Tomorrow - The Future Forum Podcast

Tomorrow - The Future Forum Podcast

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Tomorrow - The Future Forum Podcast episodes

  • How to Stay Healthier for Longer | Dr Sophia Pathai On The Future of Ageing & Prevention

    What if the biggest challenge facing healthcare isn't helping us live longer—but helping us stay healthier for longer?

    In this episode of Tomorrow: Future Forum, Oli Barrett MBE is joined by Dr Sophia Pathai, Founder & CEO of AZM, physician, scientist and author of The Longevity Code.
    Together they explore why the future of healthcare is shifting away from treating disease and towards extending healthspan—the years we spend living healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
    From AI-powered health monitoring and wearable technology to resilience, strength training, longevity science and the future of preventative medicine, this conversation explores how individuals, businesses and governments could fundamentally rethink health over the coming decades.
    If you're interested in the future of healthcare, longevity, technology and human performance, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
    *What do you think will have the biggest impact on improving health over the next 20 years?*
    *Dr Sophia Pathai, MBBS, MSc, PhD, Founder & CEO, AZM*
    Dr Sophia Pathai is a physician-scientist, author, and founder building a new category in health: resilience as measurable infrastructure.
    She is the Founder and CEO of AZM, a healthspan and resilience platform designed to measure, train, and track adaptive capacity before disease appears. AZM sits upstream of healthcare, translating early biological signals into practical prevention intelligence for individuals, employers, and health systems.
    With over two decades of experience spanning academic medicine, clinical practice, pharmaceutical leadership, and health innovation, Dr Pathai has held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, AbbVie, and Roche. She also served as the inaugural Vice President of Medicine at Hevolution Foundation in Riyadh, where she shaped regional thinking around diagnostics-led healthspan strategy and prevention.
    Her scientific work has focused on the biology of ageing, adaptive capacity, and the upstream determinants of long-term health. She holds a Wellcome Trust-funded PhD in the biology of ageing and a medical degree from the University of London, and has published widely in the field, with more than 2,100 citations and an h-index of 19.
    Dr Pathai is also the author of The Longevity Code, published by Penguin Random House in January 2026, which brings the science of living stronger, longer, and more resiliently to a wider audience.
    Dr Pathai is now focused on Abu Dhabi, as the ideal launch environment for AZM’s next phase. Her goal is to help establish resilience as an upstream prevention and intelligence layer for Abu Dhabi’s health and life sciences ecosystem, while generating the first GCC-native resilience datasets that can inform employers, providers, and policy leaders.
    *About the Podcast*
    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.
    *Chapters*
    00:00 The healthspan challenge
    00:38 Introducing Dr Sophia Pathai
    01:38 A vision for healthcare in 2038
    03:51 Healthspan vs lifespan explained
    07:43 What resilience really means
    10:34 How wearables are changing healthcare
    13:27 Why strength matters for longevity
    15:01 The best habits to build when you're young
    17:11 Your environment shapes your health
    18:45 AI, biotech and the future of medicine
    22:40 Will longevity become unequal?
    25:53 Health advice for every age
    29:13 Why healthspan is everyone's responsibility
    31:28 Quick-fire future questions
    32:23 One habit every teenager should develop
    33:00 The future of healthcare in one sentence (approx.)
    35:40 Final thoughts
    #health #futureofhealthcare #future

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    38 min
  • Can Britain Lead the Renewable Energy Revolution? | Jürgen Maier CBE on AI, Energy & Manufacturing

    Can Britain become the world's next clean energy superpower?

    In this episode of Tomorrow - The Future Forum Podcast, Oli Barrett MBE sits down with Jürgen Maier CBE, Chair of Great British Energy and former CEO of Siemens UK, to explore how renewable energy, AI and advanced manufacturing could reshape Britain's future.
    Jürgen explains why he believes the UK's renewable transition is already well underway, how artificial intelligence is changing energy demand, why hydrogen could become a crucial part of the energy system, and why manufacturing must return to Britain if we want long-term economic growth.
    If you're interested in technology, business, innovation, manufacturing, sustainability or the future of Britain, this conversation is packed with insights.
    Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping tomorrow.

    *Prof. Jürgen Maier CBE, FRS, FREng, FIET, FCGIIndustrialist, Chair of Great British Energy, Co-founder of vocL and former Chief Executive of Siemens UK*

    Jürgen Maier served as the former Chief Executive of Siemens UK. Over his 33-year career with Siemens, he held several senior roles in the UK and Germany. During Jürgen’s leadership, the company played a pivotal role in UK’s decarbonisation of the electricity system. Jürgen takes a strong leadership role for UK’s industrial, infrastructure and manufacturing community. He served on the Board of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills from 2014 to 2016 and his work has supported several previous government Industrial Strategy initiatives.Jürgen believes that businesses should play an active role in society and community matters. To further this mission, he co-founded the social enterprise vocL.In July 2024, Jürgen was appointed as Start Up Chair of Great British Energy to drive forward this new, operationally independent company.

    *About the Podcast*
    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.
    *Chapters*
    00:00 The future of renewable energy
    00:42 Introduction to Jürgen Maier CBE
    01:48 Why the energy transition is already happening
    03:37 How much of the UK's power is renewable?
    05:30 Why homegrown energy matters
    06:50 How Britain's energy system actually works
    08:00 What Great British Energy will do
    09:54 Working with—not against—the private sector
    11:44 Community-owned energy explained
    14:14 Responsible business and leadership
    16:45 Why Britain needs manufacturing again
    20:03 Energy security and industrial sovereignty
    21:26 AI's growing energy problem
    23:21 Can renewable energy keep up with AI?
    24:58 Hydrogen and the future of energy storage
    27:50 Answering the biggest renewable energy myths
    29:39 Britain's biggest opportunity over the next 20 years
    30:49 Lessons from Austria, Siemens and Europe
    33:24 Green jobs and the future workforce
    36:13 The most underrated energy technology
    38:00 Innovation, leadership and Britain's future (update once final edit is locked)
    47:00 Quick fire questions (update once final edit is locked)
    51:50 Final thoughts

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    54 min
  • The Man Behind GOV.UK on AI, Digital Transformation & Why Most Organisations Get UX Wrong | Ben Terrett CBE

    What makes great digital products?

    Ben Terrett CBE helped create GOV.UK, one of the world's most respected digital services, before becoming CEO of Public Digital, where he now advises governments and organisations across the globe on digital transformation.
    In this episode of Tomorrow, Ben joins Victoria Usher and Oli Barrett MBE to discuss why most organisations overcomplicate technology, what AI will change about government and public services, and why the best products always begin with understanding users, not technology.
    Whether you're a founder, product leader, designer, policymaker or simply interested in the future of AI, this conversation is packed with practical insights.
    #ai #creativity #innovation #leadership
    *Ben Terrett CBE*
    Ben Terrett CBE is CEO and co-founder of Public Digital, helping organisations around the world transform how they deliver services. Previously, he led design at the UK Government Digital Service, where he helped create GOV.UK, and was later Group Design Director at the Co-op. A Royal Designer for Industry and Design Week Hall of Fame inductee, Ben was appointed CBE in 2025 for services to design and, in 2026, Chair of Art UK, the online home of the UK's national collection of art.
    *About the Podcast*
    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.
    *Chapters*
    00:00 Introduction
    02:24 What will AI-powered governments look like in 10 years?
    04:24 Why Estonia leads digital government
    05:09 Lessons from creating GOV.UK
    06:21 The secret to great product design
    07:17 Why user research changes everything
    08:24 The GOV.UK design mistake that failed instantly
    11:20 Watch what users do—not what they say
    15:16 Building GOV.UK like a startup
    17:30 Is government ready for Agentic AI?
    21:04 What Public Digital actually does
    23:04 Should governments build AI into public services?
    24:43 Why modern technology overcomplicates everything
    27:28 Leave Your Lane: lessons from multiple careers
    29:37 Why optimism is a leadership advantage
    37:02 Digital sovereignty explained
    46:18 What design really means
    49:58 What excites Ben about the future
    50:46 Ben's Memo to the Future
    52:44 Final reflections

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    56 min
  • AI, Growth & Exports: How Britain Can Compete Again | Shevaun Haviland CBE

    Is Britain still one of the best places in the world to do business?

    In this episode of Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast, Oli Barrett sits down with Shevaun Haviland CBE, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, to explore the biggest opportunities and challenges facing UK businesses.
    From artificial intelligence and political uncertainty to exports, investment and the future of work, Shevaun shares why she believes optimism is an underrated leadership quality and why Britain must start investing in itself again.
    If you're interested in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, AI or the future of the UK economy, this conversation is packed with practical insights.
    Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of business, technology and society. #AI #Creativity #innovation #leadership
    *Shevaun Haviland CBE, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce*
    Director General of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) since April 2021, Shevaun was formerly Head of Business Engagement at Number 10 Downing Street and was at the heart of Government in the Cabinet Office as Head of the Inclusive Economy Partnership.
    Shevaun started her career in consultancy in London and New York. She then moved to the Walt Disney Company in strategic planning before joining Disneyland Paris, opening its second theme park. Shevaun then joined the agency world, running global accounts for Millward Brown, Mindshare and WPP.
    Following this, she started her own business as a partner in a digital innovation agency and venture builder, Independents United, where she also became an Advisor for the Danson Foundation. Most recently, Shevaun was the New Ventures Director for Avado, building new businesses in Edtech and founding the Academy of Digital Business Leaders.
    Shevaun has a passion for business as a force for good and in 2025 was awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to business. She was elected to the International Chambers of Commerce’s (ICC) World Chambers Federation Executive Council and General Council as Vice Chair for Europe and is a Board member of ICC UK. She is a Trustee of the Women of the World Foundation (WoW) and a Trustee of Barefoot College International, as well as a Venture Partner at the Conduit Connect.
    *About the Podcast*
    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.
    *Chapters*
    00:00 Optimism is an underrated leadership quality
    00:24 Introduction
    01:24 A vision for the future of work and AI
    02:40 From Disney to Downing Street
    03:43 Why optimism creates better leaders
    04:08 What British businesses are worrying about today
    05:58 Political uncertainty and the cost of instability
    07:30 What the British Chambers of Commerce actually does
    08:21 Why business should be a force for good
    09:19 The remarkable origins of the Chamber of Commerce
    10:26 Business, purpose and social impact
    14:22 Is Britain still a great place to do business?
    16:36 Why businesses are optimistic despite the economy
    18:14 Can business really influence government?
    19:18 The AI revolution and the future of the Chambers
    20:50 How AI is changing UK businesses today
    22:57 Politics, leadership and making change
    24:10 Why Britain must invest in itself
    25:02 Why exporting is the fastest way to grow
    26:21 Companies and leaders Shevaun admires
    27:35 AI tools every business should be exploring
    29:11 AI, customer service and human connection
    30:52 Will AI replace graduate jobs?
    32:15 The changing skills employers value
    34:00 The future of British business
    42:00 Final reflections

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    46 min
  • The Future of Creativity: Why AI Won't Replace Human Imagination | Julian Douglas

    What happens when one of the world's leading creative agency CEOs looks at the future of AI, creativity and human potential?

    In this episode of Future Forum, Oli Barrett MBE sits down with Julian Douglas (Dougie), Group CEO of VCCP, Chair of UK Advertising and one of the most influential figures in the creative industries.

    Together they explore how AI is transforming advertising, why curiosity is becoming the most valuable skill in business, and what organisations need to do to thrive in an era of exponential change.

    Dougie shares the story behind VCCP's viral AI-powered "Daisy" campaign for O2, explains why AI should accelerate rather than replace human creativity, and reveals why the future belongs to people who are willing to leave their lane, challenge convention and keep looking up.

    From the future of work and entry-level jobs to customer experience, storytelling and innovation, this is a conversation about what it takes to build businesses — and careers — that thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    *Julian Douglas, Group CEO, VCCP*

    Known universally as Dougie (except to his parents), his 25-year journey through advertising reads like a who's who of creative powerhouses – from WCRS, to BBH, TBWA and Grey (twice). In 2008, he found his home at VCCP, initially leading the agency's cornerstone account, O2. Today, as Group CEO, he's architecting VCCP's global ambitions, establishing dynamic hubs across North America and Asia that serve world-class brands including White Claw, Mondelez, Salesforce, Google, and PepsiCo. Under his leadership, VCCP achieved a remarkable double victory in 2025, securing Campaign's Global Agency of the Year in both Integrated and Independent Agency categories.

    A regular voice at the industry's most prestigious platforms – from SXSW and Cannes Lions to the Shanghai International Advertising Festival (SHIAF) – Dougie is passionate about advertising's potential as a force for positive change. This conviction drives his numerous leadership roles: Chair of the UK Advertising Export Group (UKAEG), active member of the IPA Council (where he served as President 2021-2023), Meta Advisory Council member, and Chair of Black Representation in Marketing (BRiM).

    Beyond the industry, Dougie serves as an Independent Trustee at the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), working to coordinate humanitarian responses to international crises. He's also Co-Founder of Lucky Voice, the UK's premier private karaoke company, which he launched with VCCP's Global CSO Jonny Shaw 20 years ago – where he's always happy to demonstrate his commitment to creative expression.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders, innovators and thinkers shaping tomorrow.

    #FutureForum #AI #Creativity #innovation #leadership #advertising #futureofwork #artificialintelligence #customerexperience

    *About the Podcast*

    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co

    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.

    *Chapters*

    00:00 Introduction

    01:28 The Future Is Already Here

    03:52 Why AI Is About Better, Not Just Faster

    07:12 Advertising Becomes Customer Experience

    10:18 Solving the Wrong Problem

    13:35 The AI Grandma Fighting Scammers

    18:10 Branded AI Agents and Customer Relationships

    21:25 How AI Is Changing Jobs and Skills

    24:52 Why VCCP Is Hiring More Young Talent

    27:18 The Future Shape of Organisations

    29:54 Leadership, Curiosity and Creative Culture

    33:02 Advertising as a Force for Good

    36:05 Creativity, Society and Human Behaviour

    38:28 What's Making Dougie Optimistic?

    40:15 The Cadbury AI Campaign

    42:18 Authenticity, AI and Consumer Trust

    43:55 What AI Will Never Replace

    45:02 Why AI Enhances Human Creativity

    46:22 Leaving Your Lane

    47:10 A Memo to the Future: Keep Looking Up

    47:59 Outro

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    50 min
  • Can Manchester Become Europe's Innovation Capital? | Dr Karim Bahou

    In this episode, Oli Barrett MBE sits down with Dr Karim Bahou, Head of Innovation at Sister, Manchester's £1.7 billion innovation district, to explore the future of technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

    From artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to startup ecosystems and the power of place, Karim shares why the next wave of innovation will depend on bringing together founders, researchers, investors, corporates and communities.

    The conversation explores how AI is moving beyond productivity tools to accelerate scientific discovery, why engineering biology could become one of the most transformative technologies of the century, and what Britain can do to strengthen its position as a global innovation leader.

    Karim also explains why physical innovation hubs still matter in a world of remote work, how Manchester is building a world-class ecosystem for ambitious founders, and why curiosity, resilience and openness to change may be the most valuable skills of the future.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, policymaker or simply fascinated by where technology is taking us, this episode offers a compelling look at the forces shaping tomorrow.

    Dr Karim Bahou is Head of Innovation at Sister, Manchester’s new innovation district. In this role, he spearheads the global development of Sister’s ecosystem, working with senior leaders from Bruntwood SciTech and The University of Manchester to accelerate the growth of ambitious start-ups in Manchester and beyond.

    Karim brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of academia and industry. He holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Imperial College London and has conducted research at Imperial, CSIRO in Australia, and the University of Liverpool. Alongside his academic career, he has held senior consulting roles at Plexal and FIS360 Ltd., where he specialised in building partnerships between government, academia, industry leaders, and SMEs to drive technological innovation.

    His career reflects a strong commitment to enabling innovation, nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, and supporting organisations to translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
    #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #entrepreneurship #manchester #futureofwork #technology
    *About the Podcast*
    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co

    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.


    *Chapters*

    00:00 Introduction: The Future of Innovation

    01:25 AI Beyond Productivity Tools

    04:10 Why Small Companies Lead Innovation

    06:30 From Academia to Innovation Leadership

    09:15 Inside Sister: Manchester's Innovation District

    13:00 Why Physical Innovation Hubs Matter

    16:20 Building Communities for Founders

    18:40 Startups Solving Global Problems

    19:10 Space Systems: Satellites & Climate Data

    22:00 NeuWave: AI Modelling the Oceans

    25:00 Unbezo: Data Science & Healthcare Innovation

    28:00 Remote Work vs The Power of Place

    31:20 How Corporates Can Innovate Faster

    34:30 The Skills That Will Matter Most

    35:50 Why Britain Punches Above Its Weight

    37:15 The Potential of Synthetic Biology

    39:00 Connecting Innovation Across UK Cities

    42:00 Policy Changes That Could Unlock Growth

    44:30 Why Leaving Your Lane Matters

    47:00 The Future of Manchester Innovation

    50:15 A Memo to Future Innovators

    52:10 What Innovation Really Means

    54:00 Building the Next Generation of UK Startups

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    47 min
  • The Future of UK Business, Capital Markets & Innovation | Dame Julia Hoggett DBE

    Dame Julia Hoggett DBE joins Oli Barrett on Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast to explore the future of British business, innovation, investment and leadership.

    As Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange, Julia sits at the intersection of finance, technology and trust. In this wide-ranging conversation, she shares her vision for creating an environment where great companies can start, grow, scale and stay in the UK, while ensuring more people benefit from the nation's economic success.

    Julia explains why she describes the London Stock Exchange as a "300-year-old fintech", discusses the opportunities and challenges created by AI, tokenisation and digital markets, and outlines why she believes Britain already has all the ingredients needed to become a global leader in innovation.

    The conversation also explores leadership, succession, the importance of building teams that can thrive without you, and why future leaders should aspire to become obsolete.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, policymaker or leader, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on how capital, technology and human ingenuity can shape the future.

    Dame Julia Hoggett, DBE joined the London Stock Exchange plc as CEO in April 2021. She is also Head of Digital and Securities Markets at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), which includes leading the group’s digital markets initiative and wider responsibility for the Group’s other equity venues.

    Julia previously worked at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority as Director of Market Oversight and Head of Wholesale Banking Supervision. Prior to the FCA, Julia held roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where she was the Head of FIG flow financing, Covered Bonds Short-Term financing and Green Bonds for EMEA, and for the DEPFA BANK Group where she held several roles, including CEO of DEPFA ACS BANK and Head of Long-Term Funding for the DEPFA BANK Group. Julia started her career at JPMorgan where she focused on Emerging Markets and then Sovereign and Supranational Agency Debt Origination.

    In 2022, Julia became the inaugural Chair of the UK’s Capital Markets Industry Taskforce. Julia was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in His Majesty’s June 2024 Birthday Honours for services to finance and business. Julia was also named in the Financial Time’s 25 Most Influential Women of 2024 list and awarded an Honorary Freedom of the City of London in 2023. She has been named on several of Financial News’ ‘Most Influential’ lists over the last 15 years. She has also appeared in several Diversity and Inclusion impact lists.

    Julia holds a degree in Social and Political Sciences from Newnham College, Cambridge University and undertook a research scholarship at Kings College, Cambridge University focused on public policy and economic development strategies in East Africa. Julia actively advocates for diversity and inclusion and has been involved in initiatives to deliver progress in this space for over two decades.

    About the Podcast

    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co

    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.

    Chapters

    00:00 Britain has all the ingredients to succeed

    00:31 Introduction: Dame Julia Hoggett DBE

    01:38 A vision for Britain's future economy

    02:56 What stock exchanges are really for

    04:24 What drives founders and entrepreneurs

    06:39 Public markets, growth and scaling businesses

    06:59 Why the London Stock Exchange is a "300-year-old fintech"

    08:10 Debunking myths about the London Stock Exchange

    09:59 Can ambitious British companies raise enough capital?

    11:04 Pension funds, investment and the Mansion House reforms

    13:14 Which industries need to reinvent themselves?

    15:00 The skills that matter most in the age of AI

    16:42 How Julia uses AI as a co-pilot

    18:52 AI, algorithms and the future of markets

    21:19 Tokenisation and the next evolution of capital markets

    23:50 Why private markets matter for UK growth

    26:29 Leadership and aspiring to be obsolete

    29:33 Inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers

    32:24 Julia's career and answering life's "exam questions"

    34:05 The challenge Britain should be solving right now

    36:04 Starting with the destination and working backwards

    36:32 Julia's memo to the future

    37:34 Final reflections and closing thoughts

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    41 min
  • Why Britain Is Wasting Its Greatest Source of Talent | Maggie Philbin OBE

    Maggie Philbin OBE, CEO TeenTech and Technology Broadcaster joins Oli Barrett for a fascinating conversation about technology, education, opportunity and the future of work.

    Drawing on decades spent exploring innovation and her work as founder of TeenTech, Maggie explains why Britain's biggest untapped resource is the talent sitting in classrooms across the country. She shares why schools must focus less on memorisation and more on confidence, curiosity and communication, and why employers need to do more to recognise potential rather than polish.

    The discussion explores the impact of AI on education, the importance of ethics and access, how mentorship can transform lives, and why listening to young people may be the key to solving some of society's biggest challenges.

    Maggie also reflects on her years presenting Tomorrow's World, the technologies that changed society, and her hopes for a future that is fairer, more inclusive and full of opportunity.


    Maggie Philbin OBE is well known for her work in radio and television where for over 30 years she has reported on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes from Tomorrow’s World to Bang Goes The Theory.

    In 2008 she co-founded TeenTech, an award-winning charity which works across the UK getting young people innovating, creating, building skills and preparing for a fast-changing future. TeenTech helps students, parents and teachers understand the real opportunities in contemporary industry.

    She received the WISE Award for Communication and Outreach for her work promoting diversity in 2013. In June 2016 she was voted most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly and also named 2016 Digital Leader of the Year. She was awarded an OBE in Jan 2017 for her work to promote careers in STEM and the Creative Industries. In July 2017 she received the Tech4Good Special Award and in 2019 TeenTech was awarded the Best Employer and School Outreach. She is patron of the Council for Professors and Heads of Computing and has been awarded ten honorary degrees and fellowships for her work.

    About the TeenTech Charity

    TeenTech help young people understand opportunities in contemporary industry, no matter what their gender or social background. Their engaging, sharply focussed initiatives reach over 14,000 students aged 8-19 every year and are carefully planned to involve teachers and parents as they are the main influencers in career decisions. Over 300 companies and 40 UK universities work with TeenTech helping deliver their exciting programmes to students across the UK.


    About the Podcast

    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.


    Chapters

    00:00 Why young people aren't "work ready" — and why that's okay
    00:40 Introduction: Maggie Philbin joins Tomorrow
    01:38 Maggie's prediction for the next decade: ethics, access and AI
    03:21 Which Tomorrow's World predictions got it right?
    05:37 The technology that convinced Maggie the future had arrived
    06:39 The unexpected origins of TeenTech
    07:25 The school visit that changed everything
    09:52 Why employers should focus on potential, not readiness
    11:26 How TeenTech measures impact and changes lives
    13:52 What young people really think about ethics and innovation
    14:42 Beth's journey from TeenTech participant to engineering student
    17:18 How businesses can engage meaningfully with young people
    18:38 AI, technology and the future of education
    19:20 The qualities schools struggle to teach: confidence and resilience
    21:37 What Maggie would change about the education system
    23:44 Will the classroom of the future be high-tech or human-first?
    25:50 Why Maggie has enormous respect for teachers and students
    26:12 Future Question: What behaviour will confuse people in 50 years?
    27:01 What schools reward that matters less in real life
    28:42 Lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world
    30:05 Why employers should recruit for potential, not polish
    30:38 The TeenTech story that transformed a student's life
    35:26 Why no young person should think they're stupid
    36:42 What Maggie was really like at school
    38:51 Britain's biggest wasted source of talent
    39:27 What "Leave Your Lane" means to Maggie
    40:51 How TeenTech was built from unexpected experiences
    42:59 Why Maggie remains optimistic about the future
    44:23 Creating a fairer world through access and opportunity
    45:28 Maggie's memo to the future: "Listen to everyone"
    46:50 Final reflections and closing thoughts



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    49 min
  • The Future of Healthcare, AI & Creativity | Live From Greater Together LA

    What happens when entrepreneurs, diplomats, technologists, creatives and innovators from completely different industries come together in one city?

    In this special on-the-road episode, Oli Barrett travels to Los Angeles for Greater Together LA, the UK’s largest ever trade delegation to the United States.

    Across a remarkable few days, Oli speaks with Paul Rennie (UK Consul General, Los Angeles), Dr Katie King, (Co-founder and CEO, BioOrbit), Alexander Trewby (Co-founder, Apian) Lottie Birdsall-Strong, (Chief Impact Officer, Shakespeare's Globe), Jeremy Burton, (General Manager - Observability Business Unit, Snowflake), Persephone Godwin, (Business Development Manager, London and Partners) and Matt Scheckner, (Founder and Chair, Future Forum).

    This episode is a masterclass in “engineered serendipity” and a glimpse into the future being built right now.

    About the Podcast

    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co

    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.

    Chapters

    Chapters (By Guest Speaker)

    00:00 — Introduction: Welcome to Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast

    00:45 — Paul Rennie (UK Consul General, Los Angeles) joins the podcast

    02:05 — “Combinativity” & engineered serendipity

    04:30 — The future of storytelling, AI & human connection

    06:40 — Global trade, logistics & the future of collaboration

    09:23 — Dr Katie King (Co-Founder & CEO, BioOrbit) joins the podcast

    10:15 — Manufacturing cancer drugs in space

    12:17 — Scaling pharmaceutical production in microgravity

    14:07 — “We’re a pharma company that uses space”

    15:32 — The investors & partners needed to scale

    16:47 — From physics teacher to NASA intern to founder

    18:04 — Memo to the future: “Don’t give up”

    18:45 — Alexander Trewby (Co-founder, Apian) joins the podcast

    20:00 — Drones transforming healthcare logistics

    22:15 — Flying blood samples across London hospitals

    24:40 — The future of autonomous healthcare delivery

    27:10 — Why Britain could lead physical AI infrastructure

    29:30 — “Leave your lane” & building diverse teams

    31:00 — Long-term thinking & investing in the future

    31:47 — Lottie Birdsall-Strong, (Chief Impact Officer, Shakespeare's Globe) joins the podcast

    32:10 — Why culture & social value matter more than ever

    33:00 — The future of impact, governance & creativity

    33:44 — Jeremy Burton (Snowflake) joins the podcast

    34:13 — AI, data & the future of healthcare

    35:56 — Why AI adoption starts with “baby steps”

    36:30 — Human intelligence vs artificial intelligence

    37:19 — Persephone Godwin (London & Partners) joins the podcast

    38:13 — What people misunderstand about Los Angeles

    39:30 — The reality behind the creative industries

    40:42 — AI’s impact on creativity & media

    41:56 — Advice for UK founders entering the US market

    42:57 — Matt Scheckner (Founder & Chair, Future Forum) joins the podcast

    43:34 — Why UK-US collaboration matters now

    44:40 — The vision behind Future Forum

    46:30 — Advice for entrepreneurs building globally

    47:26 — Final reflections from Los Angeles & Greater Together LA

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    51 min
  • What AI Means for Your Career, Business & Children | Husayn Kassai

    What happens when one of Europe’s leading AI founders looks 20 years into the future?

    In this episode of Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast, Oli Barrett sits down with entrepreneur Husayn Kassai to explore the future of AI, startups, work, education and human potential.

    Husayn shares the story behind building Onfido from an Oxford University idea into one of the UK’s standout AI success stories, after being rejected by more than 100 investors. He explains why today’s founders need different skills, why AI will massively reshape the workforce, and why human judgment, relationships and culture will matter.

    Husayn Kassai is founder and CEO of ollo, building internal AI capability for mid-market companies. Before ollo, he co-founded and led Onfido as CEO – growing it from zero to $100m ARR in 7 years before its 2024 acquisition, the largest UK AI exit. He is based at London's AI Hub. Husayn holds a BA in Economics and Management from Keble College, Oxford, and served as President of Oxford Entrepreneurs.

    About the Podcast

    The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co

    Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity.

    Chapters

    00:00 – Introducing Husayn Kassai & The Future of AI

    01:22 – What The World Looks Like in 16 Years

    02:32 – Building Startups Around Technological Shifts

    04:54 – Starting an eBay Business at 12 Years Old

    07:54 – Building Onfido & Spotting the Identity Problem

    09:54 – The Two “Miracles” Investors Didn’t Believe

    12:48 – Why Timing Matters in Startups

    13:05 – What’s Easier & Harder for Founders Today

    15:24 – AI Teams: Why 14 People Can Do the Work of 50

    18:16 – The Skills AI Still Can’t Replace

    19:42 – What Husayn Looks For When Hiring

    22:04 – Why Young Workers Will Drive AI Adoption

    23:59 – The Rise of “Shadow AI” Inside Companies

    24:49 – Do Great Founders Need Trauma?

    27:54 – What Investors Get Wrong About Startups

    29:42 – The Biggest Leadership Lesson Husayn Learned

    29:53 – The Founder Skill AI Will Never Replace

    31:15 – AI’s Biggest Opportunities: Healthcare & Education

    32:51 – The Growing Risk of AI Inequality

    35:48 – What Governments Should Do Differently

    37:28 – Should Schools Embrace AI?

    39:39 – Growing Up Between Iran & The UK

    41:54 – Would Husayn Hire Himself Today?

    42:07 – Why Learning AI Is Like Learning Excel in the 90s

    43:09 – Why Physical AI Communities Matter

    44:05 – Why The UK Is Still a Great Place to Build

    45:11 – Why Ollo Will Be His Last Startup

    45:50 – Using AI to Help Developing Countries

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    51 min

About Tomorrow - The Future Forum Podcast

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A weekly series hosted by Oli Barrett spotlighting cross-sector collisions exploring the critical questions, thinking and systems defining the global economy.