Think Forward: Conversations with Futurists, Innovators and Big Thinkers

Traditional strategic planning falls short in today's rapidly changing world where five-year plans become obsolete before implementation and fixed strategies break when confronted with unexpected disruptions. We explore how to create "future-proof strategies" that remain robust across multiple scenarios while actively advancing toward preferred futures.• Future-proof strategies are robust across multiple futures, not just optimized for a single expected outcome• They intentionally move toward preferred futures by actively shaping conditions• They're designed to evolve with mechanisms for sensing change and testing assumptions• The process integrates scenario planning, backcasting and strategic portfolio management• Strategic portfolios include core strategies, contingent strategies and no-regrets moves• Core strategies work well across most scenarios while advancing toward preferred futures• Contingent strategies are valuable in some futures but not others• No-regrets moves build essential capabilities regardless of which future materializes• Balance commitment to purpose and vision with flexibility in timing and tactics• Communication is crucial for connecting immediate priorities with longer-term visionTake your existing strategy and subject it to a future-proofing stress test with scenarios different from your current expectations. Identify what elements remain valuable across all scenarios and what vulnerabilities emerge, then develop a more adaptable strategic portfolio.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 explore backcasting, a strategic foresight technique that starts with your preferred future and works backward to determine what needs to happen to achieve it, complementing the scenario planning methods discussed in previous episodes.• Backcasting flips traditional planning by beginning with a clear vision of success, unlike forecasting which projects current trends forward• This approach breaks free from present-day constraints when navigating complex "super shifts" that require transformative change• The process involves articulating a specific, measurable preferred future, then identifying major milestones working backward to the present• For each milestone, analyze required changes in technology, policy, organization, skills, and address potential obstacles• Translate the backward pathway into a forward-looking roadmap with clear priorities for immediate action• Backcasting is particularly powerful when creating shared vision, revealing dependencies, and connecting long-term goals with present actions• Combine backcasting with scenario planning to both prepare for multiple futures while actively working toward your preferred futureYour challenge: Choose one domain affected by a super shift, define a preferred future 10-15 years out, work backward to identify milestones, then create 3-5 immediate priorities you can start working on in the next three months.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 dive into Spectrum Scenario Planning, a sophisticated approach that leverages our spectrum layer analysis framework to create rich, multidimensional future scenarios that help build organizational resilience.• Traditional scenario planning uses a limited two-by-two matrix with four possible futures• Spectrum scenario planning explores futures across a spectrum of possibilities rather than binary options• Apply spectrum layer analysis to examine futures through seven layers from surface events to deep metaphors• Identify the super shifts most relevant to your domain and define critical uncertainties as spectrums• Create divergent scenarios that differ fundamentally at every level, not just surface changes• Bring scenarios to life through scenario design fiction writing with artifacts like headlines, journals, and advertisements• Test current strategies against multiple futures to find robust approaches that work across scenarios• Look for strategic options to activate if specific scenarios begin to materialize• Avoid creating scenarios that aren't truly divergent or that remain too abstract• Communicate scenarios effectively with vivid names and compelling narratives• Regularly revisit and refine scenarios as new signals emergeIn our next episode, we'll build on this foundation with backcasting, a powerful technique that starts with your preferred future and works backward to create a roadmap for getting there.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 conclude our multi-part exploration of worldbuilding by bridging the gap between creating fictional futures and developing practical strategic insights for real-world decisions.• Worldbuilding is both art and strategic science, with genuine depth and impact on decision-making• Creating future worlds forces us to deal with ambiguity, make educated guesses, and uncover potential challenges before they arise• The Extract, Evaluate, Execute method transforms imaginative exploration into actionable strategies• Extract key trends and insights from your constructed world without judgment• Evaluate insights for plausibility, timeline, impact, and relevance to your organization• Execute by outlining clear next steps and tangible actions for strategic advantage• Communication is crucial when moving from fiction to strategy to inspire stakeholders• Collaborative worldbuilding brings diverse perspectives, testing assumptions and revealing blind spots• Regular practice builds a culture of foresight, helping teams anticipate and respond to change• A healthcare organization used worldbuilding to identify telehealth's potential before competitorsJoin us next episode as we explore how to effectively measure and communicate the strategic impact of your foresight practice.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.

Steve Fisher explores the crucial role of foresight artifacts in bringing future visions to life through tangible and engaging ways that make abstract concepts actionable.• Foresight artifacts can be physical objects or digital creations that illustrate potential futures• Humans connect more deeply with stories and tangible illustrations than abstract concepts• Artifacts like product prototypes or future news headlines make scenarios relatable and actionable• Well-designed artifacts provoke valuable discussions and uncover strategic insights• Creating effective artifacts requires identifying key shifts and choosing appropriate formats• Authenticity and relatability are crucial when designing foresight artifacts• Diverse perspectives enhance the quality and relevance of your future artifacts• Balance visionary creativity with strategic realism for maximum impact• Tailor your artifacts to resonate with specific stakeholders and objectives• Regularly revisit and refine artifacts as new insights and trends emergeJoin us next episode as we explore how to extract clear strategic insights and decisions from comprehensive world-building practices.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 explore how to vividly imagine daily life and human experiences within future scenarios shaped by transformative super shifts. Looking beyond technological breakthroughs and economic trends, we focus on how these changes will affect everyday people's routines, relationships, and experiences.• Effective strategic foresight must be human-centered, bringing daily life elements to the forefront• Major super shifts like digital transformation and sustainability dramatically reshape personal routines• A digitally transformed society might feature AI anticipating needs, seamless virtual-physical transitions, and personalized learning• Sustainability-focused futures could include circular economy homes, community agriculture, and transformed transportation• Practical scenario building requires identifying relevant super shifts and their implications for human experiences• Engaging diverse perspectives ensures comprehensive, authentic future scenarios• Balance visionary thinking with practical realism when creating scenarios• Tailor communication of scenarios to resonate with specific stakeholders• Regularly revisit and refine scenarios as new signals and insights emergeJoin us next time as we explore how to use tangible and digital artifacts to illustrate future scenarios and enhance strategic communication.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 explore how worldbuilding in foresight must consider the cultures and societies of the future, not just technology and economics. Super-shifts like eco-awakening and digital transformation are fundamentally reshaping cultural values, social interactions, and concepts of identity and community.• Culture defines how we interact, what we value, and how we build communities• Super-shifts are profound structural evolutions altering how societies function and understand themselves• Eco-awakening transforms social values toward localism, circular economies, and collective responsibility• Digital transformation changes our understanding of work, relationships, and concepts of presence• Effective worldbuilding requires identifying relevant super-shifts for your organization• Consider specific cultural implications of these shifts on values, norms, and interactions• Engage diverse perspectives to ensure comprehensive, inclusive future scenarios• Balance visionary thinking with practical implementation• Regularly update cultural scenarios as new signals emergeContinue to build thoughtfully, plan strategically, and always Think Forward. Find us on all major podcast platforms and at www.thinkforwardshow.com, as well as on YouTube under Think Forward Show.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 explore how thoughtfully designed physical and digital infrastructures can align with and actively support the significant super shifts reshaping our future. The environments and networks we create today profoundly impact what becomes possible tomorrow, just as electricity and the internet fundamentally transformed society beyond their technological functions.• Super shifts like sustainability and the age of intelligence demand new approaches to physical and digital infrastructures• Infrastructures don't just reflect super shifts—they actively enable and accelerate them• Practical approach begins by identifying relevant super shifts for your organization or community• Effective infrastructure planning requires stakeholder engagement and flexibility to adapt• Communication is essential when articulating the strategic importance of infrastructure investments• Diverse perspectives enrich infrastructure designs, ensuring they're comprehensive and innovativeIdentify one super shift significantly impacting your organization or community, then outline what physical or digital infrastructures are needed to effectively respond to this shift.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 dive into world building as part of the Spectrum Foresight method, exploring how to map future possibilities using supershifts, trends, drivers and complex systems. Understanding the deep, sweeping changes reshaping our societies at a fundamental level provides strategic depth for long-term planning.• Supershifts are powerful transformative forces like digital transformation and climate consciousness that drive significant changes• Trends are visible indicators and surface-level manifestations of deeper supershifts• Drivers are the underlying factors pushing change forward, including technological advancements, cultural values, and economic pressures• Systems mapping visualizes how supershifts, trends and drivers interact, revealing opportunities and risks• Balance complexity with clarity when creating systems maps and incorporate diverse perspectives• Practical exercise: identify one supershift impacting your industry, list trends stemming from it and key driversNext episode will focus on designing physical and digital infrastructures that reflect these mapped elements. Keep connecting those dots, imagining vivid future worlds, and as 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.

Strategic worldbuilding transcends fiction to become a powerful foresight tool that helps organizations visualize complex futures and prepare for multiple scenarios. By creating detailed, interconnected future worlds, leaders can test strategies, identify opportunities, and anticipate potential disruptions before they occur.• Worldbuilding requires creating detailed, consistent and immersive future scenarios with clearly defined rules• Science fiction has influenced reality – Star Trek inspired smartphones, Blade Runner shaped AI ethics discussions• Effective scenarios must reflect the interconnectivity between technology, society, economy, environment, and governance• Start by identifying a core strategic question your worldbuilding will explore• Sketch the main elements of your future world across key categories before mapping their interactions• Avoid making scenarios too vague (lacking actionable insights) or too specific (quickly irrelevant)• Balance current trends with challenging scenarios that push organizational assumptions• Communicate your future worlds effectively using storytelling techniques to bridge abstract foresight with concrete actionJoin us for the next episode where we'll explore mapping future worlds through trends, drivers and complex systems.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.