Ever feel like the world is changing faster than you can keep up?

You’re not alone!

That’s how radio station 6PR’s Tod Johnson felt when we first started speaking on-air around 2007 and ever since then we’ve been regularly exploring the future of the world and business together.

It’s never a dull conversation because I’m never quite sure where Tod is headed or what his going to ask next, and I wouldn’t have it any other way😊and our most recent on-air catch up was no different.

We started off by looking at the broader and future impact the middle east situation is and might have on business, society and the humanity starting and before I new it we stretched into exploring the rise of AI and the often-overlooked powerhouse that will be Africa by 2050.

So in this article I’ve taken some of these themes and included below some actionable takeaways and a handy toolkit to help you develop your own future-proof business strategy around them (something, we can of course, continue together, if you’d like).

So, let’s unpack our conversation and some of fascinating range of future-facing topics we covered: (click here to listen to the entire interview)

• The Short-Termism Trap: Gone are the days of planning in detail for the next quarter. Today’s businesses need a long-term vision that anticipates disruption and capitalises on emerging signals and short-term action plans to jump them along the path.

• The evolving Middle East landscape, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian situation, presents a significant challenge for businesses attempting to plan for the ripple effect on logistics, technology, innovation, society, politics, economics and businesses across the globe in the short, medium and long term.

• Fractured World, Boundless Opportunities: Global events can create challenges, but they can also open doors. The key is to understand the interconnectedness of these events and identify the opportunities they present.

• AI: Friend or Foe? Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, but it’s important to remember that AI is a tool, not a threat. Businesses that embrace AI strategically will unlock new possibilities.

• Africa’s Rise: The Sleeping Giant Awakens: One often-overlooked factor with massive implications for the future is the rise of Africa. By 2050, Africa is projected to have a population of over 2.8 billion and contribute 20% of global GDP. Forward-thinking businesses are already starting to position themselves for this seismic shift.

• Humanity: The Constant: While the world around us changes rapidly, human needs and desires remain remarkably consistent. Understanding how these needs will be met in the future is key to developing successful

Taking Action: Your Foresight Strategy Toolkit

• Become a lifelong learner: Dedicating time to stay informed about emerging technologies, social trends, and global events is critical.

• Embrace future thinking: Gather your team and brainstorm different potential futures for your business and industry. This will help you identify potential risks and opportunities.

• Think human-centric: Don’t get lost in the tech hype. Focus on how technology might be used to improve the lives of your customers and employees.

• Think beyond today: One of my favourite sayings is “I don’t care what it is today, what will it’s great great children be like”, it’s my way of ensuring we don’t get stuck looking at whatever it is we’re analysing in it’s current incarnation, but rather imagine what it might become and how that may or may not be useful to us.

• Start small, but start now: You don’t need a complete overhaul of your strategy to begin incorporating future thinking. Identify a small, achievable first step and take action.

• Seek out expert guidance: Don’t be afraid to seek help from experienced foresight strategists (like me) who can guide you through the process of navigating the complexities of the future.

The future may be uncertain, but that doesn’t mean it has to be scary.

By embracing a future-focused approach and actively developing a robust foresight strategy and mindset, your business can not only survive but thrive in the years to come.

Ready to explore the future of your business?

Click here to access a treasure trove of articles, resources, and insights to help you chart your course towards a brighter tomorrow.

Let’s continue the conversation! Share your thoughts on the future of business in the comments below.

What trends are you keeping an eye on?

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to planning for the future?

👉 Join me on LinkedIn for regular Signals from the Future Morris Misel

Listen to 6PR Tod Johnson and I chat about the state of the future world (12 minutes 15 seconds):