Redirecting.work
Bob Johansen
A Future-focused Pivot
​​​
Bob Johansen’s career has always been about looking ahead. As a professional futurist, he spent decades at the Institute for the Future (IFTF), forecasting trends, advising global leaders, and shaping strategic insights. In recent years, Bob made a significant pivot—a shift toward a new way of working, one that better fits his evolving vision for himself and the world.
​
From Leading to Writing: A Shift in Focus
For much of his career, Bob thrived as a public speaker, consultant, and strategic leader at IFTF. He was deeply embedded in the organization, even serving as its president and on its
board. Over time, the constant travel and in-person engagements became less appealing. He began asking himself, “How can I continue to be a futurist without the physical demands of travel?”
​
His answer was not retirement, but rather what he calls a “redirection.” Instead of stepping away, he leaned into writing—something he had done throughout his career, with 15 books, but now took center stage. His newest book, Leaders Make the Future (third edition), explores leadership in an era of rapid technological change largely introduced through AI. In addition, he is simultaneously working on two other books. One focuses on Faith and the Future, revisiting themes from his early years studying divinity, while another, Navigating the Age of Chaos, examines how individuals and organizations can thrive amid uncertainty. This latter book illuminates the future concept “BANI:” Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible.
​
In addition to his writing, he continues as a futurist providing four to five custom forecasts for IFTF customers where he interprets the Institute’s forecasts to met the unique needs of these organizations.
​
This shift also meant embracing new technology in an innovative way. Bob has fully integrated AI into his workflow, developing a personal AI assistant he calls “Stretch.” This customized version of ChatGPT helps him refine ideas, organize research, and push his thinking further. He describes his setup as “a conversation, not just a tool,” emphasizing how AI is augmenting—not replacing—his work.
​
A New Way of Engaging: Virtual Thought Leadership
​
In addition to writing, Bob continues to speak and consult—but with a key difference. He no longer travels extensively, opting instead for virtual engagements. This approach allows him to reach global audiences while staying rooted in Bainbridge Island, Washington, where he has built a new home base.
​​
His virtual speaking engagements follow an innovative model: Bob appears on a large screen, engaging with audiences remotely, while one of his younger colleagues is present in the room to facilitate. This cross-generational approach ensures that his work remains relevant and dynamic, combining his deep expertise with fresh perspectives.
​​
Beyond professional engagements, Bob also gives back through volunteer work. He is actively involved with Bainbridge Prepares, a renowned disaster-preparedness initiative. While he no longer sits on formal boards, he lends his foresight expertise as an ad hoc advisor, helping shape community resilience strategies.
​
Advice for Navigating the Future
​
Bob’s career pivot is not about slowing down; it’s about redesigning his life to fit his evolving priorities. His advice for others looking to make a meaningful pivot is built on key principles:
​​
-
Stay Curious – “It all begins with curiosity,” Bob says. A successful career pivot starts with a genuine interest in exploring new directions. Whether through reading, learning new skills, or engaging with different communities, maintaining a future-focused mindset is crucial.
-
Find Your Unique Voice – Thought leadership, in Bob’s view, isn’t just about expertise; it’s about developing a unique perspective and sharing it in a compelling way. For him, that means writing books, now in collaboration, but for others, it might involve speaking, mentoring, or creating content in other forms.
-
Invest in Community and Relationships – While knowledge and skills are important, Bob emphasizes that strong social connections are vital for long-term success. Whether through professional networks, family and his long-term relationship with his wife, or local communities, building a support system can help navigate transitions with confidence. His own life in Bainbridge Island is enriched by a close-knit intellectual and creative community.
-
Prioritize Health and Well-Being – Bob firmly believes in the connection between physical health and mental agility. A former college athlete, he has maintained a disciplined exercise routine, including cycling and weight training, as a way to manage stress and sustain long-term productivity.
-
Adapt to New Tools and Methods – Bob’s embrace of AI in his work is a prime example of staying ahead of the curve. He encourages others to experiment with emerging technologies and find ways to integrate them into their workflow, rather than resisting change.
​
A Thought Leader for the Future
​
At 80, Bob Johansen is far from retired. Instead, he has reimagined his career to focus on writing, virtual engagement, and mentoring the next generation of futurists. His story is a testament to the idea that pivots aren’t just about moving on—they’re about moving forward with intention and clarity.
​​
As Bob continues his work, he remains committed to helping others think future-back—not predicting the future, but equipping them with the foresight tools needed to shape it. In a world that is increasingly uncertain, his guidance on navigating complexity is more valuable than ever.