FUTUREPROOF.

Send us a textWhat if luck isn’t random — but designed?In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., we sit down with Judd Kessler, Wharton economist and author of Lucky by Design, to explore how hidden markets quietly decide who gets what — from job interviews and college spots to concert tickets, dating matches, and even organ transplants.Kessler argues that what looks like “good fortune” is often the result of understanding — and leveraging — the invisible systems that govern access to opportunity. Whether it’s the algorithms behind dating apps, the psychology of lotteries and waitlists, or the structure of modern hiring, he reveals how we can all become more intentional “designers of luck.”We discuss: How hidden markets shape everything from careers to healthcare Why “fairness” isn’t as equal as it looks — and how to spot the trade-offs The economics of lotteries, rankings, and “first come, first served” systems Why second choices sometimes lead to the best outcomes How behavioral design can make opportunity more equitable — or more rigged What it means to be “lucky by design” in an algorithmic worldWhether you’re a leader trying to create fairer systems, or an individual looking to navigate them more wisely, this episode reveals the unseen structures that quietly shape your chances — and how to work with them instead of against them.

Send us a textMost companies say they care about engagement — but decades of data show those engagement scores barely move. Meanwhile, burnout has become a global epidemic.In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., we sit down with Mark C. Crowley, bestselling author of Lead from the Heart and the new book The Power of Employee Well-Being, to explore why the billion-dollar engagement industry has failed workers — and what science says actually drives performance.Crowley argues that engagement is a symptom, not a cause — and that well-being, not busyness, is the real engine of productivity. He shares evidence-backed ways leaders can track and improve well-being, hold managers accountable for the human side of leadership, and create workplaces where people genuinely thrive.We discuss:Why engagement surveys don’t work (and what to measure instead)How well-being directly impacts innovation and retentionWhat post-pandemic workforces really want from leadershipThe neuroscience of motivation and connection at workHow to lead with authenticity without losing authorityIf you’ve ever wondered why “perks” don’t fix burnout, or what the next era of human-centered leadership looks like, this episode will make you rethink what it means to truly lead people.

Send us a textEvery leader has data. Few have a story worth following.In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., we sit down with Christina Farr, journalist-turned-investor and author of The Storyteller’s Advantage. Christina argues that storytelling isn’t a soft skill — it’s a business superpower. Whether you’re pitching investors, recruiting talent, or leading a team through turbulence, the right story can make the difference between momentum and mediocrity.We explore:Why stories outperform facts and figures in memory and persuasionHow startup founders use narrative to raise money before their product is readyThe seven plot structures that show up again and again in successful company loreWhy authenticity and vulnerability make leaders magneticHow to use storytelling not just in PR, but across sales, hiring, and product developmentIf you think storytelling is just marketing fluff, this episode will change your mind.

Send us a textCars have long been sold as the ultimate symbol of freedom. But what if they’ve trapped us instead? In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., we sit down with Arthur Kay, urban designer and coauthor of Roadkill: Unveiling the True Cost of Our Toxic Relationship with Cars.Kay argues that America’s car dependency is more than a climate issue—it’s a system of financial, political, and social control that burdens working and middle-class families, strains local economies, and limits real choice. Together, we explore:Why cars drive hidden costs in housing, taxes, and debtHow car-centric cities hollow out communities and opportunitiesThe global lessons America can learn from more walkable, resilient urban modelsA realistic blueprint for building cities that prioritize people, not vehiclesThis conversation goes far beyond traffic jams and tailpipe emissions—it’s about the future of freedom, equity, and the way we design our lives.

Scott D. Anthony, a Dartmouth professor and renowned innovation expert, discusses the nonlinear nature of disruption. He highlights how innovations like the transistor radio and cryptocurrency reshape our world in unexpected ways. Scott delves into why disruption often takes decades and the surprising roles figures like Julia Child played in innovation. He also shares insights on how leaders can navigate challenges posed by incumbents and learn from past failures to embrace transformative changes in technology.

Send us a textGaming isn’t just entertainment anymore—it’s the new frontier of consumer engagement. With more than three billion players worldwide and brands from Peloton to Burberry using game mechanics to build loyalty, gaming has become a mainstream business strategy.In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., Bastian Bergmann, co-founder and COO of Solsten, explains why every company—not just game studios—needs to think like a game designer. He draws from his new book Press Play and his work with Solsten, which helps brands understand audiences on a psychological level to create immersive, resonant experiences.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎮 Why gaming is becoming a must-have strategy for every industry 🎮 How luxury brands, fitness companies, and even media outlets are using play to connect with customers 🎮 The psychology of play and why it unlocks deeper loyalty than ads alone 🎮 Practical entry points for companies curious about gaming without overcommitting 🎮 How audience intelligence and psychology fuel better design and better business outcomesLinks & Resources:Bastian’s book: Press Play: Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy (Harvard Business Review Press, Sept 9, 2025)Solsten: solsten.ioFollow Bastian on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bastianbergmann

Send us a textMost leaders say they want creativity. Few know how to make it happen. Andrew Robertson, Chairman of BBDO Worldwide, has spent two decades leading one of the most awarded creative networks in the world—and now he’s written the playbook for bringing creativity back to the heart of business.In his new book, The Creative Shift, Robertson argues that organizations can’t just hope for inspiration—they need to deliberately design for it. He explains how to balance operational discipline with imaginative thinking, why bad ideas are essential for breakthroughs, and how simple changes—like rethinking meeting spaces—can spark better group collaboration.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why most corporate cultures quietly stifle creativityThe flaws in traditional brainstorming—and how BBDO aims to fix themHow to manage creative risk and know which ideas to pursuePractical ways to spark group creativity and make room for unconventional thinkingWhy operational excellence and visionary thinking aren’t opposites—they’re partnersLinks & Resources:Andrew’s book: The Creative Shift: How to Power Up Your Organization by Making Space for New Ideas (released Sept 2, 2025)

Send us a textGuest: Nick Foster, futures designer, former Head of Design at Google X, and author of Could Should Might Don’tEpisode Summary: Everyone’s talking about the future, but few are thinking about it well. Nick Foster, one of the world’s most influential futures designers and former Head of Design at Google X, argues that our imagination about what’s next is often shallow, clichéd, and dangerously incomplete.In his book Could Should Might Don’t, Foster introduces a powerful framework for rethinking how we approach tomorrow. Instead of relying on sci-fi utopias, doomsday scenarios, or neat statistical projections, he challenges us to combine different lenses—what could, should, might, and don’t happen—to build a more rigorous and useful picture of the future.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why sci-fi optimism and dystopian doom both fail as guides to the futureThe four dominant ways we imagine tomorrow—and how to balance themLessons from inside Google X on how bold organizations explore the unknownWhy overconfidence in forecasts blinds us to hidden possibilitiesHow leaders, policymakers, and innovators can think more responsibly about what’s coming nextLinks & Resources:Nick’s book: Could Should Might Don’t (on shelves today, Aug 26!)

Send us a textSearch isn’t just about Google anymore — and the fastest-growing search engine might already be on your phone. With 55% of consumers now starting their search journey on social platforms, TikTok is leading a massive shift in how people discover, evaluate, and buy.In this episode of FUTUREPROOF., Brian Torpey, TikTok’s Global Head of Search Monetization Product Solutions and Operations, takes us inside how TikTok is redefining the search experience for a new generation. We dig into the platform’s latest search ad products, the surprising ways consumers use TikTok to find answers, and how brands can harness TikTok’s organic and paid tools to stay ahead.We also explore:Why TikTok search is fundamentally different from traditional search enginesHow Omnicom Media Group’s partnership with TikTok is reshaping paid search strategiesWhat TikTok’s search data reveals about real consumer intentThe opportunities (and challenges) for marketers in the “social-first” search eraWhether you’re a marketer looking to future-proof your search strategy or just curious about how TikTok is quietly becoming a search powerhouse, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Send us a textThe path to breakthrough ideas starts with… the bad ones.In a world obsessed with perfection, Jason Keath makes a counterintuitive—and surprisingly liberating—case: bad ideas aren’t the enemy, they’re the engine. As the founder of Social Fresh and a longtime advisor to brands seeking creative edge, Jason argues that creativity is a process, not a personality trait—and the faster we get comfortable with failure, the faster we unlock genius.In this episode, Jason and Jeremy talk about:Why we mythologize creativity—and how to make it practicalThe Fast & Ugly method that beats overthinkingHow constraints fuel creativity rather than stifle itWhat teams get wrong in brainstorms—and how to fix itWhy “creative blocks” are often just fear in disguiseThe surprising neuroscience behind idea volume and qualityWhy marketers, leaders, and founders need to stop waiting for inspirationWhether you’re leading a brand, launching a product, or staring down a blank page, this conversation will help you stop polishing and start producing.Links:Jason’s site: jasonkeath.comSocial Fresh: socialfresh.comJason’s book: The Case for More Bad Ideas (Out now!)