Forward from Christine Reynolds, co-founder of designACE

Have you ever faced a situation where you needed to anticipate future trends and make strategic decisions that would shape the future of your business? I found myself in this exact predicament not too long ago. As a leader responsible for guiding my team through the ever-changing landscape of our industry, I realized the importance of staying ahead of the curve and making informed choices. However, I felt ill-equipped to navigate this complex terrain. That's when I discovered OCAD University's Leading with Foresight course, and it turned out to be a game-changer.

The Challenge of Navigating Uncertainty

With the current rate of change impacting every industry, companies must quickly adjust to stay competitive. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 44% of the skills that employees will need to perform their roles effectively will change by 2025. I often found myself overwhelmed by the rapid changes and uncertain about which trends and forces of change would impact our business the most. The desire for a structured approach to anticipate these changes and plan accordingly became increasingly apparent.

The Desire for Strategic Foresight

I wanted to develop a future-focused mindset that would enable me to anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks. I sought a course that would provide practical tools and insights to help me lead with foresight, ensuring my team and I could make informed decisions and drive our business forward.

Discovering the Solution

Enter OCAD U CO's "Leading with Foresight" online course. As the futures design studio of OCAD University, OCAD U CO boasts a seasoned team of faculty and accomplished alumni who leverage their extensive experience and industry insights to address the most pressing business challenges.

Suzanne our instructor—a faculty member at OCAD University where she teaches Digital Futures and Strategic Foresight and Innovation—brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Her engaging anecdotes and thoughtful approach made complex themes relatable and actionable. The course materials were invaluable, with the trend development worksheet being my personal favorite. This course stood out because of its user-centric approach, practicing what it preached by focusing on the needs of the participants rather than the curriculum creators. According to a report by The Conference Board of Canada, OCAD University is recognized for its innovation and leadership in creative education, making it a trusted source for professional development.

Engaging Instruction and Thoughtful Anecdotes

Suzanne was an amazing and thoughtful instructor. Her engaging anecdotes helped me apply the themes of the course to real-world scenarios, making the learning experience both insightful and practical.

Practical and Immediate Application

One of the most impactful tools I learned was the "Cone of Plausibility," which helps determine how business and customer preferences might change over time. This method has already proven invaluable in our consulting services, enabling us to bridge new gaps with our clients and their projects. The World Economic Forum reports that strategic foresight, and the techniques taught in the Leading with Foresight course, are crucial for future readiness. Companies that integrate these practices are better prepared to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities​.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership?

Are you ready to elevate your strategic thinking and drive impactful outcomes for your business? I highly recommend OCAD University's Leading with Foresight course. The insights and tools you gain will empower you to navigate uncertainty with confidence and lead your team toward a successful future. 🌟

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll delve deeper into the key concepts and real-world examples that make this course essential for leaders across various fields.

Ready to dive deeper? Book a Futures Thinking virtual chat with Andrew Charles Edwards to explore how strategic foresight can transform your business.

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