Back to the Future – Retrofuture Foresight with Steve Wells

If you follow the headlines, it’s hard to escape the sense that we are standing on the edge of something unprecedented. Artificial intelligence is advancing at extraordinary speed. Machines are beginning to perform tasks once thought uniquely human. Entire industries are being reshaped in real time. It feels like the beginning of a radically new era. But here’s a useful pause for thought: Every generation, when confronted with powerful new technologies, has felt exactly the same. So in this episode of the podcast, I will explore the value of looking back, to make sense of the rapidly emerging future. You can learn more about me and my work asfollows:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speaker Website https://www.stevewells.uk YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@InformingChoices Read my related article published on LinkedInhere: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/back-future-retrofuture-foresight-steve-wells-rn1be/?trackingId=LcSfuyx5JBZMmUIojfr0Cw%3D%3D CreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423 Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPT Music Intro: Ivan_Luzan - Breaking News Intro Logo https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189/ on https://pixabay.com Outro:  Zen_Man - Background Loop Chill Techno #05 https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 on https://pixabay.com

Over three podcast episodes, I am exploring The Transformation of Work by 2040. In the first episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fbqKnkuQzY8vCsHhgmzg7 I reviewed key drivers and explored a number of potential future business models. In the second https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HgXWRvPrDvK6zZllqAPFM I shared some thoughts the skills evolution; which skills might diminish in importance and which will be of emerging or increasing importance, and then explored a number of possible future jobs. In this, the third and final episode of this mini-series, I will share the three work models and consider what I think this means for organisations now. This series of three podcast episodes is based on a presentation I recently gave at the Corporate World Intelligence event exploring digital transformation in HR, in Dubai. In my presentation, I explored how technology, culture, and business could redefine employment and work by 2040. I looked at skills evolution, what sort of new jobs we might seein 2040, looked at the key drivers of change, explored three different work models and their supporting business models, and shared five key take-aways. You can learn more about me and my work as follows: LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speaker Website stevewells.uk Credits Images Informing Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusic Intro: Ivan_Luzan - Breaking News Intro Logo https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189 on https://pixabay.comOutro:  Zen_Man - Background Loop Chill Techno #05 https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 on https://pixabay.com

Over three podcast episodes, I am exploring The Transformation of Work by 2040. In the first episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fbqKnkuQzY8vCsHhgmzg7 I reviewed key drivers and explored a number of potential future business models. In the third and final episode of this mini-series https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qJ6w2BWr2T9iXpYS4eKxe I will share the three work models and consider what I think this means for organisations now.In this, the second episode of this mini-series, I share some thoughts about the skills evolution; which skills might diminish in importance and which will be of emerging or increasing importance by 2040, and then explore a number of possible future jobs.This series of three podcast episodes is based on a presentation I recently gave at the Corporate World Intelligence event exploring digital transformation in HR, in Dubai. In my presentation, I explored how technology, culture, and business could redefine employment and work by 2040. I looked at skills evolution, what sort of new jobs we might see in 2040, looked at the key drivers of change, explored three different work models and their supporting business models, and shared five key take-aways.You can learn more about me and my work as follows:LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speakerWebsite stevewells.ukCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusicIntro: Ivan_Luzan - Breaking News Intro Logo https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189 on https://pixabay.comOutro:  Zen_Man - BackgroundLoop Chill Techno #05 https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 on https://pixabay.com

Over three podcast episodes, I am exploring The Transformation of Work by 2040. In the second episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HgXWRvPrDvK6zZllqAPFM , I share some thoughts the skills evolution; which skills might diminish in importance and which will be of emerging or increasing importance, and then explored a number of possible future jobs. In the third and final episode of this mini-series https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qJ6w2BWr2T9iXpYS4eKxe , I will share the three work models and consider what I think this means for organisations now.In this the first of three episodes, I will review the key drivers and explore a number of potential future business models that could impact the transformation of work in 2040.This series of three podcast episodes is based on a presentation I recently gave at the Corporate World Intelligence event exploring digital transformation in HR, in Dubai. In my presentation, I explored how technology, culture, and business could redefine employment and work by 2040. I looked at skills evolution, what sort of new jobs we might see in 2040, looked at the key drivers of change, explored three different work models and their supporting business models, and shared five key take-aways.You can learn more about me and my work as follows:LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speakerWebsite stevewells.ukCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusicIntro: Ivan_Luzan - Breaking News Intro Logo https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189 on https://pixabay.comOutro:  Zen_Man - BackgroundLoop Chill Techno #05 https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 on https://pixabay.com

On this podcast we have considered not only technological, geo-political, social, and environmental issues impacting the future of life society and business, but also some of the essential evolving leadership capabilities. Developing new and different perspectives on how we enable a smooth transition into our rapidly changing reality is just as important as considering the trends and weak signals we observe in our foresight.In this episode of the Informing Choices mini-pod, we will consider one of those enabling capabilities and explore Emotion in Organisational Change. To do this, I am delighted to welcome change expert and author, Jennifer Bryan to the pod.You can learn more about Jennifer and her work asfollows:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-l-bryan/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BzDSX0MrQQR6zPfliCau8Fg%3D%3DEmail [email protected] https://www.jenniferlbryan.com/Jennifer’s book The Emotional Side of Organizational Change:  How to Survive and Thrive is published by Routledge Publishing. See more details and order your copy from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+emotional+side+of+organizational+change&crid=2ZAK86W4ITAC&sprefix=%2Caps%2C128&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_2_0_recentCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusicIntro: Ivan_Luzan - Breaking News Intro Logo https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189/ on https://pixabay.comOutro:  Zen_Man - Background Loop Chill Techno #05 https://pixabay.com/music/electronic-background-loop-chill-techno-05-3511 on https://pixabay.com

I usually do something a little different around Christmas or the New Year on the Informing Choice’s Mini-pod; for example the episodes; “Five for 25 – Hopes and Fears for 2025 with five Futurist Friends of the Podcast” (here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAEcQ1yXvqY) and “The Future of Christmas with Steve Wells and Friends” (here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qar80wIchms).But this year for a giggle, I thought I’d put generative AI … and my voice … to work. So I asked ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity to help me take the Twelve Days of Christmas song and tech it up for the festive season!So, here goes …… don’t forget to sing along! Happy holidays! By the way, if you want the visuals to go with the song, hop over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/o3QeSr41husCreditsImages createdvia ChatGPT and Google GeminiMusicIntro music by JuliusH on Pixabay.com https://pixabay.com/music/traditional-jazz-jingle-bells-jazzy-style-christmas-swing-music-1284%2012 Days of Christmas music by Maksym_Dudchyk onPixabay.com https://pixabay.com/users/maksym_dudchyk-34570439/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=423545

Generation Beta or Gen Beta, refers to the demographic cohort born from January 1, 2025, to 2039. Gen Beta is a generation poised to inherit a complex world shaped bytechnological advancements and environmental challenges. They are expected to be adaptable, tech-savvy, and environmentally conscious, potentially leading the way in innovation and sustainability. Leading global futurists Alex Whittington and Joana Lenkova have been considering the future for humanity through the lens of six personas in their “Meet Gen Beta – the kids from the future” series, and join me in this episode of the podcast.Learn more about Alex and Joana’s kids from thefuture here: https://alexandrawhittington.substack.comListen to a previous podcast episode with Alex and Joana exploring the future of childhood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOWNrdWGbVk You can learn more about Alex and her work byconnecting with her as follows:Email [email protected] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-whittington-futuristTwitter https://twitter.com/alexandra4castsBlog https://partnersinforesight.blogspot.comYou can learn more about Joana and her work by connectingwith her as follows:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joana-lenkovaTwitter https://twitter.com/_FuturesForwardWebsite www.futures-forward.comCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusic - Pixabay License CertificateThis document confirms the download of an audiofile pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at https://pixabay.com/service/termsLicensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/ivan_luzan-34614814Licensee: Steve-WellsAudio File Title: Breaking News Intro LogoAudio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189Audio File ID: 154189Date of download: 2024-11-08 11:47:26 UTCPixabay, a Canva Germany GmbH brand, address Pappelallee 78/79, 10437 Berlin, Germany 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 representor warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via [email protected]. 

When it comes to the medical devices sector, the integration of AI is accelerating just like in many others. For example, according to Research and Markets the global artificial intelligence/machine learning medical device market was valued at $4.0 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $35.5 billion by 2032.The market expansion is driven by factors such as the presence of a large ecosystem of companies offering AI solutions, growing demand in the field of radiology and cardiology, growing demand for wearable sensors, and large number of government initiatives. But what are the underlying trends and how might AI continue to impact the market further into the future? Today, I am delighted to welcome Aritia Ltd founding director Ian Watson. You can learn more about Ian and his work as follows:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-j-watsonEmail [email protected] https://aritia.co.ukCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusic - Pixabay License CertificateThis 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/termsLicensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/ivan_luzan-34614814Licensee: Steve-WellsAudio File Title: Breaking News Intro LogoAudio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189Audio File ID: 154189Date of download: 2024-11-08 11:47:26 UTCPixabay, a Canva Germany GmbH brand, address Pappelallee 78/79, 10437 Berlin, Germany 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 [email protected].

In May 2025 I spoke at the Accountex 2025 event in London, an event that brings together accounting professionals, software and service suppliers with a CPD-accredited education programme. My topic was all about navigating the opportunities presented to the accounting profession by the metaverse as a platform for engaging with traditional clients and as an immersive place to conduct virtual business for virtual clients in a virtual space.So building on my presentation, in this episode, I explore how the metaverse is set to reshape the accounting profession—from immersive client engagement in virtual offices to managing digital assets and compliance in virtual worlds. You can learn more about me and my work as follows: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wells-futurist-speakerWebsite stevewells.uk CreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles and slides OpenAI ChatGPTMusic - Pixabay License CertificateThis document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Content License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at pixabay.com/service/termsLicensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/ivan_luzan-34614814Licensee: Steve-WellsAudio File Title: Breaking News Intro LogoAudio File URL: pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189Audio File ID: 154189Date of download: 2024-11-08 11:47:26 UTCPixabay, a Canva Germany GmbH brand, address Pappelallee 78/79, 10437 Berlin, Germany 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 representor warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via [email protected].

In the last episode of the podcast, we explored the Future of Beverages; the critical drivers of change, technological innovations, and the changing experience of consuming beverages, with Design Futurist and Social Entrepreneur Trisha Mehta.In this episode, we are going to consider social and cultural shifts, sustainability, economics and geo-politics associated with the future of beverages.You can learn more about Trisha and her work as follows:LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/trishamehtaWebsite trishamehta.comLear more about Trisha’s “2050 Mobility Futures” report here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trishamehta_mobility-futures-2050-activity-7254068927444537345-9XDd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopCreditsImagesInforming Choices Mini-Pod titles https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423">https://pixabay.com/photos/doors-choices-choose-decision-1690423Episode titles OpenAI DALL-EMusic - Pixabay License CertificateThis 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">https://pixabay.com/service/termsLicensor Username: https://pixabay.com/users/ivan_luzan-34614814Licensee: Steve-WellsAudio File Title: Breaking News Intro LogoAudio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-breaking-news-intro-logo-154189Audio File ID: 154189Date of download: 2024-11-08 11:47:26 UTCPixabay, a Canva Germany GmbH brand, address Pappelallee 78/79, 10437 Berlin, Germany 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 representor warrant that any required third-party consents or licenses have been obtained. For any queries related to this document please contact Pixabay via [email protected].