Future Shapers! (The Podcast)

Kristi and Craig explore the latest in AI tools, conference insights, and philosophical questions about AI's role in humanity, creativity, and health. This episode offers a deep dive into emerging technologies, ethical considerations, and personal experiences with AI innovations.Key topicsAI's role in health and medicineEthical responsibilities in AI deploymentAI's impact on human creativity and society

Featuring special guest Jessica Moon Asa, this podcast features a rich discussion on the future of AI in higher education, student reflection, and innovative tools to enhance learning and career readiness while reimagining student agency & education systems.

In this engaging conversation, Kristi and Craig explore the impact of AI on education, careers, and society, touching on recent developments, ethical considerations, and future opportunities. They share personal stories, analyze current headlines, and discuss how young people and educators can adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Summary In this episode of the Spaceship Academy podcast, hosts Kristi and Craig engage with two inspiring young leaders, Swatika and Guillermo, who share their experiences and perspectives on education, technology, and the future. The conversation explores the balance between using AI and maintaining personal skills, the importance of practical learning experiences, and the challenges and opportunities that come with technological advancements. The students express their fears and aspirations as they navigate university life, emphasizing the need for personal growth and the impact of AI on their education. Overall, the discussion highlights the potential of youth to shape the future while addressing the complexities of technology in their lives.Takeaways- Swatika emphasizes the importance of balance in life and studies.- Guillermo shares his mixed feelings about having a birthday on New Year's Eve.- Both students express their fears about missing opportunities in life.- Swatika discusses the importance of not shrinking oneself in new environments.- Guillermo highlights the reliance on AI in education and its potential drawbacks.- Kristi reflects on her high expectations for others and their potential.- Swatika and Guillermo discuss the balance between using AI and maintaining personal skills.- The group explores the environmental concerns related to data centers and AI.- Guillermo expresses worries about the future of critical thinking due to AI reliance.- Swatika and Guillermo advocate for practical learning experiences in education.

In this episode, the team reflects on their personal and professional highlights from 2025, discussing the growth and changes in their lives. They explore the future of AI, its implications for education, and the ethical challenges that arise with its integration into society. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies and the need for educational institutions to prepare students for an AI-driven world.takeaways2025 was a year of personal growth and new experiences.Traveling to various countries enriched personal lives.The transition to an empty nester lifestyle brought new opportunities.Professional validation of the Spaceship's mission was a highlight.AI is rapidly changing the landscape of technology and education.Education must adapt to prepare students for AI competencies.The importance of ethical considerations in AI development is paramount.Collaboration between tech companies and educational institutions is essential.The gap in AI understanding between demographics is widening.Humans will always play a crucial role in guiding AI applications.

In this episode, the Spaceship team discusses personal updates, the importance of travel and cultural exposure, and the challenges of adapting to new environments. They explore the role of AI in education, healthcare, and environmental responsibility, while also addressing the implications of deepfakes on trust in the digital age. The conversation concludes with predictions for the new year and reflections on the past year.takeawaysTraveling shapes your worldview and enhances personal growth.AI in education is still evolving, with schools adapting slowly.Personal accountability can drive environmental change.Deepfakes pose a significant threat to trust in society.Cultural exposure is vital for understanding global perspectives.AI can enhance healthcare access and efficiency.Education systems must embrace technology to stay relevant.Travel experiences can lead to lifelong learning.The importance of community in adapting to new environments.Predictions for the future should be bold and audacious.

In this conversation, Kristi, Craig + Tod reflect on their Thanksgiving traditions and the importance of family and gratitude. They delve into the ethical implications of AI in society, discussing its potential impact on jobs and the need for transparency. The discussion shifts to the challenges and opportunities of building community in a virtual world, emphasizing the role of technology in connecting people. Finally, they explore the future of work, highlighting the necessity for education to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by AI.

The conversation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on society, emphasizing that we are the last generation to experience a world without AI. It discusses the implications for future generations and the transformative changes AI will bring to daily life and societal structures.

SummaryIn this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Shamini Dhana, a pioneer in sustainable fashion and the founder of Donna Inc. Shamini shares her journey from her academic background in economics and philosophy to her work in the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of sustainability and circularity. The conversation delves into the evolution of Donna Inc., the role of technology in fashion, and the growing demand for transparency and consumer engagement in the industry. Shamini emphasizes the need for a shift towards circular fashion and the potential of technology to facilitate this change, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future in the fashion world.TakeawaysShamini Dhana emphasizes the importance of sustainability in fashion.The journey into fashion began with a focus on social responsibility.Donna Inc. has evolved through three pivotal phases over 17 years.Circular fashion is essential for reducing waste in the industry.Technology can play a significant role in sustainable fashion practices.Consumer engagement is crucial for the future of fashion.The digital product passport will enhance transparency in the industry.Upcycling and repurposing materials are key to circularity.The younger generation is increasingly aware of sustainability issues.Collaboration and co-creation with consumers can drive innovation in fashion.

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Alya Annabi, a multi-passionate entrepreneur focused on sustainability and personal growth. Alya shares her journey from Morocco to Singapore, her experiences in building communities in Bali, and her insights on the importance of positivity and community engagement. They discuss the intersection of AI and sustainable travel, Alya's recent TED Talk, and practical advice for listeners on how to cultivate positivity and take action in their own lives.takeawaysAlya defines herself as a multi-passionate entrepreneur.She started her consultancy, Green Push, focusing on sustainability.Alya has built several communities in Singapore and Bali.Community building starts with a few founding members.AI can be used for positive impact in sustainable travel.Positivity is about knowing that better days are coming.Starting where you are is crucial for personal growth.Consistency is key in community engagement.Action creates momentum in community building.Finding your passion can start with small actions.

SummaryIn this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Dr. Parneet Pal, a physician and systems thinker, about the importance of shifting the healthcare paradigm from treatment to prevention. Dr. Pal emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of health that incorporates lifestyle choices, community support, and the impact of our environment. She introduces the concept of the exposome, which encompasses all the exposures that affect our health throughout our lives. The conversation also explores the role of technology in health education and the importance of fostering curiosity about our biology.Takeaways:Dr. Pal emphasizes the importance of prevention over treatment in healthcare.Lifestyle choices significantly impact health outcomes and can prevent many diseases.Changing mindsets about health is crucial for improving well-being.Community support plays a vital role in individual health behavior change.Behavior change is a non-linear process that requires self-compassion.The exposome concept highlights the importance of all life exposures on health.Mitochondria are essential for maintaining cellular health and responding to stressors.We cannot outrun our biology; understanding our limits is key to health.Technology can enhance health education and support behavior change.Curiosity about our bodies and health can lead to positive changes.

SummaryIn this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod interviews Dr. Richard Somerville, a leading voice in climate science. They discuss Richard's journey from a young weather enthusiast to a prominent climate scientist, his book 'The Forgiving Air', and his involvement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication in science, the evolution of climate science, and the challenges of addressing climate change. Richard shares insights on the IPCC's processes and the necessity of educating future generations about climate issues. In this conversation, Richard Somerville discusses the importance of integrating scientific understanding into climate education, emphasizing the need for accessible literature that can engage students from various backgrounds. He reflects on his personal actions towards sustainability, the historical context of climate science, and the urgency of addressing climate change. Somerville also shares his views on the balance of optimism and pessimism regarding future climate scenarios and concludes with insights into his memoir, which aims to share his scientific journey with his family.

Summary In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, Tod Gimbel speaks with Dr. Willy LeGrand about the intersection of sustainability and the hospitality industry. They explore the vast scope of tourism, the responsibilities of travelers, and the changing attitudes towards sustainable practices. The conversation delves into the motivations behind adopting sustainable practices in hospitality, the role of technology and AI in enhancing travel experiences, and the importance of education in fostering responsible tourism. Dr. LeGrand emphasizes the need for a collective effort to ensure that tourism benefits both the environment and local communities.Key takeaways:Sustainability in hospitality is about taking responsibility for our actions.The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of sectors beyond just hotels.Tourism can have significant environmental and social impacts.Travelers today are more informed and expect sustainable practices.Education is crucial for fostering responsible tourism behaviors.Sustainability often intersects with risk management in hospitality.Technology can drive positive change in the hospitality sector.AI has the potential to enhance travel experiences and promote sustainability.The hospitality industry must adapt to changing consumer expectations.Collective action is necessary for the future of sustainable tourism.Exploring Sustainability in HospitalityThe Impact of Tourism on the Environment"We need education on being good tourists.""Sustainability is about risk management.""We need to harmonize human ingenuity and AI."

SummaryIn this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel interviews Daniel Huard, a mechanical engineer and sustainability expert. They discuss Daniel's holistic approach to building efficiency, emphasizing the importance of restorative and regenerative design principles. Daniel shares insights on how improving the environment can enhance productivity and well-being in workspaces. The conversation also touches on the significance of education in sustainability practices and the need for a positive return on investment in green projects. In this conversation, Daniel Huard discusses the importance of communication in sustainability, the complexities of supply chains, and the evolution of green building practices. He emphasizes the need for awareness and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in waste diversion and carbon emissions. The discussion highlights the significant impact of green building on operational costs and the importance of lifecycle assessment in sustainable practices. Huard also shares insights on the future of building design and the necessity of thinking beyond traditional silos to create a more sustainable future.takeawaysDaniel Huard is known as the godfather of sustainability.A holistic approach is essential for effective building efficiency.Improving building environments can significantly enhance productivity.Restorative and regenerative design principles are key to sustainability.Balancing technology and traditional methods can optimize sustainability efforts.Facilitation and collaboration are crucial in green projects.Education plays a vital role in successful sustainability initiatives.A positive ROI is necessary for sustainable practices to be adopted.The majority of costs in facilities are related to the people who occupy them.Sustainability efforts can lead to both environmental benefits and financial gains. Communication is key in promoting sustainability.Understanding supply chains is crucial for sustainability efforts.Awareness leads to better practices in sustainability.Lifecycle assessment helps in waste diversion.Green building practices have evolved significantly over the years.Carbon emissions from buildings are a major concern.Effective building design can reduce operational costs.Collaboration is essential for addressing environmental challenges.Education programs enhance user engagement in sustainability.Building for impact is vital for future generations.

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Laura Francois, an impact strategist and co-founder of the Spaceship Academy. They discuss the concept of impact as a neutral term, the importance of awe in driving climate action, and the need for systems thinking in addressing complex issues in the garment industry. Laura introduces the idea of 'systems feeling' and emphasizes the role of emotions in corporate sustainability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a VUCA world and the importance of cultural change within organizations. They conclude with recommendations for inspiring reads and a discussion on optimism versus pessimism in the face of global challenges.takeawaysImpact is a neutral word that can have both positive and negative connotations.Awe can be a powerful motivator for change in climate action.Systems thinking is essential for understanding complex issues in any industry.Feeling is a crucial component in driving sustainability efforts.Every individual is part of a larger system, and small changes can create significant impacts.Pessimism about the future is a luxury we cannot afford.Curiosity is the key to fostering innovation and self-directed learning.Cultural change within organizations is necessary for effective sustainability practices.We must acknowledge the emotional aspects of our work to engage others effectively.The importance of slowing down to truly understand the systems we are part of.Exploring Impact: The Neutrality of ChangeHarnessing Awe for Climate Action"Impact is a neutral word.""Systems thinking is a muscle.""You are part of the system."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laura Francois and Her Journey01:46New Chapter03:47The Role of Awe in Impact Strategy10:33 Systems Thinking and Feeling in Sustainability 16:12 The Importance of Awe in Action and Change21:51 From Awe to Curiosity: A Framework for Change23:00Bridging the Sustainability Spectrum24:18 Navigating VUCA: The New Business Landscape27:05 Hospicing Modernity: Embracing Change with Care28:59 Empowering CSOs: Leading Cultural Change31:36 The Ripple Effect: Small Changes, Big Impact 34:32 Emergence Over Prescription: Finding New Paths38:25 Optimism vs. Pessimism: The Ethical Dilemma

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Todd Gimble speaks with Valerian Favel, co-founder of the Spaceship Academy, about his journey from impact investing in Southeast Asia to focusing on environmental entrepreneurship. They discuss the evolution of the Spaceship Academy, the importance of corporate sustainability, and the integration of AI into education for sustainability. Val shares insights on the need for companies to rethink their business models in light of environmental challenges and expresses optimism for the future through collective action. Key takeaways: Valerian Favel's journey began with impact investing in Southeast Asia. The Spaceship Academy evolved from a social entrepreneur program to corporate sustainability training. Education is crucial for companies to understand and implement sustainable practices. AI can enhance sustainability education by providing tailored learning experiences. Corporate sustainability is driven by both regulatory pressures and employee expectations. Val believes that action is key to making a positive impact on the planet. The focus on GDP growth is outdated and needs to be re-evaluated. Sustainability requires a shift in mindset across all levels of a company. Cambodia's development highlights the complexities of sustainability in emerging markets. Val's optimism stems from the potential for rapid change when people take action. Navigating Sustainability: Insights from Valerian Favel The Journey of Impact Investing and Environmental Entrepreneurship Transforming Corporate Sustainability through Education AI and the Future of Sustainability Training

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimble speaks with Sruthi Viswanathan, co-founder and CTO of Spaceship AI. They discuss Sruthi's journey from computer science to AI, her focus on human-centered design, and the development of innovative solutions for mental health and sustainability. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration with domain experts and the creation of the Planetary Boundaries Rover, which aims to educate engineers on sustainable practices. Sruthi emphasizes the need for ethical AI and the role of technology in scaling sustainability education.takeaways Sruthi Viswanathan is the CTO of Spaceship AI, focusing on human-centered AI. Her journey includes working in various countries and startups, emphasizing innovation. The importance of mental health solutions in AI development is highlighted. Human-centered AI aims to make technology accessible to everyone. The interaction layer is designed to help users understand and control AI systems. Collaboration with domain experts is crucial for effective AI solutions. The Planetary Boundaries Rover was developed to educate engineers on sustainability. Sustainability education needs to be scaled for broader impact. Spaceship AI focuses on ethical and responsible AI development. Literature can inspire and inform sustainability efforts.

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, Tod Gimble shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a leader in sustainability. He discusses the evolution of sustainability in business, the importance of education, and the role of corporations in addressing global issues. Tod emphasizes the need for a network of experts and the impact of regulatory pressures on corporate responsibility. He also reflects on the optimism he finds in the growing commitment to sustainability and offers advice for young people looking to enter the field.takeaways Tod transitioned from corporate roles to sustainability leadership. He emphasizes the importance of education in sustainability. Sustainability was not a priority in business until recently. Corporations play a crucial role in addressing global issues. The need for a network of sustainability experts is vital. Regulatory pressures are increasing for companies to act sustainably. Travel has shaped Tod's perspective on global sustainability issues. There is a growing commitment to sustainability among young people. The solutions to sustainability challenges are available but require action. Education and awareness are key to driving change in sustainability.

In the inaugural episode of the Future Shapers podcast, hosts Tod Gimble and Craig Vezina discuss their backgrounds, the mission of the Spaceship Academy, and the importance of sustainability and the need for personal connections in sustainability efforts. The podcast aims to inspire and educate on sustainability. Craig's journey from education to entrepreneurship highlights the importance of diverse experiences. COVID prompted a reevaluation of educational methods and the need for digital content. The Spaceship Academy focuses on helping businesses achieve sustainability goals. Personal connections are crucial for engaging individuals in sustainability efforts. AI can enhance sustainability education by providing ongoing support and resources. Innovation is key to solving pressing environmental issues. The gap between knowledge and action in sustainability is a significant challenge. The Carbon Almanac serves as an accessible resource for understanding carbon issues. Collaboration among leaders is essential for meaningful progress in sustainability.