Shaping Tomorrow Together: Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith on the Dynamics of Futuring
How might we embed futuring into our cultures to build future-ready organizations?
In the Cohere podcast episode, hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas, along with guests Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith, delve into the shift from traditional forecasting to the dynamic practice of futuring, as explored in their works How to Future and Future Cultures.
They discuss the importance of evolving strategic frameworks to foster anticipation and adaptability, particularly in navigating complex crises. The conversation highlights the role of online communities in driving innovation and building future resilience. Through insights and case studies like the UNDP Future Trends and Signals System, they advocate for viewing "future" as an active process and emphasize the critical role of communal networks in shaping responsive and anticipatory cultures
““It’s incredibly important for futures to be opened up to a wider group of people because you can’t have better futures just for one.””
Key moments in the episode include:
[00:00:29] Welcoming Scott and Susan
[00:03:28] Introducing the concept of ‘futuring’
[00:03:28] Discussing the need for embedding ‘futuring’ in cultures
[00:10:11] Considering the skills needed
[00:13:39] Navigating how communities might practice and amplify ‘futuring’
[00:37:13] Where to find Scott and Susan
Mentioned in this episode: Links to relevant materials mentioned during the episode:
How to Future: Leading and Sense-Making in an Age of Hyperchange
Future Cultures: How to Build a Future-Ready Organization Through Leadership
About our guest(s):
Website: https://changeist.com/
Books: https://changeist.com/books
Future Cultures: https://www.futureculturesbook.com/
Author Bios and Contact Information: https://www.futureculturesbook.com/authors
Call-to-Action(s):
If you liked this episode, check out: Art School Every Day with Dave Gray: Insights from School of the Possible and Imagining Tomorrow Through Community with Rob Hopkins
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