Think Forward: Conversations with Futurists, Innovators and Big Thinkers

10 Episodes
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By: Steve Fisher

Welcome to the Think Forward podcast where we have conversations with futurists, innovators and big thinkers about what lies ahead. We explore emerging trends on the horizon and what it means to be a futurist. 

Think Forward Ep 115 - Futures Research
#115
Today at 12:00 PM

🎙️ Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 115: Futures Research Methods 🔮🧠

I’m Steve Fisher, your guide on this futurist journey, and in this episode, we continue our Being a Futurist series by diving into one of the most essential aspects of foresight: Futures Research. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your futures journey, this episode will help sharpen your research skills and open your mind to new possibilities.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

•What Futures Research really is: exploring what could happen, what should happen, and what we need to prepare for.

•...


Think Forward Ep 114 - Future of Systems with John Smart Part 2
#114
Last Thursday at 11:00 AM

🎙️ Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 114: The Future of Systems Part 2 featuring John Smart 🌍🔧

In this exciting follow-up, I continue my conversation with renowned futurist John Smart, diving even deeper into systems thinking and evolutionary development. We cover:

🔧 The three mandates: creation, protection, and adaptation

📊 How networks are the ultimate winners in complex systems

💡 Key insights on foresight, leadership, and how to manage conflict in strategy

🚀 The interplay of individuals, groups, and networks in driving systemic change

John’s incredible foresight and practical advice will equip you with the tools to navigat...


Think Forward Ep 113 - Future of Systems with John Smart Part 1
#113
Last Wednesday at 11:00 AM

 Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 113: The Future of Systems Part 1 featuring John Smart 🌍🔧

I’m Steve Fisher, your guide on this futurist journey, in this special two-part episode, I sit down with futurist John Smart to explore systems thinking and how it shapes our understanding of the future. Whether you’re in strategy, product innovation, or a foresight enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on:

🔧 How systems evolve and adapt

📊 The balance between innovation and protection

💡 The role of technology, biology, and social systems in shaping the future

🚀 B...


Think Forward Ep 112 - Scanning the Future
#112
10/29/2024

🎙️ Welcome to Think Forward Show Episode 112: Scanning the Future 🌍

I’m Steve Fisher, your guide on this futurist journey, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into a critical tool for every futurist: Environmental Scanning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, this episode will sharpen your skills and provide new insights on how to spot future opportunities and challenges.

🔎 Key Takeaways:

What environmental scanning is and why it’s essentialHow to use the STEEP+ Framework for scanning across social, tech, economic, environmental, and political domainsBalancing broad and focused scannin...


Think Forward Ep 111 - The Future of Defense with Dr. Jake Sotiriadis
#111
10/23/2024

In the latest episode of the Think Forward Show, I sit down with Dr. Jake Sotiriadis, Executive Director of Global Foresight and Strategy at Phaedrus Engineering, to discuss the future of defense and national security. 

We explore how strategic foresight, threatcasting, and systems engineering are shaping modern warfare and decision-making. Plus, Jake gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book The Revenge of Ideology, which dives into the forces driving global instability. 

Tune in to hear how foresight tools and AI are transforming defense strategies and what the future of conflict might look like. Do...


Think Forward Ep 110 - Domain Maps - Getting Focus on Your Futures Project
#110
10/16/2024

Welcome to the Think Forward podcast.  My name is Steve and I am a futurist. 

Welcome to our eighth episode, where we discuss the concept of "Domain Maps". In this episode continuing our "Being a Futurist" series, we cover the following:

What domain maps areHow to build them from scratchReal-life examples of their application in foresight, strategy, and innovationAn walkthrough exercise

So, ready to map out your future project? Whether you’re working on the future of work, healthcare, or any complex domain, this episode will guide you in creating clarity from complexity.

Link...


Think Forward Ep 109 - Future of Innovation with Christian Mulroth
#109
09/25/2024

🚀 Ready to unlock the future of innovation? In Episode 109 of The Think Forward Show, I sit down with Christian Mulroth, CEO of Itonics, to explore how companies can thrive in a world of rapid technological shifts. From creating a game-changing Innovation Operating System to navigating the transformative power of Gen AI, Christian shares the secrets behind turning ideas into disruptive innovations. We dive deep into AI’s role in reshaping creativity, corporate ambition, and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. 🎧 Don’t miss this insightful conversation that could redefine how you think about innovation and growth.
Below is a...


Think Forward Ep 108 - Futures Literacy and Why It Matters
#108
09/11/2024

Welcome to the Think Forward podcast.  My name is Steve and I am a futurist. 

Welcome to our eighth episode, where we discuss the concept of "Futures Literacy". In this episode continuing our "Being a Futurist" series, I break down this powerful skill, showing how it’s not about predicting the future but about expanding your ability to understand and shape it. From personal growth to organizational success, futures literacy equips you with the tools to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and imagine possibilities beyond the present. If you’ve ever wanted to take control of what lies ahead...


Think Forward Ep 107 - Speculative Futures with Phil Balagtas
#107
08/28/2024

Welcome fellow futurists and big thinkers to the Think Forward podcast.  My name is Steve and I am a futurist. 

Welcome to our seventh episode, where we greet our third official guest, Phil Balagtas. Phil is a designer, futurist and author. He was the founder of the Design Futures Initative, current partner at his design firm, HABITAT and a professor at ELISAVA. He is also formerly of McKinsey and Company which is where we met and we co-founded the Futures Practice which is still thriving today.  

In this episode, Phil and I cover a range of...


Think Forward Ep 106 - Think Like A Futurist
#106
08/16/2024

Welcome to the Think Forward podcast.  My name is Steve and I am a futurist. 

Welcome to our sixth episode, where we unpack what it means to think like a futurist. So whether you're a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your foresight skills or just someone curious about what the future might hold, this episode is your ticket to understanding how futurists approach the great unknown.

My goal with this podcast is to do a few things: first, to have great conversations with futurists, innovators, and big thinkers shaping tomorrow. I will also dive into th...