Ecosystemic Futures

Latest Episodes:

68. The Architecture of Change: Building Sustainable Industry Ecosystems Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In this inspiring episode, we explore how ecosystem approaches and collaborative leadership reshape global industries with Amina Razvi, former CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and current Chief Partnerships Officer at Travalyst. Drawing on her unique background spanning architecture, sustainability, and industry transformation, Razvi reveals how effective coalitions can drive systemic change.

Key themes:

How unlikely partnerships between competitors created unprecedented industry collaboration
The evolution of the Higg Index into a global standard adopted by 24,000+ organizations
Why systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration are essential for sustainable transformation
The critical role of data standardization and metrics in driving performance improvement
Lessons learned from apparel industry transformation that can accelerate progress in travel and tourism

This fascinating discussion challenges conventional thinking about leadership and offers powerful insights into how ecosystem approaches can address complex global challenges. Razvi makes a compelling case that "partnership is the new leadership" and shares practical frameworks for building coalitions that drive meaningful change.

Guest:

Amina Razvi, Former CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (now Cascale)

Host:

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

67.Leadership Intelligence: The Eight Dimensions of Transformative Leadership Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

In this comprehensive episode, we explore the multifaceted nature of modern leadership with Dr. Brenda Fellows, President and CEO of Fellows Corporate Consortium. She is a distinguished industrial, organizational, and clinical psychologist who partners with corporate boards and C-Suite executives across Fortune 20-500 companies. Drawing on over two decades of strategy and management consulting experience, Dr. Fellows reveals her groundbreaking framework combining eight distinct intelligences and four capitals that shape effective leadership.

Key themes include:

How cognitive, emotional, authentic, cultural, social, spiritual, humility, and leadership intelligence work together
The integration of human, resource, political, and community capital in organizational success
Understanding different leadership styles and their impact under comfort versus stress
Why psychological awareness and behavioral science are critical "hard skills" for organizational transformation
How to bridge gaps between learning systems, knowledge systems, and policy shaping

This fascinating discussion challenges conventional thinking about leadership capabilities, offering unprecedented insight into how organizations can develop more effective, holistic approaches to leadership in an increasingly complex world. As a faculty member at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and Harvard University Medical School, Dr. Fellows shares practical frameworks for assessing and improving leadership across all organizational levels.

Guest:

President & CEO, Principal Strategy & Management Consultant, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist at Fellows Corporate Consortium, LLC

Co-Hosts:

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

66. Reinventing Education: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Learning Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the transformation of education in an era of rapid technological change and workplace evolution. Dr. Steven Johnson, founder and CEO of EDSENSE and former senior vice president of innovation at Harvard University, examines how emerging technologies, changing workforce demands, and new learning models are reshaping education's future.

Key themes addressed:

The convergence of AI, learning science, and personalized education
New models for lifelong learning and skill development
The evolving relationship between education and employment
Innovative approaches to competency-based learning and credentials
Technology's role in transforming traditional educational paradigms
The future of hybrid learning environments and personalized education paths

This dynamic discussion offers unprecedented insight into how educational institutions, employers, and learners can adapt to and thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape. Dr. Johnson makes a compelling case for reimagining education systems to better serve diverse learner needs while maintaining educational quality and accessibility.

The Ecosystemic Futures Podcast, presented by NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works, a global firm that helps organizations and nations navigate ecosystemic transformation.

As our world is increasingly digital and interconnected – ecosystemic models are reshaping society, industry, economy, and policy and reframing how we build for resilient futures. Ecosystemic Futures investigates this expansive and hyper-connected paradigm and explores frameworks to help us achieve more beneficial futures.

Guest:

Dr. Steven Johnson is the Founder and CEO of EDSENSE, LLC,

Host:

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

65. Beyond Paradigms: Ultra-Advanced Technologies, Anomalous Phenomena, and the Future of Innovation Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

This landmark episode convenes leading aerospace, energy, and advanced technologies experts to explore game-changing innovations that challenge our current understanding of what's possible. From quantum physics to advanced propulsion, we examine operational technologies displaying capabilities previously confined to science fiction - including craft demonstrating extraordinary energy capacity, trans-medium travel, and apparent space-time manipulation.

Our distinguished panel delves into critical themes:

Observed advanced aerospace capabilities that transcend current engineering limitations, including sustained flight without conventional propulsion
Breakthrough possibilities in quantum communications, energy extraction from vacuum states, and space-time metric engineering
The convergence of biology, physics, and advanced materials leading to transformative applications in medicine, computing, aerospace, energy, and human potential
How reducing institutional barriers and stigma can accelerate technological innovation across sectors
The economic and security imperatives driving investigation into these advanced technologies
The critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in unlocking new scientific frontiers

This extraordinary discussion offers unprecedented insights into the ways that emerging technologies and anomalous phenomena reshape our understanding of physics, engineering possibilities, and our future. Our experts make a compelling case for bold innovation and open scientific inquiry to maintain technological leadership and solve global challenges.

Guests:

Dr. Hal Puthoff is President & CEO at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin & EarthTech International, Inc.

Ryan Graves is Co-founder and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Dr. Travis Taylor, a Scientist, Engineer, Author, Futurist, and Television Personality, is the Principal Research Scientist for Radiance Technologies.

Co-Hosts:

Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working Groups

Larry Forsley is the Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space Force

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

64: AI and Autonomous Systems: Building Ethical Frameworks for Future Flight Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Description In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative intersection of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and human decision-making in aerospace applications. Through the lens of national security and technological innovation, we examine the critical pathways and challenges in deploying AI capabilities responsibly. The discussion spans the complex ecosystem dependencies between human operators and autonomous systems, the importance of justified confidence in AI adoption, and the foundational role of ethical frameworks in shaping future technologies.

Guest: Colonel Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton (USAF, Ret.), Former Experimental Fighter Test Pilot and Commander of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, CEO of STEM-ed; @cincohamilton

Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

This conversation underscores the necessity of balanced human-machine collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and comprehensive education in navigating the transition to AI-enabled autonomous systems. Col. Hamilton shares insights from his extensive military experience while highlighting the importance of ethical consideration in technological advancement - from battlefield applications to educational initiatives preparing the next generation of innovators.

Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

63: Balancing the AI Equation: Why AI Needs More Than Just Algorithms Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, joins us to discuss the complexities and opportunities of AI implementation. Together, we explore the balance between business strategy, cost, and environmental impact in AI, along with the rising energy demands and potential of renewable solutions.

Gonzalez highlights the importance of regulatory compliance to guard against cybersecurity risks and biases and advocates for public-private partnerships in fostering responsible AI. We close with a look at AI's potential for social impact, including job creation and opportunities for underserved communities, emphasizing the need for diversity and representation to ensure AI benefits everyone.

Guest: Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama

Co-Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

62: The Internet of Skills: Revolutionizing Healthcare and Arts Through Remote Collaboration Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by guest Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson, as we explore the revolutionary concept of the "Internet of Skills." Dohler explains how emerging technology seeks to democratize access to skills by enabling remote, real-time expertise transfer through digital platforms. One of the most promising applications is telesurgery, which could address critical healthcare challenges by combining reliable communication networks with medical robotics. He shares examples of telesurgery's potential, such as in stroke and heart attack treatments, while highlighting the FDA’s regulatory role in this space.

Beyond healthcare, Dohler emphasizes how the Internet of Skills can transform education in various industries. He underscores the importance of creating standards to ensure interoperability and equitable access, making these advancements available to all, regardless of location.

Guest:

Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson

Host:

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

61: AI Simulations: Shaping Societal Governance and the Future of Interaction Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge world of AI simulations and their transformative impact on societal governance. Rob Auten, CEO and co-founder of Hexgram, shares insights from his experience developing AI-powered worlds for gaming and beyond.

Joined by Marco Annunziata, the discussion explores how AI-driven simulations reshape how we understand complex systems, predict outcomes, and craft more dynamic interactions. From creating immersive, emotionally engaging gaming environments to exploring AI’s role in industrial settings and policy-making, this conversation reveals the power and potential of simulation technology across industries.

Guest:

Rob Auten, Chief Executive Officer at Hexagram

Co-Host:

Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

60: Resilience Reimagined: Tackling Societal Challenges with AI and Network Orchestration Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we explore innovative solutions for climate resilience, emphasizing the role of AI, big data, and effective communication. Guest Sharron McPherson and co-hosts Dyan and Vik discuss the challenges of defining and measuring resilience, aligning stakeholder values, and implementing scalable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling and digital media in improving the communication of resilience strategies.

Guest:

Sharron McPherson, Co-Founder & CEO at Climate Resilience Tech Company

Co-Hosts:

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

59: The Integration of Technology into the Human Experience Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast we explore the integration of technology into the human experience with Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow at the Institut d'études avancées de Nantes at King's College in London . Dr. Ali and our hosts Dr. Vikram Shyam and Dyan Finkhousen explore the parallels between biological ecosystems and business ecosystems, emphasizing the need for multi-disciplinary approaches to tackle complex societal problems and achieve creative evolution.

Guest:

Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow, Institut d'études avancées de Nantes | King's College London, Principal Investigator, Health & Social Equity, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Co-Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Series Hosts:

Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center

Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works