Steve Chaparro’s Post

I've always found the term "futurist" as any sort of job description to be a little misguided. Real consideration of patterns and trajectories, of reading technical specifications before they are implemented or ubiquitous tends to lead to a proposition of explaining possibilities and pitfalls of the current path. It isn't so much about the future as it is about the present, about what can, may or must be done now. A better description for most work done by "futurists" seems to be "business management consultant with vision, intellect and the ability to see reality whole who can actually give insights into strategy rather than regurgitate a report and manipulate collated data" Added to this though is the question of whether strategic discussions of this nature are well suited to "inhouse" or whether independence etc ... is better suited. Of course if the idea of "resident futurists" becomes a thing I'd love to know where to sign up ....🤣

As businesses face a world increasingly defined by rapid change and uncertainty, the role has become a strategic imperative. Futurists aren’t crystal ball gazers—they're pattern hunters, signal spotters, and storytellers who bring clarity to complex, evolving environments. In today’s volatile and complex world, companies need futurists as advisors and strategic enablers who build future literacy across an organization. Investing in the future means investing in the people who can help organizations see a wide array of futures clearly and act on uncertainty confidently, helping turn that uncertainty into strategic possibility. Futurist roles involves: 🔸Hunting for signals to uncover future opportunities. 🔸Mapping drivers of change–from climate change to AI—to ensure strategies are grounded in reality and flexibility. 🔸Considering alternate futures to design resilient strategies, preparing them for opportunity and disruption. 🔸Preparing for disruption so companies can stay ahead of the curve and seize growth opportunities early. 🔸Creating stories and artifacts from the future to help teams visualize and act on long-term goals today. #futurist #insurance #organizationaldesign #culturalchange #leadership IDEO

After reading "Finding Your Company's Second Act" by Larry Down, Harvard Business Review, I am inspired to share some valuable insights with all of you. The article delves into the importance of reinventing and adapting our company to stay relevant in today's ever-changing market. Have you ever wondered why some once highly popular products fade away in the blink of an eye, while others manage to rise above the crowd and dominate the market ? The average lifespan of S&P 500 Index companies has decreased from 67 years in the 1920s to just 15 years today. Companies that invest all their resources in a single product are more likely to fail. To create an ecosystem rather than just a single product. Ability to acknowledge and recognizing when it's time for a "second act" in order to sustain long-term success. To understand that their initial success was more about timing than uncommon foresight are better prepared to weather the storm of a potential decline. To resist unnecessary capital and operating activities, and focus on building a culture of innovation that can withstand market changes; constantly evolving and adapting to stay ahead of the curve. While the lifespan of companies may be decreasing, there are still ways for businesses to survive and thrive in the ever-changing market. By investing in second wave innovation strategies, resisting the urge to rely solely on a single product, and creating a culture of innovation, companies can position themselves for long-term success. It's never too late to adapt and evolve. Embrace change, focus on creating an ecosystem of innovation, and be willing to take risks in order to stay ahead of the game. #InnovateOrDie #AdaptOrPerish #BusinessSuccess #StayRelevant

🌐 Unlocking Future-Proof Innovation: The Power of Diverse Minds!🚀 In the fast-evolving landscape of #DigitalTransformation, the secret sauce to staying ahead isn't just about embracing new technologies—it's about embracing new *perspectives*. Here's the deal: To truly future-proof our strategies and foster groundbreaking innovations, we need *contrarian thinkers* and individuals who challenge the norm. Why? Because they push boundaries and question the status quo, bringing fresh insights that might otherwise be overlooked. 🔍 But that’s only part of the puzzle. We also need people from *diverse backgrounds* - those who see the world through a different lens than we do. When we collaborate with minds that differ from our own, we capture a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This blend of contrasting viewpoints is critical in crafting solutions that are not only innovative but also inclusive and sustainable. As someone passionate about nurturing an innovative culture in the realm of digital transformation, I’ve seen firsthand how blending these diverse voices leads to more resilient and adaptable strategies. I also seen more that did not. Making the effort to actually empower real and necessary change a challenging start with lacking results. (Maybe short term result but not real value for money and no long term effects) 🤝 So, let’s connect, collaborate, and create the future together. Are you ready to challenge the expected to achieve the extraordinary? #Innovation #FutureProofing #change #expotentialchange #changeleader #Collaboration #DiversityInTech #singularityuniversity

Steve Jobs nailed it when he said change is our best friend. Recognizing that the innovators who thrive are the ones who pivot quickly. Right now, we’re at a unique crossroads of technology acceleration and environmental necessity. Think of this as your golden ticket. By weaving sustainability deeply into our innovation strategies—not just as a checkbox but as a core driver—we're not only doing good but also setting up for aggressive market growth. 📖 Here’s a sneak peek from my book: Tony Gomes at Bain highlights that today’s market pressures aren’t just headaches—they’re accelerators pushing us to evolve faster than ever. And Thomas Röhrl of BMW points out an exciting shift: businesses increasingly view sustainability as a game-changer, not just a must-do. The crux? Start small, learn fast, and scale up. Whether you’re leveraging AI for smarter workflows or integrating ESG goals deeply into your business plans, the key is to begin. Innovation starts with action. Let’s dive in and make the most of this unparalleled opportunity. What changes are you jumping on today? #Innovation #Sustainability #Technology #SteveJobs

𝐂-𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝. From rapid tech advancements to environmental imperatives, the pressures are real and relentless. Our Co-CEO Meabh Quoirin dives deep into these challenges and shows how to transform anxiety into opportunity. If you’re curious about navigating the AI and tech frontier, managing multiple business horizons or how to foster a resilient, inclusive culture, this is your wake-up call. Discover how to stay ahead and lead with confidence. Read 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂-𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 now: https://lnkd.in/e3ruggDG #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #GrowthMindset #ForesightFactory #SeeingBeyond

What will work look like over the next five decades? To get a better sense, BCG held panel discussions and conducted surveys with more than 150 futurists—and we’ve come away feeling cautiously optimistic. Most experts expect an abundance of rewarding work options in the years ahead. Individuals, organizations, and communities that build new skills will flourish. And areas that require strong creativity will offer new paths to sustainability and personal satisfaction. Four Critical Boundaries for Prosperous Job Creation   To build employment policies and business strategies that can support long-term, prosperous job cultivation, leaders in the public and private sector must work within these four boundaries:  Planetary. Today’s economy already violates this boundary with high carbon emissions and unsustainable manufacturing processes. Crossing this boundary too frequently—or exceeding it to the point of no return—could cause critical damage to the planet.  Technological. With AI and GenAI evolving at a frenetic pace, the ever-shifting line between safe and hazardous use of technology can be difficult to define. We must maintain control of our technological assets and use them responsibly.  Social. Water, food, shelter, peace—the world of the future will have to satisfy the basic human needs. If these foundational elements of our economy and infrastructure are weakened, global stability will weaken as well.  Sociocognitive. Fake news, disinformation, and similar problems push us beyond this boundary, destroying social cohesion and impeding large-scale collaboration. Truth, trust, creative expression, and other essential elements allow us to make well-informed decisions about our collective future. The Skill Sets of the Future: Future jobs will require people to refine some skills they already have and build entirely new ones. And we’re not just talking about tech skills. Although AI and GenAI will have a profound impact on the future of work, the range of required skill sets will be wide: .................................. (BCG) One final word: it's awesome to know that an amazing future truly lies ahead for all those who see 10X in the simplest solutions (which they have no vision for, only because of all the useless multitasking distractions and overwhelming pressures.)

Embracing Foresight: The Strategic Imperative of a Futurist-in-Residence. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, organizations must anticipate and navigate future shifts to maintain a competitive edge. By embedding foresight into the organizational culture, companies can lead their industries with confidence and agility, transforming foresight from a luxury into a strategic necessity. Integrating a futurist-in-residence—a professional adept at identifying emerging signals and trends—into the corporate structure is no longer optional but essential. This role involves: Signal Detection: Identifying subtle indicators of change, such as the resurgence of minimalist mobile devices or the adoption of four-day workweeks, which may seem minor now but could significantly impact industries if they gain momentum. Trend Mapping: Analyzing broader trends and underlying drivers, like the climate crisis or advancements in large language models (LLMs), to understand their potential influence on social, technological, environmental, economic, and political systems. Scenario Planning: Envisioning various plausible futures, including ideal scenarios and those with extreme uncertainties, to stress-test strategies and enhance organizational resilience. Disruption Preparedness: Anticipating market or strategic shifts to proactively invest in emerging opportunities or manage the decline of outdated systems, thereby fostering continuous innovation and maintaining competitiveness. Future Artifacts Creation: Developing tangible representations of potential futures, such as mock products or immersive experiences, to make abstract concepts concrete, stimulate discussion, and inspire strategic actions. #StrategicForesight #CorporateInnovation #FutureThinking #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalLeadership https://lnkd.in/dnhDwyAG

A Journey Through Nature. As I wandered through this breathtaking landscape, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the beauty of nature and the transformative power of digital innovation. Just as each element of this picturesque scene harmonizes to create a stunning masterpiece, so too does the integration of technology within our businesses and lives. The vibrant hues of the sunrise remind me of the dawn of a new era in digital transformation. It's about harnessing the potential of technology to illuminate new pathways, streamline operations, and enhance user experiences. The flowing river symbolizes the constant flow of data in our digital ecosystem. It's about leveraging insights and analytics to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and drive meaningful change. And the towering trees stand tall as a testament to resilience and adaptability. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it's essential to embrace innovation, embrace change, and continuously evolve to stay ahead of the curve. As a Digital Transformation Expert and Business Coach specializing in IT Governance, I'm passionate about guiding organizations through their digital journey. It's about fostering a culture of innovation, empowering teams, and unlocking the full potential of technology to create value and drive sustainable growth. So as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, let's also reflect on the transformative potential of digital innovation. Together, let's embrace change, embrace possibilities, and embrace the journey ahead. . . . . . #journeythoughnature #wildlifeart #quitethechaos

Got this "Future 100" insights report from VML last week detailing consumer insights across several industries for 2024. While the past two or three years I've perused it, I took some more time to dig a little deeper this year into what's clearly a well thought out, organized, and graphically engaging report. Some of my key takeaways from their findings, some of which I can personally relate to- -AI, connectivity, and other digital forms are incredible tools, but there's such a thing as overdoing it. Consumers need digital breaks from time to time to connect with the physical, human, and natural world. - Health matters, and the rise of "athluxe" (their term, not mine, but it's such a great evolution of "athleisure")- especially in the travel, retail, and healthcare space, consumers want to get healthier whether that's through different treatments, foods, adventure, and good ol' turning off the phone... -Luxe consumers are willing to pay more for privacy and tuning out outside noise for a more carefully curated experience. -15% of the world's populace is neurodivergent. Some industries are starting to understand and act more on this. -Lastly, sustainability of course matters- this isn't anything new- but consumers want their brands to do more to make the world better, whether that's eco-friendlier materials, slowing down product roll outs, and others. -Naturally i have more questions, but nevertheless a fun and interesting read, and easy to get through to focus on specific industries.