Yasmim Seadi – ‘The future can’t be predicted; it can only be imagined’

As the Lead Designer at Envisioning, the world’s first intelligence platform for emerging technology, Yasmim Seadi is acutely aware of the powers that technologies can offer to people and businesses alike.

In an interview for MaltaCEOs 2021 magazine, on the opportunities of tomorrow, Yasmim, who forms part of a company that combines data visualisation with systematic research to help people see and prepare for the future, asserts “Keep an eye on signals, connect the dots, cross-check patterns and consider possible scenarios.”

“Everyone needs to pay attention to subjects such as technology development, geopolitical events and demographic change. You should also read widely and listen to podcasts and talks by people from different backgrounds.”

For Yasmim, curiosity is a trait that could serve companies well in 2021. “Invite the people around you to be curious too,” she continues.

“Empower your team and provide a safe place where people feel comfortable asking ‘obvious’ questions, exploring their imagination and being creative. Technology is obviously pivotal too, but don’t forget that technologies are not neutral because they always carry the bias of their developers. So, building a diverse team is important. Everybody has something to give and share, and we must listen more to create a more inclusive future.”

The Lead Designer adds that, “the pandemic has re-signified the form and fluidity of how technology can be implemented in corporations. Technologies are tools that can empower us, as well as help us to imagine and create narratives about tomorrow and build the future we want. We shouldn’t be afraid of losing jobs to AI. Instead, we should think about how to distribute the attributes of robotics more evenly to help workers prepare for and adapt to the upheaval it will bring.”

Yasmim advocates for a ‘lifetime learning’ mindset to ensure people are always absorbing new skills and better preparing themselves for a wide array of futures.

“The future can’t be predicted; it can only be imagined. It’s really important to understand that there isn’t only one possible future. The future of each person and place is going to be different. We need diverse people thinking about how to build a better, safer and more inclusive world for all kinds of people,” she concludes.