Lives of Tomorrow

What makes Gen Zs in APAC unique and what drives them? In this episode, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Asia Futures and Cultural Strategist, Alison Ho, reveal how this market values local and regional cultures, evolves spending habits, and redefines living and working. Amid a rapidly changing economic environment, they discuss how this group cautiously navigates consumption while shifting towards experiential luxury with new modes of spirituality. Join them to discover Western influences on this group such as happiness as a key performance indicator and emerging APAC consumer trends impacting global markets.

What does wellness mean to you? Does how you look matter more than how you feel? In this episode, we’ll uncover ways to care for body and mind in today’s fast-paced world.Joining WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi in this episode is Co-founder of Pillar Wellbeing, Harry Jameson. Discover his journey from elite coaching to co-founding a game-changing brand that dives into the future of wellbeing with personalised, holistic health and wellness strategies. If you want to live better, listen in on how to achieve peak performance with balance.

Social media is changing at a rapid pace, and brands need to keep up. In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we explore how platforms adapt to new policies and regulations, and what these changes mean for creators, users, and the industry as a whole. We discuss the future of TikTok and Meta’s shifting moderation policies on Facebook and Instagram, along with its implications on the social media landscape. WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Director of WGSN Insight and social media trend forecaster, Joe McDonnell, delve into evolving social media trends including AI creations, decentralised social media, and going back to IRL experiences.

You’ve probably already heard how realistic an AI-created podcast can sound, so what else is in store for us when AI makes an even bigger impact in journalism? Our own AI-personalised 9 o’clock news show?Get the inside scoop from Carla Busazi, CEO of WGSN, and David Caswell, founder of StoryFlow, an innovation consultancy focused on AI workflows in news production. Having worked with AI for the BBC and co-authored ‘AI in Journalism Futures’ from Open Society Foundations with Shuwei Fang, David shares how AI will shape journalism in the future.

It’s 2025, and chrono-normativity, hustle culture, and unhealthy habits are out. Which movements are shaking things up across industries?Ditching societal norms of traditional adult milestones, the Forever Young Adult is trailblazing their own timeline. Consumers are grappling with global challenges by seeking ease and dressing in comfortable Day-jamas, tending to their needs with Therapeutic Laziness. Discover more trends WGSN forecasts for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN with her colleagues, Lisa White, Director of Strategic Forecasting and Creative Direction, and Cassandra Napoli, Head of Marketing and Events at WGSN Insight.

Carla Buzasi shares her transformative year, highlighting a return to the office and a shift towards vibrant living. She discusses leadership lessons about collaboration and appreciating small victories, or 'glimmers.' The conversation transitions to personal fitness routines that blend Peloton workouts with running. Carla also dives into evolving cooking habits and travel experiences, while examining societal trends like cosmetic enhancements. The talk wraps up with optimistic reflections on the future of WGSN and the importance of community.

Emma Worrollo, Founder of The Playful Den, helps adults rediscover the joy of play, featured in IKEA’s Power of Play report 2024. She discusses how play can alleviate stress and spark creativity, arguing that it's crucial for adult life. The conversation highlights practical tips for infusing play into routines, the positive impact of playful environments on work productivity, and the generational shift in playfulness happening today. Worrollo also shares inspiring stories of transformation and joy during challenging times.

StJohn (Singe) Deakins, founder and CEO of DataSapien, shares his insights on data privacy and the evolution of technology. He discusses the risks of centralized data systems and emphasizes the need for personal control over our information. The conversation touches on marketing influences, highlighting icons like Steve Jobs, and how technology can empower consumers. Deakins also explores the shift towards privacy-focused tech and the hopeful, trust-dependent future of data sharing, encouraging a balanced perspective on digital empowerment.

Natacia Lim, a Consumer Researcher at WGSN specializing in Southeast Asian markets, discusses the evolving landscape of entertainment. She explores the growing 'superhero fatigue' and the demand for complex narratives over simplistic blockbusters. The conversation highlights the rise of multi-streaming platforms and the resurgence of cinema attendance among younger audiences. Lim also examines the significant emergence of Asian cinema, emphasizing innovative storytelling and the representation of social issues in modern media.

Elizabeth Tan, WGSN’s Senior Culture Strategist and author of 'The Regression Generation', joins CEO Carla Buzasi to tackle the pressing issues faced by Gen Z and Alphas. They discuss how the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness, anxiety, and declining social skills, creating a 'regression generation'. Insightful strategies for community engagement and meaningful connections are explored, alongside the cultural significance of cooking as a love language. The role of technology and brands in enhancing youth safety and fostering emotional ties also takes center stage.