Think Forward: Conversations with Futurists, Innovators and Big Thinkers

Welcome to episode 132! We sit down with Roger Spitz of the Disruptive Futures Institute.Roger Spitz brings a refreshingly different perspective to the future of business and leadership. As the former global head of Tech M&A who pivoted into professional futures work, Roger's journey represents exactly the kind of transformation he advocates for—bold, purpose-driven, and responsive to a changing world.What sets Roger apart is his holistic approach to disruption. While most futurists focus narrowly on technological innovation, Roger delves into the systemic changes reshaping our entire landscape. His Triple A framework—Anti-fragile, Anticipatory, and Agility—offers a practical operating system for navigating uncertainty that goes beyond standard playbooks.The concept of "meta-eruptions" that Roger introduces challenges conventional thinking about trends and forecasting. As he explains, we're living in a world where "unprecedented" has become the norm, requiring fundamentally different approaches to preparation and response. His global perspective, having lived across nine countries by age 18, combined with his unconventional study of disciplines like improv comedy alongside traditional futures methodology, creates a unique lens for understanding adaptation and resilience.In this fantastic talk, we cover:Developing the Triple A framework: Anti-fragile foundations, Anticipatory thinking, and Agility to reconcile long-term vision with immediate actionUnderstanding "meta-eruptions" as constant, often surprising systemic changes that require a new approach beyond traditional megatrend analysisHow global perspective and varied experiences (including studying improv comedy) enhance futures intelligence and adaptabilityCreating the Disruptive Futures Institute to address the gap between specialized fields and build a new operating system for decision-makingApplying futures thinking to complex challenges like climate action and sustainable market transformationEmphasizing relevance as the ultimate test for individuals and organizations in a rapidly changing worldRecognizing our agency to create virtuous tipping points even amid accelerating disruptionFind Roger Spitz online through LinkedIn, the Disruptive Futures Institute website, or his book "Disrupt with Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World."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.

Catherine Roy, a designer turned strategic futurist at Thales, reveals that flying taxis and advanced air mobility face substantial social acceptance challenges beyond mere technological hurdles. Her research identified 62 criteria for social acceptability of air taxis, demonstrating the complexity of successfully introducing this transportation mode.We touch upon many things in this episode including:How she transformed into a strategic futurist leading global design networksResearch found 62 social acceptability criteria for advanced air mobility versus industry's focus on just 7-8Urban planners view flying vehicles as extending traffic problems into the air rather than solving mobility issuesCapacity limitations make eVTOLs inefficient compared to mass transit (only 0-125 passengers/hour in 2040 projections)Entire infrastructure including vertiports and communication systems would need building from scratchFlying vehicles could increase social stratification between wealthy "skylanders" and ground-dwelling "flatlanders"Future climate priorities may overshadow investments in advanced air mobility infrastructureInnovation requires developing unique perspectives and courage to stand your ground against mainstream thinkingOrder 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.

Jake Dunagan, a visionary in futures thinking and political systems, reveals how experiential futures can transform governance for the 21st century. He reflects on his unique journey from anthropology to political design, sparked by a radical manuscript on "Quantum Politics." Dunagan emphasizes the need to rethink democracy, showcasing projects like the Hawaii 2050 initiative and a pandemic simulation that shaped public health readiness. He advocates for emotional connections to future possibilities, pushing for innovative governance solutions to current challenges.

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 TaiwanViews Kung Fu as the primary influence on his approach to foresight—focusing on rigorous fundamentals, discipline, and systematic processesCreated "The Dao of Foresight" as an edutainment novel set in the Land of PanguDeveloped a comprehensive world-building process with maps, character backgrounds, and a hero's journey narrative structureBelieves 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 practitionerHis 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:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4LRIMHh5SRz4dcr8aUC1qrGT5CcXsC1CRkC1PgR66tk6h1w/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0Enjoy the show!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.

We're launching Foundations and Futures, a special series of 100 bite-sized episodes to support our new book and make 1 million people future fluent by 2030. Each 5-7 minute episode delivers one key concept, tool, or practice to build your futures literacy from the ground up.• 100 free episodes starting March 17th to build future fluency• Episodes released in batches of 10 on Mondays and Thursdays• Each episode is 5-7 minutes focused on one key foresight concept• Series supports our book "Super Shifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn and Work in the Age of Intelligence"• Content designed as an essential toolkit for understanding longer Think Forward episodes• Episodes will eventually be backdated to be sequential with the overall show• Regular interview episodes will continue alongside this special seriesThe future isn't something we wait for. It's something we build one insight at a time. If you're enjoying this journey into foresight, be sure to explore the rest of the series and subscribe to get the latest episodes to check out our main Think Forward show for deeper conversations on shaping tomorrow.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.

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.