The Problem with “Future Proof,” and What to Say Instead
Terminology matters. For example, the term soft skills does not reflect the importance of the skills it represents. I wrote about this recently in Moving Beyond Soft Skills: Why It Is Time for a New Term. Future proof is another term that needs to be examined. The ideas that future proof is meant to reflect […]
Navigating Uncertainty: The Power of Scenario Planning in Higher Education
2025 may be a year of significant change for the higher education community. This community, which includes colleges, universities, accreditors, and nonprofits focused on higher education, may see significant shifts in higher education policies. Some of the proposed changes include eliminating the Department of Education and restructuring the accreditation system. Other proposals focus on affordability, […]
Leadership in a VUCA World
This week, Mike is joined by Colonel Chris Mayer, Associate Dean for Strategy & Initiatives at West Point, to talk about teaching strategic leadership in a VUCA world. We begin by breaking down the concepts behind the VUCA acronym as we explore how best to lead in an increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous world. Chris imparts insight based […]
A Philosopher’s Take On The Future of Leadership, Education, & A Lot More
Cathy is joined by Chris Mayer, philosopher & also Associate Dean for Strategy & Initiatives at West Point. Among the many things Chris does is teach Philosophy to cadets. Cathy and Chris met at the University of Houston’s Strategic Foresight Professional Certificate program earlier this year. During this episode, they talk about the future of […]
Future-Proof Leadership Literacies, Robots and the Power of Science Fiction with Colonel Chris Mayer
Chris returns to join Mike Palmer to revisit the conversation started during Chris’ first appearance in November of 2019. We review Bob Johansen’s book The New Leadership Literacies as we take a few twists and turns to touch on how the world of robotics is evolving and how we. can learn from science fiction as we try to peer further out […]
Living with AI
In this episode, In Conversation hosts Gina Clifford and Louise Mowbray talk with Dr Chris Mayer about AI, philosophy, ethics and warfare. Listen to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUsvacCsvlE.
Higher Education’s Impact on the Future of Water
What will be the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge necessary for the future leaders and followers within the world of water? Dr. Chris Mayer of the United States Military Academy (a/k/a West Point) joins the Water Foresight Podcast to discuss the future of higher education and how it is changing and will shape the future […]
Why foresight, tech and ethics education can better prepare us for uncertainty
Technology is dramatically reshaping the future of training and education, including for the military. Col. Chris Mayer is a futurist and a department head at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Looking ahead, he emphasizes the importance of incorporating foresight skills, technological literacy, and a deep understanding of ethics and humanities in education. He […]
What is a breakdown of social trust?
Social trust is necessary for effective interactions within and between states. Social trust is, however, very different from other types of trust. Trust between family members is developed through shared histories and frequent interactions. Individuals within a neighborhood or small town may develop a high level of trust due to their proximity and frequent interactions. […]
How might a breakdown of social trust come about?
A substantial breakdown in social trust is possible over the next decade. Trends and events that impact the interpersonal, economic, and political aspects of society could cause this breakdown due to their effect on social capital. This type of breakdown is more likely to occur in societies with thinner layers of social capital than in […]
Why would a breakdown of social trust be important?
Social capital is the glue that holds societies together. It includes how members of societies interact and cooperate with one another, especially strangers; the strength of their identification with society; the existence of shared values, norms, and understanding; and social trust. Because the elements of social capital are interrelated, a substantial breakdown in social trust […]
The Ethical Case for Foresight
Those who practice foresight understand why it is ethically important to think about and plan for the future. They also understand how foresight provides a way to do this. It is often challenging, however, to communicate this to people outside of the foresight community. Even when there is an understanding of the importance of foresight, […]
Foresight Meets Undergraduate Philosophy: How Philosophy Can Enrich Futures Work
Although he later wrote in a tweet that “We need both” philosophers and welders, United States Senator Marco Rubio created waves when he said that, “Welders make more money than philosophers. We need more welders and less philosophers” (Griswold, 2015). Philosophy and other humanities disciplines are often criticized for not having practical benefits, especially in […]
Empowering Students to Thrive in a Variety of Futures
Imagine two college students who graduate with bachelor’s degrees. The first is completely unprepared for the uncertainty that exists following graduation and struggles to find and keep meaningful work. For the second, her skills, knowledge, and attitude empower her to successfully navigate uncertainty. This does not mean that she never needs to learn again. What […]
Opening Students’ Minds to Futures
In my last blog, I suggested that educators should be more intentional about empowering students to thrive in a variety of futures and that one way to do this would be to require students to complete a foresight course. It is rare for undergraduate students in the United States to be required to take a […]
Enhancing General Education with Strategic Foresight (Journal of Futures Studies)
Group of people walking towards the sun representing how general education and strategic foresight open up future possibilities.