The New Abnormal

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!

Series FourIn this episode of The New Abnormal, I interview Chris Arning, Founder of the boutique consultancy Creative Semiotics Ltd, co-founder of Semiofest, and course leader of 'How to do semiotics in seven weeks'. He works with best-in-class virtual teams to analyse brands in order to make them more coherent and true to themselves, more distinctive within their category and sector, and more resonant and relevant within the prevailing (and ever changing) culture. The outcome of his work is new pack designs, communication strategies, new systems for content creation and better equipped, more confident brand teams. He does that via semiotics: an evidence based technique rooted in academia via the premise that preference is driven by the intangible aspects of brands that activate associative thinking. Chris has a stellar reputation in his field, and in this interview he gives a brief masterclass in his specialist subject(s). So...enjoy!

Series FourThis episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Strategy, Strategy & Marketing, at the University of Sussex Business School.He's an innovator in marketplace authenticity and strategic design research, as well as cultural marketing insights.Michael is also the author of 'Building Brand Authenticity: Seven Habits of Iconic Brands' and 'Brand Management: Co-creating Brand Meaning'. (Which provides an overview of the controversies and debates, leading thinking and enduring challenges in brands and branding, including historical context, cultural & critical perspectives).We discuss all of the above, therefore including issues such as classic and leading-edge thinking relating to branding / strategy / marketing, along with how these subjects are currently taught in business schools. Michael is an expert in his field, so I hope you enjoy listening to (and learning from) him as much as I did!

Series FourThis episode of 'The New Abnormal' podcast features Phil Balagtas, author of the superb new book 'Making Futures Work'.Phil is also a former Design Director at McKinsey Design and General Electric (Digital & Aviation) with over 20yrs of experience as a Digital Interaction Designer and Design Leader working across sectors inc aviation, aerospace, airlines, advertising, retail, utilities, and public sector. He's also a Facilitator, Futurist and Founder of the Design Futures Initiative (a nonprofit based in San Francisco), the Speculative Futures network and PRIMER conference - initiatives dedicated to the education and advancement of Futures Thinking and helping organisations develop business and product strategies for the near and far future through Strategic Foresight and Speculative Design. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss all of the above. So...enjoy!