Informing Choices Mini-Pod Steve Wells

Jacinda Ardern’s decision to step down as New Zealand’s Prime Minister came as a surprise to many. She became the world’s youngest female head of government when she was elected prime minister in 2017 at 37. She has led New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic, and a series of disasters including the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, and the White Island volcanic eruption.

Asked how she would like New Zealanders to remember her leadership, Ardern said “as someone who always tried to be kind”.

“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go,” Ardern said.

The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, paid tribute to Ardern, saying she “has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength … She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.”

Relational Systems Architect, Leadership Development & Impact Coach, and creator of Mycelium Collab Alessandra Marazzi posed the question, “What would the world look if we all wanted to be remembered, as someone who always tried to be kind?” Which in turn begs the question, “Is kindness the leadership competence of the future?”

To consider this question, I am delighted to welcome Alessandra back to the podcast.

You can learn more about Alessandra and her work by contacting and connecting with her as follows:

Email alessandrac@mac.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alessandra-marazzi
Web https://alessandramarazzi.com

Credits:
Image https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-together-community-touch-5216585
Music: Anchor

The Rise of the Machines has a bit of Terminator feel to it, but as increasing automation plays a bigger role across life, society, and business, it’s hard to ignore the potential of AI and other automation technologies taking control.

But as well as the trepidation about dystopian potential, these same technologies offer incredible opportunity to enhance humanity. The question is, what could it mean to be more human in an ever more technology enabled world? And how might we as humans need to adapt and what will remain purely human?

To explore these questions and why 2023 was a tipping point we might look back on from 2033, I am joined by Strategist and Futurist Joana Lenkova.

You can learn more about Joana and her work by connecting with her as follows:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joana-lenkova
Twitter https://twitter.com/_FuturesForward
Website www.futures-forward.com

Credits
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-information-technology-digital-3374462
Music: Anchor     

Like a number of what we have come to consider as transformative technologies, the metaverse offers incredible potential to change how we access experiences, conduct business, respond to marketing messages, and fight gigantic battles to save the earth! It relies on the effective combination of multiple technologies to enable truly immersive experiences almost anywhere, blurring the boundaries between science and technology and magic.

To explore the opportunities presented by the metaverse, I am joined by Global Futurist & Metaverse Strategist at Accenture, Sylvia Gallusser.

You can learn more about Sylvia and her work by connecting with her as follows:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/ in/sylviagallusser
Blog https://siliconhumanism.home.blog
Email sylvia.gallusser@gmail.com
Twitter @SGallusser

Credits
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/virtual-reality-metaverse-7440751
Music: Anchor

Right now, mushrooms are in the spotlight as a meat substitute, medicine, bioremediation of oil and toxic chemicals, leather alternative, plastic alternative for some packaging, and mycelium networks in forests for carbon sequestration. They might be one of the most potent organisms to help us combat climate change.

To explore the opportunities presented by mushrooms and mycelium to help resolve some of humanity’s biggest challenges, I am joined by strategic communicator and futurist Gina Clifford.

You can learn more about Gina and her work by contacting and connecting with her as follows:

Email: gina.clifford@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaclifford
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/G1naClifford


Additional Information
Mushroom and other Fungi Trends: https://artfulliving.com/mushroom-trend-2022
Bio-inspired communities: https://bestlab.mlsoc.vt.edu/sites/bestlab/files/upload/publications/The%20Mycorrho-grid%20-%20A%20Blockchain-based%20Mycorrhizal%20Model%20for%20Smart%20Solar%20Microgrids.pdf

Credits
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/mushrooms-fungi-edible-389421
Music: Anchor

The confluence of trends such as demographic shifts, automation technologies such as AI and Machine Learning, together with developments in reducing age-related cognitive impairments are likely to have a dramatic effect on future workplaces.

To explore these factors I am joined by Strategic Foresight Advisor and Organizational Change Management and Communications consultant Rob Caldera.

You can learn more about Rob and his work by connecting with him as follows:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcaldera
Website https://www.futureshiftconsulting.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/robcaldera

Credits
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/head-heads-man-woman-avert-197347
Music: Anchor

One of the most persistent ideas about artificial intelligence, is that there’s a clear distinction between what many commentators refer to as narrow AI and the goal of more general artificial intelligence, otherwise often referred to as artificial general intelligence (AGI). But there is evidence to suggest that a new perspective would be helpful in fostering balanced discussion on the technology’s evolution now. The progress in the development of AI with wider application begs the question; “Is 2023 about to become a turning point in the public conversation about the incredible potential of AI?”

To consider this question, I am delighted to welcome back futurist speaker, analyst, commentator, and author David Wood to the podcast.

You can learn more about David and his work as follows:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dw2cco
Twitter https://twitter.com/dw2
London Futurists https://londonfuturists.com
Future Surge: https://futuresurge.org
London Futurists Podcast: https://londonfuturists.buzzsprout.com

Credits
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/futuristic-ai-background-pattern-7635520
Music: Anchor