The New Abnormal

In this episode of The New Abnormal podcast, I interview Neil Shearing, the Group Chief Economist at Capital Economics, where he leads a world-class team of economists and oversees the firm’s global research agenda. A trusted voice in international finance, Neil is known for his clear, insightful analysis of the global economy - insights that regularly feature in the Financial Times and other major publications, as well as on TV and radio.Earlier in his career, he served as an Economic Adviser at HM Treasury, working on fiscal policy and global economics.In the interview, we discuss his new book 'The Fractured Age' in which he describes how the tectonic plates of the global order are shifting, creating new pressures that will strain long-standing financial structures. Neil explains where the world's new economic fault lines will emerge, and how disruptive they'll be...

This episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Gergely Nemeth, former Head of Strategic Foresight at NATO and now CEO of Hungary’s Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI), who reflects on a career ‘impacted by coincidence’ but marked by increasing responsibility in defence planning, policy, and foresight. Beginning as an intelligence analyst, he moved through roles in Hungary’s Ministry of Defence, NATO committees, and finally NATO’s Strategic Foresight team, where he revitalized foresight processes disrupted by COVID. A pivotal assignment in Brussels during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave him direct experience in international defence collaboration and NATO’s “art of the deal” diplomacy.At VIKI, Nemeth leads efforts in foresight, innovation, and strategic outreach, supporting projects such as XR-based training systems and advancing the robotization of armed forces, which he views as inevitable due to demographic, technological, and battlefield realities.A key point we discuss is the role of hope in futures thinking: Gergely believes that foresight must not only identify risks but also shape preferable futures through agency and action. Above all, he stresses the importance of intellectual honesty, institutional adaptation, and collaborative innovation as vital for building resilient defence ecosystems...

This episode of The New Abnormal features Lourdes Rodriguez, a Strategic Foresight Consultant with the European Commission and Co Exec Director at Teach the Future. With a background in Psychology, her work has been focused on trends research and foresight for more than 15 years, and she's therefore deeply experienced in discovering new signal of change and seeds of the future in the present.Lourdes is currently also doing a Master’s in Cyber Politics and Government, as she's interested in learning more about the impact of emerging technology in a geopolitical context, how it could affect our governments, our democracies and ultimately, our lives.You'll understand why Forbes magazine describes her as 'one of the best futurists in Spain' as she describes her past career and current activity in our conversation. So...I hope you enjoy the discussion!

Series FiveThis episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Marie Stafford, Global Director (Intelligence) at VML. She's a strategic foresight consultant skilled in creating inspiring future narratives, transforming futures insights and trends into commercial opportunity across a top tier multinational client portfolio. Specialised in foresight at the intersection of consumers, culture and innovation, Marie is also a seasoned speaker and panellist cited in outlets like the FT and New York Times. In this episode, she discusses the latest 'Future 100' from VML (the renowned industry report that examines key trends from around the world, and features interviews with a range of sector experts) along with her take on dynamic issues illuminated at the recent SXSW London. So, if you're interested in listening to the views of an industry-expert across a range of subjects from Sharing to Solitude and from Pets to Architecture...enjoy! 

Series FiveThis episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Peter Cunliffe-Jones, visiting researcher at the University of Westminster and Director of Facts Matter Research, a misinformation research and strategy consultancy, where he advises organisations in effective ways to both counter the harmful consequences of misinformation and protect wider freedom of speech. Peter started his career as a news journalist for the AFP new agency - working for more than 20 years in Europe, Africa and Asia. He reported from Bosnia and Croatia on the last year of war and first 12 months of peace, from Nigeria on the end of decades of military rule, oversaw the agency's coverage of the Asian tsunami, developed its online news services. In 2012, he founded Africa Check, the African continent's first independent fact-checking organisation, which operates in South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria and Kenya.He's also run training courses for fact-checkers in countries from Afghanistan to Myanmar, worked as a strategic adviser to the Arab Fact-Checkers network, which seeks to foster nonpartisan fact-checking in the Arab world, and served on the Safety Advisory Council for TikTok in Africa.His new book is called "Fake News - what's the harm?" and presents four dynamic ideas for fact-checkers, policymakers and platforms on the challenge of information disorder.In our conversation, Peter discusses all of the above and more, in what I hope you’ll agree is a fascinating episode. So – enjoy! 

Faris Yakob, co-founder of Genius Steals, is a creative consultant and strategist who began his career during the dot-com explosion. In their conversation, he discusses the transformative impact of AI on advertising and the importance of philosophical insights from thinkers like Kant and Marx on modern marketing. He emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in creativity and shares his views on collaboration as a solution to complex industry challenges. Faris also reflects on the evolving dynamics of advertising and the significance of being well-read in the field.

Gareth Kay, a Partner at The Intangibles and a veteran in the creative industry, shares insights on leveraging intangible assets for brand success. He emphasizes problem-finding over problem-solving and the significance of brand behavior over mere storytelling. The conversation highlights the challenges brands face in the age of AI and the importance of crafting positive narratives. Gareth also discusses the macroeconomic forces influencing businesses today and how collaboration can unlock immense value. His extensive experience provides a fresh perspective on modern brand strategy.

Epaminondas Christophilopoulos, a foresight and innovation advisor and UNESCO Chair on Futures Research, shares fascinating insights from his extensive career. He discusses the importance of a 'futures mindset' in navigating global challenges like climate change and technology. Christophilopoulos also explores the transformative role of art in society and introduces the SPF game for fostering creative foresight. Additionally, he delves into Russian Cosmism, a radical philosophical perspective aimed at transformative societal changes.

Jan Berger, Founder and CEO of Themis Foresight and expert in anticipating future changes, shares insights from his diverse background in history and leadership. He discusses the significance of empathy in corporate foresight, exploring its role in addressing working-class alienation. Berger highlights the need for genuine sustainability efforts, contrasting them with superficial marketing. He also examines Europe’s economic landscape and innovation opportunities in rapidly growing markets like India and Africa, emphasizing a balanced approach to future challenges.

Series FourIn this episode of 'The New Abnormal' I interview Nils Muller, CEO & Founder of TrendONE - a specialist agency that's a market leader in identifying key trends in fast moving branches of business. In our discussion, Nils discusses their methodologies and approach to working for clients such as BMW and Airbus, his viewpoints on developing 'Brand Germany' and takeouts from the Dubai Future Forum - having just returned from a hot and sunny UAE to a cold and snowy Germany. Hence, we discuss a range of topics covered at the forum, including Future Generations,  Future Education, and the Future of Nature regarding Planet-Centric Innovation.  Along the way, we also cover issues such as the latest thinking around Foresight, Strategic Growth, Collaborative Approaches and Futures-Literacy regarding Complexity, Experimentation and Anti-Fragility. So, I hope you enjoy listening to Nils as much as I did!