Steve Fisher invites us into the fascinating world of futures thinking, sharing how his teenage encounter with Alvin Toffler's "Future Shock" sparked a lifelong passion for anticipating what's next. As he reveals his journey from accidental technologist to respected futurist, Fisher offers a refreshing "protopian" perspective – neither blindly optimistic nor darkly dystopian, but grounded in human resilience and potential.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Fisher's practical framework for navigating technological disruption. He distinguishes between technologies worthy of "experiment dollars" versus "production dollars," helping listeners develop discernment amid constant hype cycles. The discussion around AI's impact feels especially timely as Fisher challenges conventional wisdom about job displacement, suggesting instead that professionals focus on leveraging these tools to enhance capabilities and create space for more complex problem-solving.

• Started as a futurist at age 13 after reading Alvin and Heidi Toffler's "Future Shock"
• Developed natural ability to spot trends and weak signals before they become obvious
• Built early career in networking technology that evolved with the commercialization of the internet
• Distinguishes between "experiment dollars" and "production dollars" in technology adoption
• Co-founded McKinsey's Futures Practice just before the COVID pandemic
• Believes this technological revolution differs because changes are happening too quickly for gradual adaptation
• Encourages professionals to learn AI tools to enhance capabilities rather than fear displacement
• Co-authored "Super Shifts" to help people understand systemic changes across various domains
• Describes himself as "protopian" – optimistic about human potential despite challenges
• Recommends resources for developing "futures fluency" including podcasts, books, and courses
• Emphasizes continuous learning, especially about topics outside one's expertise

Never stop learning. The key to being a great futurist is being an autodidact – constantly challenging yourself with new ideas outside your wheelhouse and questioning non-obvious futures.

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For over 20 years, behavioral scientist Dr. Ja-Naé Duane dedicated herself to one mission: Make life better for one billion people. This award-winning innovator and expert on global systems focuses on helping corporations, governments, and universities understand and develop systems of the future using emerging technology such as VR/AR, AI, and blockchain. Ja-Nae guides companies forward, helping them get out of their own way to create exponential innovation and future forecasting. She has had the pleasure of working with companies such as PWC, Saudi Aramco, Yum Brands, Samsonite, Natixis, AIG, and Deloitte. A top-rated speaker within the Singularity University community and the author of the bestseller, “The Startup Equation,” Ja-Nae at helping both startups and multinational firms identify new business models and pathways for global scale. Her next book SuperShifts is due out in April 2025.

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