The latest episode of the Inspiring Futures podcast features an interview with Katie Dreke. 

Katie has spent time with the likes of 180, Wieden Kennedy, Droga5, and Nike (7 years), and three years ago, she embarked on her journey as a consultant, which was when we last spoke.  

We talked about her biggest learnings over the three years- such as unpacking and understanding her skills and capabilities and what she can offer her clients. 

Her fascination and interest in "futures" work and how it's become more relevant these days. Understanding that the future will be complex, we must look to the positives, technological advances, and the opportunities it presents.  

How can brands navigate their way to this new future?

How can they be the authors of their narratives?

It also took us into the world of "Unknown- Unknowns" as the place to think about and where you can explore the most exciting questions and opportunities. 

And how a strategist has the power to look and poke through the system/ecosystem of pieces to find the "lightbulb that needs to be changed to make the world brighter."

We also touched upon awards shows and how agencies should think beyond them to offer their core capabilities to solve problems meaningfully, and perhaps it means competitive agencies working together. 

There was also some discussion around the analogy of the contemporary brand as "the body"..........

....some parts need to move past, some parts need to move slowly, some parts need fixing, and some weak empathy muscles, etc...

All in all, it was an inspiring and fascinating conversation with lots of food for thought.