The Power of Futures Literacy: Seeing Beyond the Present (2025)

In Episode 12 of the Bennu Community Podcast, we had an inspiring conversation with Ramila Khafaji Zadeh, UNESCO Chair Futures Literacy at Hanze University. In this episode we explore how this powerful capability helps us navigate uncertainty in careers, business, and policymaking. Here are the key takeaways!

📌 What is Futures Literacy?

Futures Literacy is not about predicting the future but learning how to use different futures to make better choices today.

Most people think of the future as a fixed destination, but Futures Literacy encourages us to explore multiple possible futures to become more adaptable and innovative. It’s a skill that helps individuals and organizations navigate complexity and uncertainty with confidence.

📌 Why “Futures” and Not Just “Future”?

There isn’t just one future—there are many possible futures.

Futures Literacy is plural because different people, organizations, and cultures imagine the future in different ways. Instead of assuming one set path, it helps us recognize alternative possibilities and prepare for different scenarios.

📌 Why Futures Literacy Matters in Today’s World

The world is always changing, but our ability to adapt makes the difference.

In a rapidly evolving world—where technology, geopolitics, and industries shift overnight—Futures Literacy gives us the mindset and tools to embrace change instead of fearing it. It helps us move from reactive to proactive thinking in careers, businesses, and public policy.

📌 Futures Literacy in Policy & Governance

How can governments use Futures Literacy?

Policymakers often rely on long-term plans assuming they "know" the future. Futures Literacy challenges assumptions, encourages diverse perspectives, and enables better decision-making in complex situations, leading to more inclusive and forward-thinking policies.

📌 How Futures Literacy Helps in Careers & Business

Navigating career growth & entrepreneurship with Futures Literacy

For professionals and entrepreneurs, Futures Literacy helps break free from rigid career paths. Instead of feeling stuck or uncertain, it encourages exploring multiple possibilities, expanding opportunities, and embracing adaptability in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world.

📌 Why Being Open to Emergence is More Powerful than Predicting the Future

Don’t just plan—stay open to unexpected opportunities.

Instead of focusing only on predictions, Futures Literacy teaches us to embrace uncertainty as a source of creativity and new possibilities. Whether in business or personal life, being open to emergence allows us to see opportunities others might miss.

📌 Practical Ways to Apply Futures Literacy

1️⃣ Challenge your assumptions – Ask: "What if the future is different from what I expect?"

2️⃣ Engage in Futures Literacy Labs: Join workshops where diverse groups explore alternative futures.

3️⃣ Expand your perspective: Talk to people from different backgrounds to see how they imagine the future.

4️⃣ Stay adaptable: Be open to new paths in your career and business, even if they weren’t in your original plan.

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Catch the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and more. Want to connect with Jael? Check out her LinkedIn link in the episode description. Share your thoughts and join us on this journey of learning and growth!

🚀 Tune in now to discover how to stay flexible, think ahead, and thrive in an unpredictable world!

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