#243 Lisa Bodell: The Future is Simple—If We Stop Overcomplicating Everything — Part One

Lisa Bodell didn’t just study the future—she built a career helping companies prepare for it.

As the CEO of FutureThink, she’s been at the forefront of innovation for over 20 years, teaching leaders how to embrace change before it’s too late. But her path to becoming a futurist wasn’t planned—it started in advertising, took a detour into consulting, and ultimately led her to reinvent how organizations approach creativity and change.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Lisa shares her personal journey—from selling creative ideas in ad agencies to studying foresight and helping Fortune 500 companies navigate uncertainty. Along the way, she breaks down what it really means to be a futurist (hint: it’s not about predicting trends) and why most companies resist change until it’s too late.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Ad Agencies to FutureThink – “I was great at selling creative ideas. But I realized people needed to learn how to generate them.” How Lisa’s early career sparked a passion for teaching innovation.

What the Heck is a Futurist? – “No, it’s not about guessing trends. It’s a structured way of planning for multiple possible futures.” Why real futurists use models—not crystal balls.

Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship – “When you work for yourself, there’s no safety net. But that’s what makes it exciting.” Lisa’s shift from corporate life to running her own company.

Why Most Companies Resist Change – “People aren’t tired of innovation. They’re tired of all the other stuff getting in the way.” Why complexity kills creativity in organizations.

The Power of Pivoting – “The best entrepreneurs know when to shift—because nothing stays the same.” How Lisa evolved FutureThink over the years.

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Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Lisa Bodell

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