

Ecosystemic Futures
Dyan Finkhousen: CEO of Shoshin Works
Ecosystemic Futures engages with the world’s elite thought leaders who are researching and leading meaningful development in areas that could impact society in the next half century.
Provided by Shoshin Works in collaboration with NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project - Ecosystemic Futures explores technological advances and structural patterns that will help us better innovate, operate, and navigate in our increasingly connected world.
Join the conversation as NASA leaders, and industry and policy luminaries share their perspectives with host Dyan Finkhousen, a leading strategist and global authority on ecosystemic solutions, and brilliant co-hosts.
Provided by Shoshin Works in collaboration with NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project - Ecosystemic Futures explores technological advances and structural patterns that will help us better innovate, operate, and navigate in our increasingly connected world.
Join the conversation as NASA leaders, and industry and policy luminaries share their perspectives with host Dyan Finkhousen, a leading strategist and global authority on ecosystemic solutions, and brilliant co-hosts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2024 • 56min
64: AI and Autonomous Systems: Building Ethical Frameworks for Future Flight
Description In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative intersection of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and human decision-making in aerospace applications. Through the lens of national security and technological innovation, we examine the critical pathways and challenges in deploying AI capabilities responsibly. The discussion spans the complex ecosystem dependencies between human operators and autonomous systems, the importance of justified confidence in AI adoption, and the foundational role of ethical frameworks in shaping future technologies. Guest: Colonel Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton (USAF, Ret.), Former Experimental Fighter Test Pilot and Commander of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, CEO of STEM-ed; @cincohamilton Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners This conversation underscores the necessity of balanced human-machine collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and comprehensive education in navigating the transition to AI-enabled autonomous systems. Col. Hamilton shares insights from his extensive military experience while highlighting the importance of ethical consideration in technological advancement - from battlefield applications to educational initiatives preparing the next generation of innovators. Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Oct 15, 2024 • 38min
63: Balancing the AI Equation: Why AI Needs More Than Just Algorithms
In this episode, Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, joins us to discuss the complexities and opportunities of AI implementation. Together, we explore the balance between business strategy, cost, and environmental impact in AI, along with the rising energy demands and potential of renewable solutions. Gonzalez highlights the importance of regulatory compliance to guard against cybersecurity risks and biases and advocates for public-private partnerships in fostering responsible AI. We close with a look at AI's potential for social impact, including job creation and opportunities for underserved communities, emphasizing the need for diversity and representation to ensure AI benefits everyone. Guest: Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama Co-Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Oct 8, 2024 • 41min
62: The Internet of Skills: Revolutionizing Healthcare and Arts Through Remote Collaboration
In this episode, we are joined by guest Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson, as we explore the revolutionary concept of the "Internet of Skills." Dohler explains how emerging technology seeks to democratize access to skills by enabling remote, real-time expertise transfer through digital platforms. One of the most promising applications is telesurgery, which could address critical healthcare challenges by combining reliable communication networks with medical robotics. He shares examples of telesurgery's potential, such as in stroke and heart attack treatments, while highlighting the FDA’s regulatory role in this space. Beyond healthcare, Dohler emphasizes how the Internet of Skills can transform education in various industries. He underscores the importance of creating standards to ensure interoperability and equitable access, making these advancements available to all, regardless of location. Guest: Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Sep 24, 2024 • 53min
61: AI Simulations: Shaping Societal Governance and the Future of Interaction
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge world of AI simulations and their transformative impact on societal governance. Rob Auten, CEO and co-founder of Hexgram, shares insights from his experience developing AI-powered worlds for gaming and beyond. Joined by Marco Annunziata, the discussion explores how AI-driven simulations reshape how we understand complex systems, predict outcomes, and craft more dynamic interactions. From creating immersive, emotionally engaging gaming environments to exploring AI’s role in industrial settings and policy-making, this conversation reveals the power and potential of simulation technology across industries. Guest: Rob Auten, Chief Executive Officer at Hexagram Co-Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Aug 20, 2024 • 50min
60: Resilience Reimagined: Tackling Societal Challenges with AI and Network Orchestration
In this episode, we explore innovative solutions for climate resilience, emphasizing the role of AI, big data, and effective communication. Guest Sharron McPherson and co-hosts Dyan and Vik discuss the challenges of defining and measuring resilience, aligning stakeholder values, and implementing scalable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling and digital media in improving the communication of resilience strategies. Guest: Sharron McPherson, Co-Founder & CEO at Climate Resilience Tech Company Co-Hosts: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Aug 6, 2024 • 53min
59: The Integration of Technology into the Human Experience
In this episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast we explore the integration of technology into the human experience with Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow at the Institut d'études avancées de Nantes at King's College in London . Dr. Ali and our hosts Dr. Vikram Shyam and Dyan Finkhousen explore the parallels between biological ecosystems and business ecosystems, emphasizing the need for multi-disciplinary approaches to tackle complex societal problems and achieve creative evolution. Guest: Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow, Institut d'études avancées de Nantes | King's College London, Principal Investigator, Health & Social Equity, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Jul 30, 2024 • 48min
58: Healthcare Futures: Innovation, Incentives, and Governance
In this episode of the Ecosystemic Futures podcast, we explore the transformative potential of advanced technologies in healthcare with Katie Meyer, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novocure. Katie discusses the crucial role of incentive systems and governance in driving healthcare innovation and highlights the challenges of navigating a highly regulated landscape. Join us as we explore the interplay between governance, incentives, and emerging technologies in creating a resilient and innovative healthcare ecosystem. Guest: Katie Meyer, Vice President Public Affairs at Novocure Co-Hosts: James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Jul 24, 2024 • 34min
57: Navigating the Frontier of Deep Tech: Balancing Innovation, Sustainability, and National Security
This episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast explores the opportunities and challenges of deep tech innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies like quantum computing, fusion energy, and their implications for society, industry, and national security. The conversation features insights from Laura Thomas, a former CIA case officer and current advisor to cutting-edge startups, and Co-Hosts Vikram Shyam and Dyan Finkhousen. They discuss the complexities of regulating rapidly evolving technologies, the need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the importance of addressing sustainability and equity concerns alongside technological progress. Guest: Laura Thomas, Advisor for a quantum technology company, Infleqtion and fusion energy company, Fuse. Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Jul 16, 2024 • 46min
56: The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Exponential Potential of the Space Ecosystem
Anna Brady-Estevez and our hosts discuss what it takes to stand up a new layer of infrastructure - extending our industries, economies, and possibilities into the vast expanse of the space economy. On track to triple in the next decade, the space economy offers an extraordinary environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. Successful development of our next generation of infrastructure requires deeper understanding and orchestration across complementary ecosystems for investment, education, policy, technology and services development. Platforming the space ecosystem necessitates exceptionally bold vision and investment. Guest Anna Brady-Estevez brings the receipts, sharing a wealth of examples of companies making it happen - who are building use cases and capabilities to help lead the way in virtually every sector of our economy. Anna and our co-hosts discuss the pressing need for large-scale infrastructure investment and tools to make capital more accessible to democratize participation in the space economy and drive generational benefits for our society. Guest: Anna Brady-Estevez, Senior Investment Advisor and (Venture) Partner at the U.S. Small Business Administration Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Jul 9, 2024 • 49min
55: The Future of Urban Ecosystems: Technology, Sustainability and The New Cognitive Generation
Join us for an inspiring glimpse into the making of NEOM - arguably the world's leading sustainable, cognitive city and a living lab platform to evaluate the application of advanced technologies to elevate the human experience. In this episode, co-hosts Vikram Shyam and Marco Annunziata connect with our guest, Mansoor Hanif to explore the intersection of technology innovation, and economics - and unpack the myth of smart city design. Three factors are contributing to this next generation of truly smart cities: cohesive connectivity; ecosystemic data architecture; and universal standards for interoperability. A strong command of the regulatory landscape supports the development of an AI orchestration layer and a framework of transparency, trust, and the high-fidelity 'data halo'. Mansoor shares his perpsective regarding the key considerations and risks related to ecosystemic design, societal development and the need for future technologies to prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations. Tune in for a brilliant discussion of the future of economic development around the world. Guest: Mansoor Hanif Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works


