Episodes

  • Attention Disruption - Skim Culture and the Battle for Focus with Cat Barnard

    Attention Disruption - Skim Culture and the Battle for Focus with Cat Barnard
    Jun 11 2024
    Welcome to the latest episode of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod, and another in our series exploring ten meta-trends impacting the future of work, in partnership with Working the Future [https://www.workingthefuture.com] to explore 10 meta-trends identified in their “Foresight Focus 2024” report [https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report]. In this episode, we will explore the current state of our fragmented attention spans and consider how these challenges might evolve. What new distractions could emerge, and how will they continue to shape our workdays? We will then explore three major drivers behind this trend, then look forward into the future to consider the optimistic and pessimistic potential scenarios in 2030. And finally, we will discuss actionable steps that organizations can take now that will inform the design of work environments and cultures that help employees maintain concentration and stay effective. Cathryn Barnard, co-founding director at Working the Future, joins me in this episode. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles Working the Future Other images OpenAI DALL-E Music Pixabay License Certificate This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms. Licensor' Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    32 mins
  • The Reskilling Emergency – The Age of the Continuous Newbie with Cat Barnard

    The Reskilling Emergency – The Age of the Continuous Newbie with Cat Barnard
    Jun 4 2024
    In this episode we're diving into the Reskilling Emergency – The Age of the Continuous Newbie. As technology rapidly automates tasks, the nature of jobs is changing, often leaving us feeling like we are always starting anew. We will first look at where we see successful examples of reskilling. Next, we will identify three major forces driving this urgent need for continuous learning; is it just technology, or are there other factors at play? Then, we will explore the potential futures of reskilling by 2030; looking at both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. Finally, we will explore what organizations can start doing today to prepare their teams for this new reality. I am joined by co-founder of Working the Future, Cat Barnard to this, the seventh of our collaborative series of podcasts. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Learn about Working the Future’s “Foresight Focus 2024” report here: https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report. Credits Images Series titles pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles Working the Future Other images OpenAI DALL-E Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay at info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    36 mins
  • Operating Frameworks Rebooted - Embracing Agility for Peak Performance with Cat Barnard

    Operating Frameworks Rebooted - Embracing Agility for Peak Performance with Cat Barnard
    May 21 2024
    Welcome to the latest episode of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod, and another in our series exploring ten meta-trends impacting the future of work, in partnership with Working the Future [https://www.workingthefuture.com]. In this episode, we’re diving into a meta-trend that is all about shaking things up in the workplace: quot;Operating Frameworks Rebooted - Embracing Agility for Peak Performance." We will explore how companies are switching gears to become more agile, identify three major forces driving this shift towards agile frameworks, peer into the future and discuss an optimistic scenario where flexibility leads to breakthrough performances, and a pessimistic one where things might not go as planned, and finally ask what should organizations be doing right now to ride this wave of change. Cathryn Barnard, co-founding director at Working the Future, joins me in this episode. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or patrick@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 or +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles Working the Future Other images OpenAI DALL-E Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms. Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    27 mins
  • Next-Generation Talent Ecosystems - An Era of On-Demand Working with Cat Barnard

    Next-Generation Talent Ecosystems - An Era of On-Demand Working with Cat Barnard
    May 14 2024

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod, and the fifth in our series looking at the critical trends impacting the future of work, in partnership with Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com). In this episode, we are exploring the rise of Next-Generation Talent Ecosystems and the surge of on-demand working, another meta-trend identified in Working the Future’s “Foresight Focus 2024” report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report). First off, we address exactly what "Next-Generation Talent Ecosystems" are. Then we will dive into three big drivers fuelling this trend and look ahead to two scenarios in 2030: one optimistic, where these ecosystems lead to greater freedom and fulfilment in work, and one pessimistic, where challenges and inequalities persist. Finally, we will consider what organisations can do right now to harness the power of these trends and prepare for the future. Working the Future’s co-founding director Cathryn Banard joins me on this episode. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles: Working the Future Other images: OpenAI DALL-E Music Pixabay License Certificate This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    27 mins
  • Shifting Attitudes Towards Work – What Modern Workers Want with Cat Barnard

    Shifting Attitudes Towards Work – What Modern Workers Want with Cat Barnard
    May 7 2024

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod, where in partnership with Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com), we are exploring Shifting Attitudes Towards Work – one of the 10 meta-trends impacting the future of work identified in Working the Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report). We are unpacking evidence of shifts in attitudes to work and what employees want from their jobs and then exploring three big drivers behind this meta-trend and how they interact to reshape views on work. Then, we will look ahead to 2030 and consider optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. Finally, we will consider what organisations can do right now with these insights; the moves should they be making to stay ahead and make the most of these shifts. Once again, Working the Future co-founder Cathryn Barnard is joining me on the podcast. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or Patrick@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles: Working the Future Other images: OpenAI DALL-E Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com.

    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    30 mins
  • The Fragmentation of Global Systems with Cat Barnard

    The Fragmentation of Global Systems with Cat Barnard
    Apr 30 2024
    Welcome to the latest episode of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod, and the third in our series looking at the critical trends impacting the future of work, in partnership with Working the Future [https://www.workingthefuture.com]. Today we are venturing into the complex world of Globalisation and Geopolitics - The Fragmentation of Global Systems, one of 10 meta-trends identified in Working the Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report [https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report] on which this series of podcast episodes are based. First off, we will break down what we really mean by the Fragmentation of Global Systems. Next, we are identifying the three big drivers powering this trend, then look to the future by exploring what world could look like by 2030, and also consider optimistic scenarios where fragmentation leads to innovation and resilience, and the pessimistic ones where it might lead to conflict and isolation. Finally, we will wrap up with some ideas organisations can take today to navigate these choppy waters. With me in this episode is Working the Future co-founder Cat Barnard. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or Patrick@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles Working the Future Other images OpenAI DALL-E Videos https://pixabay.com/videos/world-globe-international-global-1992 and https://pixabay.com/videos/investment-finance-business-company-204292 Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    33 mins
  • Industry 4.0 - The Unstoppable March of Technology with Cat Barnard

    Industry 4.0 - The Unstoppable March of Technology with Cat Barnard
    Apr 24 2024
    This is the second episode in our series looking at the critical trends impacting the future of work in partnership with Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com). Each episode is based on one of the meta-trends identified in Working the Future’s Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report). In this episode we are unpacking a phenomenon that is reshaping our world: Industry 4.0 - The Unstoppable March of Technology. We are diving into the three big drivers that are pushing us forward. But, it is not just about the tech; it is also about where we are heading so we will explore possible scenarios for 2030; could these trends lead us utopian innovation or dystopian disruption? What is crucial, is to turn insights into action, so we will wrap up by exploring what organizations can start doing today to navigate this tech tidal wave. Once again, I am joined by Working the Future co-founding director Cat Barnard. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or patrick@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 or +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles: Working the Future Other images: OpenAI DALL-E Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    24 mins
  • Meta Trends Re-Shaping Work with Cat Barnard

    Meta Trends Re-Shaping Work with Cat Barnard
    Apr 23 2024
    Welcome to a new series of the Informing Choices Mini-Pod. The focus of much of this series will be a collaborative effort with future of work trend intelligence and business insight consultancy, Working the Future (https://www.workingthefuture.com) exploring the insights from their Foresight Focus 2024 report (https://workingthefuture.com/foresight-focus-report). In this series, we are diving deep into the big waves reshaping how we work and what work means to us in this rapidly changing world. Think of it as your go-to guide for understanding the unstoppable march of technology with Industry 4.0, the complex dance of globalisation and geopolitics, and why the way we all think about work is shifting beneath our feet. We will be talking about the rise of on-demand working, how businesses are rebooting their operating frameworks to stay agile, and the urgent push for reskilling to keep up with the future. Plus, we are tackling the skim culture that is disrupting our attention, the push for truly inclusive workplaces, how businesses are fighting back against climate chaos, and what leadership looks like in the 21st century. In this episode specifically, we will introduce Working the Future’s Foresight Focus 2024 report. We will briefly explore the 10 meta-trends relating to the future of work identified in the report and why it is important for leaders to stay connected with critical trends. I am joined by Working the Future’s co-founding director Cat Barnard. You can learn more about Cat and Working the Future’s work as follows: By email at cathryn@workingthefuture.com or patrick@workingthefuture.com By phone +44(0)7788 718823 04 +44(0)7764 948444 Website https://www.workingthefuture.com Cat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrynbarnard Credits Images Series titles: https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles: Working the Future ltd Music PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/terms Licensor's Username: https://pixabay.com/users/zen_man-4257870 Licensee: Steve-Wells Audio File Title: Background Loop Chill Techno#05 Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 Audio File ID: 3511 Date of download: 2023-07-13 13:17:07 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP Berliner Freiheit 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Pixabay is a user-contributed stock content website. The above-named Licensor is responsible for this audio file. Pixabay monitors uploaded audio files only to a reasonable extent. Pixabay cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of its users and does not represent or warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via info@pixabay.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steve-wells-futurist/message
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    27 mins