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At Quest Global, we believe progress is shaped by diverse perspectives. That’s why we bring forward voices from across the global business and technology ecosystem—especially those that challenge conventional thinking.
In the 5 segments below, Associate Vice President, Cheryl Rodness, speaks with Daniel Burrus, Global Futurist & Strategic Advisor, on the forces shaping what comes next. Together, they explore the difference between hard trends and soft trends, what that distinction means for leaders and organizations, and how foresight can move from theory to action.
Listen in as they exchange perspectives, and draw your own conclusions on how anticipation, not reaction, can define the future.
Anticipating the future: A conversation on certainty, change, and engineering what’s next
We’re bringing you a thought-provoking conversation between Associate Vice President, Cheryl Rodness and Daniel Burrus, Global Futurist & Strategic Advisor, on anticipatory leadership. Across five focused clips, they explore how leaders and engineers can move from reacting to disruption to anticipating it by separating hard trends (future facts) from soft trends (assumptions), preparing engineers for multidimensional challenges, and building cultures that value learning, humility, and foresight. From technology and talent to leadership mindset and organizational resilience, this series offers practical perspectives on how certainty can become a strategic advantage.
Full clips coming soon. Watch this space.
Episode 1 – Leadership Trends: Prediction before disruptions
What if you could predict disruptions before they happen? In this clip, Daniel Burrus explains the concept of anticipatory leadership and how separating hard trends (future facts) from soft trends (assumptions) empowers engineers to innovate with certainty. From aging demographics to the evolution of wireless technology, this conversation highlights how engineers can pre-solve problems and turn disruption into opportunity. Watch the full clip to learn how to stay ahead in a world of rapid change.
Episode 2 – Hard and Soft Trends: A framework for certainty
How do you navigate uncertainty in a rapidly changing world? In this clip, Cheryl and Daniel explore the concept of hard and soft trends, using the automotive industry as an example. From the rise of EVs to the evolution of battery technology, they discuss how understanding what’s certain (hard trends) and what’s flexible (soft trends) empowers engineers to anticipate change and make better decisions. This conversation highlights how Quest Global helps organizations turn trends into actionable strategies.
Episode 3 – Preparing engineers for the future
Are we equipping engineers for the challenges of tomorrow? In this clip, Cheryl and Daniel discuss the need for a broader, more multidisciplinary approach to engineering education. From strategic listening to collaboration and business acumen, they explore how engineers can develop the skills to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world. This conversation highlights how Quest Global is fostering polymath engineers who can solve complex problems with creativity and vision.
Episode 4 – Learning from failure: Building a resilient culture
What makes a learning culture truly transformative? In this clip, Cheryl and Daniel discuss how Quest Global celebrates learning and even failure as a path to growth. From senior leaders sharing their biggest lessons to fostering trust and humility, this conversation highlights how a strong culture becomes an organization’s greatest competitive advantage. Watch to see how Quest Global is building resilient teams ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Episode 5 – The future of engineering: Thinking bigger, acting sooner
What will define the next decade of engineering? In this clip, Cheryl and Daniel explore the forces shaping the future, from the reinvention of energy systems to the rapid rise of AI and quantum computing. They discuss why engineering is not just changing but transforming every business process, and why mindset will matter as much as technology. This conversation highlights the role engineers will play in solving the world’s biggest challenges—and how anticipatory leaders can turn certainty into bold action for the future.
