probing the balance between imaginative foresight and actionable strategies for organizations and governments. Through the lens of ethical imagination, we consider the power and responsibility of futurists in shaping long-term visions while fostering inclusive and culturally rooted methodologies. Order your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

Join Steve Fisher on this exciting episode of the Think Forward Show as share new content coming and we explore the transformative trends shaping 2025 and beyond. From ambient AI becoming the invisible infrastructure of our lives to agentic systems taking on complex tasks with autonomy, this episode breaks down the forces reshaping industries, work, and daily life.Steve also discusses sustainability’s integration into foundational technologies, advancements in quantum computing, and the evolving nature of education and skills in an AI-driven world. These aren’t just predictions—they’re the signals and patterns emerging right now.And don’t miss the big announcement: Steve’s new book, SuperShifts, co-authored with Dr. Janae Duane, launches early this year! Dive into the frameworks and tools to navigate and leverage transformative changes before they reshape us.Highlights:• New content initatives for the year ahead.•The convergence of technologies and societal shifts defining 2025.•Insights on agentic AI, quantum breakthroughs, and sustainability.•A look ahead with practical tools to stay future-ready.📖 Preorder SuperShifts here: https://bit.ly/SuperShiftsStay curious. Stay ahead. Always think forward.ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

2024 Year-End Special: Shaping the Future with Think ForwardJoin host Steve Fisher in this Think Forward podcast episode, where we recap the transformative events of 2024 and look ahead to 2025. From the integration of AI into everyday life to advancements in sustainable technology, climate change crises, and shifts in political and financial landscapes, this year has been monumental. The episode features reflections and clips from conversations with leading futurists and innovators about their groundbreaking insights. Exciting announcements include the launch of a new book and expansion plans for Think Forward in 2025, aiming to deliver a richer, more interactive experience for the community.ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

Welcome to Episode 122 of the Think Forward Show! In this insightful episode, I sit down with Joanna Lepore, who leads Global Foresight at McDonald's Corporation. From her journey as an "accidental futurist" to co-founding FIG (Foresight Insight Group), Jo shares how real transformation starts at the core and ripples outward.In this episode, we explore:Why internal foresight capabilities are crucial for large organizationsHow to break through the "baggage" of corporate futures workThe evolution of foresight from trend-spotting to strategic thinkingThe importance of combining art and science in futures workJo's approach challenges us to think differently about how organizations build futures capabilities, proving that sometimes the most powerful changes start from within.Order your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

"The only future we can make is the one we can imagine."Most organizations treat imagination like New Year's exercise equipment—they know they should use it, but somehow it ends up gathering dust in the corner.Join me for Episode 121 of the Think Forward Show as we explore how imagination transforms futures work from abstract possibilities into tangible futures we can build.In this episode, we explore:- Why imagination is the secret sauce of futures work- How to break free from the "tyranny of the present"- Practical tools from the Design Futurist Toolkit- Making abstract futures tangible and actionableReady to flex your imagination muscle? This episode will show you how futures work comes alive when we combine rigorous analysis with creative thinking.#ThinkForwardShow #FuturesThinking #Innovation #DesignFutures #StrategicForesight #FuturistPodcast #Futures #Leadership #FutureOfWorkORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

🚀Episode 120 of the Think Forward Show is ready for you! 🚀What if the key to seeing the future was learning to notice what others miss?🎙️ Welcome to the Think Forward Show Episode 120: Non-Obvious Thinking with Rohit Bhargava 🔍I'm Steve Fisher, your guide on this futurist journey, and in this enlightening episode, I sit down with Rohit Bhargava, author of the Non-Obvious series and the new book "Non-Obvious Thinking." We explore how developing a non-obvious mindset can help us spot opportunities others miss and build a more open-minded future.🔑 Key Takeaways:• How operating on different time scales can lead to unique insights• The evolution from trend spotting to developing a non-obvious mindset• The importance of being a "noticer" in our increasingly digital world• Why ethics and diverse perspectives are crucial in shaping our futureRohit's approach challenges us to look beyond the immediate and obvious, teaching us how to cultivate a mindset that can transform both our personal and professional lives. After following his work for 15 years, this conversation was particularly special.What do you notice that others might miss? Join the conversation!#ThinkForwardShow #Innovation #FuturesThinking #NonObviousThinking #LeadershipOrder your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

🎙️ Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 119: The Art of Trendspotting 🔍🌐I’m Steve Fisher, your guide on this futurist journey. In this episode, we continue our Being a Futurist series, and I dive deep into Trendspotting—a crucial skill for anyone looking to anticipate change, identify opportunities, and navigate the future. If you’ve ever wondered how to distinguish between a fad, a trend, and a megatrend, or if you want to spot hidden signals shaping tomorrow, this episode is for you!🔑 Key Takeaways:• The difference between fads, trends, and megatrends• Essential techniques for spotting trends, like environmental scanning and STEeP analysis•How to filter out the noise and recognize weak signals•Real-life examples of trendspotting in actionReady to tune your radar and see the patterns others miss? Don’t miss this episode!Order your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.

🎙️ Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 118: Engineering Foresight with Kara Cunzeman 🌌🔧In this episode, I sit down with Kara Cunzeman, a visionary in applied foresight, to discuss how engineering and futures work intersect to tackle some of the most complex national challenges. Kara brings a unique perspective, blending systems engineering with strategic foresight to guide national security and space policy.🔑 Key Takeaways:•How to build a foresight function within large organizations from scratch•The role of multidisciplinary teams in tackling complex issues•Why applied foresight is critical for navigating uncertainty and driving actionable change•Insights on the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance and the push for a national office of strategic foresightKara’s insights show how integrating futures thinking can create lasting impact, especially in high-stakes environments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of foresight in government and beyond.How does foresight play a role in your organization? Share with us! #ThinkForwardShow #Foresight #EngineeringForesight #FutureOfWork #StrategicForesightOrder your copy of SuperShifts: www.bit.ly/supershifts ORDER SUPERSHIFTS! bit.ly/supershifts 🎧 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.