Futures Hub

How can organizations move beyond "innovation theatre" to create meaningful transformation? In this episode of Futures Hub, we talk with Everton Lewis, Managing Director and Head of Consulting of OCAD U CO, and explore topics of design, leadership, impact measurement and value. Everton shares how he brings together teams to help organizations navigate complexity and explains the value of constraint to spark innovation. From practical frameworks to real-world experiences, join us as we dive into the power of design thinking to create positive change.

How do we prepare for an uncertain future while making decisions today? In this episode of Futures Hub, we sit down with Jessica Thornton, co-founder of Creative Futures, to explore how strategic foresight can help organizations navigate complexity, embrace uncertainty, and build better futures. Jessica shares her journey—from reimagining systems change to launching Creative Futures during the pandemic—and breaks down the foresight tools and co-creation methods she uses to help public and nonprofit leaders think beyond short-term crises.

We discuss:

✨ Why everyone should think like a futurist

🔮 The power of scenarios and storytelling

🚀 How to balance urgent demands with long-term vision

🎭 Why play and imagination are key to transforming organizations

Whether you're a leader, innovator, or just future-curious, this conversation will challenge the way you think about uncertainty—and inspire you to take action.

Welcome to a new season of Futures Hub! This season, we're not just exploring the future - we're creating it alongside a growing community of foresight practitioners and future-curious individuals who are actively shaping what's next. In this kickoff episode, we reflect on what we've learned so far and explore some emerging trends shaping our world in 2025. From participatory futures and speculative design to the ethical implications of AI, we dive into some of the key tools and ideas that are shaping tomorrow. Join us as we unlock the potential of collective transformation and explore how futures thinking can drive real-world change. Whether you're a futurist, a changemaker, or just curious about what's next, this is the season you won't want to miss!

In this Season 1 finale of Futures Hub, we discuss the key insights that defined our first season. From creativity to personal practice, community engagement to rethinking the conventional, this episode synthesizes the wisdom of Season 1 guests Nataljia Vojno, Alicia Richins, Grace Guadarrama, Sabrina Meherally and Jenn Chan.

Whether you're new to the podcast or have been with us from the start, this episode offers inspiration and a call to action for anyone who wants to build a better tomorrow.

Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Jennifer Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of the Department of Imaginary Affairs. Jenn shares her insights on how nonprofits can break free from scarcity mindsets and embrace creativity within constraints. Explore the importance of collective liberation, the unique paths to readiness, and the transformative power of community engagement. This episode challenges us to rethink how stories are told, how they're received, and how we can support each other in the pursuit of change. Tune in to learn more from a nonprofit that's doing so much good in the community space!

In this episode, we talk about ways of futuring with Sabrina Meherally, founder of Pause+Effect. Sabrina shares insights about the nuances of foresight, exploring how curiosity, humility, and inclusive practices are key to shaping the futures we envision. We discuss the challenges of exclusionary definitions and methodologies and the importance of embodying the future we seek to create. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional thinking and invites you to become an active participant in the futures we all share. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how foresight can be a tool for inclusion, creativity, and transformative change.

Join us on a journey into the world of design, storytelling, and community engagement with Grace Guadarrama - a seasoned design strategist and foresight expert.

In this episode, we delve into the nuances of design research and the role of diverse voices in shaping inclusive futures, learn about the power of storytelling in shaping positive futures, and better understand the importance of participatory design in creating meaningful change.

Discover how Grace's curiosity and a passion for making things better led her from industrial design to strategic foresight and hear more about her foresight work in Mexico, Dubai, and beyond. Not only does Grace highlight the transformative power of community engagement and co-creation, but she shares ways design and foresight can inspire us to envision and act towards a better future.

In this episode, we delve into the creation of The Climateverse, a media platform reporting news from parallel dimensions where humanity is actively taking transformative action on climate and social justice issues. Join us as we explore the vision behind The Climateverse and the potential impact of immersive storytelling on activism. With firsthand insights from The Climateverse creator Alicia Richins, this episode offers insight into the intersection of futures, media, technology, and advocacy to enact positive change.

In this episode, Natalija Vojno shares insights from her work in water governance, environmental peacebuilding, and social cohesion. Drawing from her experiences in regions like the Balkans and Nile Basin countries, Natalija shares valuable insights on how transformative dialogue and inclusive initiatives can pave the way for peace and sustainability. She also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in fostering community engagement, promoting peace, and envisioning sustainable futures. From the importance of creativity to the power of long-term visioning, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about building bridges and creating positive change in the world.

In this episode, we introduce the concepts of foresight, futurists, co-creation and community engagement; talk about what futurists do and how they even become futurists to begin with; and share tidbits around foresight methodology to whet the appetite.