Free Download:
Think Like a Futurist
You don’t need to predict the future in order to prepare for it. You just need the right tools, mindset, and space to start thinking differently about what’s ahead.
By looking beyond the day-to-day challenges, outdated assumptions, and conceptualizing the ideal future, you’re empowered to be more proactive and make clear, confident decisions along the way.
This how-to guide highlights just a few of the Strategic Foresight practices we use to help teams become more future-ready. Not just in theory, but in real-world situations. There’s tremendous power in exploring the future, and we’re here to help you unlock it!
Want to dig deeper?
Join our Future Ready Leadership Lab:
"How to Think Like a Futurist"
This dynamic three-part leadership lab is designed to help you move from being reactive to taking intentional action. We explore practical foresight tools used by futurists to expand perspective, challenge assumptions, and make clearer decisions in uncertain environments.
While we can’t predict the future, we can leverage Strategic Foresight to explore and prepare for it with clarity, confidence, and imagination.
Participants learn how to:
• Spot early signals of change before they become obvious trends
• Identify hidden assumptions shaping their decisions
• Expand the range of futures they consider possible
• Clarify what future they actually want to help create
• Take action today that pulls them toward that future
Participants leave with:
• A simple horizon scanning practice they can use immediately
• A personal or organizational assumption audit
• A preferred future framework to guide decision making
• A new lens for interpreting change in their industry
And perhaps most importantly, they leave with a renewed sense of possibility about the future.
- 3 Live Virtual Sessions (90 min. each)
- Fridays, April 10th, 17th, and 24th (2026)
- 9AM - 10:30AM(PST)
- Enrollment: $500
- Interactive Community Learning + Q&A
- Printable Tool Sheets
You may be asking yourself...
So, what is Strategic Foresight?
Strategic Foresight is a way of exploring what could happen in the future so you can make better, more confident decisions today. But it’s not about making predictions. It’s about identifying signals of change, considering different possibilities, and learning how to stay adaptable as the world changes around you.
How is this different than regular strategic planning?
Traditional strategic planning often looks 1-3 years ahead based on what’s already happened. With Strategic Foresight, we zoom out further looking 5, 10, even 20 years out asking, “What if?” This helps you explore multiple plausible futures instead of assuming the future will look like the past.
Who can benefit from using Strategic Foresight?
Anyone facing uncertainty, planning for long-term growth, or just has a curious mind. We work with marketers, brand leaders, innovation teams, and executives who want to stay ahead of the curve, align their teams around a future vision, or uncover new opportunities before competitors do.
Do I need a background in data, research, or foresight to use it?
Not at all. Strategic Foresight is built around curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to see things from different points of view. While we may use data and research to inform our thinking, the real value comes from asking deeper questions, challenging assumptions, and imagining new possibilities. These are things anyone can do!
Can my team get involved for collaboration?
Absolutely! In fact, Strategic Foresight is most impactful in a group setting. Having a variety of unique perspectives, opinions, and experiences will help push everyone beyond their thought boundaries and expand possibilities. This is why we host Strategic Foresight 101 Workshops for businesses that want to integrate “futures thinking” into their planning processes. Through collaboration and team involvement, your entire organization will benefit.
How do I get started?
A great first step is downloading our free Think Like a Futurist guide at the top of this page. It introduces three foundational practices we use in our foresight projects, each designed to help you shift your mindset, spark new ideas, and make more future-ready decisions. It’s brief, practical, and a solid starting point for anyone curious about exploring what’s coming next.
I still have questions. Where can I learn more?
There are a number of books and articles written about this topic. But rather than giving you a bunch of homework, let’s connect and discuss things further! We have certified futurists on board here at MacKenzie, and they’re well versed in the what, why, and how of Strategic Foresight. We love talking about this stuff and are more than happy to chat any time. You can either contact us to get the conversation started, or book a call here if you have a day and time in mind.
Let's connect and explore this further!
Strategic Foresight can seem complicated at first, we know. But once you get going, things become clear and the pieces start falling into place. Rather than spinning your wheels, let’s jump on a call to discuss how Strategic Foresight can be put to work for you.