Informing Choices Mini-Pod Steve Wells

This is the second episode in our series looking at the critical trends impacting the future of work in partnership with Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com).  Each episode is based on one of the meta-trends identified in Working the Future’s Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report).

In this episode we are unpacking a phenomenon that is reshaping our world: Industry 4.0 - The Unstoppable March of Technology. We are diving into the three big drivers that are pushing us forward. But, it is not just about the tech; it is also about where we are heading so we will explore possible scenarios for 2030; could these trends lead us utopian innovation or dystopian disruption?

What is crucial, is to turn insights into action, so we will
wrap up by exploring what organizations can start doing today to navigate this tech tidal wave.

Once again, I am joined by Working the Future co-founding director Cat Barnard. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows:

By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or patrick@workingthefuture.com
By phone +44(0)7788 718823 or +44(0)7764 948444
Website https://www.workingthefuture.com
Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard

Credits
Images
Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Episode titles: Working the Future
Other images: OpenAI DALL-E

Music
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC

Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay
cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message

Welcome to a new series of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod. The focus of much of this series will be a collaborative effort with future of work trend intelligence and business insight consultancy, Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com) exploring the insights from their Foresight Focus 2024 report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report).

In this series, we are diving deep into the big waves reshaping how we work and what work means to us in this rapidly changing world. Think of it as your go-to guide for understanding the unstoppable march of technology with Industry 4.0, the complex dance of globalisation and geopolitics, and why the way we all think about work is shifting beneath our feet.

We will be talking about the rise of on-demand working, how businesses are rebooting their operating frameworks to stay agile, and the urgent push for reskilling to keep up with the future. Plus, we are tackling the skim culture that is disrupting our attention, the push for truly inclusive workplaces, how businesses are fighting back against climate chaos, and what leadership looks like in the 21st century.

In this episode specifically, we will introduce Working the Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report. We will briefly explore the 10 meta-trends relating to the future of work identified in the report and why it is important for leaders to stay connected with critical trends.

I am joined by Working the Future’s co-founding director Cat Barnard. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows:
By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or patrick@workingthefuture.com
By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444
Website https://www.workingthefuture.com
Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard

Credits
Images
Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Episode titles: Working the Future ltd

Music
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC
Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message

Having reached the notable milestone of 100
episodes of my podcast, I wanted to do something a little different.

To a lesser or greater extent, I have covered different aspects of: Communication; Education and Skills; Enterprise and Economy; Food and Agriculture; Health and Wellbeing; Jobs and Work; the Natural Environment; Politics and Geopolitics; Social and Societal Shifts; Sustainability; and of course, Technology and Systems.
But it is often technology that ties these topic areas together. All of which got me thinking:
1) What were the technological innovations that
had a profound impact on life, society, and business, 100 years ago?
2) And what might the technological advancements
be that achieve the same recognition in 100 years’ time?

So this episode is about my thoughts on the five technologies significant in the 1920’s and those that could be significant in the 2120’s.

You can learn more about me and my work by
contacting and connecting with me as follows:
Email: steve@informingchoices.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speaker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/informingchoice
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIxf6tAhDzmP9QuhPwja1UH4ivsx-YTh9
Website: http://www.informingchoices.com

Credits
Images
Titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Other images OpenAI DALL-E

Music
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC
Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP
Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message

In our rapidly changing world, the way we package goods has become a critical aspect of our environmental footprint. The burgeoning field of sustainable packaging is not just a trend but a necessity.

In this episode of the podcast, we will try to unwrap the layers of innovation and transformative changes we can anticipate in the next few decades: from the potential of innovative packaging systems; pioneering materials; to the impact of technological advancements like nanotechnology and smart packaging. But it is not just about the materials. What about the systemic changes - how businesses, consumers, and regulations could adapt to and drive the demand for sustainable packaging?

To explore this landscape, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the podcast to two guests with a passion for
sustainable packaging and the environment, from specialist consultancy Root. With me today are lead consultant and founder Tracy Sutton and policy and impact lead Hannah Worthington.

You can learn more about Tracy and Hannah and their work by connecting with them as follows:
The Root website https://root-innovation.com
By email at impact@root-innovation.com
On LinkedIn:
Tracy https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracysutton
Hannah https://www.linkedin.com /in/hannah-worthington-sustainability

Root Overview
Founded by Tracy, Root is Europe’s trusted advisor for sustainable packaging. A specialist consultancy that develops impactful partnerships which enable clients do more with less and become leaders, their mission is to change the mindset of the packaging and consumer goods industries by championing a responsible, regenerative future for leading producers of goods and packaging.

Root deliver advisory, impact, strategy and regulatory support to global brands and packaging producers to help them identify and mitigate regulatory and reputational risk and embed a new way of thinking about packaging for the future. The company boasts over 65 years of unrivalled experience across packaging design, innovation, sustainability, regulation and waste management.

Credits
Images:
Titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Other images OpenAI DALL-E
Videos:
https://pixabay.com/videos/environment-waste-rubbish-plastic-95071
Waste Robotics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BcP5Nuw9tI

Music - PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC
Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay
cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message

Human enhancements can cover a wide range of capabilities, from increased strength, endurance, and speed to enhanced memory, focus, and emotional control. They may also extend to more sophisticated modifications such as the integration of digital interfaces directly with the
human brain, allowing for direct communication with computers and other digital devices, or the augmentation of sensory perceptions; for example, seeing a broader spectrum of light or hearing beyond the normal range.

So, with this as context, the question we are addressing in this episode of the podcast is, “what might a day in the life of an enhanced human in 2050 be like?”

To explore this fascinating question, I am delighted to welcome back to the podcast futurist and keynote speaker Rohit Talwar. 

You can learn more about Rohit and his work by connecting with him as follows:
Email: Rohit@fastfuture.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rohit-talwar-futurist-keynote-speaker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fastfuture
Website: https://fastfuture.com

Credits
Images
Titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Other images OpenAI DALL-E
Video https://pixabay.com/videos/human-dna-code-science-medical-5458

Music
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC
Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay
cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message

There are a number of different approaches, models, and frameworks to help us explore the future – or potential futures - from driver mapping to horizon scanning, scenario development to design fiction, to mention just a few.

Today, we are going to focus on design fiction which can be defined as a creative approach that speculates about possible futures through the design and portrayal of products, services, or scenarios. It blends storytelling and futurism with design thinking to explore the implications of emerging technologies and social trends. But what role can
design fiction have in helping us consider the future?

To help address this question, I am delighted to welcome back friend of the podcast, strategic communicator and futurist Gina Clifford.

You can learn more about Gina and her work by connecting with her as follows:
Website https://www.thoughtfrontadvisory.com
Email gina.clifford@gmail.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaclifford
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/G1naClifford

Resources about Design Fiction
(1) Learn about and download a copy of “An Aura of Familiarity: Visions from the Coming Age of Networked Matter” here: https://legacy.iftf.org/fanfutures
(2) Using (Design) Fiction to Find Your Strategy by Mathieu Aguesse and Benoit Decreton (Harvard Business Review) https://hbr.org/2022/06/using-fiction-to-find-your-strategy

Credits
Images
Titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423
Other images: OpenAI DALL-E

Music
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE
This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms
Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870
Licensee: Steve-Wells
Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05
Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511
Audio File ID: 3511
Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC
Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message