Ecosystemic Futures

The $13 trillion construction industry is experiencing its first systemic transformation in decades.In this groundbreaking episode, we examine how advanced technologies are dismantling the silos that have trapped the $13 trillion construction industry in decades of declining productivity. Francesco "Frio" Iorio, CEO of Augmenta and pioneer of generative design, reveals how construction is transforming from a fragmented collection of isolated specialists into an integrated ecosystem of collaborative intelligence.From creating the world's first AI-designed public school in rural Michigan to developing "surrogate master builder" systems that seamlessly coordinate complex building trades, Iorio demonstrates how ecosystemic thinking is finally breaking through the barriers that prevented construction from achieving the efficiency gains seen in manufacturing. This conversation illuminates how AI serves as the connective tissue, transforming siloed expertise into a unified system intelligence that can adapt to supply chain disruptions while enabling both rapid response and long-term strategic planning. HighlightsThe Productivity Paradox Solved: Construction is the only primary industry with declining productivity over the past 50 years; however, AI systems now achieve twice the speed of human designers while reducing waste and improving precision, finally breaking through the efficiency barrier that has challenged the $13 trillion industry.From Fragmented Silos to Integrated Intelligence: Modern construction has fragmented the holistic knowledge of medieval master builders, who were once united across isolated specialists, creating coordination nightmares. AI now serves as a "surrogate master builder companion," reuniting written codes, unwritten tribal knowledge, and real-time constraints into unified ecosystem intelligence that guides seamless collaboration.Beyond the Snowflake Problem: Unlike manufacturing's repeatable processes, every building is unique—the fundamental challenge preventing construction optimization. AI embraces this complexity head-on, enabling mass customization while maintaining the efficiency benefits of systematic design approaches.Global-Scale Impact Through Democratization: The first AI-designed building was a public school in rural Michigan, not a luxury project, signaling how these tools can democratize advanced sustainable design for the 4+ billion people entering urban areas globally, potentially preventing catastrophic "rush urbanization" scenarios.Supply Chain Resilience Revolution: AI-compressed design timelines enable early strategic planning and last-minute adaptation to economic shocks, transforming construction from a rigid sequence into a responsive ecosystem capable of thriving amid uncertainty and tariff-driven supply disruptions.#EcosystemicFutures #ConstructionAI #GenerativeDesign #SustainableBuilding #UrbanFutures #AITransformation #SupplyChainResilience #ProductivityRevolution #SystemicInnovationGuest: Francesco "Frio" Iorio, Co-Founder and CEO of AugmentaHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai PartnersSeries Hosts:Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.

How can higher education cultivate versatile, adaptable graduates prepared to navigate the increasingly complex systems of our technological world?In this episode of Ecosystemic Futures, we engage with Dr. Lisa Kahle-Piasecki, whose expertise spans business education, workforce development, and technological innovation. The conversation explores how Heidelberg University, a 175-year-old institution with just over 1,000 students, creates Renaissance-style graduates with resilient competency portfolios through international collaboration, community problem-solving, and ethical technology integration. Dr. Kahle-Piasecki shares insights about developing students who can thrive acrossdisciplines, cultures, and career transitions while addressing complex systemic challenges.HighlightsCross-Cultural Competence: The innovative "Amigo Project" connected American and Mexican students, and quantitative research showed positive increases across all 38 measured items on the cultural self-efficacy scale. This demonstrates how structured international collaboration builds crucial business skills while enhancing students' ability to work across borders.Systems Thinking in Practice: Students applying design thinking methodologies (certified through IBM's SkillBuild platform) developed community-based solutions, including a mental health stigma reduction program for student athletes and a Lake Erie plastic reduction campaign—translating theoretical frameworks into practical interventions with measurable local impact.Technological Adaptability: Implementing the AI-powered Pitch Vantage platform provided students with instantaneous feedback on presentation elements like tone, content, and facial expressions, objectively measuring delivery effectiveness while helping them overcome social anxiety. Versatile Career Preparation: Heidelberg's approach combines professional skills with interdisciplinary exposure across its 30 majors and 32 minors, fostering the critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity necessary for graduates to navigate multiple career transitions in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.The discussion reveals how effective education today must cultivate Renaissance-style graduates with versatile competencies spanning technical knowledge, ethical reasoning, cultural intelligence, and systems thinking. Dr. Kahle-Piasecki demonstrates how educational institutions can serve as transformative hubs where students develop depth in their disciplines and the breadth of perspective necessary to connect diverse systems, preparing them to address the complex, interconnected challenges that define our future. #SystemsThinking #CrossDisciplinaryEducation #ComplexSystemNavigation #AdaptiveLearning #TechnologyEthics Guest: Dr.Lisa Kahle-Piasecki, Associate Professor of Management, Phyllis M. Chelovitz Endowed Chair in Business Administration, Heidelberg UniversityHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai PartnersSeries Hosts:Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.

How can we transform fragmented urban transportation networks into resilient, adaptive ecosystems that drive economic value while addressing complex societal challenges? In this episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata engages with Robin Hutcheson, whose multifaceted expertise spans the complex urban transportation ecosystem. The conversation explores how cities generate more than 80% of global GDP despite occupying limited physical space, and function as dynamic testbeds for next-generation mobility systems. Drawing from her leadership roles at USDOT, FMCSA, and city transportation departments, Robin shares data-driven insights about the 43,000 annual highway fatalities in America and the disproportionate impact on pedestrians. HighlightsMarket Transformation: Cities generate 80% of global GDP while housing 56% of the world's population, creating an unprecedented market opportunity for integrated mobility solutions as urbanization accelerates to 70% by 2050.System Failure Metrics: The 43,000 annual American highway fatalities represent a systemic market inefficiency with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, signaling urgent demand for transformative intervention and cross-sector collaboration.Funding Catalysts: The $5 billion Safe Streets for All program demonstrates how policy innovations can create new market structures connecting federal capital, local implementation, and private sector solutions—a replicable framework for other ecosystem transformations.Digital Twin Integration: Curb space digitization represents a breakthrough application of digital twin technology, creating a networked intelligence layer that optimizes multi-modal system performance across freight logistics, emissions reduction, and public space allocation.Strategic Intervention Points: Urban arterials function as critical nodes where targeted technological and infrastructure interventions can simultaneously cascade improvements across safety, climate, and equity metrics, offering maximum return on transformation investment. The discussion reveals how orchestrating urban mobility requires coordinated physical and digital interventions that break traditional sector boundaries. Robin demonstrates how systems-based orchestration can transform our fragmented approach to urban mobility into adaptive, resilient networks that simultaneously unlock economic value, reduce negative externalities, and create more equitable outcomes—a model applicable to multiple complex system transformations beyond transportation. #EcosystemOrchestration #DigitalTwinInfrastructure #SystemsTransformation #TransportationFinance #ComplexAdaptiveNetworks #UrbanMobilityValue #CrossSectorCollaboration #NextGenCityDesign #DataDrivenUrbanization #ConvexInnovationGuest: Robin Hutcheson, Hutcheson Advisory, LLCHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai Partners Series Hosts:Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Ecosystemic Futures is provided by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.

How do boundary zones fuel innovation breakthroughs in complex organizations?Join host Marco Annunziata as he welcomes Jaspar Roos, a member of the European Commission's OISP innovation group and founding partner of the Human and Tech Institute. With MIT credentials in AI Strategy and implementation experience with ISO56001 innovation frameworks, Jaspar examines how ecosystemic models are reshaping societal governance and network orchestration systems.This conversation explores how 80% of employees, typically outside headquarters, remain disconnected from innovation initiatives, despite organizations investing heavily in AI and digital transformation. Jaspar presents neuroscientific evidence on how the "water cooler effect" creates cognitive transformation: when employees step away from structured work environments, dopamine release facilitates relaxation, leading to the serendipitous interactions that drive breakthrough thinking.Innovation Paradox: 95% of non-tech companies investing in AI will generate no meaningful ROI despite significant expenditure Neuroscience Insight: Water cooler interactions trigger dopamine releases that neurologically prime employees for breakthrough thinking Organizational Blindspot: Top-down innovation efforts fail because 80% of frontline employees lack access to digital transformation tools Edge Systems Theory: Most disruptive innovations emerge at ecosystem boundaries where traditional operating norms converge Metrics Gap: Traditional innovation KPIs measure activity rather than impact, creating "innovation theater" without economic transformationAnalyzing case studies from his portfolio of digital innovation projects, Jaspar reveals the dialectical tension between conformity and transformation. He examines how successful organizations like Amazon implement synchronous communication protocols to overcome innovation paradoxes, while drawing parallels to the Swift financial network's transformation. This episode offers a systems-thinking approach to understanding how innovation emerges at ecosystem boundaries where traditional operating norms are being replaced with new economic engines for the digital era.Guest: Jaspar Roos, Founder and CEO of Limpid & CoHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.#EcosystemicFutures #SystemsThinking #InnovationScience #Futures #NeuroscienceOfCreativity

How might understanding the interconnected nature of quantum physics, consciousness, and anomalous phenomena transform our approach to ecosystemic innovation?This episode of Ecosystemic Futures explores how seemingly disparate knowledge systems form an interconnected knowledge ecosystem. Dr. Hal Puthoff, Dr. Diana Pasulka, and John von Blauch join hosts Dyan Finkhousen and Anna Brady-Estevez to reveal how our compartmentalized approach to knowledge has limited our understanding of complex phenomena that transcend traditional boundaries. The conversation examines how space-time metric engineering and quantum entanglement could provide frameworks for understanding extraordinary historical anomalies and future technological development. By embracing a more holistic, ecosystemic approach to science, consciousness, and innovation, we may unlock transformative capabilities that address humanity's most pressing challenges while fostering greater harmony within our planetary and social ecosystems.Highlights• Quantum Entanglement as Ecosystemic Reality: The universe operates as an interconnected system where consciousness and matter dynamically influence each other through quantum processes• Breaking Knowledge Silos: How artificial boundaries between science, spirituality, and historical wisdom have crippled our understanding of phenomena that defy conventional categorization• Consciousness as Technology: Evidence suggesting certain mental states directly manipulate quantum fields, potentially revolutionizing how we approach propulsion, energy, and communications• Pattern Recognition Across Time: Striking parallels between historical accounts of anomalous phenomena and cutting-edge physics models reveal consistent underlying principles• From Fragmentation to Integration: How merging diverse knowledge ecosystems creates resilient frameworks for technological breakthroughs that harmonize with natural systems Guests:Dr. Diana Pasulka - Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina; Author of "American Cosmic"John von Blauch - Grand Prior of the United States, Knights Templar Order of the Temple; Scholar of Western esoteric traditionsDr. Hal Puthoff - Physicist and Director of EarthTech International; Former lead of government UAP research programsHosts: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksAnna Brady-Estevez, Founding Partner of American Deeptech Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.#EcosystemicThinking #QuantumEntanglement #SystemsTransformation #IntegratedKnowledge #InterdisciplinaryScience #KnowledgeEcosystems #EmergentTechnology

The complex challenges of our interconnected world demand new approaches to discovery and collaboration. In this powerful episode from NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works, innovation expert Teri Schindler tackles how the traditionally chaotic "first mile of innovation" can be transformed from a bottleneck into an accelerator of breakthrough solutions.With decades of cross-disciplinary expertise spanning DARPA research projects, Emmy-winning media production, and pioneering work in global sports distribution at the NBA/WNBA, Schindler brings a uniquely qualified perspective to innovation systems. She reveals how siloed expertise across disciplines is hampering our ability to solve critical societal problems at speed and scale. With knowledge publications doubling every 12 months and talent distributed unevenly across institutions, our old systems of connection are failing precisely when we need them most. Through evidence-based frameworks designed to create "structured serendipity," Schindler demonstrates how introducing the right connective tissue between disciplines creates the essential conditions for transformative discovery.Highlights:ARPA-H's innovation breakthrough: 500+ ideas from all 50 states in just 10 days revealed critical blind spots in women's health while fast-tracking a $25M investment in revolutionary personalized medicine technology The collapse of connection: Research confirms broadcasting platforms are failing at meaningful knowledge exchange, with purpose-driven communities delivering 40% higher signal-to-noise ratios in discovery networks Productive friction: Evidence requirements in knowledge networks democratize access beyond elite institutions while dramatically increasing idea quality, transforming how cross-disciplinary breakthroughs emerge Building the innovation interstitium: Creating the essential connective tissue between disciplines that enables accurate ecosystemic intelligence in our most complex societal challenges The poly-intelligence revolution: Flagship Pioneering's framework for integrating human creativity, computational scale, and natural systems to create renaissance-level problem-solving capabilities in previously siloed domainsGuest: Teri Schindler, Co-founder and CEO of Herzog & Schindler and the owner of Polyplexus.comHosts: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksMarco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

What can a 5,000-year-old textile teach us about cutting-edge technology?In this episode of Ecosystemic Futures, presented by NASA's Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works, host Marco Annunziata explores the revolutionary potential of silk as a biomaterial platform with Dr. Fiorenzo Omenetto, the Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts University. From a chance hallway conversation to pioneering a new field of material science, Fio shares how his Silk Lab transforms this ancient textile into a technological powerhouse with applications spanning medicine, environmental monitoring, and sustainable manufacturing.This conversation delves deep into the scientific principles behind silk's remarkable properties, the cross-disciplinary innovation process that drives discovery, and how an ecosystemic approach to innovation—bringing together academics, industry partners, and experts from seemingly unrelated fields—creates unprecedented opportunities for technological advancement. For researchers, innovators, futurists, and forward-thinking business leaders, this episode offers a compelling vision of how nature-inspired technologies might shape our collective futures.Highlights:Material Magic Through Functional Properties: Silk isn't just a replacement for plastics or other materials; its unique properties enable entirely new functions that conventional materials cannot achieve, creating novel market opportunities rather than competing with established solutions.The Biocompatible-Technical Interface: Silk is a crucial bridge between biological and technological worlds, allowing for innovations like biologically reactive inks that can be printed onto surfaces to create low-cost diagnostic tools.Scaling Breakthrough: After years of lab-scale production (50-100 liters annually), industrial partners have scaled silk solution production to approximately 100 million liters per year, enabling commercial applications.Nature's Engineering Excellence: Biomimicry principles reveal sophisticated properties like the optical networks in orchid leaves that efficiently capture and distribute light—lessons that can inform technological solutions.The Ecosystem of Innovation: The most groundbreaking discoveries happen at the intersection of disciplines in environments that foster serendipitous connections—from cafeteria conversations to diverse lab compositions that bring together engineers, designers, and musicians.Guest: Dr. Fiorenzo Omenetto, the Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts UniversityHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Is your organization built for a world where 90% of organizational value now comes from intangibles? Rita McGrath explores why traditional hierarchies are dissolving into ecosystem constellations.In this thought-provoking episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata welcomes Columbia Business School professor and strategy expert Rita McGrath to discuss how ecosystemic thinking can help organizations navigate major economic inflection points. Professor McGrath reveals how our economic ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation. According to recent studies, intangible assets now account for 90% of S&P 500 market value, dramatically increasing from just 17% in 1975. This shift dissolves traditionalorganizational boundaries and creates new ecosystem models where "the unit of value creation is small teams or even individuals" connected in constellation-like networks rather than hierarchical structures.Highlights• Strategic inflection points represent moments when industry assumptions fundamentally shift, creating both opportunities and threats for organizations• Intangible assets now account for 90% of S&P 500 market value (up from 17% in 1975), transforming how value is created and captured• The "unit of value creation" is shifting from large corporations to ecosystem constellations of small teams and individuals• "Memories from the future" methodology helps leaders identify early warning signals of strategic inflection points before they fully materialize• AI-powered digital twins are revolutionizing supply chains, enabling organizations to model thousands of response scenarios to disruptions in minutesThe conversation examines how interconnected global systems are being reshaped by dematerialization, with examples ranging from vertical urban farming projected to reach $35.8 billion by 2032 to Hyundai's revolutionary vertical car manufacturing facility in Singapore. Rita and Marco explore how AI-powered digital twins transform supply chain ecosystems, allowing companies like Kraft Heinz to model thousands of response scenarios to disruptions in minutes—a task that is impossible for human analysts.As one of the world's top-10 ranked management thinkers, Rita McGrath offers scientists, technologists, and forward-thinking executives a framework for identifying early ecosystem signals through "memories from the future"—a robust methodology for navigating the transition from our petroleum-based past to our digital, ecosystemic future where intangible investment has consistently outpaced tangible investment since 2008 across major economies. Guest: Rita McGrath, Best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and longtime professor at Columbia Business SchoolHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Could the next nanotechnology breakthrough come from a college student's laptop rather than a million-dollar lab?In this Ecosystemic Futures episode, Marco Annunziata speaks with Dr. Aaron Santos, physicist and president of DNP123 Company. Santos examines nanotechnology as complex molecular networks rather than isolated components.Santos explains why physics fundamentally changes at nanoscale, requiring new paradigms. Despite predictions in the 1990s of a trillion-dollar nanotechnology industry by 2015, the field evolved differently—with mRNA vaccines and semiconductor advances representing "hidden successes" that power other technologies without the nanotech label.The conversation details how cloud laboratories and AI tools are breaking the million-dollar equipment barrier, thereby creating a research ecosystem that was previously impossible. Santos argues that nanotechnology exemplifies emergent properties in complex systems, where the collective behavior of simple molecules creates sophisticated functions—a model future nanotechnology will follow rather than the "smart nanobots" of science fiction. This extends to broader implications for society, economics, and consciousness in a world where atomic-scale manipulation reshapes our understanding of scarcity. Highlights:Scale Physics: Surface area (L²) vs. volume (L³) scaling transforms force dominance at nanoscaleEmergent Properties: Complex protein networks outperform theoretical discrete nanobotsResearch Infrastructure: Cloud labs democratize physical experimentation Network Theory Applications: Mathematical frameworks apply across nanoscale and macroscale systems Research-to-Market Gap: Critical funding void between academic research and commercial products Santos demonstrates why network approaches now replace reductionist models across scientific domains.Guest: Dr. Aaron Santos, physicist and president of DNP123 CompanyHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this enlightening episode of Ecosystemic Futures, Shelli Brunswick, CEO & Founder of SB Global LLC and former Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation, reveals the measurable impact of space innovation on Earth's most pressing challenges. The numbers tell a compelling story: The global space economy, valued at $630 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with NASA's investments yielding a remarkable 40:1 return through commercialized technologies. Brunswick shares research showing how orbital technologies drive innovation across sectors, with the average person connecting to satellites 45 times daily without realizing it.Highlights:Quantifiable impacts of Earth observation satellites on agricultural productivity, including 10% yield increases through precision farmingThe economic case for orbital debris management and in-space manufacturingResearch regarding microgravity's effects on medical innovations, including LambdaVision's 3D-printed protein-layered lens replacements for macular degenerationData-driven approaches to international space collaboration and fractional satellite ownership models for emerging space nationsMetrics-based workforce development strategies for the space economy For researchers, business strategists, and innovation leaders, this episode provides critical insights into how space-derived technologies are transforming our approach to sustainability, economic development, and global collaboration.Guest: Shelli Brunswick, Former U.S. Air Force Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation | CEO & Founder of SB Global LLCHost: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this eye-opening episode of Ecosystemic Futures, hosts Marco Annunziata and Vikram Shyam welcome Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion, at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. Dr. Marsan challenges conventional wisdom about innovation with complex data. In just 20 years, the global share of patenting activity from OECD countries has dropped dramatically by 20 percentage points, signaling a significant shift in the geography of innovation.The conversation highlights how emerging markets are becoming powerful engines of innovation. Dr. Marsan provides fascinating examples of innovation born from necessity, including Southeast Asian fintech "super apps" that have brought banking to millions of previously unbanked individuals, Estonia's digital government revolution built from scratch after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Brazil's central bank-led open banking policy that has sparked a fintech transformation.Dr. Marsan explains how the absence of legacy infrastructure often becomes an advantage, allowing emerging economies to leapfrog directly to cutting-edge solutions. She discusses the phenomenon of "Silicon Bali," where digital nomads are transforming tourism-dependent economies into knowledge hubs. She examines how talent mobility, diaspora connections, and targeted visa programs are reshaping global innovation ecosystems. The conversation also addresses the critical balance between opportunity and inequality, exploring how innovation can advance sustainable development goals while requiring thoughtful policy to ensure benefits are widely shared.Highlights• Shifting Innovation Geography: Patent activity from OECD countries dropped 20 percentage points in just two decades, with innovation hotspots emerging across Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and Africa • Financial Inclusion Revolution: How Southeast Asian super apps evolved from retail platforms to provide e-wallets, microloans, and microinsurance to previously unbanked populations • The Leapfrog Advantage: Countries without legacy infrastructure (like Estonia after the Soviet collapse) can build more innovative systems from scratch • Talent Mobility as Catalyst: The rise of "Silicon Bali" and how entrepreneurship visas and digital nomad programs are reshaping local economies• Digital Public Infrastructure: India's and Brazil's government-led innovation initiatives that created open platforms for entrepreneurial growthGuest: Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East AsiaHosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterMarco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this data-driven episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Dr. Tiffany Vora, a molecular biologist, Singularity Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMars. Drawing from her background in pharmaceutical research, teaching at Stanford University, and extensive work in space innovation, Dr. Vora examines how synthetic biology advancesthe development of specialized biosystems for space exploration. The discussion explores her recent publication "Space Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm for Sustainability on Earth and Beyond," detailing how technological convergence enables us to read, write, and engineer the source code of life with unprecedented precision. Dr. Vora presents research on how advanced biosystems can solve critical space exploration challenges through on-demand manufacturing of medicines, materials, and food.The episode offers actionable insights for leveraging genetic chassis organisms, flight-tested hardware for biological manufacturing, and shelf-stable reagents that deliver value for space missions and remote Earth locations. Dr. Vora outlines how these advanced biosystems can form the foundation of circular economies in space habitats where waste becomes valuable feedstock for new biological production cycles.HighlightsDNA as Programming Language: Life on Earth stores information as A, C, T, and G—a biological code we can now read, write, and edit with precision for space applications.Advanced Genetic Chassis: Researchers are developing customizable biological platforms that can be optimized for Mars's unique conditions, including radiation, salinity, and reduced light.Space Bioeconomy: "Making it" versus "taking it"—creating on-demand medicines, materials, and food in space solves critical up-mass constraints for long-duration missions.Extremophile Inspiration: Organisms that thrive in nuclear waste, salt flats, and other extreme Earth environments provide genetic blueprints for space-hardy biological systems.Flight-Tested Biomanufacturing: Developing hardware that enables small-batch, reproducible biological manufacturing in space environments has applications for both Mars missions and remote Earth locations.Circular Biosystems: Engineering biological processes where waste becomes feedstock for new materials and creates sustainable closed-loop systems essential for long-duration space habitation.Join us for this exceptional discussion. Guest: Dr. Tiffany Vora, Singularity Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMarsHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this fascinating episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Himanshu Bharadwaj, a design strategist who applies cognitive science principles from Eastern traditions to modern digitalecosystems. Trained at the National Institute of Design and Syracuse University, Bharadwaj presents empirical observations on how his Joyful Design methodology measurably improves innovation outcomes and team performance. The discussion examines the quantifiable limitations of current AI systems in replicating human consciousness, contrasting computational pattern recognition with the neurological cross-connections that drive human creativity. Bharadwaj references research on widespread workplace burnout (25% of Americans now take antidepressants) and presents case studies of ancient mind-training techniques that have transformed organizational systems.The episode offers actionable frameworks for ecosystem architects to integrate these evidence-based approaches into their design processes. It specifically emphasizes how changing brain physiologythrough targeted interventions can enhance divergent thinking, problem-solving capacity, and ecosystem resilience.HighlightsInformation vs. Intelligence: Bharadwaj distinguishes between information (data collection), knowledge (processing), and intelligence (creative application with intuition).AI's Creative Gap: Current AI lacks neural cross-connections between disparate ideas and subjective awareness ("the AI in AI").The Incompleteness Principle: External systems remain perpetually incomplete, while inner development provides the completeness that enhances external effectiveness.Neurological Enhancement: Targeted meditation and reflection techniques demonstrably alter brain physiology to improve creativity and leadership.Evolutionary Limitations: Workplace innovation suffers from primitive threat-detection circuits; specific interventions help activate higher functions.Science-Philosophy Convergence: Quantum physics discoveries are bridging the historical gap between scientific and philosophical understanding of reality.Join us for this exceptional discussion. Guest: Himanshu Bharadwaj, experienced design and strategy leader with a unique blend of Design Thinking, business strategy, and cognitive science.Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

What's the measurable return on organizational health? Through rigorous assessment frameworks and 25 years of transformation data, former IBM Change Leader Dr. Donna-Marie Arias quantifies the dividends of workplace wellness. She unpacks a landmark case study: a troubled global financial institution's 3.5-year journey to becoming an industry health leader, demonstrating how organizational wellness compounds into market performance. Beyond McKinsey's research showing 3x performance gains, Dr. Arias reveals the metrics that matter - from diagnostic frameworks to retention patterns tied to manager relationships. Discover the science behind Guatemala's world-leading collaborative culture, how AI adoption impacts organizational vitals, and what drives sustainable returns across finance, technology, and education sectors.HighlightsROI Case Study: Quantified results from a 3.5-year financial organization transformationMeasurement Science: Analysis of 100+ diagnostic indicators across accountability, direction, coordination, control, and motivationPerformance Metrics: How organizational health assessments predict and track market outcomesCross-Industry Data: Comparative analysis across financial, educational, and technological sectorsCultural Intelligence: Measured impact of collaborative versus "I-centric" workplace approachesAssessment Framework: Scientific basis for 12-24 month measurement cycles with pulse monitoringRetention Analytics: Data-driven correlation between manager relationships and employee retentionHealth Indicators: Three measurable relationship factors driving organizational performance

Join host Marco Annunziata in conversation with Gloria Bouillon, distinguished aviation strategist and founder of Aviatrice Advisors, for a critical discussion on one of the nation's most strategic infrastructureopportunities. As global competition in advanced air mobility intensifies, the U.S. faces a pivotal moment in transforming its aviation infrastructure and urban transportation systems.From electric vertical takeoff vehicles to autonomous systems, we discover how emerging technologies can reshape our national airspace while creating new economic opportunities across regions.Learn how airports are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs to become strategic assets driving regional development and competitiveness. This timely discussion explores the intricate balance between rapid technological innovation, infrastructure development, and community engagement - offering crucial insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders shaping America's aviation future. HighlightsThe urgent need for transformation in our advanced air mobility technologies and infrastructureMulti-stakeholder collaboration in aviation developmentBalancing innovation speed with regulatory requirementsAirport management and economic developmentInfrastructure funding and revenue generationEnergy challenges and sustainability considerationsPublic-private partnerships in aviationFuture trends in urban air mobility Guest: Gloria Bouillon - Aviation strategist, airport development expert, and founder of Aviatrice Advisors, with extensive experience in both public and private sectorsHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

What happens when industrial design meets strategic foresight? Lucy Ziegler, founder of TBD Futures and former McKinsey design strategist, reveals how leaders can transform business uncertainty into opportunity. Through scenario planning and design thinking, she demonstrates why the future isn't something to predict—it's something to design.Highlights:Why traditional forecasting falls short in today's complex business landscape How design thinking unlocks strategic foresight for better decision-makingBreaking free from quarterly pressures to build long-term visionTurning your worst-case scenarios into competitive advantagesCase study: How an EV company in Latin America transformed market uncertainty into strategyGuestLucy Ziegler, Founder, TBD FuturesHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Stanford professor Dr. Garry Nolan reveals how UAP observations should refactor our approach to materials science. In this compelling episode, Dr. Nolan demonstrates how studying anomalous phenomena provides unprecedented insights, reshaping materials research and development. Drawing from his pioneering work in biotechnology and advanced analysis, he illustrates why incorporating UAP insights could accelerate technological breakthroughs in many domains and transform our understanding of what's possible. Key insights:How UAP research informs next-generation materials developmentAdvanced analysis techniques revealing new scientific possibilitiesThe convergence of materials science and anomalous phenomenaStrategic implications for technological leadershipBreakthrough private sector opportunities in UAP-inspired researchGuest:Garry Nolan, Founder, Apprise Biotech and Nodality; and Rachford and Carlota A. Harris Endowed Professor at StanfordUniversity Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsLarry Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space ForceSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

The landscape of UAP research has transformed dramatically over the past two decades from a taboo topic to congressional testimony. In this pivotal episode, pioneering investigative journalist Leslie Kean bridges past discoveries with current developments, including the latest wave of mass sightings across multiple states. Featuring crucial insights from former Navy pilot Ryan Graves and Enigma Labs' Christine Kim, this conversation reveals how civilian science, military observation, and professional investigation converge to understand these mysterious phenomena.Highlights:Leslie Kean shares how she broke the UFO story in the Boston Globe (2000) and the historical challenges of reporting on UAP Discussion of current mass sightings across multiple states, with detailed analysis of patterns and characteristicsRyan Graves provides perspective on commercial pilot reports and military observationsEnigma Labs reveals data from 28,000+ civilian sightings, discussing patterns in recent mass sighting eventsExploration of how UAP research has evolved from individual sightings to systematic investigationAnalysis of current challenges in tracking and identifying unexplained aerial phenomenaDiscussion of the intersection between civilian reporting, military investigation, scientific research, and technological advancementThis episode offers essential context for understanding one of today's most significant scientific mysteries, combining historical perspective with breaking developments in UAP research and observation.Join us for this exceptional discussion. Featured GuestsLeslie Kean - Pioneering Investigative Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author Ryan Graves - Former Navy Fighter Pilot, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace Christine Kim - Head of Marketing, Enigma LabsCo-HostsAnna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsLarry Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space ForceSeries Hosts Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this groundbreaking discussion, intelligence veteran and former Pentagon UAP program director Lue Elizondo reveals how classified research drives innovation across multiple industries. This episode explores how UAP-related discoveries could revolutionize human longevity, space exploration, and global technological leadership, from quantum computing breakthroughs to biotechnology advances.Learn why major investors, government agencies, technology leaders, and brilliant entrepreneurs are positioning for what Elizondo describes as a transformative moment in human evolution and how emerging public-private partnerships could accelerate previously impossible technological achievements.HighlightsEmerging technologies that defy conventional understanding of power generation and propulsionHow UAP research is transforming our approach to space exploration and asteroid miningOpportunities for democratizing previously classified technologiesCross-sector implications for medicine, quantum computing, and materials scienceBreaking down barriers between classified research and public innovationInvestment strategies for emerging UAP-adjacent technologiesThe transformative potential of exotic materials and reverse engineeringIntegration of UAP research with existing technological roadmapsCollaborative frameworks for accelerating breakthrough innovationsGuestLuis Elizondo, Former Director of AATIP, Disclosure and Transparency Advocate, Author, Husband and Father, Proud VeteranCo-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsLarry Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space ForceSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Join host Marco Annunziata and guest Dr. Sophia Ononye, Founder and CEO of The Sophia Consulting Firm, as they explore how scientificstorytelling reshapes healthcare ecosystems and drives systemic transformation.In this illuminating discussion, discover how emerging communication models are breaking down traditional boundaries betweenscientists, healthcare providers, and patients - creating new patterns of interaction and value creation. Learn how ecosystemic thinking revolutionizes everything from clinical trials to drug development while building more resilient healthcare systems.Highlights- How ecosystem models are reshaping healthcare communication- Building trust networks across healthcare stakeholders- New patterns of collaboration between industry, academia, and patients- Breaking down silos through scientific storytelling- Creating more resilient healthcare systems through trust and education- Cross-border healthcare innovation and knowledge sharingGuestDr. Sophia Ononye - Founder & CEO of The Sophia Consulting Firm, creator of the Amplifying Scientific Innovation video podcast,and a pioneering voice in scientific communication and healthcare equityHost Marco Annunziata - Co-founder of Annunziata + Desai Advisors and former Chief Economist and Head of Business Innovation Strategy at GE, bringing deep expertise in economic trends, technology, and innovationSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Join a groundbreaking discussion with global leaders in aerospace, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing as they explore the"More Shots on Goal" initiative - a collaborative effort to scale up manufacturing capabilities in Low Earth Orbit dramatically. From revolutionary drug development to next-generation semiconductors, discover how increased space manufacturing throughput could transform industries on Earth and accelerate innovation across healthcare, technology, and energy sectors.This special episode features insights from NASA, DoE, the International Space Station National Lab, and pioneering companies, including Varda Space Industries, Stoke Space, and more. Learn how new platforms, high-throughput systems, and novel fundingapproaches are turning space into a trillion-dollar manufacturing hub that could reshape terrestrial industries and unlock new solutions to global challenges.HighlightsAccelerating drug development through microgravity researchNext-generation semiconductor and advanced materials manufacturingNovel launch and return capabilities for space manufacturingInfrastructure and energy solutions for orbital factoriesPublic-private partnerships and innovative funding modelsBio-manufacturing and crystal growth applicationsQuantum technology development in spaceFeatured GuestsRose Hernandez, ISS National LabCurtis Hill, NASA Lynn Harper, NASAKevin Englebert, NASA ISS InSpaDevon Papandrew, Stoke SpaceOlivia Holzhaus, Rhodium ScientificArmin Rad, EncapsulatePartha Dutta, United Semiconductor Ken Savin, RedwireJordan Swisher, MattiqJosh Martin, Varda Space IndustriesGreg Grozdits, Space Force SDALarry Forsley, Global Energy CorporationRima Oueid, US Department of EnergyKevin Jackson, National DigiFoundryHeath Mills, Rhodium ScientificYao-Feng Chang, IntelYuxuan Cosmi Lin, Texas A&MShane Hegarty, Axonis TherapeuticsPrashant Nagpal, SachiBioArmand Dichosa, Los AlamosNational LabMari Anne Snow, Eascra BiotechYing-Chen (Daphne) Chen, Arizona State UniversityCo-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsDonna Roberts, Deputy Chief Scientist, ISS National LabLarry Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersDyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space ForceSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Join an extraordinary panel of experts in aerospace, energy, and ultra-advanced technologies as they explore the absolute outer bounds of physics and engineering.This groundbreaking discussion, co-hosted by Anna Brady-Estevez, Dr. Hal Puthoff, Larry Forsley, and Dyan Finkhousen, convenes the world's leading researchers and innovators to examine extended electrodynamics, lattice confinement fusion, zero-point energy, and advanced propulsion and discusses the implications for the future of technology and space exploration. Featured GuestsDr. Hal Puthoff - EarthTech InternationalLarry Forsley - Global Energy CorporationPhillip Lentz - UnSpaceRichard Banduric - Field Propulsion TechnologiesAnkur Bhatt - Hoverr Inc.Louis Dechiaro – Richard Stockton CollegeChance Glenn - Morningbird SpaceMK Merrigan – MK AdvisorsRima Oueid – US Department of Energy Key Themes DiscussedExtended Electrodynamics (EDI) and its applicationsZero-point energy research and potential applications for unlimited powerAdvanced propulsion systems and breakthrough propulsion physicsQuantum detection and sensing technologiesThe intersection of gravitational physics and electrodynamicsNovel approaches to fusion and energy generationMaterials science and programmable matterThe convergence of theoretical physics and practical engineering Looking ForwardThe episode highlights the growing convergence of theoretical physics and practical engineering, suggesting we may be on the cusp of revolutionary advances in propulsion, energy, and communication technologies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of continued research, increased funding, and broader collaboration across disciplines to accelerate development in these crucial areas. Presented by NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works. Hosts:Dr. Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsDr. Harold (Hal) Puthoff is President & CEO at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin & EarthTech International, Inc.Lawrence Forsley is the Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy CorporationDyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works Series Hosts:Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this inspiring episode, we explore how ecosystem approaches and collaborative leadership reshape global industries with Amina Razvi, former CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and current Chief Partnerships Officer at Travalyst. Drawing on her unique background spanning architecture, sustainability, and industry transformation, Razvi reveals how effective coalitions can drive systemic change.Key themes:How unlikely partnerships between competitors created unprecedented industry collaborationThe evolution of the Higg Index into a global standard adopted by 24,000+ organizationsWhy systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration are essential for sustainable transformationThe critical role of data standardization and metrics in driving performance improvementLessons learned from apparel industry transformation that can accelerate progress in travel and tourismThis fascinating discussion challenges conventional thinking about leadership and offers powerful insights into how ecosystem approaches can address complex global challenges. Razvi makes a compelling case that "partnership is the new leadership" and shares practical frameworks for building coalitions that drive meaningful change.Guest:Amina Razvi, Former CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (now Cascale) Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this comprehensive episode, we explore the multifaceted nature of modern leadership with Dr. Brenda Fellows, President and CEO of Fellows Corporate Consortium. She is a distinguished industrial, organizational, and clinical psychologist who partners with corporate boards and C-Suite executives across Fortune 20-500 companies. Drawing on over two decades of strategy and management consulting experience, Dr. Fellows reveals her groundbreaking framework combining eight distinct intelligences and four capitals that shape effective leadership.Key themes include:How cognitive, emotional, authentic, cultural, social, spiritual, humility, and leadership intelligence work togetherThe integration of human, resource, political, and community capital in organizational successUnderstanding different leadership styles and their impact under comfort versus stressWhy psychological awareness and behavioral science are critical "hard skills" for organizational transformationHow to bridge gaps between learning systems, knowledge systems, and policy shapingThis fascinating discussion challenges conventional thinking about leadership capabilities, offering unprecedented insight into how organizations can develop more effective, holistic approaches to leadership in an increasingly complex world. As a faculty member at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and Harvard University Medical School, Dr. Fellows shares practical frameworks for assessing and improving leadership across all organizational levels.Guest:President & CEO, Principal Strategy & Management Consultant, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist at Fellows Corporate Consortium, LLCCo-Hosts: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the transformation of education in an era of rapid technological change and workplace evolution. Dr. Steven Johnson, founder and CEO of EDSENSE and former senior vice president of innovation at Harvard University, examines how emerging technologies, changing workforce demands, and new learning models are reshaping education's future.Key themes addressed:The convergence of AI, learning science, and personalized educationNew models for lifelong learning and skill developmentThe evolving relationship between education and employmentInnovative approaches to competency-based learning and credentialsTechnology's role in transforming traditional educational paradigmsThe future of hybrid learning environments and personalized education pathsThis dynamic discussion offers unprecedented insight into how educational institutions, employers, and learners can adapt to and thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape. Dr. Johnson makes a compelling case for reimagining education systems to better serve diverse learner needs while maintaining educational quality and accessibility.The Ecosystemic Futures Podcast, presented by NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works, a global firm that helps organizations and nations navigate ecosystemic transformation. As our world is increasingly digital and interconnected – ecosystemic models are reshaping society, industry, economy, and policy and reframing how we build for resilient futures. Ecosystemic Futures investigates this expansive and hyper-connected paradigm and explores frameworks to help us achieve more beneficial futures.Guest:Dr. Steven Johnson is the Founder and CEO of EDSENSE, LLC, Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

This landmark episode convenes leading aerospace, energy, and advanced technologies experts to explore game-changing innovations that challenge our current understanding of what's possible. From quantum physics to advanced propulsion, we examine operational technologies displaying capabilities previously confined to science fiction - including craft demonstrating extraordinary energy capacity, trans-medium travel, and apparent space-time manipulation.Our distinguished panel delves into critical themes:Observed advanced aerospace capabilities that transcend current engineering limitations, including sustained flight without conventional propulsionBreakthrough possibilities in quantum communications, energy extraction from vacuum states, and space-time metric engineeringThe convergence of biology, physics, and advanced materials leading to transformative applications in medicine, computing, aerospace, energy, and human potentialHow reducing institutional barriers and stigma can accelerate technological innovation across sectorsThe economic and security imperatives driving investigation into these advanced technologiesThe critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in unlocking new scientific frontiersThis extraordinary discussion offers unprecedented insights into the ways that emerging technologies and anomalous phenomena reshape our understanding of physics, engineering possibilities, and our future. Our experts make a compelling case for bold innovation and open scientific inquiry to maintain technological leadership and solve global challenges.Guests:Dr. Hal Puthoff is President & CEO at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin & EarthTech International, Inc.Ryan Graves is Co-founder and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Dr. Travis Taylor, a Scientist, Engineer, Author, Futurist, and Television Personality, is the Principal Research Scientist for Radiance Technologies. Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working GroupsLarry Forsley is the Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai PartnersDyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space ForceSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research CenterDyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Description In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative intersection of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and human decision-making in aerospace applications. Through the lens of national security and technological innovation, we examine the critical pathways and challenges in deploying AI capabilities responsibly. The discussion spans the complex ecosystem dependencies between human operators and autonomous systems, the importance of justified confidence in AI adoption, and the foundational role of ethical frameworks in shaping future technologies. Guest: Colonel Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton (USAF, Ret.), Former Experimental Fighter Test Pilot and Commander of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, CEO of STEM-ed; @cincohamilton Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners This conversation underscores the necessity of balanced human-machine collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and comprehensive education in navigating the transition to AI-enabled autonomous systems. Col. Hamilton shares insights from his extensive military experience while highlighting the importance of ethical consideration in technological advancement - from battlefield applications to educational initiatives preparing the next generation of innovators. Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode, Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, joins us to discuss the complexities and opportunities of AI implementation. Together, we explore the balance between business strategy, cost, and environmental impact in AI, along with the rising energy demands and potential of renewable solutions. Gonzalez highlights the importance of regulatory compliance to guard against cybersecurity risks and biases and advocates for public-private partnerships in fostering responsible AI. We close with a look at AI's potential for social impact, including job creation and opportunities for underserved communities, emphasizing the need for diversity and representation to ensure AI benefits everyone. Guest: Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama Co-Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode, we are joined by guest Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson, as we explore the revolutionary concept of the "Internet of Skills." Dohler explains how emerging technology seeks to democratize access to skills by enabling remote, real-time expertise transfer through digital platforms. One of the most promising applications is telesurgery, which could address critical healthcare challenges by combining reliable communication networks with medical robotics. He shares examples of telesurgery's potential, such as in stroke and heart attack treatments, while highlighting the FDA's regulatory role in this space. Beyond healthcare, Dohler emphasizes how the Internet of Skills can transform education in various industries. He underscores the importance of creating standards to ensure interoperability and equitable access, making these advancements available to all, regardless of location. Guest: Mischa Dohler, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge world of AI simulations and their transformative impact on societal governance. Rob Auten, CEO and co-founder of Hexgram, shares insights from his experience developing AI-powered worlds for gaming and beyond. Joined by Marco Annunziata, the discussion explores how AI-driven simulations reshape how we understand complex systems, predict outcomes, and craft more dynamic interactions. From creating immersive, emotionally engaging gaming environments to exploring AI's role in industrial settings and policy-making, this conversation reveals the power and potential of simulation technology across industries.  Guest: Rob Auten, Chief Executive Officer at Hexagram Co-Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

 In this episode, we explore innovative solutions for climate resilience, emphasizing the role of AI, big data, and effective communication. Guest Sharron McPherson and co-hosts Dyan and Vik discuss the challenges of defining and measuring resilience, aligning stakeholder values, and implementing scalable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling and digital media in improving the communication of resilience strategies. Guest: Sharron McPherson, Co-Founder & CEO at Climate Resilience Tech Company Co-Hosts: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast we explore the integration of technology into the human experience with Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow at the Institut d'études avancées de Nantes at King's College in London . Dr. Ali and our hosts Dr. Vikram Shyam and Dyan Finkhousen explore the parallels between biological ecosystems and business ecosystems, emphasizing the need for multi-disciplinary approaches to tackle complex societal problems and achieve creative evolution. Guest: Dr. Ali Hossaini, Research Fellow, Institut d'études avancées de Nantes | King's College London, Principal Investigator, Health & Social Equity, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode of the Ecosystemic Futures podcast, we explore the transformative potential of advanced technologies in healthcare with Katie Meyer, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novocure. Katie discusses the crucial role of incentive systems and governance in driving healthcare innovation and highlights the challenges of navigating a highly regulated landscape. Join us as we explore the interplay between governance, incentives, and emerging technologies in creating a resilient and innovative healthcare ecosystem. Guest:  Katie Meyer, Vice President Public Affairs at Novocure Co-Hosts: James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

This episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast explores the opportunities and challenges of deep tech innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies like quantum computing, fusion energy, and their implications for society, industry, and national security.  The conversation features insights from Laura Thomas, a former CIA case officer and current advisor to cutting-edge startups, and Co-Hosts Vikram Shyam and Dyan Finkhousen. They discuss the complexities of regulating rapidly evolving technologies, the need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the importance of addressing sustainability and equity concerns alongside technological progress. Guest: Laura Thomas, Advisor for a quantum technology company, Infleqtion and fusion energy company, Fuse. Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Anna Brady-Estevez and our hosts discuss what it takes to stand up a new layer of infrastructure - extending our industries, economies, and possibilities into the vast expanse of the space economy. On track to triple in the next decade, the space economy offers an extraordinary environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. Successful development of our next generation of infrastructure requires deeper understanding and orchestration across complementary ecosystems for investment, education, policy, technology and services development. Platforming the space ecosystem necessitates exceptionally bold vision and investment. Guest Anna Brady-Estevez brings the receipts, sharing a wealth of examples of companies making it happen - who are building use cases and capabilities to help lead the way in virtually every sector of our economy. Anna and our co-hosts discuss the pressing need for large-scale infrastructure investment and tools to make capital more accessible to democratize participation in the space economy and drive generational benefits for our society. Guest: Anna Brady-Estevez, Senior Investment Advisor and (Venture) Partner at the U.S. Small Business Administration Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Join us for an inspiring glimpse into the making of NEOM - arguably the world's leading sustainable, cognitive city and a living lab platform to evaluate the application of advanced technologies to elevate the human experience. In this episode, co-hosts Vikram Shyam and Marco Annunziata connect with our guest, Mansoor Hanif to explore the intersection of technology innovation, and economics - and unpack the myth of smart city design. Three factors are contributing to this next generation of truly smart cities: cohesive connectivity; ecosystemic data architecture; and universal standards for interoperability. A strong command of the regulatory landscape supports the development of an AI orchestration layer and a framework of transparency, trust, and the high-fidelity 'data halo'. Mansoor shares his perpsective regarding the key considerations and risks related to ecosystemic design, societal development and the need for future technologies to prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations. Tune in for a brilliant discussion of the future of economic development around the world. Guest: Mansoor Hanif Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In the latest episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast, co-hosts Dyan and Marco engage with guest Dr. Julia Mossbridge in a compelling discussion on the interplay between love, artificial intelligence (AI), and time. The conversation explores the transformative potential of integrating unconditional love with AI to enhance professional and personal lives, as well as its impact on mental health and governance. Dr. Julia Mossbridge shares her insights on time perception, AI's emotional intelligence, and the innovative concept of decentralized AI systems, emphasizing the importance of diversity in thought and experience. The episode highlights the necessity of empathy, trust, and universal love in designing resilient AI systems that can contribute societal outcomes. Guest: Dr. Julia Mossbridge Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode, our panelists delve into the transformation of journalism and its influence on policymaking, emphasizing the vital role of information channels within local communities. They discuss the difficulties local journalists encounter when addressing national issues and the repercussions of dwindling local news. The conversation also examines the intersection of technology and policy, focusing in on immigration and reflecting on the necessity for detailed, on-the-ground reporting.  Guest: Maya Rao  Co-Hosts: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Dr. David Bray joins us with a brilliant exploration of the tension between openness and safeguards for policy professionals in an increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Bray and his colleagues discuss the inevitable shift from linear, structured systems to ecosystemic economies - and the criticality of futures literacy for policy professionals. Advanced technologies, democratized models, and the proliferation of collective intelligence are converging in ways that will challenge the very foundations of governance model design and implementation. In this episode we contemplate the very real possibility that we have reached the practical limitations of existing economic models and that something new is beginning to take shape to inform economic resilience and prosperity for our complex, dynamic, and interconnected world. Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this insightful episode, we delve into the pivotal role that heavy industries, such as steel and cement, play in the global economy and the formidable challenge of decarbonization they face. We explore the emissions produced by these manufacturing processes and the potential of hydrogen-based solutions - taking a comprehensive look at various strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the importance of energy efficiency, ecosystem interdependencies, and stable policy frameworks. This discussion underscores the necessity of trust, transparency, and inclusivity to navigate this critical transition. Guests: Aaron Maltais and Bjorn Nykvist

In today's episode, we delve into the future of food production, exploring the cutting-edge innovations transforming agriculture, technology, and consumer behavior. Join us and our guests Kasia Gora, Co-Founder and CTO of SCiFi Foods, and Joshua March, Co-Founder and CEO of SCiFi Foods, as we navigate the ethical and environmental implications of cultivated meat, a solution that aims to address global food sustainability challenges. Guests: Kasia, Gora, Co-Founder and CTO of SCiFi Foods, Joshua March, Co-Founder and CEO of SCiFi Foods Co-Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, PhD, Futurist, Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project, NASA Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners  Series Hosts:  Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In this episode, we delve into the crucial role of energy storage and access in emerging markets, with guest Connie Stacey, CEO and Founder of Grengine Inc. Connie discusses her innovative approach to addressing energy poverty by making renewable energy more accessible through advanced battery storage systems. Over a billion people lack basic energy access despite improvements, leading to severe health consequences. We explore the potential of DC-based systems for efficient energy infrastructure in emerging markets and the importance of secure battery technology, ensuring the safety and reliability of renewable energy solutions. We also discuss the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy, the rapid growth of energy access in developing economies, and the pressing need for industry standardization and innovative solutions. Tune in to understand how inclusive growth and a focus on well-orchestrated ecosystems can power progress for a sustainable energy future. Guest: Connie Stacey - Grengine Inc. Co-Hosts: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Vikram Shyam, PhD, Futurist, Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project, NASA Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In today's episode of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast, we are thrilled to have Captain Alexandra Hagerty, Fleet Superintendent for The Pasha Group, join us. Captain Hagerty's impressive career includes roles as Master of the Hospital Ship Africa Mercy and the USNS Shughart. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a respected writer and panelist on international maritime affairs, a Fellow of the Nautical Institute UK, and the Founder of the charity ‘Captains Without Borders.' We delve into the dynamic maritime industry, tackling issues like recruitment and retention in a mature industry sector. Captain Hagerty offers insights from her own vantage point and journey, and we explore the unique considerations that must factor into successful maritime ecosystem futures - global reach, distinctive lifestyles, and the critical importance of crew retention within the industry. We also explore autonomous shipping and electrification, hydrogen fuelling, the "upcycling" of vessels, and the economic and environmental advantages of these emerging technologies. Join us as we navigate the challenges and potential futures that offer great promise in reshaping the maritime landscape. Guest: Captain Alexandra Hagerty, Fleet Superintendent for The Pasha Group Co-Hosts: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Vikram Shyam, PhD, Futurist, Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project, NASA Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

In today's episode, we explore the ecosystemic patterns across industry, society, and policy as Dyan Finkhousen and Marco Annunziata reflect on the intersection of diverse perspectives that have emerged from Seasons 1-4 of the Ecosystemic Futures Podcast.  Dyan and Marco delve into an insightful discussion about the interplay between advanced and general purpose technologies, trust, and governance - unpacking the opportunities and obstacles posed by technological advancements. They chase this back to the evolving work and organizational adaptation landscape, with implications for innovation, resilience, and lifelong learning. Tune in for an enlightening exploration of the dynamic forces shaping our world today and setting the stage for our future. Co-Hosts: Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners 

In this episode, we explore the pivotal role of ecosystemic models across industries, underscoring the importance of inclusive design for resilient futures. Our guest, Krista Pawley, a luminary in impact-driven initiatives, articulates the importance of transparency, community engagement, and contextual awareness in shaping decisions. Through her insights, we navigate the power of collaboration and diverse perspectives in forging impactful solutions. Pawley talks about the importance of trust in the digital realm and in human interactions - and articulates a clear pathway of the practical steps organizations, leaders, and youth can take in order to achieve a culture of trust. In this episode we also unpack the importance of inclusivity, pushing quickly past the vanity metrics to the meaningful value drivers of an inclusive approach to systems design. Guest: Krista Pawley, Founder of Imperative Impact, co-founder of Wavemakers, co-chair of EXCITE & one of the co-founders of SingularityU Canada Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, PhD, Futurist, Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project, NASA Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Embark on a journey through the complexities of our global plastic crisis with Impact Entrepreneur, Mimi Wu. She reveals a stark truth: recycling alone is not the solution. We delve into the intricate web of environmental, social, and economic factors driving this issue, and discuss the urgent actions needed to tackle the plastic problem at its core. Guest: Mimi Wu, Founder & CEO of Global Green Solutions and Co-founder & CEO of Myanmar Recycles Co-Hosts: James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

This hard-hitting episode exposes the alarming crisis of healthcare-acquired infections in U.S. facilities - and the ecosystemic factors compounding the threat. Our guest, Sarah Beatty of Culturewell, pulls no punches in critiquing the reactive "firefighting" status quo within the healthcare system... a passionately well-intended system, yet increasingly missing the life-saving answers readily available in the meta-data. Beatty shares startling data and argues that the missing link is facility-specific environmental monitoring to precisely identify hygiene gaps and deploy cleaning resources—and data-driven solutions. Join this vital discussion shaping the pathway from a reactive to proactive, data-driven model for infection prevention - one resilient to the intensifying challenges across interconnected environments straining healthcare systems. Beatty makes a powerful case for waging and winning this winnable war. Guest: Sarah Beatty, Founder & CEO, Culturewell Co-Hosts: James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

Dive into the power of regenerative agriculture to revitalize our food ecosystems. This episode explores the ways regenerative farming methods can enhance soil health and unlock more nutrient-dense foods - nourishing people and planet. Guest Tina Owens, a leader at the intersection of agriculture, tech and wellness, illuminates the pivotal role emerging technologies play in optimizing and scaling regenerative practices. We discuss the ways AI, molecular mapping, and lifecycle assessments are reshaping food production into ecosystem-reviving force. Don't miss this compelling vision for an ecosystemic future of sustainable nourishment. Guest: Tina Owens, Managing Director @ Nutrient Density Alliance, Strategic Advisor @ Regenerative Food Systems Investment, Non-Profit Board Member of Non-GMO Project and Mad Agriculture & Farmer Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works  

The US Government's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is actively working to establish the framework for a commercial economy on the moon - convening an ecosystemic collaboration to make it happen by 2035. DARPA's program manager for this project, called Luna10, Michael Nayak, call sign Orbit, joins the podcast to discuss the approach of leveraging what we know from Earth economies and commercial industries in order to create a unified, self-sustaining lunar economy. To activate the ecosystem for the lunar economy - Orbit and team are convening 12 commerical entities and a host of value chain enablers to build the framework. Join us for more fascinating discussions regarding the ways that ecosystems are shaping new economic engines. Guest: Michael Nayak, call sign Orbit, Program Manager for DARPA program Luna10 and Logic Co-Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

The intergenerational transmission of values, norms, and aspirations has always shaped expectations for transcendent belonging. What does it mean to live a good life, to be successful? The integrated ecosystem that supports human flourishing encompasses all aspects of society, industry, and policy. With generative AI anticipated to impact society more than any other technological advancement in recent decades - we now face the first generation, specifically Gen Alpha, that will age entirely with the benefits and opportunities of this advanced technology.   In this episode, Mica Le John - entrepreneur, educator, and writer - joins us to tug at the core threads that bind all people regardless of demographic and explore ways that intergenerational collaboration with advanced technologies can lead to solutions for wicked problems and a more resilient future for humanity.   Guest: Mica Le John, Entrepreneur, Educator & Writer   Co-Hosts: Mark Stephen Meadows, Science Fiction Writer / Researcher for CAS, NASA Edward Powell, PhD, CEO, TensorX, Inc   Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

We're often unaware of security vulnerabilities until there's a breach. In today's rush to leverage AI, organizations often overestimate security and underestimate risk, while teams expose unique AI threats to otherwise reasonably safe businesses.   Organizations are also changing the way they use AI - shifting from owning it to renting it. This delivers faster results but less control over important data and access, introducing risks that organizations may not yet fully recognize. Protect AI leaders join us to explain the differences between "safe," "secure," and "governed" in AI and how to safely create an AI-empowered future.   Guests:  Daryan "D" Dehghanpisheh, Co-Founder, Protect AI Marcello Salvati, Senior Engineer & Researcher, Protect AI   Co-Hosts: James Villarrubia, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow & Digital Strategist for CAS, NASA Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works    Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works