Episodes

  • 28. Future of AI
    Aug 17 2022

    Over the past years, technology has grown from simple spreadsheets to precision surgeries. What’s next? Should we be fearful or hopeful about the future of AI? 

    In this episode, global foresight leader Sandeep Das dives into the current and future developments of AI. Joining him are experts in the technology industry: Global Chief Digital Officer at Mars Inc., Sandeep Dadlani, and Partner at Bain & Company, Rahul Shah. 

    Together, they give their insights into the future of AI and how it can change the world. They discuss the differences between AI applications, particularly in the East and West. According to Rahul, data regulation and privacy still need to grow. A global guideline won't be present soon, as all governments have different concerns and cultures. They also address digital detox and how to think about technology. Sandeep shares that every new technology will compete for our time and focus. It is important to retain what makes you human. 

    Remember, AI is ultimately a tool. Human experience and values are far more important than technology. 

    Want to know how AI will shape our future? And how we can be aware of exciting breakthroughs? Tune in to find out why we’re barely scratching the surface of AI and how much more it can change. Learn how we can harness AI to create better products and experiences for everyone. 

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    Read more from Rahul Shah on LinkedIn

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    32 mins
  • 27. Virtual Humans
    Jul 13 2022

    As ever, we’re looking at tomorrow — the future of human interaction.

    Join our host, global foresight leader Lianne Kwan as she delves into the nature of a burgeoning online space: the metaverse.

    With her today is the CEO of Naver Z USA (Zepeto) Jungsuk Jay Lee, Managing Director Caroline So of Elmwood China, and the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Christopher Travers of the Offbeat Media Group.

    Together, we’ll look into the nature of virtual reality and online spaces. As our digital avatars increasingly become our primary representations, we must consider how this affects our interactions both online and in real life. What opportunities or threats might this bring? Do we know who is really behind an avatar — and, furthermore, does that even matter?

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    37 mins
  • 26. Future of Food
    Jun 29 2022

    As a treats and snack company, our team at Mars Wrigley is obsessed with thinking about how consumer preferences and cultural values will impact the future of food. We’ve seen how brands act as cultural change agents, taking a stand on issues like climate change and other sustainable practices, while the ebb and flow of consumer adoption is not always consistent.

    In this episode, our host, global foresight leader Jo Lepore, dives into current developments being made within the food industry to create more sustainable, healthier, and delicious food. Joining her are three powerhouse experts and leaders within the food and health industry:

    Seth Goldman, Chief Change Agent at Eat the Change, Co-Founder at PLNT Burger, and Chair of the Board at Beyond Meat.

    Andrew Loader, Founder & CEO at Openway Food Co. and former Mars Wrigley General Manager.

    Kaitlin Mogentale, Founder and CEO at Pulp Pantry, an emerging upcycled food brand and Shark Tank alumni.

    Together, they give their insights into the future of food, health and opportunities for change. They also discuss the struggles and challenges in this movement, and how collaboration and conscious effort can address the prevalent issues within the food and health space.

    Want to know more about how food will become more sustainable in the future and what role consumers will play in this change? Tune in to find out how food brands and organizations can adapt their products to make them more planet-friendly and sustainable. Learn how consumers can help create better products that suit our individual, collective, and environmental needs.

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    38 mins
  • 25. Futures Business, Pt. 2: Keeping Foresight Fresh (Live from IIEX NA 2022)
    May 18 2022

    In an unpredictable world, the demand for strategic foresight is greater than ever. In a special live episode, recorded at IIEX (Insight and Innovation Exchange) in Austin, Texas in front of a live audience, we dive into the importance of practicing foresight to future-proof organizations. But how do you keep foresight fresh?

    Join our host, global foresight leader Jo Lepore as she explores how to deploy foresight business-wide and sustain that future-led momentum.  She is joined by a fellow foresight practitioner Adam Walker, Executive Director of Consumer Foresight & Market Exploration at The Walt Disney Company. Adam shares Disney’s journey in implementing and applying foresight over the past five years, and how the company leveraged foresight to navigate the pandemic.

    Together, Adam and Jo dig deep into practical ways of applying foresight to business plans, fuelling the foresight momentum once it’s no longer the “exciting new thing” in the business, and how to leverage foresight to amplify timeless stories into relevant new world contexts.

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    Read more from Adam Walker on Linkedin

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    37 mins
  • 24. Futures Business, Pt. 1: Making the Case for Foresight (Live from IIEX NA 2022)
    May 18 2022

    In an unpredictable world, the demand for strategic foresight is greater than ever. In a special live episode, recorded at IIEX (Insight and Innovation Exchange) in Austin, Texas in front of a live audience, we dive into the importance of practicing foresight to future-proof organizations. But how do you get started?

    Learn from our host, global foresight leader Jo Lepore as she explores introducing and applying foresight to businesses not used to futures thinking. To discuss making the case for foresight, Jo is joined by fellow industry foresight advocate Michelle Gansle, Vice President of Global Strategic Insights at McDonald's. Michelle shares her experience in making a proposal to employ foresight in Mars and McDonald’s, and shares why futures thinking is critical to complement insight and marketing strategic planning.

    Learn why foresight is different from trend watching, when to effectively move from building foresight capability to a foresight culture, and the benefits of futures thinking in anticipating problems before they happen.

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    Read more from Michelle Gansle on Linkedin

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    36 mins
  • 07. Youth Values [Rebroadcast]
    Apr 27 2022

    This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from Season 2 of the show, in which Jo Lepore, Global Foresight Lead for North America, helps us explore youth values, behaviors, and tensions that will likely shape our future. What are the challenges and drivers of Gen Z, and how do they differ from previous generations?

    Climate change, social issues, mental health, and real action to create change are common themes that are important to today’s youth. In this episode, Mark Adams (SVP, VICE) talks about the impact-driven optimism, or “willfulness” of Gen Z. MaryLeigh Bliss (VP Content, YPulse) shares research on a new kind of activism of our youth, and Katy Guan (Group Planning Director, BBDO Shanghai) tells us how youth in China engage in online movements to support or boycott brands due to their increasing social responsibility to support local and rural areas.

    So how should brands weigh in on social issues that Gen Z cares about? Join us as we look past the hype to get closer to understanding what’s truly motivating this impactful generation.

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    37 mins
  • 23. Future of CX
    Mar 30 2022

    The consumer experience has been described in many different ways in the past. But in general, it's all about the interaction between the brand and consumers across the world and cultures. It's the journey towards seeking a great experience with the brand in question.

    In this episode, our host, global foresight leader Sandeep Das invites exotic science experts Zoe Chance, Melina Palmer, and Marian St. Laurent into the discussion. They will explore key terms and concepts that will drive the future of consumer experience. They will also give insight into the opportunities and risks for companies with consumer experience moving forward with advanced technological innovation.

    Want to know more about how the consumer experience will evolve in the near future? Tune in to discover how brands and platforms can adapt to significant industrial changes. Learn how you can transform your approach and emerge at the top of the consumer experience battle.

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    29 mins
  • 22. Future of Work
    Feb 28 2022

    The COVID pandemic’s destructive nature has spared no one; nothing is for certain anymore. The world is fast-changing, and so are the attitudes, needs, and relationships we have with our jobs. We’ve been launched about five years into the future, work-wise — how do we keep up?

    Join our host, global foresight leader Sophie Briercliffe, as she poses answers to the questions on everyone’s mind regarding remote work and emotional health, poly-work, and more. She is joined by two experts in the world of work: Senior Editor for Consumer Lifestyle at Stylus + Advisory, Estella Shardlow, and Director at YSC Consulting, Susannah Yule.

    Where do you see yourself in another five years? Curious about the future of employment? Tune in, we’re headed for the new normal!

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    All views are those of the podcast hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employer(s).

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    31 mins