📘 Episode Summary:

In this deeply thoughtful episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry is joined by Dr. Katrin Kaeufer—author, educator, and co-founder of the Presencing Institute at MIT. Together, they explore how the emerging future can shape our present actions through the practice of presencing, a method that integrates mindfulness, leadership, and systems change.

Katrin shares personal reflections on stepping into novicehood, how embodiment reshaped her approach to teaching, and why reclaiming our attention is the defining challenge of our time. The conversation navigates the shift from ego- to ecosystem-thinking in economics, education, and leadership, and invites listeners to imagine regenerative futures through practices that deepen awareness and foster relational trust.

Whether you’re an educator, changemaker, or systems leader, this episode offers insight into the practices and paradigms that are shaping the future of learning, work, and social transformation.

About Katrin Kaufer:

Katrin Kaufer leads the Just Money Program at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning (CoLab) and is Managing Director of the Presencing Institute. Her research and teaching focuses on leadership, organizational change, finance and participatory action research. She founded the Leadership Academy of Global Alliance for Banking on Values (gabv.org). Recent publications include: in 2025 „Presencing. 7 Practices for Transforming Self, Society and Business“ co-authored with Otto Scharmer and in 2013 Leading from the emerging Future (Berrett-Koehler Publishing); in 2021 Just Money. Mission-based banking and the future of finance. (MIT Press). Katrin holds a doctoral degree from University Witten/Herdecke, Germany.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

- Presencing Institute

- Presencing: Seven Practices for Transforming Self, Society, and Business

- MIT CoLab

Follow Louka Parry:

- LinkedIn

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.

Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How might we design AI not just to personalize learning, but to truly make it personal, enabling each learner to discover and design their own purpose?

What would professional development look like if it mirrored the learning experiences we aspire to give young people—human-centered, delightful, and deeply relevant?

In this rich and forward-looking conversation on The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America. Together, they explore the future of learning, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI), human-centered design, and learning ecosystems can unlock new educational possibilities.

Sunanna shares insights into Future Shock, a project-based program that equips young people with the skills to design their own futures—combining interest-based learning with strategic uses of AI.

She also reflects on the need to design professional learning for educators with the same joy, relevance, and depth we desire for students. The conversation touches on AI’s potential as both a partner and a risk, advocating for technology that enhances human connection rather than replacing it.

Together, Louka and Sunanna unpack how we might move from standardized education to personalized, purpose-driven learning while acknowledging the real constraints educators face. They stress the power of networks, radical imagination, and equitable design in reshaping learning for the 21st century.

About Sunanna Chand:

Sunanna Chand is the Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, where she leads future-focused R&D efforts to reshape education through design, equity, and innovation. With a background spanning learning ecosystems, human-centered design, and system transformation, she previously led Remake Learning, fostering district-level change through powerful cross-sector networks.

A passionate advocate for learner agency and equity, Sunanna explores how tools like AI can support—not supplant—human connection in education. She is a national voice for reimagining what high-quality, personal, and purposeful learning can look like for all young people.

Stay Connected with Sunanna Chand:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunannachand/

Learn more about the Reinvention Lab: reinventionlab.org

Stay Connected with Louka Parry:

For the latest learning innovation follow Louka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loukaparry/

Share your thoughts by visiting www.thelearningfuture.com

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.

Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What if we designed our education systems around relationships instead of outcomes—what would change in how we measure success?

As AI rapidly integrates into learning environments, how do we safeguard and elevate the irreplaceable value of human connection in a child’s development?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. Together, they explore why relationships must be placed at the center of learning systems—from the neuroscience of early childhood development to the role of love, play, and human connection in lifelong learning.

Isabelle shares powerful insights from her research, including the impact of nurturing relationships on brain development, the hidden costs of technology-induced disconnection, and the decline of free play in childhood. They also discuss the promises and perils of AI in education—highlighting its potential to either enhance or erode our relational capacities depending on how it’s designed and used.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode offers a compelling call to action: to reimagine learning as a relational, joyful, and deeply human experience.

Resources mentioned:

- Love to Learn by Isabelle Hau

- Research on the Romanian orphanages and brain development

- The Stanford study on AI companionship

- Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO)

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.

Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

What if Emotional Intelligence Was as Essential as Math? Are We Truly Preparing our peers to Lead with Emotional Intelligence?

In this special episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry welcomes back the podcast’s inaugural guest, Professor Marc Brackett, a global authority on emotional intelligence and founder of Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence. They dive deep into the significance of emotional education, reflecting on how far the field has come and the challenges that lie ahead in embedding emotional intelligence into schools, workplaces, and communities.

Marc shares personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build emotional intelligence systems, such as the RULER framework. Together, they explore questions like why emotions matter more than ever in today’s world, the importance of implementation in education reform, and how to create environments where people feel truly cared for.

What You’ll Learn:

• The origins and evolution of the RULER emotional intelligence framework.

• Why emotional intelligence is a necessity, not a luxury, for navigating life’s challenges.

• How to create emotionally intelligent schools and workplaces.

• The critical role of adult emotional education in shaping young minds.

• Marc’s reflections on technology’s impact on emotional health and practical strategies to address it.

• Inspiring stories about how emotional intelligence transforms communities.

Key Quotes:

• “Every child deserves one adult who is irrationally crazy about them.” – Uri Bronfenbrenner, shared by Marc.

• “Emotions aren’t gendered—they’re what make us human.”

• “It’s not about fixing people; it’s about creating environments where they feel seen and heard.”

About Marc Brackett:

Marc Brackett is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, a professor at Yale University, and author of the bestselling book Permission to Feel. His work focuses on integrating emotional intelligence into education systems and organizations to improve outcomes for children and adults worldwide.

Resources Mentioned:

• RULER Framework for Emotional Intelligence

• Book: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett

• Studies on social-emotional learning and their impact

Join the Conversation:

What resonated most with you about emotional intelligence and its role in education and life? Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators and designers cultivate learning experiences that prepare us for a future that is constantly unfolding?

In a world where the pace of technological change accelerates, what roles do emotion and creativity play in shaping our educational paradigms?

Carissa Carter is a designer geoscientist and the Academic Director at the Stanford D School. Carissa guides the development of the D School’s pedagogy, leads instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She is known for her expertise in emerging tech, climate change, and data visualization and has played a pivotal role in the creation of educational resources that blend design with real-world applications.

Scott Dawley is a writer, designer, and the Creative Director at the Stanford D School. Scott has been instrumental in overseeing projects ranging from books to digital products focused on the future of learning and design. He co-authored “Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration” and has taught numerous courses in design communication.

In this episode, we delve into the heart of speculative design and its implications for education and future thinking. Carissa and Scott, co-authors of the influential book “Assembling Tomorrow,” discuss their journey of writing and their experiences at the Stanford D School. They explore how speculative design can act as a powerful tool in educational settings, allowing both educators and students to experiment with future scenarios in safe and meaningful ways.

Listeners will gain insights into the process of creating a book that not only discusses future possibilities but also actively engages with these ideas through a series of speculative fiction stories. The discussion also touches on the role of emotion and creativity in shaping learning experiences that are not only informative but transformative.

This conversation is not just about the theories of future learning but a profound look at how these ideas are practically applied and continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of society and technology.

Get in touch at [email protected]; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators balance the need for structure in the classroom with the importance of fostering student agency and creativity?

In what ways can design thinking be leveraged to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems within our education systems?

Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is an esteemed educator and designer known for her work on equity, social justice, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in design education. Currently transitioning to OCAD University in Toronto, she previously served as a professor at North Carolina State University and held leadership roles at Tulane University and Stanford's d.school. Dr. Noel's work is deeply influenced by Paulo Freire and bell hooks, focusing on how design can be a tool for liberation and social change.

In this episode, Louka Parry and Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel dive deep into the transformative power of design education. Dr. Noel discusses her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil, the U.S., and now Canada, and how these experiences have shaped her views on education, equity, and design. They explore the importance of agency in both students and educators, the role of emotional intelligence in design, and the critical need for education systems to support diverse identities and perspectives.

Listeners will gain insights into how to challenge the status quo in education, the significance of cultivating emotional and social awareness in design, and practical approaches to fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Dr. Noel’s reflections on her own positionality and how it informs her work provide a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness in creating meaningful change.

Get in touch at [email protected]; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we, as educators, better harness the power of reflection to shape the future of our students and our world?

In a system that often prioritizes the "right answer," how can we cultivate a culture of divergent thinking and curiosity in our classrooms?

Leticia Britos Cavagnaro is an innovative educator, designer, and scientist, currently co-directing the University Innovation Fellows program at Stanford's D School. With a PhD in developmental biology from Stanford University, Leticia has dedicated her career to creating and facilitating transformative learning experiences that emphasize creativity, design, and the use of emerging technologies. Her latest book, Experiments in Reflection: How to See the Present, Reconsider the Past, and Shape the Future, explores the importance of reflective practices in both education and personal development.

In this episode, Louka Parry sits down with Leticia Britos Cavagnaro to dive deep into the art of reflection and its pivotal role in education. Leticia shares insights from her extensive experience at Stanford's D School, where she has been at the forefront of developing innovative educational methodologies. Listeners will explore how reflective practices can help students and educators alike engage more deeply with their learning experiences, fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning.

The conversation touches on the importance of divergent thinking and how educators can move beyond traditional, convergent models of teaching to encourage a more holistic approach to learning. Leticia also discusses the idea of using reflection not just to understand the past but to actively shape the future, offering practical experiments and strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, principal, or educational innovator, this episode provides valuable insights into how to create a more dynamic, reflective, and future-focused educational environment.

Get in touch at [email protected]; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we harness our infinite creative potential in everyday life?

What role does failure play in building creative capacity?

Grace Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, designer, educator, author, and artist. She's the founder and CEO of Paperpunk, an award-winning origami and Lego mashup. Grace is also an adjunct professor at the Stanford D School, where she teaches courses on creativity and failure, and leads groundbreaking research on creative capacity building.

In this episode, Grace Hawthorne discusses the transformative power of creativity and how to make possibilities happen. She shares insights from her new book, highlighting the importance of starting, doing, and finishing projects. The conversation delves into the biases that prevent us from acting on our ideas and the value of experiential learning in cultivating creativity. Grace also touches on the impact of technology on creativity and the importance of maintaining agency in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What are the impacts of integrating contemplative social emotional learning and systems thinking in education?

How can we transform our educational structures to better serve the well-being of students and educators?

Mette Miriam Boell is a biologist specialized in the evolution of complex social systems, mammalian play behavior, and philosophy of nature. She holds a PhD in organizational ethology from Aarhus University and additional degrees in contemplative leadership and the philosophy of science. Mette co-founded the Center for Systems Awareness with Peter Senge, focusing on integrating social-emotional learning, systems thinking, and mindfulness in education.

In this episode, Mette discusses her journey and current work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and transforming the structures that shape behavior in educational systems. She explores the integration of contemplative practices and the science of learning to address the mental health crisis among young people. Mette shares insights on the compassionate systems framework, highlighting the interconnectedness of emotional, social, and systemic elements in creating thriving learning environments. The conversation delves into the necessity of shifting away from outdated paradigms towards a more human-centric, compassionate approach to education.

Get in touch at [email protected]; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we effectively integrate AI into education to prepare students for the future?

What key competencies and character traits must education systems prioritize in a rapidly evolving technological landscape?

This episode features Charles Fadel, founder of the Nonprofit Center for Curriculum Redesign and author of "Education for the Age of AI." Charles has taught at Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has held executive roles at Cisco Systems. He brings a unique perspective from his extensive experience in both technology and education.

Charles discusses the parallels between AI advancements and the early days of the internet, and the current state and future potential of AI in education. He provides an overview of his four-dimensional education model, which emphasizes knowledge, skills, character, and meta-learning, and underscores the importance of purpose, autonomy, and identity in motivating students.

Charles also explores the necessity of balancing knowledge with skills and character development, highlighting the role of project-based learning in making education more relevant. He addresses the impact of university entrance exams on K-12 education and the need for modernized assessments, as well as the cultural and contextual differences in education systems globally. Furthermore, Charles delves into the importance of enabling students to apply knowledge across different contexts and disciplines, and how AI can aid in recognizing patterns and facilitating knowledge transfer.

He discusses the evolution of traditional disciplines and the need for interconnected learning approaches, balancing didactic education with project-based learning for holistic development. Finally, Charles emphasizes the need for urgency in education reform and encourages educators and leaders to drive local change with a mindset of incremental improvements. Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning.

Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning.

Get in touch at [email protected]; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.