During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Sheryl Connelly, Head of Global Trends and Futuring at Ford Motor Company. She discusses what it\u2019s like to consider situations much like the COVID-19 pandemic way before it even occurs and how leaders should consider scenario planning as a must-have capability in the future. Of course, Sheryl speaks about her \u2018Top Three\u2019\xa0 - from her family who helps her bring empathy, to remarkable professionals from all over the world, to her breakfast club that helps her stay true to and take care of herself. And you have to hear what she has to say about simply listening to be able to think about tomorrow.
About Sheryl ConnellySheryl Connelly has served as Ford Motor Company\u2019s futurist for more than a decade. She is responsible for identifying global trends, exploring potential implications and cascading these insights on futuring to organizations throughout the company, including design, product development and corporate strategy. She is a member of the Global Advisory Council on transportation for the World Economic Forum. Fast Company magazine named her one of the Most Creative People in Business in 2013 and 2015. Connelly has been a featured speaker at TED Global, appeared on CBS This Morning , CNBC\u2019s Fast Money and NPR\u2019s All Things Considered with Robert Siegel. Before working for Ford, she practiced law. In addition to a juris doctorate, Connelly holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in finance and a master\u2019s in business administration. When her schedule permits, she teaches design research at Center for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Show HighlightsSegment 1: Overview
0:55\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 The \u2018new normal\u2019.
2:49\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Collaboration and innovation during the pandemic. (Article Link)
6:16\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sheryl Connelly \u2013 Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company.
8:15\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 The path to becoming a futurist.
13:56\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 The role of the futurist \u2013 no one can predict the future; consider what can happen if assumptions are incorrect.
18:30\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 The rise of hope in times of uncertainty.
Segment 2: The \u201cTop Three\u201d
21:25\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sheryl\u2019s \u2018Top Three\u2019: Her Husband, Children, and Siblings \u2013 Having a diverse spectrum of perspectives to see your blind spots and biases.
25:36\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Empathy is the skill most needed for effective leadership.
26:37\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sheryl\u2019s \u2018Top Three\u2019: Network of Remarkable Provocative Thinkers \u2013 Specialist individuals who know nothing about cars. (Bill Ford TED Talk. Sheryl Connelly TED Talk.)
29:22\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Examples of Remarkable Provocative Thinkers (Jaron Lanier).
36:29\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Bringing unlikely connections together \u2013 the polite contrarian.
42:00\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sheryl\u2019s \u2018Top Three\u2019: The Harlan Mom Breakfast Club \u2013 sharing life and challenges.
Segment 3: Disruption & Transformation
45:00\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Think through the long-term consequences of your actions.
47:26\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 \u201cThings will be different, but that usually means they\u2019ll be better.\u201d
50:50\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 \u201cThe status quo exists because it works for somebody.\u201d
52:10\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Courage as a capability.
Segment 4: Leadership & Wrapping Up
54:05\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 \u201cWhen we listen to people, we tend to listen with the notion of what are we going to say next. But what if we shifted to listening with the intent to understand.\u201d
56: 38\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 \u201cYou can\u2019t have empathy without listening.\u201d
57:08\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Stay safe. Be healthy. Take care of your loved ones.
57:42\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Visit FordTrends.com
Additional InformationContact Sheryl Connelly:
Contact Gregg Garrett:
Contact CGS Advisors: