THE FUTURE IS MADE, NOT PREDICTED: A Futurist’s Perspective

When people hear the term "futurist," they often imagine someone who predicts trends decades into the future. But that’s not what I do or what I believe futurism is about.

My work as a futurist is grounded in a simple but powerful philosophy: the future isn’t something to predict—it’s something we create.

This perspective has shaped my approach to helping individuals and organizations think about the future.

Below, I’ll share three key principles that guide my work and explain how they can help you take meaningful action today.

People Create the Future, Not Technology

We love to get excited about technological innovations—automation, big data, AI—and their potential to reshape our world. But here’s the thing:

Technology is just a tool. It doesn’t drive change independently; it requires human intention to create value.

Think about a hammer. It’s a powerful tool, but it won’t build a shed unless someone picks it up and uses it with purpose. The same applies to any technology. Without clear human intention behind it, even the most advanced innovations remain inert.

If we want to shape the future, we must intentionally use these tools to address challenges and create opportunities.

The Future is Made, Not Predicted

Many people assume the future is fixed—an outcome waiting to be predicted. But this mindset is limiting. The future isn’t set in stone; it’s a story that evolves based on our choices today.

When we treat the future as something to be made rather than predicted, we empower ourselves to take action in shaping what comes next. This shift in perspective opens up possibilities and encourages us to think critically about how our decisions today influence tomorrow.

The Future is Useless If You Can't Leverage it Now

Thinking about the future isn’t just an abstract exercise—it’s a practical tool for making better decisions now. Exploring potential scenarios helps us uncover insights that inform our actions today.

For example, understanding multiple possible futures allows us to adapt as new information emerges. It’s not about creating rigid plans for every scenario but leveraging foresight to stay flexible and responsive in real-time.

If you can’t apply what you learn about the future to improve your present-day decisions, thinking like a futurist becomes little more than an intellectual exercise.

The future isn’t some distant concept—it’s an actionable framework for shaping what happens next.

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TAKE Action 

Define your point of view. Clarity about your perspective is essential whether you're shaping the future of your organization or your life.

Ask yourself:

• What do I stand for?

• What unique value do I bring?

Use this understanding to guide your decisions and actions today. Remember, the future isn’t something to predict—it’s something you create.

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Here's How I Can Help You Right Now:

Explore One-to-One Coaching: 

Work directly with Jared to redefine your purpose, clarify your contribution, and redeploy your resources for maximum impact. Tailored for senior executives and elite leaders, this coaching experience equips you to navigate critical transitions and secure your legacy. - Get Started Here. 

Book a Custom Foresight Workshop for Your Team: 

Equip your team with actionable tools to uncover emerging trends, anticipate disruption, and create a future-proof strategy. NU FUTURIST’s Executive Foresight workshops are tailored to your organization’s unique challenges and designed to deliver immediate results. - Contact Us.

Enroll in The Foresight Academy: 

Learn the same strategic foresight skills that innovators, disruptors, and change-makers use to shape the future on their terms. Earn your Certificate in Strategic Foresight from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee while gaining tools to anticipate change and lead with confidence. - Join the Program.

Get Your Free Guide for Uncovering Your Next Big Move: 

Discover practical steps to envision your next big move and execute it with clarity. This guide is designed for high-performing leaders ready to transition into a meaningful second act without losing their sense of purpose or identity. - Your Future On Your Terms.