In this groundbreaking keynote, Dr. Craig Wing introduces the revolutionary “Four Future Seasons” framework, a transformative approach to navigating uncertainty and preparing for an unpredictable future. Drawing on insights from his PhD research, Japanese philosophy, military strategy, and psychology, Dr. Wing challenges traditional business tools like SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces, demonstrating why they are outdated in today’s rapidly evolving world. He explores how qualitative and quantitative tools can be leveraged to design resilient strategies and reveals the cognitive biases and corporate blind spots that often hinder progress. This keynote equips leaders with the foresight needed to thrive in a world of unknown unknowns, where black swan events and disruptive forces are the norm. By embracing design thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset, organizations can move beyond mere survival to create a future-ready culture.

In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), Dr. Craig Wing presents a bold new paradigm for leadership: responsibility in an UNSAFE world. Using the acronym UNSAFE (Unknown, Nascent, Supervenient, Algorithmic, Factorial, Ephemeral), he unpacks the drivers of success in an era of unprecedented disruption. From AI-driven transformations to geopolitical shifts, Dr. Wing highlights the factors that leaders must understand to navigate this new reality. This keynote emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility as a cornerstone for sustainable success, urging leaders to transition from an UNSAFE to a SAFER future. By fostering collaboration and ethical decision-making, organizations can build a better tomorrow for all stakeholders.

As artificial intelligence and automation reshape industries and redefine humanity itself, Dr. Craig Wing delivers a thought-provoking keynote on what it means to be human in an algorithmic age. He addresses the fears and opportunities posed by generative AI, robotic assistance, and always-on technologies, offering a clear-eyed perspective on their limitations and potential. Rather than resisting technological advancements, Dr. Wing advocates for augmenting human capabilities to enhance our humanity. Through practical examples and frameworks, he demonstrates how tasks—not jobs—can be reimagined to leverage AI as a tool for empowerment. This keynote inspires leaders to embrace cognitive augmentation, ensuring that technology amplifies human creativity, empathy, and ingenuity as we step into the Fifth Industrial Revolution.

Leadership is widely regarded as the most critical factor for organizational success—but how do we measure its impact? In this insightful keynote, Dr. Craig Wing unveils groundbreaking research that quantifies the exact influence of leadership on an organization’s future readiness. Based on his PhD study, described as “avant-garde,” he identifies the 25 attributes that drive resilience and adaptability in businesses. This keynote goes beyond traditional leadership principles, introducing the concept of the Future Fitness Score (FFS)—a single metric to assess an organization’s preparedness for tomorrow. Dr. Wing also explores how leadership evolves as businesses scale or pivot, offering actionable strategies to maximize resource efficiency and supercharge leadership effectiveness. By understanding the sentiment and perception of their organizations, leaders can steer their teams toward long-term success.

The quantum computing revolution is no longer a distant possibility—it is here, and its implications are profound. In this forward-looking keynote, Dr. Craig Wing explores how quantum technologies will disrupt industries ranging from cybersecurity to pharmaceuticals, logistics, and beyond. He demystifies the science behind quantum computing and outlines its potential applications while addressing the ethical considerations surrounding its use. This keynote provides leaders with a roadmap for staying ahead of the curve without over-investing prematurely. By understanding the risks and opportunities of the Quantum Era, organizations can position themselves to thrive amidst exponential disruption.

As global challenges like climate change, inequality, and social unrest demand urgent action, regenerative capitalism offers a path forward. In this visionary keynote, Dr. Craig Wing examines how businesses can shift from extractive practices to regenerative models that benefit people, planet, and profit. He highlights case studies of companies leading the charge in circular economies, carbon neutrality, and community empowerment, offering practical steps for embedding regenerative principles into core operations. This keynote challenges leaders to commit to one regenerative goal—whether reducing waste, supporting local communities, or investing in renewable energy—and demonstrates how purpose-driven strategies can drive both sustainability and profitability in the years to come.

Senior executives dedicate just 1.9% of their time to discussing strategy (Jackson, 2023), while spending 36% in reactive mode (Porter & Nohria, 2018). Yet, Accenture (2022) found that only 26% of CEOs have a ‘future-ready’ strategy. The Four Future Seasons (FFS) program, based on PhD research and drawing from military strategy, Japanese philosophy, and psychological frameworks, equips leaders to move beyond firefighting issues of today and embrace a multiple futures-oriented approach proven to drive innovation, resilience, and profits.

Using delegates’ own internal talents and the techniques outlined in this program, participants will set a pathway for robust thinking. Through the course, learners will discover how to make best use of a long-term strategic approach:
• Master Strategic Foresight : Delegates will learn how to create the future by working backward from it, not just guessing what’s coming next.
• Challenge Assumptions : Delegates will move beyond limited viewpoints and see the range of opportunities available.
• Act With Confidence : Delegates will use ethical frameworks to support bold leadership, regardless of external challenges.
• Create a Stronger Culture : Delegates will put systems in place that build resilience, insight, and a deep, valuable learning experience.

This intensive one-day program is tailored for key stakeholders at all levels of an organization: leaders, innovators, and those seeking to make a significant contribution to the betterment of their organizations.

By the conclusion of this program, delegates will:
• Develop a more robust and future-oriented strategic approach.
• Challenge their assumptions and biases to understand new opportunities.
• Gain a broader understanding of the future and be proactive in all planning.
• Create and take actionable steps toward ethical, responsible, and sustainable success, from high-level strategy down to daily actions.

Key Outcomes
• Strategic Foresight : Learn how to navigate uncertainty and plan for multiple plausible futures.
• Bias Mitigation : Identify and mitigate cognitive and motivational biases in decision-making.
• Cultural Resilience : Build systems to foster adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Actionable Insights : Find practical tools and frameworks to implement immediately.

Pedagogy

The sessions will draw from thought-provoking content, PhD research, emergent developments, established processes, and engaging class interactions. To ensure an immersive and experiential experience, each session includes pre-reads and homework to solidify the session content.
Delegates will be challenged to adapt outcomes both professionally and personally.

There will be greater emphasis on discussion and group work compared to traditional presentations, fostering an environment where delegates learn from one another. This approach ensures learning is interactive, collaborative, and rooted in real-world application.