As American troubadour Bob Dylan said, “The times they are a changin’.” I’m recording this one week after the 2024 presidential election. Without delving into the specifics of any particular outcome, one thing that is clear is there are going to be some major changes.

Change can produce a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, even when there are positive changes taking place. It can feel overwhelming, especially when we lose a sense of control over the future.

In reality, there is very little that is in our control. There is a saying that we can’t control people, places, and things. I can only control my reaction to these things, and take the action that I can.

But what action to take? What can and should a person do when the options of action feel limited?

To discuss these topics, we have Donna Dupont. Donna is the Founder and Chief Strategist in Foresight & Design for Purple Compass. Donna has a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation, which she has applied in healthcare, environment and sustainability, and generally helping organizations think about and plan for the future.

Donna and I talk about:

• the process of future and foresight planning,
• why it is important to maintain a sense of agency during times of massive change
• the place and importance of emotion as part of our planning,
• why doing future planning can sometimes feel like therapy, and
• we talk about how the foresight planning process is a vital part of designing positive futures.

Purple Compass https://www.purplecompass.ca/

Donna Dupont https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-dupont/

Today we have a fascinating discussion lined up with Alex Nathanson, a technologist, artist, and founder of Energy Transition Design LLC.

In this episode, we'll explore the intricate challenges and opportunities that come with solar-powered technology, particularly solar roof tiles and the broader adoption of renewable energy solutions. Alex will shed light on the high costs and extended installation times that make solar roof tiles less competitive compared to traditional solar panels. We'll also delve into the socio-political dynamics that shape renewable energy adoption and the importance of visibility and awareness in promoting solar technology.

Alex emphasizes the neutrality of solar power, advocating for an unbiased approach to its adoption and the crucial role of actively designing equitable, renewable energy infrastructures. His work, which blends art with themes of energy and sustainability, offers unique insights into how solar-powered art can engage communities and inspire collective action.

Additionally, Alex will share details about his new book project aimed at providing practical design methods for creating solar-powered art. We'll also discuss the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork and the idea of integrating technology within cultural contexts to ensure sustainability.

Stay tuned as we journey into the intersection of art, technology, and climate action, and learn how intentional design can drive meaningful changes in our approach to renewable energy.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nathanson-2a1727160/

Website - https://alexnathanson.com/index.html

Solar Power for Artists - https://www.solarpowerforartists.com/

When you work in academia, you come across some very smart people. This should be surprising given that academics spend an enormous amount of time exploring whatever topic they study. And people become academic experts by digging into the particulars of areas that can be pretty narrow and focused. This is the nature of academia: develop niche knowledge in a certain area where you develop that insight throughout a career.

And if you ever tried listening to some of those people talk about their work, or read their work in academic publications, you’ll know that it can be very difficult to decipher precisely what they are talking about. Given the amount of time and dedication it takes to achieve academic brilliance, this shouldn’t be surprising. Speaking as an academic (and not a brilliant person), this is how we are trained to communicate, and primarily to each other.

One of the great things about the Ted Talk and TedX movement is that it has created a format through which people who have something to say can find the means to say it. This also has created a platform through which public scholarship can take place, and insights can be translated to a wider audience.

In this era of wicked problems, disinformation, and social media, it is vital that we translate as much knowledge as possible.

Nick Kindler’s business is about how to help smart people improve their ability to communicate. Using an approach they call Communication Canvas, Nick with Kindler and Company give speakers the signposts they need to know the route they have to go in order to avoid verbal cul de sacs and and deliver a performance that audiences can remember.

Nick draws on his experience in improv and acting, Nick talks about how it is vital that speakers bring themselves into their presentation. He discusses the importance of taking personal stories that they haven't shared, tell the story in a way that is Ted worthy, and unpack the learnings and takeaways. When we tell our stories in the right environment, it is cathartic and helps someone else.

Nick asks us to focus on three key questions:

1. How can I simplify the messaging today
2. How can I transform using story telling and language to deep the understanding
3. How can I deliver it and perform it in a way that engages and connects

Nick Kindler LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkindler

Nick Kindler Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nick_kindler/

Kindler and Company - https://www.kindlerandcompany.com/