Elephants in the Boardroom https://eitb.captivate.fm en Copyright 2025 TomorrowToday Consulting A podcast about the powerful forces transforming our world. It’s not just technology that shapes the future—there are deeper, often-ignored megatrends driving disruption. These Grey Elephants are the big challenges we hope will go away but can’t afford to ignore. Elephants in the Boardroom offers a megatrend radar for leaders who want to identify tomorrow’s most important opportunities, seize advantage, and shape a better future. Join us for unflinching discussions, incisive insights, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Powered by Achilles. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/784c3dac-81b4-11f1-b934-136d39e18648/image/4ba2e2431601638e1e0cc7072de9d21b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Elephants in the Boardroom https://eitb.captivate.fm no episodic TomorrowToday Consulting A podcast about the powerful forces transforming our world. It’s not just technology that shapes the future—there are deeper, often-ignored megatrends driving disruption. These Grey Elephants are the big challenges we hope will go away but can’t afford to ignore. Elephants in the Boardroom offers a megatrend radar for leaders who want to identify tomorrow’s most important opportunities, seize advantage, and shape a better future. Join us for unflinching discussions, incisive insights, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Powered by Achilles. TomorrowToday Consulting The AI Race: Are We Asking the Wrong Question? In September 2026, AI's builders started publicly warning that the technology could destroy us - while building faster than ever. Dean and Graeme think everyone is asking the wrong question. When a senior Anthropic researcher resigned warning of AI Armageddon, and the company's CEO called for "pacing the frontier," the world fixated on one question: how fast should we run the AI race? ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Graeme Codrington think that's the wrong question entirely. The right one is: where exactly are we racing to? This host-only episode cuts through the hype to ask what nobody in the mainstream AI debate seems to be asking. Graeme unpacks what large language models actually are - and why the real danger isn't autonomous AI, but humans removing guardrails and then claiming they couldn't stop it. Dean revisits the Waymo standoff that went viral to make the case for humans in the lead, not just in the loop. And together they argue that AI should stand not for Artificial Intelligence but for Advancing Intelligence - and that the industry desperately needs its President Kennedy moment: a clear end game for what all of this should make humanity capable of. You’ll take away:   • Define your AI end game before you choose your tools  •  Humans in the lead means responsibility, not just oversight  •  AI stands for Advancing Intelligence - machines and humans together, not machines instead of humans This episode explores:  Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. •  The seven grey elephants framework → ⁠tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 01 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full 1 21 TomorrowToday Consulting In September 2026, AI's builders started publicly warning that the technology could destroy us - while building faster than ever. Dean and Graeme think everyone is asking the wrong question. When a senior Anthropic researcher resigned warning of AI Armageddon, and the company's CEO called for "pacing the frontier," the world fixated on one question: how fast should we run the AI race? ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Graeme Codrington think that's the wrong question entirely. The right one is: where exactly are we racing to? This host-only episode cuts through the hype to ask what nobody in the mainstream AI debate seems to be asking. Graeme unpacks what large language models actually are - and why the real danger isn't autonomous AI, but humans removing guardrails and then claiming they couldn't stop it. Dean revisits the Waymo standoff that went viral to make the case for humans in the lead, not just in the loop. And together they argue that AI should stand not for Artificial Intelligence but for Advancing Intelligence - and that the industry desperately needs its President Kennedy moment: a clear end game for what all of this should make humanity capable of. You’ll take away:   • Define your AI end game before you choose your tools  •  Humans in the lead means responsibility, not just oversight  •  AI stands for Advancing Intelligence - machines and humans together, not machines instead of humans This episode explores:  Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. •  The seven grey elephants framework → ⁠tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In September 2026, AI's builders started publicly warning that the technology could destroy us - while building faster than ever. Dean and Graeme think everyone is asking the wrong question.

When a senior Anthropic researcher resigned warning of AI Armageddon, and the company's CEO called for "pacing the frontier," the world fixated on one question: how fast should we run the AI race? ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Graeme Codrington think that's the wrong question entirely. The right one is: where exactly are we racing to?

This host-only episode cuts through the hype to ask what nobody in the mainstream AI debate seems to be asking. Graeme unpacks what large language models actually are - and why the real danger isn't autonomous AI, but humans removing guardrails and then claiming they couldn't stop it. Dean revisits the Waymo standoff that went viral to make the case for humans in the lead, not just in the loop. And together they argue that AI should stand not for Artificial Intelligence but for Advancing Intelligence - and that the industry desperately needs its President Kennedy moment: a clear end game for what all of this should make humanity capable of.

You’ll take away:  

• Define your AI end game before you choose your tools 

•  Humans in the lead means responsibility, not just oversight 

•  AI stands for Advancing Intelligence - machines and humans together, not machines instead of humans

This episode explores:

 Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global.

•  The seven grey elephants framework → ⁠tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2145 Strategic Procurement: Beyond Efficiency in an Age of Disruption with Paul Noël The supply chains that gave you thirty years of competitive advantage are now your greatest vulnerability. So what do you build instead? From the humanoid robot games in Beijing as a signal of shifting industrial capability to using Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model to explain why the world is catching leaders off guard, ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠ and ⁠Graeme Codrington explore how the slow-moving parts of the system - infrastructure, governance, the natural environment - are now changing as fast as fashion. This month's guest is Paul Noel, chairman of Achilles US & Canada, with an on-the-ground view of where US businesses are most exposed right now and the question most organisations aren’t asking: not how do we optimise our supply chains, but how do we make them resilient enough to survive a world where the underlying assumptions - frictionless transport, stable geopolitics, low tariffs - have disappeared. Paul also explains why vertical integration is making a quiet comeback, how data centres have become a perfect microcosm of modern supply chain risk, and the three questions he’d ask any CEO to find out whether their supply chain is genuinely resilient - starting with: do you know your head of procurement’s name? You’ll take away:   • Efficiency optimisation has become fragility - the model needs rebuilding around resilience •  Your biggest blind spots are where you stopped looking - beyond tier one  •  Procurement must be a board-level conversation before it becomes a crisis This episode explores: The Big Squeeze, Angry Planet, and Multipolarity - three of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant You Could Name: When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose? 🔗 Resources mentioned: Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model - from The Clock of the Long Now (1999) •  Toyota just-in-time supply methodology - and its limits under disruption •  Boeing supply chain case study - the cost of over-optimisation •  Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, Taiwan, Dover, Bosphorus - global shipping lane data (2025) •  Humanoid robot games, Beijing - Robot Olympic Games 2026 •  The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full 1 20 TomorrowToday Consulting The supply chains that gave you thirty years of competitive advantage are now your greatest vulnerability. So what do you build instead? From the humanoid robot games in Beijing as a signal of shifting industrial capability to using Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model to explain why the world is catching leaders off guard, ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠ and ⁠Graeme Codrington explore how the slow-moving parts of the system - infrastructure, governance, the natural environment - are now changing as fast as fashion. This month's guest is Paul Noel, chairman of Achilles US & Canada, with an on-the-ground view of where US businesses are most exposed right now and the question most organisations aren’t asking: not how do we optimise our supply chains, but how do we make them resilient enough to survive a world where the underlying assumptions - frictionless transport, stable geopolitics, low tariffs - have disappeared. Paul also explains why vertical integration is making a quiet comeback, how data centres have become a perfect microcosm of modern supply chain risk, and the three questions he’d ask any CEO to find out whether their supply chain is genuinely resilient - starting with: do you know your head of procurement’s name? You’ll take away:   • Efficiency optimisation has become fragility - the model needs rebuilding around resilience •  Your biggest blind spots are where you stopped looking - beyond tier one  •  Procurement must be a board-level conversation before it becomes a crisis This episode explores: The Big Squeeze, Angry Planet, and Multipolarity - three of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant You Could Name: When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose? 🔗 Resources mentioned: Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model - from The Clock of the Long Now (1999) •  Toyota just-in-time supply methodology - and its limits under disruption •  Boeing supply chain case study - the cost of over-optimisation •  Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, Taiwan, Dover, Bosphorus - global shipping lane data (2025) •  Humanoid robot games, Beijing - Robot Olympic Games 2026 •  The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The supply chains that gave you thirty years of competitive advantage are now your greatest vulnerability. So what do you build instead?

From the humanoid robot games in Beijing as a signal of shifting industrial capability to using Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model to explain why the world is catching leaders off guard, ⁠Dean van Leeuwen⁠ and ⁠Graeme Codrington explore how the slow-moving parts of the system - infrastructure, governance, the natural environment - are now changing as fast as fashion.

This month's guest is Paul Noel, chairman of Achilles US & Canada, with an on-the-ground view of where US businesses are most exposed right now and the question most organisations aren’t asking: not how do we optimise our supply chains, but how do we make them resilient enough to survive a world where the underlying assumptions - frictionless transport, stable geopolitics, low tariffs - have disappeared.

Paul also explains why vertical integration is making a quiet comeback, how data centres have become a perfect microcosm of modern supply chain risk, and the three questions he’d ask any CEO to find out whether their supply chain is genuinely resilient - starting with: do you know your head of procurement’s name?

You’ll take away:  

• Efficiency optimisation has become fragility - the model needs rebuilding around resilience

•  Your biggest blind spots are where you stopped looking - beyond tier one 

•  Procurement must be a board-level conversation before it becomes a crisis

This episode explores:

The Big Squeeze, Angry Planet, and Multipolarity - three of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global.

The Elephant You Could Name:

When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose?

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Stewart Brand’s Pace Layers model - from The Clock of the Long Now (1999)

•  Toyota just-in-time supply methodology - and its limits under disruption

•  Boeing supply chain case study - the cost of over-optimisation

•  Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, Taiwan, Dover, Bosphorus - global shipping lane data (2025)

•  Humanoid robot games, Beijing - Robot Olympic Games 2026

•  The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3969 no Human Leadership: Why Experience Has No Expiry Date with Faisal Abdalla Faisal Abdalla became CEO of a 27-country business, stepped down in his early seventies - and took the HR job. What happens when experience refuses to expire? Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington open this month’s episode with the grey elephants on their radar they see stampeding: the reshaping of global supply chains from efficiency to strategic dependency; 17 countries with simultaneous wildfires; China’s one-child policy time bomb; and OpenAI’s models autonomously hacking Hugging Face - raising questions about whether AI singularity has already quietly arrived. Our guest this month is Faisal Abdalla - former Vice President of ALJ Saudi Arabia Motors, the role now known as CEO. Now he is the Chief HR and Kaizen Officer, and author of Emonomics - The Economics of Positive Emotions. With 50 years of leadership across 27 countries, Faisal makes a quietly radical argument: the human being is always the most important driver of any organisation. And love - in the fullest sense of the word - is the practical foundation of effective leadership. You’ll take away:  • Lead through informal power - the kind that can’t be granted or taken away  • Experience is a strategic asset - the wisdom that leaves with every forced retirement is irreplaceable  • HR leadership requires a different patience - culture change takes years; the leaders who understand this build institutions This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant you could name: When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose? 🔗 Resources mentioned·       ·       Emonomics: The Economics of Positive Emotions - forthcoming book by Faisal Abdalla ·       Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) - global family business founded in Saudi Arabia, operating in 27+ countries (alj.com) ·       The Jameel Principles - values framework at the heart of ALJ, centred on respect, empathy, and giving back ·       Kaizen - Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, embedded in ALJ through its Toyota origins ·       Hugging Face - open-source AI platform; OpenAI models reportedly gained unauthorised access (huggingface.co) ·       AI Singularity - Sam Altman’s claim that the point of indistinguishable human/machine intelligence may already have arrived ·       Ray Kurzweil - futurist who predicted singularity circa 2045 ·       ELIZA Emulator (elizaemulator.com) ·       China’s one-child policy - and its second/third-order demographic consequences ·       The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:01:00 -0000 full 1 19 TomorrowToday Consulting Faisal Abdalla became CEO of a 27-country business, stepped down in his early seventies - and took the HR job. What happens when experience refuses to expire? Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington open this month’s episode with the grey elephants on their radar they see stampeding: the reshaping of global supply chains from efficiency to strategic dependency; 17 countries with simultaneous wildfires; China’s one-child policy time bomb; and OpenAI’s models autonomously hacking Hugging Face - raising questions about whether AI singularity has already quietly arrived. Our guest this month is Faisal Abdalla - former Vice President of ALJ Saudi Arabia Motors, the role now known as CEO. Now he is the Chief HR and Kaizen Officer, and author of Emonomics - The Economics of Positive Emotions. With 50 years of leadership across 27 countries, Faisal makes a quietly radical argument: the human being is always the most important driver of any organisation. And love - in the fullest sense of the word - is the practical foundation of effective leadership. You’ll take away:  • Lead through informal power - the kind that can’t be granted or taken away  • Experience is a strategic asset - the wisdom that leaves with every forced retirement is irreplaceable  • HR leadership requires a different patience - culture change takes years; the leaders who understand this build institutions This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant you could name: When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose? 🔗 Resources mentioned·       ·       Emonomics: The Economics of Positive Emotions - forthcoming book by Faisal Abdalla ·       Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) - global family business founded in Saudi Arabia, operating in 27+ countries (alj.com) ·       The Jameel Principles - values framework at the heart of ALJ, centred on respect, empathy, and giving back ·       Kaizen - Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, embedded in ALJ through its Toyota origins ·       Hugging Face - open-source AI platform; OpenAI models reportedly gained unauthorised access (huggingface.co) ·       AI Singularity - Sam Altman’s claim that the point of indistinguishable human/machine intelligence may already have arrived ·       Ray Kurzweil - futurist who predicted singularity circa 2045 ·       ELIZA Emulator (elizaemulator.com) ·       China’s one-child policy - and its second/third-order demographic consequences ·       The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Faisal Abdalla became CEO of a 27-country business, stepped down in his early seventies - and took the HR job. What happens when experience refuses to expire?

Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington open this month’s episode with the grey elephants on their radar they see stampeding: the reshaping of global supply chains from efficiency to strategic dependency; 17 countries with simultaneous wildfires; China’s one-child policy time bomb; and OpenAI’s models autonomously hacking Hugging Face - raising questions about whether AI singularity has already quietly arrived.

Our guest this month is Faisal Abdalla - former Vice President of ALJ Saudi Arabia Motors, the role now known as CEO. Now he is the Chief HR and Kaizen Officer, and author of Emonomics - The Economics of Positive Emotions. With 50 years of leadership across 27 countries, Faisal makes a quietly radical argument: the human being is always the most important driver of any organisation. And love - in the fullest sense of the word - is the practical foundation of effective leadership.

You’ll take away: 

• Lead through informal power - the kind that can’t be granted or taken away 

• Experience is a strategic asset - the wisdom that leaves with every forced retirement is irreplaceable 

• HR leadership requires a different patience - culture change takes years; the leaders who understand this build institutions

This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global.

The Elephant you could name: When was the last time your organisation retired someone whose wisdom you couldn’t afford to lose?

🔗 Resources mentioned·      

·       Emonomics: The Economics of Positive Emotions - forthcoming book by Faisal Abdalla

·       Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) - global family business founded in Saudi Arabia, operating in 27+ countries (alj.com)

·       The Jameel Principles - values framework at the heart of ALJ, centred on respect, empathy, and giving back

·       Kaizen - Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, embedded in ALJ through its Toyota origins

·       Hugging Face - open-source AI platform; OpenAI models reportedly gained unauthorised access (huggingface.co)

·       AI Singularity - Sam Altman’s claim that the point of indistinguishable human/machine intelligence may already have arrived

·       Ray Kurzweil - futurist who predicted singularity circa 2045

·       ELIZA Emulator (elizaemulator.com)

·       China’s one-child policy - and its second/third-order demographic consequences

·       The seven grey elephants framework → tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction

Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3776 no Humans in the Lead: The Case for Advancing Intelligence, Not Just Automating It https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-18 The real AI question isn't about automation - it's whether we're designing technology to advance human capability or quietly engineer it out. In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington ask the question most boardrooms aren't asking: are we advancing intelligence, or just advancing the artificial? Hear what happened when one of Nashville's Waymo driverless taxis ends up in a standoff with a road foreman that the algorithm can't understand, and why the Pope's new encyclical on AI - mirrors its 130-year-old predecessor from the height of the Industrial Revolution. You'll take away: • Demand "humans in the lead" not just "humans in the loop" - genuine responsibility for AI outcomes • Reframe AI as advancing intelligence - the language you use shapes the choices you make • Build the guardrails now - seatbelts weren't mandated until the 1980s; AI's side effects are already visible 🔗 Resources mentioned Magnificat Humanitatis - Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on AI → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#The_res_novae_of_our_time Rerum Novarum - Pope Leo XIII (1891) → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html The seven grey elephants framework → https://tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction This episode explores: Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant You Could Name: Are you using AI to make your people more capable, or more replaceable? Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17 Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0000 Humans in the Lead: The Case for Advancing Intelligence, Not Just Automating It full 1 18 TomorrowToday Consulting The real AI question isn't about automation - it's whether we're designing technology to advance human capability or quietly engineer it out. In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington ask the question most boardrooms aren't asking: are we advancing intelligence, or just advancing the artificial? Hear what happened when one of Nashville's Waymo driverless taxis ends up in a standoff with a road foreman that the algorithm can't understand, and why the Pope's new encyclical on AI - mirrors its 130-year-old predecessor from the height of the Industrial Revolution. You'll take away: • Demand "humans in the lead" not just "humans in the loop" - genuine responsibility for AI outcomes • Reframe AI as advancing intelligence - the language you use shapes the choices you make • Build the guardrails now - seatbelts weren't mandated until the 1980s; AI's side effects are already visible 🔗 Resources mentioned Magnificat Humanitatis - Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on AI → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#The_res_novae_of_our_time Rerum Novarum - Pope Leo XIII (1891) → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html The seven grey elephants framework → https://tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction This episode explores: Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant You Could Name: Are you using AI to make your people more capable, or more replaceable? Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17 Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The real AI question isn't about automation - it's whether we're designing technology to advance human capability or quietly engineer it out.

In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington ask the question most boardrooms aren't asking: are we advancing intelligence, or just advancing the artificial?

Hear what happened when one of Nashville's Waymo driverless taxis ends up in a standoff with a road foreman that the algorithm can't understand, and why the Pope's new encyclical on AI - mirrors its 130-year-old predecessor from the height of the Industrial Revolution.

You'll take away:

• Demand "humans in the lead" not just "humans in the loop" - genuine responsibility for AI outcomes

• Reframe AI as advancing intelligence - the language you use shapes the choices you make

• Build the guardrails now - seatbelts weren't mandated until the 1980s; AI's side effects are already visible

🔗 Resources mentioned

Magnificat Humanitatis - Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on AI → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#The_res_novae_of_our_time

Rerum Novarum - Pope Leo XIII (1891) → https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html

The seven grey elephants framework → https://tomorrowtoday.consulting/greyelephantsintroduction

This episode explores: Intelligent Advances - one of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global.

The Elephant You Could Name: Are you using AI to make your people more capable, or more replaceable?

Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17

Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2687 no The Ageing Workforce: The Leadership Challenge Hiding in Plain Sight with Lucy Standing & Lynda Smith https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17 Why the most experienced workers in your organisation are the ones most likely to be filtered out - and what to do about it. Most organisations are facing talent shortages, productivity problems, and skills gaps - and overlooking one of the most capable parts of the labour market: people in midlife and beyond. In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington are joined by Lucy Standing (founder of Brave Starts and author of Age Against the Machine) and Lynda Smith (CEO of 50 Plus Skills) to name the elephant: the ageing workforce is not a problem to be managed - it's a competitive advantage waiting to be unlocked. The conversation ranges from the collapse of the pension model to the four career archetypes that matter more than any job description, and from the science of crystallised intelligence to the concept of "refirement" - the positive reinvention of purpose and work in the gift season between 50 and 75. You'll take away: • Ask before you assume - survey your own workforce first, it costs nothing • Design for re-entry - open your doors to shadowing, internships, and career conversations at every stage • Reframe age as an asset - crystallised intelligence, resilience, and legacy-making improve with age and these are the factors that actually predict performance Chapters: 00:00 - Lucy Standing on why "follow your passion" is bad career advice for most people 01:11 - Welcome and context: Dean on Standard Chartered's "low-value human capital" moment 02:13 - AI as replacement engine vs. augmentation engine 05:31 - Sponsor: Achilles 05:31 - Guest introductions: Lucy Standing and Lynda Smith 06:24 - The demographic problem: how retirement was designed for a world where people died at 66 13:55 - The pension time bomb: from 7 adults per pensioner to 2 by 2050 10:15 - The South African lens: Lynda on the "missing middle" and the post-apartheid youth bias 17:36 - The productivity-ageism connection: what organisations miss when they filter out over-50s 27:54 - Four motivation archetypes: strive, pivot, recalibrate, or complete change 31:53 - Age Against the Machine: the three "machines" holding people back 38:32 - Refirement: Lynda on identity, ikigai, and the gift season 51:31 - Practical shifts: what a CEO or HR director should do tomorrow 54:41 - Close: how to connect with Lucy and Lynda This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant you could name: Who in your organisation is within five years of the retirement line and quietly underused? Have the conversation this week. Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17 Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000 The Ageing Workforce: The Leadership Challenge Hiding in Plain Sight with Lucy Standing & Lynda Smith full 1 17 TomorrowToday Consulting Why the most experienced workers in your organisation are the ones most likely to be filtered out - and what to do about it. Most organisations are facing talent shortages, productivity problems, and skills gaps - and overlooking one of the most capable parts of the labour market: people in midlife and beyond. In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington are joined by Lucy Standing (founder of Brave Starts and author of Age Against the Machine) and Lynda Smith (CEO of 50 Plus Skills) to name the elephant: the ageing workforce is not a problem to be managed - it's a competitive advantage waiting to be unlocked. The conversation ranges from the collapse of the pension model to the four career archetypes that matter more than any job description, and from the science of crystallised intelligence to the concept of "refirement" - the positive reinvention of purpose and work in the gift season between 50 and 75. You'll take away: • Ask before you assume - survey your own workforce first, it costs nothing • Design for re-entry - open your doors to shadowing, internships, and career conversations at every stage • Reframe age as an asset - crystallised intelligence, resilience, and legacy-making improve with age and these are the factors that actually predict performance Chapters: 00:00 - Lucy Standing on why "follow your passion" is bad career advice for most people 01:11 - Welcome and context: Dean on Standard Chartered's "low-value human capital" moment 02:13 - AI as replacement engine vs. augmentation engine 05:31 - Sponsor: Achilles 05:31 - Guest introductions: Lucy Standing and Lynda Smith 06:24 - The demographic problem: how retirement was designed for a world where people died at 66 13:55 - The pension time bomb: from 7 adults per pensioner to 2 by 2050 10:15 - The South African lens: Lynda on the "missing middle" and the post-apartheid youth bias 17:36 - The productivity-ageism connection: what organisations miss when they filter out over-50s 27:54 - Four motivation archetypes: strive, pivot, recalibrate, or complete change 31:53 - Age Against the Machine: the three "machines" holding people back 38:32 - Refirement: Lynda on identity, ikigai, and the gift season 51:31 - Practical shifts: what a CEO or HR director should do tomorrow 54:41 - Close: how to connect with Lucy and Lynda This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global. The Elephant you could name: Who in your organisation is within five years of the retirement line and quietly underused? Have the conversation this week. Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17 Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why the most experienced workers in your organisation are the ones most likely to be filtered out - and what to do about it.

Most organisations are facing talent shortages, productivity problems, and skills gaps - and overlooking one of the most capable parts of the labour market: people in midlife and beyond. In this episode, Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington are joined by Lucy Standing (founder of Brave Starts and author of Age Against the Machine) and Lynda Smith (CEO of 50 Plus Skills) to name the elephant: the ageing workforce is not a problem to be managed - it's a competitive advantage waiting to be unlocked. The conversation ranges from the collapse of the pension model to the four career archetypes that matter more than any job description, and from the science of crystallised intelligence to the concept of "refirement" - the positive reinvention of purpose and work in the gift season between 50 and 75.

You'll take away:

• Ask before you assume - survey your own workforce first, it costs nothing

• Design for re-entry - open your doors to shadowing, internships, and career conversations at every stage

• Reframe age as an asset - crystallised intelligence, resilience, and legacy-making improve with age and these are the factors that actually predict performance

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Lucy Standing on why "follow your passion" is bad career advice for most people
  • 01:11 - Welcome and context: Dean on Standard Chartered's "low-value human capital" moment
  • 02:13 - AI as replacement engine vs. augmentation engine
  • 05:31 - Sponsor: Achilles
  • 05:31 - Guest introductions: Lucy Standing and Lynda Smith
  • 06:24 - The demographic problem: how retirement was designed for a world where people died at 66
  • 13:55 - The pension time bomb: from 7 adults per pensioner to 2 by 2050
  • 10:15 - The South African lens: Lynda on the "missing middle" and the post-apartheid youth bias
  • 17:36 - The productivity-ageism connection: what organisations miss when they filter out over-50s
  • 27:54 - Four motivation archetypes: strive, pivot, recalibrate, or complete change
  • 31:53 - Age Against the Machine: the three "machines" holding people back
  • 38:32 - Refirement: Lynda on identity, ikigai, and the gift season
  • 51:31 - Practical shifts: what a CEO or HR director should do tomorrow
  • 54:41 - Close: how to connect with Lucy and Lynda

This episode explores: Ageing Populations and Intelligent Advances - two of the seven grey elephants we track at TomorrowToday Global.

The Elephant you could name: Who in your organisation is within five years of the retirement line and quietly underused? Have the conversation this week.

Full shownotes, references and white papers: https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast#episode-17

Sponsored by Achilles - building anti-fragile, transparent supply chains. achilles.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3416 no Future of Education: Preparing Children for a World That Doesn’t Exist Yet with Jude Foulston https://eitb.captivate.fm We’ve spent decades making our organisations leaner, faster, and more efficient. But what if that optimisation is now the problem? Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore two forces reshaping leadership in real time: the “big squeeze” hitting global supply chains, and the subtle but dangerous shift towards outsourcing our thinking to AI. As geopolitical tensions disrupt trade routes and expose the limits of just-in-time systems, we unpack what this “big squeeze” means for businesses - and why resilience is no longer enough. Instead, leaders must think in terms of anti-fragility: building organisations that don’t just withstand shocks, but improve because of them. Shifting focus to AI, where the real risk isn’t the technology itself, but how we use it. Drawing on recent research, hear what happens when people stop questioning AI outputs, and why critical thinking is becoming a defining leadership capability. Our interview this month is with Jude Foulston, a colleague at TomorrowToday Consulting and a leading voice on the future of education. She joins Graeme to explore whether current schooling systems are preparing young people for a radically changing world. Using the TIDES model (Technology, Institutional change, Demographics, Environment, Social values), Jude explains how education must evolve - from content delivery to connection, from standardisation to personalisation, and from compliance to curiosity. The conversation challenges long-held assumptions about what schools are for, and what role parents, teachers, and leaders must now play. Key takeaways 🌍 The “big squeeze” on supply chains Global disruption is exposing the risks of hyper-optimised, just-in-time systems - making access to goods, resources, and materials more uncertain and expensive. ⚖️ From resilience to anti-fragility It’s no longer enough to recover from shocks - organisations must design systems that get stronger through disruption. 🏭 Rethinking supply chain strategy Nearshoring, stronger supplier relationships, and strategic excess capacity are becoming essential for long-term stability. 🧠 Cognitive surrender and AI risk When people stop questioning AI outputs, performance drops - especially when the technology is wrong. ⚠️ Expertise still matters AI is most powerful in the hands of experts who know how to challenge and guide it, not blindly follow it. 💡 Critical thinking as a core skill Curiosity, challenge, and independent judgment are becoming non-negotiable capabilities in AI-enabled organisations. 🤖 Building bionic organisations The future isn’t AI-first - it’s human-first, with technology enhancing rather than replacing thinking. 🏫 Education at a crossroads Schools must move beyond content delivery and rethink their role as spaces for connection, curiosity, and real-world learning. 🔄 From standardisation to personalisation Technology enables more tailored learning experiences - but institutions must evolve to support it. 🌱 Experimentation over certainty There are no simple fixes for education - but small, intentional shifts by schools, parents, and leaders can drive meaningful change. About the guest Jude Foulston is Digital Director at TomorrowToday Consulting and leads their work on education, parenting, and future-focused learning. She works globally with schools, parents, and organisations to rethink how young people are prepared for a fast-changing world. Jude is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional education systems and the realities of the future of work, helping communities experiment with new models of learning that prioritise curiosity, connection, and adaptability. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0000 Future of Education: Preparing Children for a World That Doesn’t Exist Yet with Jude Foulston full 1 16 TomorrowToday Consulting We’ve spent decades making our organisations leaner, faster, and more efficient. But what if that optimisation is now the problem? Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore two forces reshaping leadership in real time: the “big squeeze” hitting global supply chains, and the subtle but dangerous shift towards outsourcing our thinking to AI. As geopolitical tensions disrupt trade routes and expose the limits of just-in-time systems, we unpack what this “big squeeze” means for businesses - and why resilience is no longer enough. Instead, leaders must think in terms of anti-fragility: building organisations that don’t just withstand shocks, but improve because of them. Shifting focus to AI, where the real risk isn’t the technology itself, but how we use it. Drawing on recent research, hear what happens when people stop questioning AI outputs, and why critical thinking is becoming a defining leadership capability. Our interview this month is with Jude Foulston, a colleague at TomorrowToday Consulting and a leading voice on the future of education. She joins Graeme to explore whether current schooling systems are preparing young people for a radically changing world. Using the TIDES model (Technology, Institutional change, Demographics, Environment, Social values), Jude explains how education must evolve - from content delivery to connection, from standardisation to personalisation, and from compliance to curiosity. The conversation challenges long-held assumptions about what schools are for, and what role parents, teachers, and leaders must now play. Key takeaways 🌍 The “big squeeze” on supply chains Global disruption is exposing the risks of hyper-optimised, just-in-time systems - making access to goods, resources, and materials more uncertain and expensive. ⚖️ From resilience to anti-fragility It’s no longer enough to recover from shocks - organisations must design systems that get stronger through disruption. 🏭 Rethinking supply chain strategy Nearshoring, stronger supplier relationships, and strategic excess capacity are becoming essential for long-term stability. 🧠 Cognitive surrender and AI risk When people stop questioning AI outputs, performance drops - especially when the technology is wrong. ⚠️ Expertise still matters AI is most powerful in the hands of experts who know how to challenge and guide it, not blindly follow it. 💡 Critical thinking as a core skill Curiosity, challenge, and independent judgment are becoming non-negotiable capabilities in AI-enabled organisations. 🤖 Building bionic organisations The future isn’t AI-first - it’s human-first, with technology enhancing rather than replacing thinking. 🏫 Education at a crossroads Schools must move beyond content delivery and rethink their role as spaces for connection, curiosity, and real-world learning. 🔄 From standardisation to personalisation Technology enables more tailored learning experiences - but institutions must evolve to support it. 🌱 Experimentation over certainty There are no simple fixes for education - but small, intentional shifts by schools, parents, and leaders can drive meaningful change. About the guest Jude Foulston is Digital Director at TomorrowToday Consulting and leads their work on education, parenting, and future-focused learning. She works globally with schools, parents, and organisations to rethink how young people are prepared for a fast-changing world. Jude is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional education systems and the realities of the future of work, helping communities experiment with new models of learning that prioritise curiosity, connection, and adaptability. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We’ve spent decades making our organisations leaner, faster, and more efficient. But what if that optimisation is now the problem?

Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore two forces reshaping leadership in real time: the “big squeeze” hitting global supply chains, and the subtle but dangerous shift towards outsourcing our thinking to AI.

As geopolitical tensions disrupt trade routes and expose the limits of just-in-time systems, we unpack what this “big squeeze” means for businesses - and why resilience is no longer enough. Instead, leaders must think in terms of anti-fragility: building organisations that don’t just withstand shocks, but improve because of them.

Shifting focus to AI, where the real risk isn’t the technology itself, but how we use it. Drawing on recent research, hear what happens when people stop questioning AI outputs, and why critical thinking is becoming a defining leadership capability.

Our interview this month is with Jude Foulston, a colleague at TomorrowToday Consulting and a leading voice on the future of education. She joins Graeme to explore whether current schooling systems are preparing young people for a radically changing world.

Using the TIDES model (Technology, Institutional change, Demographics, Environment, Social values), Jude explains how education must evolve - from content delivery to connection, from standardisation to personalisation, and from compliance to curiosity. The conversation challenges long-held assumptions about what schools are for, and what role parents, teachers, and leaders must now play.

Key takeaways

🌍 The “big squeeze” on supply chains

Global disruption is exposing the risks of hyper-optimised, just-in-time systems - making access to goods, resources, and materials more uncertain and expensive.

⚖️ From resilience to anti-fragility

It’s no longer enough to recover from shocks - organisations must design systems that get stronger through disruption.

🏭 Rethinking supply chain strategy

Nearshoring, stronger supplier relationships, and strategic excess capacity are becoming essential for long-term stability.

🧠 Cognitive surrender and AI risk

When people stop questioning AI outputs, performance drops - especially when the technology is wrong.

⚠️ Expertise still matters

AI is most powerful in the hands of experts who know how to challenge and guide it, not blindly follow it.

💡 Critical thinking as a core skill

Curiosity, challenge, and independent judgment are becoming non-negotiable capabilities in AI-enabled organisations.

🤖 Building bionic organisations

The future isn’t AI-first - it’s human-first, with technology enhancing rather than replacing thinking.

🏫 Education at a crossroads

Schools must move beyond content delivery and rethink their role as spaces for connection, curiosity, and real-world learning.

🔄 From standardisation to personalisation

Technology enables more tailored learning experiences - but institutions must evolve to support it.

🌱 Experimentation over certainty

There are no simple fixes for education - but small, intentional shifts by schools, parents, and leaders can drive meaningful change.

About the guest

Jude Foulston is Digital Director at TomorrowToday Consulting and leads their work on education, parenting, and future-focused learning. She works globally with schools, parents, and organisations to rethink how young people are prepared for a fast-changing world.

Jude is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional education systems and the realities of the future of work, helping communities experiment with new models of learning that prioritise curiosity, connection, and adaptability.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3444 no Generational Intelligence: Turning Age Divide into Strategic Advantage with Zavier Coyne https://eitb.captivate.fm Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this month’s episode with a reflection on the volatility in and around the Middle East, not to add another layer of commentary to the news cycle, but to ask a more strategic question: how should leaders think when certainty is in short supply? Using the grey elephant lens, they can see multipolarity happening in real time, alongside the changing face of warfare, and the wider geopolitical shifts that are reshaping trade, power, and supply chains. Looking at the increasingly important signals we’re seeing on the grey elephant radar, hear what the decline of flying insects could mean for food systems, and the growing use of AI in medical research, where data analysis is opening up new possibilities in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of diseases including cancer. Our interview this month is with Zavier Coyne, founder of Gen Z Coach, who explains to Graeme why the current generational conversation is about more than the usual “young versus old” dynamic. Zavier argues that Gen Z are the first truly digitally native generation, and that this matters not only because of how fluent they are with technology, but because digital systems have shaped their communication, expectations, behaviour, and development from the start. The conversation looks at what this means for leaders trying to build multi-generational teams, how organisations can develop stronger generational intelligence, and why the real opportunity may be bigger than adapting to younger workers. It may be a chance to rehumanise work altogether. Key takeaways 🌍 Reading the world through instability Volatility is no longer an exception to manage, but a context to operate within - demanding clearer thinking in the absence of certainty. 🧭 Multipolarity as operating reality Global influence is increasingly distributed, with power expressed through shifting alliances, economic leverage, and regional dynamics rather than a single dominant force. 🐝 The decline of flying insects A sharp drop in insect populations highlights as a growing risk to food production, pollination, and the systems that underpin global agriculture. 🧬 AI where it matters most Beyond the noise, the most meaningful impact of AI may lie in its ability to unlock insight from complexity - particularly in areas like health and scientific discovery. 📱 The digital native shift A generation shaped by immersive digital environments brings fundamentally different assumptions about communication, feedback, and engagement. 💬 Behaviour shaped by environment Workplace expectations are increasingly influenced by the systems people grow up in, not just by individual attitudes or preferences. 🤝 Generational intelligence as a leadership skill Effective leadership now requires the ability to understand, navigate, and connect across generational contexts - not simply manage them. 🚀 Growth, ownership, and accountability Performance is strengthened when individuals feel both empowered in their work and connected to something larger than themselves. 🧑‍💼 Rehumanising work As technology accelerates, the opportunity emerges to redesign work around distinctly human strengths - creativity, connection, and meaning. About the guest Zavier Coyne is a leading expert on digital natives in the workplace, and an internationally recognised thought leader on ‘Generational Intelligence’. His work helps businesses maximise the potential of the Gen Z workforce and the generations leading them. Zavier is a TEDx Speaker, future of work advisor to FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, BeVisioneers Mercedes-Benz entrepreneurial fellow, University of London guest lecturer, co-founder of Gen Z Coach and the world’s youngest Master Intuitive Psychology Coach. Most recently, he contributed his expertise at youth-impact sessions in Davos during the 2026 World Economic Forum. Zavier is known as a trusted bridge between senior leadership and digitally native employees. He helps organisations boost retention, performance, and future-proof leadership by turning generational change into competitive advantage. And crucially, he brings first-hand digitally native insight into the room - being Gen Z himself! Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0000 Generational Intelligence: Turning Age Divide into Strategic Advantage with Zavier Coyne full 1 15 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this month’s episode with a reflection on the volatility in and around the Middle East, not to add another layer of commentary to the news cycle, but to ask a more strategic question: how should leaders think when certainty is in short supply? Using the grey elephant lens, they can see multipolarity happening in real time, alongside the changing face of warfare, and the wider geopolitical shifts that are reshaping trade, power, and supply chains. Looking at the increasingly important signals we’re seeing on the grey elephant radar, hear what the decline of flying insects could mean for food systems, and the growing use of AI in medical research, where data analysis is opening up new possibilities in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of diseases including cancer. Our interview this month is with Zavier Coyne, founder of Gen Z Coach, who explains to Graeme why the current generational conversation is about more than the usual “young versus old” dynamic. Zavier argues that Gen Z are the first truly digitally native generation, and that this matters not only because of how fluent they are with technology, but because digital systems have shaped their communication, expectations, behaviour, and development from the start. The conversation looks at what this means for leaders trying to build multi-generational teams, how organisations can develop stronger generational intelligence, and why the real opportunity may be bigger than adapting to younger workers. It may be a chance to rehumanise work altogether. Key takeaways 🌍 Reading the world through instability Volatility is no longer an exception to manage, but a context to operate within - demanding clearer thinking in the absence of certainty. 🧭 Multipolarity as operating reality Global influence is increasingly distributed, with power expressed through shifting alliances, economic leverage, and regional dynamics rather than a single dominant force. 🐝 The decline of flying insects A sharp drop in insect populations highlights as a growing risk to food production, pollination, and the systems that underpin global agriculture. 🧬 AI where it matters most Beyond the noise, the most meaningful impact of AI may lie in its ability to unlock insight from complexity - particularly in areas like health and scientific discovery. 📱 The digital native shift A generation shaped by immersive digital environments brings fundamentally different assumptions about communication, feedback, and engagement. 💬 Behaviour shaped by environment Workplace expectations are increasingly influenced by the systems people grow up in, not just by individual attitudes or preferences. 🤝 Generational intelligence as a leadership skill Effective leadership now requires the ability to understand, navigate, and connect across generational contexts - not simply manage them. 🚀 Growth, ownership, and accountability Performance is strengthened when individuals feel both empowered in their work and connected to something larger than themselves. 🧑‍💼 Rehumanising work As technology accelerates, the opportunity emerges to redesign work around distinctly human strengths - creativity, connection, and meaning. About the guest Zavier Coyne is a leading expert on digital natives in the workplace, and an internationally recognised thought leader on ‘Generational Intelligence’. His work helps businesses maximise the potential of the Gen Z workforce and the generations leading them. Zavier is a TEDx Speaker, future of work advisor to FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, BeVisioneers Mercedes-Benz entrepreneurial fellow, University of London guest lecturer, co-founder of Gen Z Coach and the world’s youngest Master Intuitive Psychology Coach. Most recently, he contributed his expertise at youth-impact sessions in Davos during the 2026 World Economic Forum. Zavier is known as a trusted bridge between senior leadership and digitally native employees. He helps organisations boost retention, performance, and future-proof leadership by turning generational change into competitive advantage. And crucially, he brings first-hand digitally native insight into the room - being Gen Z himself! Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this month’s episode with a reflection on the volatility in and around the Middle East, not to add another layer of commentary to the news cycle, but to ask a more strategic question: how should leaders think when certainty is in short supply?

Using the grey elephant lens, they can see multipolarity happening in real time, alongside the changing face of warfare, and the wider geopolitical shifts that are reshaping trade, power, and supply chains.

Looking at the increasingly important signals we’re seeing on the grey elephant radar, hear what the decline of flying insects could mean for food systems, and the growing use of AI in medical research, where data analysis is opening up new possibilities in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of diseases including cancer.

Our interview this month is with Zavier Coyne, founder of Gen Z Coach, who explains to Graeme why the current generational conversation is about more than the usual “young versus old” dynamic.

Zavier argues that Gen Z are the first truly digitally native generation, and that this matters not only because of how fluent they are with technology, but because digital systems have shaped their communication, expectations, behaviour, and development from the start. The conversation looks at what this means for leaders trying to build multi-generational teams, how organisations can develop stronger generational intelligence, and why the real opportunity may be bigger than adapting to younger workers. It may be a chance to rehumanise work altogether.

Key takeaways

🌍 Reading the world through instability

Volatility is no longer an exception to manage, but a context to operate within - demanding clearer thinking in the absence of certainty.

🧭 Multipolarity as operating reality

Global influence is increasingly distributed, with power expressed through shifting alliances, economic leverage, and regional dynamics rather than a single dominant force.

🐝 The decline of flying insects

A sharp drop in insect populations highlights as a growing risk to food production, pollination, and the systems that underpin global agriculture.

🧬 AI where it matters most

Beyond the noise, the most meaningful impact of AI may lie in its ability to unlock insight from complexity - particularly in areas like health and scientific discovery.

📱 The digital native shift

A generation shaped by immersive digital environments brings fundamentally different assumptions about communication, feedback, and engagement.

💬 Behaviour shaped by environment

Workplace expectations are increasingly influenced by the systems people grow up in, not just by individual attitudes or preferences.

🤝 Generational intelligence as a leadership skill

Effective leadership now requires the ability to understand, navigate, and connect across generational contexts - not simply manage them.

🚀 Growth, ownership, and accountability

Performance is strengthened when individuals feel both empowered in their work and connected to something larger than themselves.

🧑‍💼 Rehumanising work

As technology accelerates, the opportunity emerges to redesign work around distinctly human strengths - creativity, connection, and meaning.

About the guest

Zavier Coyne is a leading expert on digital natives in the workplace, and an internationally recognised thought leader on ‘Generational Intelligence’. His work helps businesses maximise the potential of the Gen Z workforce and the generations leading them.

Zavier is a TEDx Speaker, future of work advisor to FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, BeVisioneers Mercedes-Benz entrepreneurial fellow, University of London guest lecturer, co-founder of Gen Z Coach and the world’s youngest Master Intuitive Psychology Coach. Most recently, he contributed his expertise at youth-impact sessions in Davos during the 2026 World Economic Forum.

Zavier is known as a trusted bridge between senior leadership and digitally native employees. He helps organisations boost retention, performance, and future-proof leadership by turning generational change into competitive advantage.

And crucially, he brings first-hand digitally native insight into the room - being Gen Z himself!

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4008 no Modern Slavery: From Compliance Risk to Strategic Leadership with James Cockayne https://eitb.captivate.fm Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen recorded this month’s episode against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following US–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation across the region, the situation is a reminder of how quickly geopolitical shocks can ripple through global systems - from energy markets to supply chains. Rather than trying to predict outcomes, the grey elephant lens allows us to explore the structural signals sitting beneath the headlines. One such signal is the rise of prediction sites like Polymarket, where users can bet on real-world geopolitical outcomes. While novel on the surface, platforms like this reflect deeper shifts in how information, expectations, and risk are distributed and priced. Hear how Europe’s evolving role in a more multipolar world, is a sign that the region is moving beyond regulation, toward building greater strategic capability around critical materials, supply chains, and technology independence. We are also joined by TomorrowToday Digital Director, Jude Foulston, to share how the team’s participation in 1% for the Planet is supporting a grassroots education initiative in South Africa - a reminder that businesses can translate purpose into practical action through targeted social investment. Our guest this month is James Cockayne, New South Wales Anti-slavery Commissioner, to explain how modern slavery is a grey elephant embedded within global supply chains. Although widely acknowledged, it is still often treated as a compliance issue rather than a strategic leadership challenge. James explains why regulators are moving beyond disclosure toward stronger human-rights due diligence, and why organisations that genuinely understand their supply chains are better positioned to manage risk, strengthen resilience, and create long-term value. Key takeaways - 🌍 Multipolarity and shifting power blocs Evolving global order and regional power blocs are increasingly shaping trade, technology, and security dynamics. 🎲 Prediction markets and new information signals Platforms that allow betting on geopolitical events point to changing dynamics in how expectations, intelligence, and information circulate globally. 🇪🇺 Europe’s strategic awakening Europe is beginning to move beyond its traditional role as a regulatory power and is investing more deliberately in industrial capability, supply chain resilience, and technological sovereignty. 🏗️ The overlooked constraints of the next economy Critical materials, water availability, and aging infrastructure are emerging as structural constraints that could shape the next phase of economic and technological growth. 🐘 Modern slavery as a grey elephant Modern slavery remains widely visible but frequently underweighted in corporate risk management, often treated as a reporting exercise rather than a strategic issue. 🔗 Supply chains, governance, and ownership Addressing modern slavery requires clearer executive ownership and a shift from compliance toward deeper supply chain visibility and collaborative risk management. 🤝 Stewardship and long-term value creation Businesses that build stronger relationships across their supply chains are better positioned to manage disruption and protect long-term value. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0000 Modern Slavery: From Compliance Risk to Strategic Leadership with James Cockayne full 1 14 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen recorded this month’s episode against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following US–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation across the region, the situation is a reminder of how quickly geopolitical shocks can ripple through global systems - from energy markets to supply chains. Rather than trying to predict outcomes, the grey elephant lens allows us to explore the structural signals sitting beneath the headlines. One such signal is the rise of prediction sites like Polymarket, where users can bet on real-world geopolitical outcomes. While novel on the surface, platforms like this reflect deeper shifts in how information, expectations, and risk are distributed and priced. Hear how Europe’s evolving role in a more multipolar world, is a sign that the region is moving beyond regulation, toward building greater strategic capability around critical materials, supply chains, and technology independence. We are also joined by TomorrowToday Digital Director, Jude Foulston, to share how the team’s participation in 1% for the Planet is supporting a grassroots education initiative in South Africa - a reminder that businesses can translate purpose into practical action through targeted social investment. Our guest this month is James Cockayne, New South Wales Anti-slavery Commissioner, to explain how modern slavery is a grey elephant embedded within global supply chains. Although widely acknowledged, it is still often treated as a compliance issue rather than a strategic leadership challenge. James explains why regulators are moving beyond disclosure toward stronger human-rights due diligence, and why organisations that genuinely understand their supply chains are better positioned to manage risk, strengthen resilience, and create long-term value. Key takeaways - 🌍 Multipolarity and shifting power blocs Evolving global order and regional power blocs are increasingly shaping trade, technology, and security dynamics. 🎲 Prediction markets and new information signals Platforms that allow betting on geopolitical events point to changing dynamics in how expectations, intelligence, and information circulate globally. 🇪🇺 Europe’s strategic awakening Europe is beginning to move beyond its traditional role as a regulatory power and is investing more deliberately in industrial capability, supply chain resilience, and technological sovereignty. 🏗️ The overlooked constraints of the next economy Critical materials, water availability, and aging infrastructure are emerging as structural constraints that could shape the next phase of economic and technological growth. 🐘 Modern slavery as a grey elephant Modern slavery remains widely visible but frequently underweighted in corporate risk management, often treated as a reporting exercise rather than a strategic issue. 🔗 Supply chains, governance, and ownership Addressing modern slavery requires clearer executive ownership and a shift from compliance toward deeper supply chain visibility and collaborative risk management. 🤝 Stewardship and long-term value creation Businesses that build stronger relationships across their supply chains are better positioned to manage disruption and protect long-term value. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen recorded this month’s episode against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following US–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation across the region, the situation is a reminder of how quickly geopolitical shocks can ripple through global systems - from energy markets to supply chains. Rather than trying to predict outcomes, the grey elephant lens allows us to explore the structural signals sitting beneath the headlines.

One such signal is the rise of prediction sites like Polymarket, where users can bet on real-world geopolitical outcomes. While novel on the surface, platforms like this reflect deeper shifts in how information, expectations, and risk are distributed and priced. Hear how Europe’s evolving role in a more multipolar world, is a sign that the region is moving beyond regulation, toward building greater strategic capability around critical materials, supply chains, and technology independence.

We are also joined by TomorrowToday Digital Director, Jude Foulston, to share how the team’s participation in 1% for the Planet is supporting a grassroots education initiative in South Africa - a reminder that businesses can translate purpose into practical action through targeted social investment.

Our guest this month is James Cockayne, New South Wales Anti-slavery Commissioner, to explain how modern slavery is a grey elephant embedded within global supply chains. Although widely acknowledged, it is still often treated as a compliance issue rather than a strategic leadership challenge. James explains why regulators are moving beyond disclosure toward stronger human-rights due diligence, and why organisations that genuinely understand their supply chains are better positioned to manage risk, strengthen resilience, and create long-term value.

Key takeaways -

🌍 Multipolarity and shifting power blocs

Evolving global order and regional power blocs are increasingly shaping trade, technology, and security dynamics.

🎲 Prediction markets and new information signals

Platforms that allow betting on geopolitical events point to changing dynamics in how expectations, intelligence, and information circulate globally.

🇪🇺 Europe’s strategic awakening

Europe is beginning to move beyond its traditional role as a regulatory power and is investing more deliberately in industrial capability, supply chain resilience, and technological sovereignty.

🏗️ The overlooked constraints of the next economy

Critical materials, water availability, and aging infrastructure are emerging as structural constraints that could shape the next phase of economic and technological growth.

🐘 Modern slavery as a grey elephant

Modern slavery remains widely visible but frequently underweighted in corporate risk management, often treated as a reporting exercise rather than a strategic issue.

🔗 Supply chains, governance, and ownership

Addressing modern slavery requires clearer executive ownership and a shift from compliance toward deeper supply chain visibility and collaborative risk management.

🤝 Stewardship and long-term value creation

Businesses that build stronger relationships across their supply chains are better positioned to manage disruption and protect long-term value.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  1. Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here
  2. Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting

If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3466 no Beyond Accommodation: Building Neuroinclusive Organisations with Dr. Sarah Babb https://eitb.captivate.fm February 2026 already feels like a year. In this month’s episode, Graeme Codrington explores two forces leaders can’t afford to treat as background noise: geopolitical rupture and the unseen diversity inside their own organisations. Graeme turns to China to illustrate what Kairos readiness looks like in practice: long-term planning, disciplined execution, and the ability to move decisively when the world fractures. He explores China’s five-year planning model, the intent behind the 2035 and 2049 roadmaps, and why preparedness consistently beats reaction. Later in the episode, Graeme is joined by Dr. Sarah Babb to examine neurodiversity as a leadership and performance issue-not an HR side topic. They unpack what neurodiversity really means, why “normal” is the wrong frame, and how organisations can move beyond individual accommodations toward system-level neuroinclusion that strengthens innovation, talent, and customer experience. Whether you’re looking at global strategy or organisational design, the message is consistent: what you ignore today shapes your constraints tomorrow. Key takeaways - 🧭 You can’t keep up - so change how you engage The world has moved beyond “transition” into rupture: fast, non-linear change that breaks old assumptions. Your edge comes from frameworks, not feeds. 🦅 Kairos vs Chronos: the moment you can grab Chronos is chronological time; Kairos is the window of opportunity. Leaders win by being ready to move when the moment arrives-before competitors even realise it’s here. 🇨🇳 China as a strategic planning case study China’s rolling five-year plan model has delivered an unusually high proportion of targets over decades. The release of the 2035 and 2049 plans is a signal: China is aligning short-, medium-, and long-term execution. Key shifts to watch: Incentives for Chinese firms to globalise and welcome partners A changing stance on intellectual property and global standards Rapid trade responsiveness as geopolitical relationships fracture 🧠 Neurodiversity: the “unseen diversity” organisations are missing Dr. Babb frames neurodiversity as normal variation in brain functioning, not a neat binary of “typical vs divergent.” The opportunity is both internal (talent, innovation, resilience) and external (customers, product design, accessibility). The real question for leaders: Do you want diversity of thinking-and are you prepared to support it? 🏢 What organisations should do now Move beyond one-off programs and confidential “accommodations.” Build strengths-based, skills-based teams and systems that let different profiles thrive. Treat neuroinclusion as strategy: culture, policy, design, and leadership capability-not a side initiative. 💸 The market opportunity is real Products, services, environments, and experiences designed for neurodiverse customers aren’t niche-done well, they create competitive advantage and loyalty. Small design shifts (sensory load, clarity, choice, accessibility) can unlock demand without massive overhaul. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0000 Beyond Accommodation: Building Neuroinclusive Organisations with Dr. Sarah Babb full 1 13 TomorrowToday Consulting February 2026 already feels like a year. In this month’s episode, Graeme Codrington explores two forces leaders can’t afford to treat as background noise: geopolitical rupture and the unseen diversity inside their own organisations. Graeme turns to China to illustrate what Kairos readiness looks like in practice: long-term planning, disciplined execution, and the ability to move decisively when the world fractures. He explores China’s five-year planning model, the intent behind the 2035 and 2049 roadmaps, and why preparedness consistently beats reaction. Later in the episode, Graeme is joined by Dr. Sarah Babb to examine neurodiversity as a leadership and performance issue-not an HR side topic. They unpack what neurodiversity really means, why “normal” is the wrong frame, and how organisations can move beyond individual accommodations toward system-level neuroinclusion that strengthens innovation, talent, and customer experience. Whether you’re looking at global strategy or organisational design, the message is consistent: what you ignore today shapes your constraints tomorrow. Key takeaways - 🧭 You can’t keep up - so change how you engage The world has moved beyond “transition” into rupture: fast, non-linear change that breaks old assumptions. Your edge comes from frameworks, not feeds. 🦅 Kairos vs Chronos: the moment you can grab Chronos is chronological time; Kairos is the window of opportunity. Leaders win by being ready to move when the moment arrives-before competitors even realise it’s here. 🇨🇳 China as a strategic planning case study China’s rolling five-year plan model has delivered an unusually high proportion of targets over decades. The release of the 2035 and 2049 plans is a signal: China is aligning short-, medium-, and long-term execution. Key shifts to watch: Incentives for Chinese firms to globalise and welcome partners A changing stance on intellectual property and global standards Rapid trade responsiveness as geopolitical relationships fracture 🧠 Neurodiversity: the “unseen diversity” organisations are missing Dr. Babb frames neurodiversity as normal variation in brain functioning, not a neat binary of “typical vs divergent.” The opportunity is both internal (talent, innovation, resilience) and external (customers, product design, accessibility). The real question for leaders: Do you want diversity of thinking-and are you prepared to support it? 🏢 What organisations should do now Move beyond one-off programs and confidential “accommodations.” Build strengths-based, skills-based teams and systems that let different profiles thrive. Treat neuroinclusion as strategy: culture, policy, design, and leadership capability-not a side initiative. 💸 The market opportunity is real Products, services, environments, and experiences designed for neurodiverse customers aren’t niche-done well, they create competitive advantage and loyalty. Small design shifts (sensory load, clarity, choice, accessibility) can unlock demand without massive overhaul. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices February 2026 already feels like a year. In this month’s episode, Graeme Codrington explores two forces leaders can’t afford to treat as background noise: geopolitical rupture and the unseen diversity inside their own organisations.

Graeme turns to China to illustrate what Kairos readiness looks like in practice: long-term planning, disciplined execution, and the ability to move decisively when the world fractures. He explores China’s five-year planning model, the intent behind the 2035 and 2049 roadmaps, and why preparedness consistently beats reaction.

Later in the episode, Graeme is joined by Dr. Sarah Babb to examine neurodiversity as a leadership and performance issue-not an HR side topic. They unpack what neurodiversity really means, why “normal” is the wrong frame, and how organisations can move beyond individual accommodations toward system-level neuroinclusion that strengthens innovation, talent, and customer experience.

Whether you’re looking at global strategy or organisational design, the message is consistent: what you ignore today shapes your constraints tomorrow.

Key takeaways -

🧭 You can’t keep up - so change how you engage

  1. The world has moved beyond “transition” into rupture: fast, non-linear change that breaks old assumptions.
  2. Your edge comes from frameworks, not feeds.

🦅 Kairos vs Chronos: the moment you can grab

  1. Chronos is chronological time; Kairos is the window of opportunity.
  2. Leaders win by being ready to move when the moment arrives-before competitors even realise it’s here.

🇨🇳 China as a strategic planning case study

  1. China’s rolling five-year plan model has delivered an unusually high proportion of targets over decades.
  2. The release of the 2035 and 2049 plans is a signal: China is aligning short-, medium-, and long-term execution.
  3. Key shifts to watch:
  4. Incentives for Chinese firms to globalise and welcome partners
  5. A changing stance on intellectual property and global standards
  6. Rapid trade responsiveness as geopolitical relationships fracture

🧠 Neurodiversity: the “unseen diversity” organisations are missing

  1. Dr. Babb frames neurodiversity as normal variation in brain functioning, not a neat binary of “typical vs divergent.”
  2. The opportunity is both internal (talent, innovation, resilience) and external (customers, product design, accessibility).
  3. The real question for leaders: Do you want diversity of thinking-and are you prepared to support it?

🏢 What organisations should do now

  1. Move beyond one-off programs and confidential “accommodations.”
  2. Build strengths-based, skills-based teams and systems that let different profiles thrive.
  3. Treat neuroinclusion as strategy: culture, policy, design, and leadership capability-not a side initiative.

💸 The market opportunity is real

  1. Products, services, environments, and experiences designed for neurodiverse customers aren’t niche-done well, they create competitive advantage and loyalty.
  2. Small design shifts (sensory load, clarity, choice, accessibility) can unlock demand without massive overhaul.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  1. Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here
  2. Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting

If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3461 no From Signals to Consequences - 2026 Predictions Special https://eitb.captivate.fm The future isn’t hiding in forecasts or trend reports. It’s already standing in front of us. In this special episode, Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen examine the grey elephants already reshaping leadership, strategy, and society - highly probable, high-impact forces that are now moving from theory into reality. From human enhancement to climate-driven insurance collapse, antimicrobial resistance and AI-driven deception to fragile tech investment models and an increasingly multipolar world, this episode challenges leaders to abandon passive optimism and adopt deliberate action. The message is clear: 2026 won’t reward those who wait. But it will reward those who recognise what’s already here - and respond decisively. Key takeaways - 🐘 The Grey Elephant mindset Grey elephants aren’t surprises - they’re obvious forces we avoid discussing. 2026 will reward leaders who are conscious, decisive, and proactive, even if decisions aren’t perfect. 🏟️ Enhanced Games & human augmentation A proposed 2026 sporting event where performance enhancement is transparent and allowed. Less about sport, more about a shift from paternalism → autonomy and changing rules of competition. A signal for societal fractures and new definitions of “fairness”. 🌍 Climate change meets insurance reality Insurers quietly withdrawing from high-risk regions or pricing cover out of reach. Knock-on effects: housing markets, migration, supply chains, local government finances. Leaders should watch re-insurance markets closely. 🦠 Superbugs & antimicrobial resistance Already causing ~1M deaths per year-and rising. An “unsexy” crisis with huge implications for healthcare, productivity, and mortality. A massive blind spot for governments, investors, and businesses alike. 🤖 AI fakery & cybersecurity In 2026, trust collapses: voices, faces, video, and audio can all be faked. The question is no longer “Can we trust?” but “How do we operate when we can’t?” Opportunity lies in verification, design, and new trust infrastructures. 🧠 Human connection as a superpower As AI intelligence accelerates, human consciousness-empathy, judgement, ethics-becomes scarce and valuable. Leaders should ask two questions: Where can AI drive efficiency? Where does being human create competitive advantage? 📉 The AI investment bubble Not an AI collapse-but potential turbulence in the financial plumbing behind big tech. Circular financing, GPU economics, and concentrated risk could cause a market shock in 2026. 🌐 Multipolar geopolitics The post-WWII order is fragmenting faster than many expected. New alliances, broken assumptions, and uncomfortable moral trade-offs are emerging. Businesses must scenario-plan for worlds that once felt unthinkable. 💡 Reasons for optimism Amid disruption, medical breakthroughs are accelerating. Cancer vaccines and other major advances could define the upside of 2026. Thanks to Lee, Philippa, Jude, Darren and Nasreen for their contributions to this episode. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0000 From Signals to Consequences - 2026 Predictions Special full 1 12 TomorrowToday Consulting The future isn’t hiding in forecasts or trend reports. It’s already standing in front of us. In this special episode, Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen examine the grey elephants already reshaping leadership, strategy, and society - highly probable, high-impact forces that are now moving from theory into reality. From human enhancement to climate-driven insurance collapse, antimicrobial resistance and AI-driven deception to fragile tech investment models and an increasingly multipolar world, this episode challenges leaders to abandon passive optimism and adopt deliberate action. The message is clear: 2026 won’t reward those who wait. But it will reward those who recognise what’s already here - and respond decisively. Key takeaways - 🐘 The Grey Elephant mindset Grey elephants aren’t surprises - they’re obvious forces we avoid discussing. 2026 will reward leaders who are conscious, decisive, and proactive, even if decisions aren’t perfect. 🏟️ Enhanced Games & human augmentation A proposed 2026 sporting event where performance enhancement is transparent and allowed. Less about sport, more about a shift from paternalism → autonomy and changing rules of competition. A signal for societal fractures and new definitions of “fairness”. 🌍 Climate change meets insurance reality Insurers quietly withdrawing from high-risk regions or pricing cover out of reach. Knock-on effects: housing markets, migration, supply chains, local government finances. Leaders should watch re-insurance markets closely. 🦠 Superbugs & antimicrobial resistance Already causing ~1M deaths per year-and rising. An “unsexy” crisis with huge implications for healthcare, productivity, and mortality. A massive blind spot for governments, investors, and businesses alike. 🤖 AI fakery & cybersecurity In 2026, trust collapses: voices, faces, video, and audio can all be faked. The question is no longer “Can we trust?” but “How do we operate when we can’t?” Opportunity lies in verification, design, and new trust infrastructures. 🧠 Human connection as a superpower As AI intelligence accelerates, human consciousness-empathy, judgement, ethics-becomes scarce and valuable. Leaders should ask two questions: Where can AI drive efficiency? Where does being human create competitive advantage? 📉 The AI investment bubble Not an AI collapse-but potential turbulence in the financial plumbing behind big tech. Circular financing, GPU economics, and concentrated risk could cause a market shock in 2026. 🌐 Multipolar geopolitics The post-WWII order is fragmenting faster than many expected. New alliances, broken assumptions, and uncomfortable moral trade-offs are emerging. Businesses must scenario-plan for worlds that once felt unthinkable. 💡 Reasons for optimism Amid disruption, medical breakthroughs are accelerating. Cancer vaccines and other major advances could define the upside of 2026. Thanks to Lee, Philippa, Jude, Darren and Nasreen for their contributions to this episode. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The future isn’t hiding in forecasts or trend reports. It’s already standing in front of us.

In this special episode, Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen examine the grey elephants already reshaping leadership, strategy, and society - highly probable, high-impact forces that are now moving from theory into reality.

From human enhancement to climate-driven insurance collapse, antimicrobial resistance and AI-driven deception to fragile tech investment models and an increasingly multipolar world, this episode challenges leaders to abandon passive optimism and adopt deliberate action.

The message is clear: 2026 won’t reward those who wait.

But it will reward those who recognise what’s already here - and respond decisively.

Key takeaways -

🐘 The Grey Elephant mindset

  • Grey elephants aren’t surprises - they’re obvious forces we avoid discussing.
  • 2026 will reward leaders who are conscious, decisive, and proactive, even if decisions aren’t perfect.

🏟️ Enhanced Games & human augmentation

  • A proposed 2026 sporting event where performance enhancement is transparent and allowed.
  • Less about sport, more about a shift from paternalism → autonomy and changing rules of competition.
  • A signal for societal fractures and new definitions of “fairness”.

🌍 Climate change meets insurance reality

  • Insurers quietly withdrawing from high-risk regions or pricing cover out of reach.
  • Knock-on effects: housing markets, migration, supply chains, local government finances.
  • Leaders should watch re-insurance markets closely.

🦠 Superbugs & antimicrobial resistance

  • Already causing ~1M deaths per year-and rising.
  • An “unsexy” crisis with huge implications for healthcare, productivity, and mortality.
  • A massive blind spot for governments, investors, and businesses alike.

🤖 AI fakery & cybersecurity

  • In 2026, trust collapses: voices, faces, video, and audio can all be faked.
  • The question is no longer “Can we trust?” but “How do we operate when we can’t?”
  • Opportunity lies in verification, design, and new trust infrastructures.

🧠 Human connection as a superpower

  • As AI intelligence accelerates, human consciousness-empathy, judgement, ethics-becomes scarce and valuable.
  • Leaders should ask two questions:

  1. Where can AI drive efficiency?
  2. Where does being human create competitive advantage?

📉 The AI investment bubble

  • Not an AI collapse-but potential turbulence in the financial plumbing behind big tech.
  • Circular financing, GPU economics, and concentrated risk could cause a market shock in 2026.

🌐 Multipolar geopolitics

  • The post-WWII order is fragmenting faster than many expected.
  • New alliances, broken assumptions, and uncomfortable moral trade-offs are emerging.
  • Businesses must scenario-plan for worlds that once felt unthinkable.

💡 Reasons for optimism

  • Amid disruption, medical breakthroughs are accelerating.
  • Cancer vaccines and other major advances could define the upside of 2026.

Thanks to Lee, Philippa, Jude, Darren and Nasreen for their contributions to this episode.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting

If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3259 no The Future Isn’t Predicted - It’s Created: Live from Dubai Futures Forum https://eitb.captivate.fm In this special episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen broadcast live from the Dubai Futures Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists. They share insights on emerging trends, including the value of focus in a distracted world, the evolving meaning of expertise in the age of AI, and the importance of hope and wonder for driving change. Recorded at the iconic Dubai Museum of the Future, the episode encourages listeners to confront overlooked challenges and actively shape a positive, ambitious future. Our January episode will be another special as we look forward to the year ahead and what we predict 2026 might hold. We’re also inviting listeners to get involved by submitting their 2026 predictions. Submit yours at https://www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/2026predictions. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0000 The Future Isn’t Predicted - It’s Created: Live from Dubai Futures Forum full 1 11 TomorrowToday Consulting In this special episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen broadcast live from the Dubai Futures Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists. They share insights on emerging trends, including the value of focus in a distracted world, the evolving meaning of expertise in the age of AI, and the importance of hope and wonder for driving change. Recorded at the iconic Dubai Museum of the Future, the episode encourages listeners to confront overlooked challenges and actively shape a positive, ambitious future. Our January episode will be another special as we look forward to the year ahead and what we predict 2026 might hold. We’re also inviting listeners to get involved by submitting their 2026 predictions. Submit yours at https://www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/2026predictions. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen broadcast live from the Dubai Futures Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists. They share insights on emerging trends, including the value of focus in a distracted world, the evolving meaning of expertise in the age of AI, and the importance of hope and wonder for driving change. Recorded at the iconic Dubai Museum of the Future, the episode encourages listeners to confront overlooked challenges and actively shape a positive, ambitious future.

Our January episode will be another special as we look forward to the year ahead and what we predict 2026 might hold. We’re also inviting listeners to get involved by submitting their 2026 predictions. Submit yours at https://www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/2026predictions.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting

If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1774 no AI’s Power Hunger, Sovereign AI & Sand Scarcity - Lessons from South Africa (with Tom Eaton) https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore this month’s “grey elephants”: the collision of AI and energy demand, the strategic rise of sovereign AI, and an overlooked resource, sand. Then Graeme sits down with Cape Town–based writer and columnist Tom Eaton to unpack what the world can learn from South Africa’s last 30 years: state capture, institutional decay and repair, and why change can arrive suddenly, good or bad. Key Topics Discussed AI x Energy Data centres scaling to small-nation power loads; AI is both energy hog and grid optimizer. Two futures: grids buckle vs. AI catalyses smarter, cleaner, more resilient systems. Boardroom takeaway: align digital and energy strategies; efficiency is competitive advantage. “Cloud” in Space Big idea doing the rounds: gigawatt-scale AI training clusters off-planet. Regardless of space hype, leaders must solve earthbound energy constraints first. Sovereign AI Nations racing to control compute + energy + data to reduce dependency on rivals. Corporate echo: prove AI value, then move toward sovereign AI footprints (own models, data, infra). Sand Scarcity Specific sands for cement, silicon chips, glass are finite and ecologically costly to extract. Expect supply shocks, regulation, and materials innovation opportunities. Quiz Corner Sector with up to 60% electricity savings via AI optimization: Utilities. Companies leading in AI projected to widen revenue gap vs. peers by ~30% (near-term). Term for national AI stacks: Sovereign AI. Interview - Tom Eaton No going back: after institutional damage, restoration is slow, contested, and incomplete. Beware “liberator euphoria”: the post-crisis leader gets too much leeway; stay critical. No adults in the building: don’t assume competent saviours or self-preservation will fix systems. Change can be sudden: systems can transform quickly—worse or better—so keep options ready. Personal advice: be less online; read history to gain perspective and pattern recognition. Featured Guest Tom Eaton — South African author, screenwriter, and columnist known for incisive commentary across politics and culture. His recent writing distils practical lessons from South Africa’s experience with corruption, state capture, and democratic resilience for a world facing similar trends. Connect with Graeme and Dean Connect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedIn Email Dean Van Leeuwen: Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting Explore the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants General enquiries: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains, reducing risk while unlocking opportunity. Links and articles  Jeff Bezos: Are Data Centres in Space the Next AI Frontier? How China used more cement in 3 years than the U.S. did in the entire 20th Century World Economic Forum - The $3.3 trillion climate question: Can data centres take the heat? Links from the Guest (Tom Eaton) Newsletter: Another Day in Paradise with Tom Eaton Article “South Africa: the world’s cheat sheet for what comes next” Newsletter (fiction/writing): A Note from Tom Eaton Book: An Act of Murder by Tom Eaton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000 AI’s Power Hunger, Sovereign AI & Sand Scarcity - Lessons from South Africa (with Tom Eaton) full 1 10 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore this month’s “grey elephants”: the collision of AI and energy demand, the strategic rise of sovereign AI, and an overlooked resource, sand. Then Graeme sits down with Cape Town–based writer and columnist Tom Eaton to unpack what the world can learn from South Africa’s last 30 years: state capture, institutional decay and repair, and why change can arrive suddenly, good or bad. Key Topics Discussed AI x Energy Data centres scaling to small-nation power loads; AI is both energy hog and grid optimizer. Two futures: grids buckle vs. AI catalyses smarter, cleaner, more resilient systems. Boardroom takeaway: align digital and energy strategies; efficiency is competitive advantage. “Cloud” in Space Big idea doing the rounds: gigawatt-scale AI training clusters off-planet. Regardless of space hype, leaders must solve earthbound energy constraints first. Sovereign AI Nations racing to control compute + energy + data to reduce dependency on rivals. Corporate echo: prove AI value, then move toward sovereign AI footprints (own models, data, infra). Sand Scarcity Specific sands for cement, silicon chips, glass are finite and ecologically costly to extract. Expect supply shocks, regulation, and materials innovation opportunities. Quiz Corner Sector with up to 60% electricity savings via AI optimization: Utilities. Companies leading in AI projected to widen revenue gap vs. peers by ~30% (near-term). Term for national AI stacks: Sovereign AI. Interview - Tom Eaton No going back: after institutional damage, restoration is slow, contested, and incomplete. Beware “liberator euphoria”: the post-crisis leader gets too much leeway; stay critical. No adults in the building: don’t assume competent saviours or self-preservation will fix systems. Change can be sudden: systems can transform quickly—worse or better—so keep options ready. Personal advice: be less online; read history to gain perspective and pattern recognition. Featured Guest Tom Eaton — South African author, screenwriter, and columnist known for incisive commentary across politics and culture. His recent writing distils practical lessons from South Africa’s experience with corruption, state capture, and democratic resilience for a world facing similar trends. Connect with Graeme and Dean Connect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedIn Email Dean Van Leeuwen: Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting Explore the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants General enquiries: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains, reducing risk while unlocking opportunity. Links and articles  Jeff Bezos: Are Data Centres in Space the Next AI Frontier? How China used more cement in 3 years than the U.S. did in the entire 20th Century World Economic Forum - The $3.3 trillion climate question: Can data centres take the heat? Links from the Guest (Tom Eaton) Newsletter: Another Day in Paradise with Tom Eaton Article “South Africa: the world’s cheat sheet for what comes next” Newsletter (fiction/writing): A Note from Tom Eaton Book: An Act of Murder by Tom Eaton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore this month’s “grey elephants”: the collision of AI and energy demand, the strategic rise of sovereign AI, and an overlooked resource, sand. Then Graeme sits down with Cape Town–based writer and columnist Tom Eaton to unpack what the world can learn from South Africa’s last 30 years: state capture, institutional decay and repair, and why change can arrive suddenly, good or bad.


Key Topics Discussed

AI x Energy

  • Data centres scaling to small-nation power loads; AI is both energy hog and grid optimizer.
  • Two futures: grids buckle vs. AI catalyses smarter, cleaner, more resilient systems.
  • Boardroom takeaway: align digital and energy strategies; efficiency is competitive advantage.


“Cloud” in Space

  • Big idea doing the rounds: gigawatt-scale AI training clusters off-planet.
  • Regardless of space hype, leaders must solve earthbound energy constraints first.


Sovereign AI

  • Nations racing to control compute + energy + data to reduce dependency on rivals.
  • Corporate echo: prove AI value, then move toward sovereign AI footprints (own models, data, infra).


Sand Scarcity

  • Specific sands for cement, silicon chips, glass are finite and ecologically costly to extract.
  • Expect supply shocks, regulation, and materials innovation opportunities.


Quiz Corner

  • Sector with up to 60% electricity savings via AI optimization: Utilities.
  • Companies leading in AI projected to widen revenue gap vs. peers by ~30% (near-term).
  • Term for national AI stacks: Sovereign AI.


Interview - Tom Eaton

  • No going back: after institutional damage, restoration is slow, contested, and incomplete.
  • Beware “liberator euphoria”: the post-crisis leader gets too much leeway; stay critical.
  • No adults in the building: don’t assume competent saviours or self-preservation will fix systems.
  • Change can be sudden: systems can transform quickly—worse or better—so keep options ready.
  • Personal advice: be less online; read history to gain perspective and pattern recognition.



Featured Guest

Tom Eaton — South African author, screenwriter, and columnist known for incisive commentary across politics and culture. His recent writing distils practical lessons from South Africa’s experience with corruption, state capture, and democratic resilience for a world facing similar trends.


Connect with Graeme and Dean

  • Connect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedIn
  • Email Dean Van Leeuwen: Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting
  • Explore the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants
  • General enquiries: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting



Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains, reducing risk while unlocking opportunity.

Links and articles 



Links from the Guest (Tom Eaton)







Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3544 no Signals from the Deep: Data Bunkers, UN & the Future of Shipping with guest Øistein Jensen Chief Sustainability Officer Odfjell https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm Episode Overview Graeme Codrington (Johannesburg) and Dean Van Leeuwen (South of London) explore fresh “grey elephant” signals—from subterranean data centres and living with a >2°C world, to UN reform rumblings—then sit down with Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oddfjell, to unpack how a 110-year-old global chemical shipping company is tackling decarbonisation, supply-chain due diligence, and industry-wide collaboration. Key Topics Discussed Grey Elephants Radar Converging, high-impact forces post-COVID; a once-in-a-century transformation. Strategy lens: identify weak signals early; turn risk into opportunity. Subterranean Data Centres Old mines/bunkers reimagined as “underground data fortresses.” Strategic logic: protect critical data; manage cooling, power, and resilience. Side bet: cooling technology becomes a shovel-in-the-gold-rush play. Living with >2°C Move beyond “prevention only” to adaptation + resilience at scale. Practical mindset shift (as with COVID): learn to operate in new conditions. UN & Multipolarity Weak Signals Calls for African representation; scrutiny of Security Council veto power. Diplomatic flashpoints as indicators of a shifting geopolitical order. Boardroom takeaway: model tariff shocks, sanctions, supply-route rewiring. BANI World & Grey Elephants Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible. Build antifragile strategies before the stampede starts. The Quiz First military “drone” use: Austrian incendiary balloons over Venice (1849). Interview — Øistein Jensen, CSO, Oddfjell Decarbonisation now: efficiency first; multiple fuels/tech—no single silver bullet. Regulation & level playing field: strong IMO rules to avoid “go-bankrupt green.” Holistic value chain: avoid offloading emissions upstream; measure Scope 3. Data & transparency: rising customer expectations across the full chain. Partnerships: industry bodies, local forums on human rights, technology co-dev. Supplier due diligence: shared platforms (e.g., Achilles) cut duplication and lift standards. Embedding sustainability: company-wide incentives tied to climate trajectories. Featured Guest Øistein Jensen — Chief Sustainability Officer, Oddfjell (global leader in chemical shipping). Oversees sustainability, compliance and strategic safety. Former submarine commander in the Royal Norwegian Navy; prior experience at PwC. Connect with Graeme and Dean Connect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedIn Email Dean Van Leeuwen: Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting Explore the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants General enquiries: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains—reducing risk while unlocking opportunity. Keywords grey elephants, BANI, multipolarity, UN reform, underground data centres, mines to data fortresses, climate adaptation, >2°C world, shipping decarbonisation, Oddfjell, Øistein Jensen, IMO regulation, Scope 3, supplier due diligence, Achilles, human rights, transparency, energy efficiency, antifragility, strategic resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000 Signals from the Deep: Data Bunkers, UN & the Future of Shipping with guest Øistein Jensen Chief Sustainability Officer Odfjell full 1 9 TomorrowToday Consulting Episode Overview Graeme Codrington (Johannesburg) and Dean Van Leeuwen (South of London) explore fresh “grey elephant” signals—from subterranean data centres and living with a >2°C world, to UN reform rumblings—then sit down with Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oddfjell, to unpack how a 110-year-old global chemical shipping company is tackling decarbonisation, supply-chain due diligence, and industry-wide collaboration. Key Topics Discussed Grey Elephants Radar Converging, high-impact forces post-COVID; a once-in-a-century transformation. Strategy lens: identify weak signals early; turn risk into opportunity. Subterranean Data Centres Old mines/bunkers reimagined as “underground data fortresses.” Strategic logic: protect critical data; manage cooling, power, and resilience. Side bet: cooling technology becomes a shovel-in-the-gold-rush play. Living with >2°C Move beyond “prevention only” to adaptation + resilience at scale. Practical mindset shift (as with COVID): learn to operate in new conditions. UN & Multipolarity Weak Signals Calls for African representation; scrutiny of Security Council veto power. Diplomatic flashpoints as indicators of a shifting geopolitical order. Boardroom takeaway: model tariff shocks, sanctions, supply-route rewiring. BANI World & Grey Elephants Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible. Build antifragile strategies before the stampede starts. The Quiz First military “drone” use: Austrian incendiary balloons over Venice (1849). Interview — Øistein Jensen, CSO, Oddfjell Decarbonisation now: efficiency first; multiple fuels/tech—no single silver bullet. Regulation & level playing field: strong IMO rules to avoid “go-bankrupt green.” Holistic value chain: avoid offloading emissions upstream; measure Scope 3. Data & transparency: rising customer expectations across the full chain. Partnerships: industry bodies, local forums on human rights, technology co-dev. Supplier due diligence: shared platforms (e.g., Achilles) cut duplication and lift standards. Embedding sustainability: company-wide incentives tied to climate trajectories. Featured Guest Øistein Jensen — Chief Sustainability Officer, Oddfjell (global leader in chemical shipping). Oversees sustainability, compliance and strategic safety. Former submarine commander in the Royal Norwegian Navy; prior experience at PwC. Connect with Graeme and Dean Connect with Graeme Codrington on LinkedIn Email Dean Van Leeuwen: Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting Explore the 7 Grey Elephants: www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants General enquiries: hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains—reducing risk while unlocking opportunity. Keywords grey elephants, BANI, multipolarity, UN reform, underground data centres, mines to data fortresses, climate adaptation, >2°C world, shipping decarbonisation, Oddfjell, Øistein Jensen, IMO regulation, Scope 3, supplier due diligence, Achilles, human rights, transparency, energy efficiency, antifragility, strategic resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episode Overview

Graeme Codrington (Johannesburg) and Dean Van Leeuwen (South of London) explore fresh “grey elephant” signals—from subterranean data centres and living with a >2°C world, to UN reform rumblings—then sit down with Øistein Jensen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oddfjell, to unpack how a 110-year-old global chemical shipping company is tackling decarbonisation, supply-chain due diligence, and industry-wide collaboration.

Key Topics Discussed

Grey Elephants Radar

  • Converging, high-impact forces post-COVID; a once-in-a-century transformation.
  • Strategy lens: identify weak signals early; turn risk into opportunity.


Subterranean Data Centres

  • Old mines/bunkers reimagined as “underground data fortresses.”
  • Strategic logic: protect critical data; manage cooling, power, and resilience.
  • Side bet: cooling technology becomes a shovel-in-the-gold-rush play.


Living with >2°C

  • Move beyond “prevention only” to adaptation + resilience at scale.
  • Practical mindset shift (as with COVID): learn to operate in new conditions.


UN & Multipolarity Weak Signals

  • Calls for African representation; scrutiny of Security Council veto power.
  • Diplomatic flashpoints as indicators of a shifting geopolitical order.
  • Boardroom takeaway: model tariff shocks, sanctions, supply-route rewiring.


BANI World & Grey Elephants

  • Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible.
  • Build antifragile strategies before the stampede starts.


The Quiz

  • First military “drone” use: Austrian incendiary balloons over Venice (1849).


Interview — Øistein Jensen, CSO, Oddfjell

  • Decarbonisation now: efficiency first; multiple fuels/tech—no single silver bullet.
  • Regulation & level playing field: strong IMO rules to avoid “go-bankrupt green.”
  • Holistic value chain: avoid offloading emissions upstream; measure Scope 3.
  • Data & transparency: rising customer expectations across the full chain.
  • Partnerships: industry bodies, local forums on human rights, technology co-dev.
  • Supplier due diligence: shared platforms (e.g., Achilles) cut duplication and lift standards.
  • Embedding sustainability: company-wide incentives tied to climate trajectories.


Featured Guest

Øistein Jensen — Chief Sustainability Officer, Oddfjell (global leader in chemical shipping). Oversees sustainability, compliance and strategic safety. Former submarine commander in the Royal Norwegian Navy; prior experience at PwC.

Connect with Graeme and Dean



Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Achilles helps the world’s biggest companies build ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains—reducing risk while unlocking opportunity.

Keywords

grey elephants, BANI, multipolarity, UN reform, underground data centres, mines to data fortresses, climate adaptation, >2°C world, shipping decarbonisation, Oddfjell, Øistein Jensen, IMO regulation, Scope 3, supplier due diligence, Achilles, human rights, transparency, energy efficiency, antifragility, strategic resilience

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2919 no Multipolarity, wars and rumours of wars, and the future of supply chains. https://www.tomorrowtoday.consulting/podcast Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen return with a timely and urgent discussion about the shifting balance of global power and its implications for business leaders. From startling comments about human longevity by Putin and Xi Jinping to the acceleration of a multipolar world order, the hosts unpack how these geopolitical shifts create uncertainty, and opportunity, in boardrooms everywhere. This episode also features a compelling interview with Mar Bernal Conde, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP, who shares her journey from operations to sustainability leadership and explains how resilient, transparent supply chains can become a competitive advantage in turbulent times. Key Topics Discussed Immortality & Aging Putin and Xi joke about living beyond 150. Science shows aging may one day be reversible. Multipolarity Rising New alliances reshaping global power (Russia, China, India, BRICS+). U.S. tariffs accelerate the shift away from Western dominance. Global Risks Tariffs, sanctions, and conflicts (Ukraine, Taiwan, Venezuela, Middle East). Businesses must plan for shocks and instability. Grey Elephants & BANI World Forces of change that are ignored until too late. Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible. Mara Vernal-Konda Interview From operations to sustainability leadership. Why transparency, trust, and ESG due diligence matter. Building resilient supply chains in uncertain times. Featured Guest Mar Bernal Conde – Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP. With over 25 years of international experience in energy and manufacturing, Mara has led strategic transformations rooted in sustainability. She also teaches sustainability leadership at Cambridge and serves on multiple industry boards. Putin Confirms Rise Of New World Order 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhTbMrqUdM Connect with Graeme and Dean Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Multipolarity, Wars and Rumours of Wars, and the Future of Supply Chains. full 1 8 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen return with a timely and urgent discussion about the shifting balance of global power and its implications for business leaders. From startling comments about human longevity by Putin and Xi Jinping to the acceleration of a multipolar world order, the hosts unpack how these geopolitical shifts create uncertainty, and opportunity, in boardrooms everywhere. This episode also features a compelling interview with Mar Bernal Conde, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP, who shares her journey from operations to sustainability leadership and explains how resilient, transparent supply chains can become a competitive advantage in turbulent times. Key Topics Discussed Immortality & Aging Putin and Xi joke about living beyond 150. Science shows aging may one day be reversible. Multipolarity Rising New alliances reshaping global power (Russia, China, India, BRICS+). U.S. tariffs accelerate the shift away from Western dominance. Global Risks Tariffs, sanctions, and conflicts (Ukraine, Taiwan, Venezuela, Middle East). Businesses must plan for shocks and instability. Grey Elephants & BANI World Forces of change that are ignored until too late. Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible. Mara Vernal-Konda Interview From operations to sustainability leadership. Why transparency, trust, and ESG due diligence matter. Building resilient supply chains in uncertain times. Featured Guest Mar Bernal Conde – Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP. With over 25 years of international experience in energy and manufacturing, Mara has led strategic transformations rooted in sustainability. She also teaches sustainability leadership at Cambridge and serves on multiple industry boards. Putin Confirms Rise Of New World Order 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhTbMrqUdM Connect with Graeme and Dean Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen return with a timely and urgent discussion about the shifting balance of global power and its implications for business leaders. From startling comments about human longevity by Putin and Xi Jinping to the acceleration of a multipolar world order, the hosts unpack how these geopolitical shifts create uncertainty, and opportunity, in boardrooms everywhere.

This episode also features a compelling interview with Mar Bernal Conde, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP, who shares her journey from operations to sustainability leadership and explains how resilient, transparent supply chains can become a competitive advantage in turbulent times.

Key Topics Discussed

Immortality & Aging

  • Putin and Xi joke about living beyond 150.
  • Science shows aging may one day be reversible.

Multipolarity Rising

  • New alliances reshaping global power (Russia, China, India, BRICS+).
  • U.S. tariffs accelerate the shift away from Western dominance.


Global Risks

  • Tariffs, sanctions, and conflicts (Ukraine, Taiwan, Venezuela, Middle East).
  • Businesses must plan for shocks and instability.


Grey Elephants & BANI World

  • Forces of change that are ignored until too late.
  • Today’s reality: Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible.


Mara Vernal-Konda Interview

  • From operations to sustainability leadership.
  • Why transparency, trust, and ESG due diligence matter.
  • Building resilient supply chains in uncertain times.


Featured Guest

Mar Bernal Conde – Head of Sustainable Supply Chain at LightSource BP. With over 25 years of international experience in energy and manufacturing, Mara has led strategic transformations rooted in sustainability. She also teaches sustainability leadership at Cambridge and serves on multiple industry boards.

Putin Confirms Rise Of New World Order

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKhTbMrqUdM

Connect with Graeme and Dean

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  


TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.


Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3471 no Career Reinvention and Fierce Care in Leadership https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen are joined by Tony, a former professional rugby player who has successfully reinvented himself three times throughout his career. In this inspiring conversation, Tony shares his journey of transformation beyond professional sports and introduces the powerful concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business. In a world where transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace - the fastest since 100 years ago - Tony's story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating career transitions and organizational leadership. His philosophy on how treating people, suppliers, and stakeholders with genuine care becomes a competitive advantage provides actionable wisdom for today's business leaders. Key Topics Discussed Career Reinvention & Transformation Tony's journey of reinventing himself three times beyond professional rugby Navigating the transition from professional sports to business leadership The shelf life of careers and making strategic life decisions Self-awareness as a foundation for successful transformation Fierce Care as Business Strategy The concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business How genuine care for people, suppliers, and stakeholders drives performance The difference between exceptional and average organizational performance Micro-behaviors that create competitive advantages Leadership in Times of Change Operating in an era of enormous sharp transformation Why everyone needs to learn how to reinvent themselves The importance of treating people well during periods of change Building high-performing organizations through authentic leadership Featured Guest Tony - Former professional rugby player who has successfully navigated multiple career reinventions, now focused on business leadership and the application of "fierce care" principles in organizational settings. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Career Reinvention and Fierce Care in Leadership full 1 7 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen are joined by Tony, a former professional rugby player who has successfully reinvented himself three times throughout his career. In this inspiring conversation, Tony shares his journey of transformation beyond professional sports and introduces the powerful concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business. In a world where transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace - the fastest since 100 years ago - Tony's story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating career transitions and organizational leadership. His philosophy on how treating people, suppliers, and stakeholders with genuine care becomes a competitive advantage provides actionable wisdom for today's business leaders. Key Topics Discussed Career Reinvention & Transformation Tony's journey of reinventing himself three times beyond professional rugby Navigating the transition from professional sports to business leadership The shelf life of careers and making strategic life decisions Self-awareness as a foundation for successful transformation Fierce Care as Business Strategy The concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business How genuine care for people, suppliers, and stakeholders drives performance The difference between exceptional and average organizational performance Micro-behaviors that create competitive advantages Leadership in Times of Change Operating in an era of enormous sharp transformation Why everyone needs to learn how to reinvent themselves The importance of treating people well during periods of change Building high-performing organizations through authentic leadership Featured Guest Tony - Former professional rugby player who has successfully navigated multiple career reinventions, now focused on business leadership and the application of "fierce care" principles in organizational settings. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen are joined by Tony, a former professional rugby player who has successfully reinvented himself three times throughout his career. In this inspiring conversation, Tony shares his journey of transformation beyond professional sports and introduces the powerful concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business.

In a world where transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace - the fastest since 100 years ago - Tony's story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating career transitions and organizational leadership. His philosophy on how treating people, suppliers, and stakeholders with genuine care becomes a competitive advantage provides actionable wisdom for today's business leaders.

Key Topics Discussed

Career Reinvention & Transformation

  • Tony's journey of reinventing himself three times beyond professional rugby
  • Navigating the transition from professional sports to business leadership
  • The shelf life of careers and making strategic life decisions
  • Self-awareness as a foundation for successful transformation


Fierce Care as Business Strategy

  • The concept of "fierce care" as a strategic imperative in business
  • How genuine care for people, suppliers, and stakeholders drives performance
  • The difference between exceptional and average organizational performance
  • Micro-behaviors that create competitive advantages


Leadership in Times of Change

  • Operating in an era of enormous sharp transformation
  • Why everyone needs to learn how to reinvent themselves
  • The importance of treating people well during periods of change
  • Building high-performing organizations through authentic leadership


Featured Guest

Tony - Former professional rugby player who has successfully navigated multiple career reinventions, now focused on business leadership and the application of "fierce care" principles in organizational settings.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3915 no Agentic AI and the Future of Industry Innovation https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this episode with a tribute to Paul Stanley, the former CEO of Achilles, whose legacy transformed the supply chain and ESG sectors. His dedication to transparency inspired this episode's deep dive into the fast moving world of artificial intelligence, where Ginni Rometty's foresight of AI's pervasive influence in decision-making is coming to life. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow orders but autonomously improves customer experiences and tackles major challenges. Discover the phenomenon of agentic AI - an autonomous force poised to redefine business operations, yet shrouded in both promise and skepticism. A shift from task-based automation to mission-driven autonomy, by leveraging agentic AI, companies can not only boost efficiency but also reimagine their strategies, breaking free from conventional constraints. Do you think businesses should stay neutral in the face of global changes? Using frameworks like BANI, we highlight the necessity for enterprises to anticipate and capitalise on disruptions. In a world where 70% of the population lives under right-leaning governments, global businesses are navigating a complex political landscape where neutrality may no longer be an option.  Resources - https://www.businessinsider.com/ginni-rometty-on-ibm-watson-and-ai-2015-5 https://resources.tomorrowtoday.consulting/collections/686bcb8dfec9dd0bd964f680?utm_source=Paperflite%20Link Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0000 Agentic AI and the Future of Industry Innovation full 1 6 TomorrowToday Consulting Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this episode with a tribute to Paul Stanley, the former CEO of Achilles, whose legacy transformed the supply chain and ESG sectors. His dedication to transparency inspired this episode's deep dive into the fast moving world of artificial intelligence, where Ginni Rometty's foresight of AI's pervasive influence in decision-making is coming to life. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow orders but autonomously improves customer experiences and tackles major challenges. Discover the phenomenon of agentic AI - an autonomous force poised to redefine business operations, yet shrouded in both promise and skepticism. A shift from task-based automation to mission-driven autonomy, by leveraging agentic AI, companies can not only boost efficiency but also reimagine their strategies, breaking free from conventional constraints. Do you think businesses should stay neutral in the face of global changes? Using frameworks like BANI, we highlight the necessity for enterprises to anticipate and capitalise on disruptions. In a world where 70% of the population lives under right-leaning governments, global businesses are navigating a complex political landscape where neutrality may no longer be an option.  Resources - https://www.businessinsider.com/ginni-rometty-on-ibm-watson-and-ai-2015-5 https://resources.tomorrowtoday.consulting/collections/686bcb8dfec9dd0bd964f680?utm_source=Paperflite%20Link Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen open this episode with a tribute to Paul Stanley, the former CEO of Achilles, whose legacy transformed the supply chain and ESG sectors. His dedication to transparency inspired this episode's deep dive into the fast moving world of artificial intelligence, where Ginni Rometty's foresight of AI's pervasive influence in decision-making is coming to life.

Imagine AI that doesn't just follow orders but autonomously improves customer experiences and tackles major challenges.

Discover the phenomenon of agentic AI - an autonomous force poised to redefine business operations, yet shrouded in both promise and skepticism. A shift from task-based automation to mission-driven autonomy, by leveraging agentic AI, companies can not only boost efficiency but also reimagine their strategies, breaking free from conventional constraints.

Do you think businesses should stay neutral in the face of global changes?

Using frameworks like BANI, we highlight the necessity for enterprises to anticipate and capitalise on disruptions. In a world where 70% of the population lives under right-leaning governments, global businesses are navigating a complex political landscape where neutrality may no longer be an option. 

Resources -

https://www.businessinsider.com/ginni-rometty-on-ibm-watson-and-ai-2015-5

https://resources.tomorrowtoday.consulting/collections/686bcb8dfec9dd0bd964f680?utm_source=Paperflite%20Link

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3160 no The Urgency of Sustainability with Pia Heidenmark Cook, senior ESG and sustainability leader https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm This month, we are joined by Pia Heidenmark Cook, one of the most prominent leaders in corporate sustainability, to discuss the urgent actions businesses must take to address climate change and integrate sustainability into their core strategies. A Senior Advisor to Teneo, Achilles, Eurazeo and Non Executive Director at organisations including Bupa, Pia advises how to develop and operationalise sustainability strategies and the implications for reputation strategies. As former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy. In this episode, Pia explains the importance of recognising shifts in consumer behaviour, the challenges of navigating a warming world, and the role of social media in fostering collaboration. Pia also emphasises the need for organisations to embed sustainability into their culture and inspire the next generation of leaders to act boldly for a sustainable future. As ever, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting bring analysis of grey elephant activity they have seen over the past month. In this episode, the focus is on immigration. Hear about the demographic shifts driving immigration, the political implications, and the potential for businesses to view immigration as a strategic opportunity. With Graeme and Dean highlighting the need for a mindset shift to recognise the value of diversity and the importance of proactive immigration policies in addressing workforce shortages and economic challenges. Access further insights into how immigration is reshaping the world, receive strategic alerts about the 7 grey elephants and a host of other valuable resources by signing up here. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000 The Urgency of Sustainability with Pia Heidenmark Cook, senior ESG and sustainability leader full 1 5 TomorrowToday Consulting This month, we are joined by Pia Heidenmark Cook, one of the most prominent leaders in corporate sustainability, to discuss the urgent actions businesses must take to address climate change and integrate sustainability into their core strategies. A Senior Advisor to Teneo, Achilles, Eurazeo and Non Executive Director at organisations including Bupa, Pia advises how to develop and operationalise sustainability strategies and the implications for reputation strategies. As former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy. In this episode, Pia explains the importance of recognising shifts in consumer behaviour, the challenges of navigating a warming world, and the role of social media in fostering collaboration. Pia also emphasises the need for organisations to embed sustainability into their culture and inspire the next generation of leaders to act boldly for a sustainable future. As ever, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting bring analysis of grey elephant activity they have seen over the past month. In this episode, the focus is on immigration. Hear about the demographic shifts driving immigration, the political implications, and the potential for businesses to view immigration as a strategic opportunity. With Graeme and Dean highlighting the need for a mindset shift to recognise the value of diversity and the importance of proactive immigration policies in addressing workforce shortages and economic challenges. Access further insights into how immigration is reshaping the world, receive strategic alerts about the 7 grey elephants and a host of other valuable resources by signing up here. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This month, we are joined by Pia Heidenmark Cook, one of the most prominent leaders in corporate sustainability, to discuss the urgent actions businesses must take to address climate change and integrate sustainability into their core strategies.

A Senior Advisor to Teneo, Achilles, Eurazeo and Non Executive Director at organisations including Bupa, Pia advises how to develop and operationalise sustainability strategies and the implications for reputation strategies.

As former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, she led the development and implementation of the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy. In this episode, Pia explains the importance of recognising shifts in consumer behaviour, the challenges of navigating a warming world, and the role of social media in fostering collaboration.

Pia also emphasises the need for organisations to embed sustainability into their culture and inspire the next generation of leaders to act boldly for a sustainable future.

As ever, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting bring analysis of grey elephant activity they have seen over the past month. In this episode, the focus is on immigration. Hear about the demographic shifts driving immigration, the political implications, and the potential for businesses to view immigration as a strategic opportunity. With Graeme and Dean highlighting the need for a mindset shift to recognise the value of diversity and the importance of proactive immigration policies in addressing workforce shortages and economic challenges.

Access further insights into how immigration is reshaping the world, receive strategic alerts about the 7 grey elephants and a host of other valuable resources by signing up here.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:



If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here.  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4001 no Enhancing Sustainability Through Green Mining with Neal Froneman from Sibanye Stillwater https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye Stillwater to discuss the future of green mining and the transformation the industry is undergoing in its drive for environmental responsibility. Neal shares insights into the technologies and processes Sibanye Stillwater is investing in to minimise its environmental impact, and the role they are playing in developing clean air initiatives and production of green metals, essential for a sustainable future. Neal highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry, and shares the strategies Sibanye Stillwater has adopted to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the face of shifting global trends. Neal is retiring in September 2025 after a career spanning nearly 40 years. His legacy of driving strategic change and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within the mining industry will live on. As usual, we open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants with the question - can crises actually serve as catalysts for opportunity? Hear how businesses and young adults are navigating the shifting landscape as economic pressures reshape societal norms. We explore the growing trend of young adults living at home longer, driven by cultural influences and the rising cost of housing, and how these changes are intricately tied to broader issues like an aging population and inequality. This phenomenon affects over half of 18 to 28 year olds globally, and it's reshaping how businesses approach the workforce and consumer bases. We also highlight how regulatory and political factors impact housing availability and the evolving societal perceptions of life stages. As tensions rise, we draw parallels between modern climate activism challenges and historical movements, highlighting the necessity for significant shifts in climate policies and the treatment of immigrants and refugees. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 May 2025 06:00:00 -0000 Enhancing Sustainability Through Green Mining with Neal Froneman from Sibanye Stillwater full 1 4 TomorrowToday Consulting In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye Stillwater to discuss the future of green mining and the transformation the industry is undergoing in its drive for environmental responsibility. Neal shares insights into the technologies and processes Sibanye Stillwater is investing in to minimise its environmental impact, and the role they are playing in developing clean air initiatives and production of green metals, essential for a sustainable future. Neal highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry, and shares the strategies Sibanye Stillwater has adopted to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the face of shifting global trends. Neal is retiring in September 2025 after a career spanning nearly 40 years. His legacy of driving strategic change and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within the mining industry will live on. As usual, we open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants with the question - can crises actually serve as catalysts for opportunity? Hear how businesses and young adults are navigating the shifting landscape as economic pressures reshape societal norms. We explore the growing trend of young adults living at home longer, driven by cultural influences and the rising cost of housing, and how these changes are intricately tied to broader issues like an aging population and inequality. This phenomenon affects over half of 18 to 28 year olds globally, and it's reshaping how businesses approach the workforce and consumer bases. We also highlight how regulatory and political factors impact housing availability and the evolving societal perceptions of life stages. As tensions rise, we draw parallels between modern climate activism challenges and historical movements, highlighting the necessity for significant shifts in climate policies and the treatment of immigrants and refugees. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye Stillwater to discuss the future of green mining and the transformation the industry is undergoing in its drive for environmental responsibility.

Neal shares insights into the technologies and processes Sibanye Stillwater is investing in to minimise its environmental impact, and the role they are playing in developing clean air initiatives and production of green metals, essential for a sustainable future. Neal highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry, and shares the strategies Sibanye Stillwater has adopted to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the face of shifting global trends.

Neal is retiring in September 2025 after a career spanning nearly 40 years. His legacy of driving strategic change and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within the mining industry will live on.

As usual, we open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants with the question - can crises actually serve as catalysts for opportunity?

Hear how businesses and young adults are navigating the shifting landscape as economic pressures reshape societal norms. We explore the growing trend of young adults living at home longer, driven by cultural influences and the rising cost of housing, and how these changes are intricately tied to broader issues like an aging population and inequality. This phenomenon affects over half of 18 to 28 year olds globally, and it's reshaping how businesses approach the workforce and consumer bases.

We also highlight how regulatory and political factors impact housing availability and the evolving societal perceptions of life stages. As tensions rise, we draw parallels between modern climate activism challenges and historical movements, highlighting the necessity for significant shifts in climate policies and the treatment of immigrants and refugees.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

  • Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 
  • Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting


If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3396 no The Future of Supply Chain Resilience with Paul Stanley from Achilles https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by CEO of Achilles, Paul Stanley for a discussion on the intricate world of global supply chains, examining both the challenges and opportunities they present. From ethical considerations like modern slavery to the necessity of building resilient and sustainable supply chains, we hear how companies can leverage data and technology to address these issues. The discussion also touches on the importance of embedding ESG principles into core business strategies and how businesses can strategically manage these complex challenges. We open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants. This month we explore the subject of genetic data privacy, amid news of the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe. We reflect on the impact such data can have on personal health decisions and the foresight needed to protect this sensitive information from future risks. Highlighting the importance of pseudonyms in genetic testing to safeguard against potential misuse by government and insurance entities. Next, we spotlight the global water scarcity crisis, particularly the vital role of Himalayan glaciers in sustaining 40% of the world's population. We explore the alarming consequences of climate change on these glaciers, which could lead to devastating floods, landslides, and reduced river flows. The looming threat of "day zero" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to enhance water security, with the far-reaching impacts of water shortages on agriculture, manufacturing, and political stability, demanding immediate attention and action from global leaders. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000 The Future of Supply Chain Resilience with Paul Stanley from Achilles full 1 3 TomorrowToday Consulting In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by CEO of Achilles, Paul Stanley for a discussion on the intricate world of global supply chains, examining both the challenges and opportunities they present. From ethical considerations like modern slavery to the necessity of building resilient and sustainable supply chains, we hear how companies can leverage data and technology to address these issues. The discussion also touches on the importance of embedding ESG principles into core business strategies and how businesses can strategically manage these complex challenges. We open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants. This month we explore the subject of genetic data privacy, amid news of the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe. We reflect on the impact such data can have on personal health decisions and the foresight needed to protect this sensitive information from future risks. Highlighting the importance of pseudonyms in genetic testing to safeguard against potential misuse by government and insurance entities. Next, we spotlight the global water scarcity crisis, particularly the vital role of Himalayan glaciers in sustaining 40% of the world's population. We explore the alarming consequences of climate change on these glaciers, which could lead to devastating floods, landslides, and reduced river flows. The looming threat of "day zero" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to enhance water security, with the far-reaching impacts of water shortages on agriculture, manufacturing, and political stability, demanding immediate attention and action from global leaders. Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants   TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, are joined by CEO of Achilles, Paul Stanley for a discussion on the intricate world of global supply chains, examining both the challenges and opportunities they present. From ethical considerations like modern slavery to the necessity of building resilient and sustainable supply chains, we hear how companies can leverage data and technology to address these issues. The discussion also touches on the importance of embedding ESG principles into core business strategies and how businesses can strategically manage these complex challenges.

We open the episode by unpacking stories from around the globe which are impacting the 7 Grey Elephants. This month we explore the subject of genetic data privacy, amid news of the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe. We reflect on the impact such data can have on personal health decisions and the foresight needed to protect this sensitive information from future risks. Highlighting the importance of pseudonyms in genetic testing to safeguard against potential misuse by government and insurance entities.

Next, we spotlight the global water scarcity crisis, particularly the vital role of Himalayan glaciers in sustaining 40% of the world's population. We explore the alarming consequences of climate change on these glaciers, which could lead to devastating floods, landslides, and reduced river flows. The looming threat of "day zero" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to enhance water security, with the far-reaching impacts of water shortages on agriculture, manufacturing, and political stability, demanding immediate attention and action from global leaders.

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles

Connect with Graeme and Dean:



If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here

www.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants  

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3829 no Navigating an Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, explore the implications of an aging population on society, the economy, and our personal lives. They discuss demographic shifts, the need for migration to support economic growth, and the necessity to reinvent retirement. 2025 is already seeing the geopolitical landscape undertake a seismic shift, with transformative events reshaping global dynamics. As Ukraine seeks pivotal mineral exchanges to secure U.S. support, Trump's non-committal stance underscores the unpredictable nature of international relations. This episode unpacks the strategic complexities of Trump's interactions with Russia and China, pondering their implications for Europe and the global political arena. We also explore the Primakov Doctrine and its potential to upend U.S.-Russia relations, urging business leaders to prepare for these changes using the Grey Elephant Model to build resilience and adaptability. With Quantum computing poised to revolutionise industries, much like the historic leap from horses to automobiles, we explore the potential breakthroughs on the horizon, alongside recent geopolitical tensions ignited by JD Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference. Multipolarity and societal divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced, with figures like Trump and Musk at the forefront of the conversation. Introducing Project 2025, hear how this initiative might shape future policies and global dynamics, amid shifting societal values and international relations. Demographic trends are changing the global landscape as we experience an unprecedented aging population. With more individuals over 65 than children under five, the implications for retirement, family dynamics, and economic growth are profound. Immigration emerges as a potential solution to workforce challenges, particularly in Europe and China, but raises questions about labour market impacts. We conclude by highlighting the opportunities an aging workforce presents, advocating for flexible work environments that unite the desires of different generations and create shared value for businesses and society. **Back in July 2016, by inputting data into our Quest Leadership and Grey Elephant Model, we predicted that Trump would win the US presidential election. We even wrote a letter to Hillary Clinton warning her. She never got the memo and when the grey elephants stampeded, she was unprepared - https://medium.com/@deanvanleeuwen/hillary-clinton-what-is-your-quest-af2308cd38fb#.6w6ndsl2h** Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here  TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000 Navigating an Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities full 1 2 TomorrowToday Consulting In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, explore the implications of an aging population on society, the economy, and our personal lives. They discuss demographic shifts, the need for migration to support economic growth, and the necessity to reinvent retirement. 2025 is already seeing the geopolitical landscape undertake a seismic shift, with transformative events reshaping global dynamics. As Ukraine seeks pivotal mineral exchanges to secure U.S. support, Trump's non-committal stance underscores the unpredictable nature of international relations. This episode unpacks the strategic complexities of Trump's interactions with Russia and China, pondering their implications for Europe and the global political arena. We also explore the Primakov Doctrine and its potential to upend U.S.-Russia relations, urging business leaders to prepare for these changes using the Grey Elephant Model to build resilience and adaptability. With Quantum computing poised to revolutionise industries, much like the historic leap from horses to automobiles, we explore the potential breakthroughs on the horizon, alongside recent geopolitical tensions ignited by JD Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference. Multipolarity and societal divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced, with figures like Trump and Musk at the forefront of the conversation. Introducing Project 2025, hear how this initiative might shape future policies and global dynamics, amid shifting societal values and international relations. Demographic trends are changing the global landscape as we experience an unprecedented aging population. With more individuals over 65 than children under five, the implications for retirement, family dynamics, and economic growth are profound. Immigration emerges as a potential solution to workforce challenges, particularly in Europe and China, but raises questions about labour market impacts. We conclude by highlighting the opportunities an aging workforce presents, advocating for flexible work environments that unite the desires of different generations and create shared value for businesses and society. **Back in July 2016, by inputting data into our Quest Leadership and Grey Elephant Model, we predicted that Trump would win the US presidential election. We even wrote a letter to Hillary Clinton warning her. She never got the memo and when the grey elephants stampeded, she was unprepared - https://medium.com/@deanvanleeuwen/hillary-clinton-what-is-your-quest-af2308cd38fb#.6w6ndsl2h** Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here  Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here  TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen from TomorrowToday Consulting, explore the implications of an aging population on society, the economy, and our personal lives. They discuss demographic shifts, the need for migration to support economic growth, and the necessity to reinvent retirement.

2025 is already seeing the geopolitical landscape undertake a seismic shift, with transformative events reshaping global dynamics. As Ukraine seeks pivotal mineral exchanges to secure U.S. support, Trump's non-committal stance underscores the unpredictable nature of international relations. This episode unpacks the strategic complexities of Trump's interactions with Russia and China, pondering their implications for Europe and the global political arena. We also explore the Primakov Doctrine and its potential to upend U.S.-Russia relations, urging business leaders to prepare for these changes using the Grey Elephant Model to build resilience and adaptability.

With Quantum computing poised to revolutionise industries, much like the historic leap from horses to automobiles, we explore the potential breakthroughs on the horizon, alongside recent geopolitical tensions ignited by JD Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference. Multipolarity and societal divisions are becoming increasingly pronounced, with figures like Trump and Musk at the forefront of the conversation. Introducing Project 2025, hear how this initiative might shape future policies and global dynamics, amid shifting societal values and international relations.

Demographic trends are changing the global landscape as we experience an unprecedented aging population. With more individuals over 65 than children under five, the implications for retirement, family dynamics, and economic growth are profound. Immigration emerges as a potential solution to workforce challenges, particularly in Europe and China, but raises questions about labour market impacts. We conclude by highlighting the opportunities an aging workforce presents, advocating for flexible work environments that unite the desires of different generations and create shared value for businesses and society.

**Back in July 2016, by inputting data into our Quest Leadership and Grey Elephant Model, we predicted that Trump would win the US presidential election. We even wrote a letter to Hillary Clinton warning her. She never got the memo and when the grey elephants stampeded, she was unprepared - https://medium.com/@deanvanleeuwen/hillary-clinton-what-is-your-quest-af2308cd38fb#.6w6ndsl2h**

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles

Connect with Graeme and Dean:

Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn here 

Email Dean at Dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting

If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's white paper here 

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3299 no Introducing the 7 Grey Elephants Reshaping a Multipolar World https://elephants-boardroom.captivate.fm In the first episode of this new podcast by TomorrowToday Consulting, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore the mega-trends reshaping the world and business. They introduce the concept of 'grey elephants' - highly probable, high-impact forces, consisting of angry people, aging populations, an angry planet, big squeezes, inequality, intelligent advances, and multipolarity, each presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders across the globe. Dean and Graeme explore the geopolitical landscape shaped by Russia’s strategies and the rise of BRICS nations. They discuss the implications of a multipolar world, the impact of misinformation, and the ‘Kairos moment’ - the critical window of opportunity where leaders must act decisively. Rather than reacting too late, those who recognise these shifts early can turn uncertainty into competitive advantage. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on Linkedin Email Dean at dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's latest white paper here.https://academy.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles,  Grey elephants represent significant, often overlooked opportunities and challenges. Kairos moments are unique opportunities that leaders must seize when they arise. Multipolarity is changing the global power dynamics. Organisations should develop proactive strategies to navigate geopolitical changes. Economic parity between BRICS and G7 nations is growing. The BRICS nations are emerging as a significant global economic force. Globalisation is facing challenges, leading to a need for adaptation. Aging populations will reshape industries and retirement concepts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000 Introducing the 7 Grey Elephants Reshaping a Multipolar World full 1 1 TomorrowToday Consulting In the first episode of this new podcast by TomorrowToday Consulting, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore the mega-trends reshaping the world and business. They introduce the concept of 'grey elephants' - highly probable, high-impact forces, consisting of angry people, aging populations, an angry planet, big squeezes, inequality, intelligent advances, and multipolarity, each presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders across the globe. Dean and Graeme explore the geopolitical landscape shaped by Russia’s strategies and the rise of BRICS nations. They discuss the implications of a multipolar world, the impact of misinformation, and the ‘Kairos moment’ - the critical window of opportunity where leaders must act decisively. Rather than reacting too late, those who recognise these shifts early can turn uncertainty into competitive advantage. Connect with Graeme and Dean: Connect with Graeme on Linkedin Email Dean at dean@tomorrowtoday.consulting If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's latest white paper here.https://academy.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive. Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles,  Grey elephants represent significant, often overlooked opportunities and challenges. Kairos moments are unique opportunities that leaders must seize when they arise. Multipolarity is changing the global power dynamics. Organisations should develop proactive strategies to navigate geopolitical changes. Economic parity between BRICS and G7 nations is growing. The BRICS nations are emerging as a significant global economic force. Globalisation is facing challenges, leading to a need for adaptation. Aging populations will reshape industries and retirement concepts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the first episode of this new podcast by TomorrowToday Consulting, hosts Graeme Codrington and Dean Van Leeuwen explore the mega-trends reshaping the world and business. They introduce the concept of 'grey elephants' - highly probable, high-impact forces, consisting of angry people, aging populations, an angry planet, big squeezes, inequality, intelligent advances, and multipolarity, each presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders across the globe.

Dean and Graeme explore the geopolitical landscape shaped by Russia’s strategies and the rise of BRICS nations. They discuss the implications of a multipolar world, the impact of misinformation, and the ‘Kairos moment’ - the critical window of opportunity where leaders must act decisively. Rather than reacting too late, those who recognise these shifts early can turn uncertainty into competitive advantage.

Connect with Graeme and Dean:



If you're interested in learning more about the 7 Grey Elephants and how they're transforming the world you can download TomorrowToday's latest white paper here.https://academy.tomorrowtodayglobal.com/greyelephants

TomorrowToday Consulting empowers forward-thinking organisations to not just anticipate the future, but to shape it. Staying ahead of the curve is critical, and we provide the visionary thinking and strategic execution you need to thrive.

Email hello@tomorrowtoday.consulting

Elephants in the Boardroom is powered by Achilles, 

  • Grey elephants represent significant, often overlooked opportunities and challenges.
  • Kairos moments are unique opportunities that leaders must seize when they arise.
  • Multipolarity is changing the global power dynamics.
  • Organisations should develop proactive strategies to navigate geopolitical changes.
  • Economic parity between BRICS and G7 nations is growing.
  • The BRICS nations are emerging as a significant global economic force.
  • Globalisation is facing challenges, leading to a need for adaptation.
  • Aging populations will reshape industries and retirement concepts.


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