Compass February 2022 - What Makes a Professional Futurist a Professional?

This issue explores the standards of professionalism within the foresight field through a collection of diverse essays compiled by Stephen Dupont. Pamela Scheid offers a pithy definition of the professional futurist while Daniel Riveong emphasizes the importance of challenging dominant views and systemic thinking. Graham Norris explores the psychological cultivation of a futurist mindset and Roger Spitz outlines six distinguishing features of a foresight professional. Creative and interpersonal dimensions are highlighted by Heather Benoit who discusses curiosity and bold ideas while Jim Lee focuses on getting comfortable with uncertainty. Dr. Anne Kyoya traces the evolution of the field from charlatanism to a 21st-century success key while Chris Mayer applies a military perspective to professional standards. Beyond the cover story the issue features a Q&A with Peter Hayward detailing lessons from 117 episodes of the FuturePod podcast. Member profiles include Catherine Cosgrove on envisioning a stronger future for Canada. Dr. Kimberly Daniels continues a dialogue on diversity in the foresight community featuring insights from four prominent women in the field. Richard Slaughter reflects on his career journey through the lens of influential books. Patricia Lustig and Gill Ringland explain why futurists remain optimists. Carla Bass provides a curated list of must-read foresight books for practitioners. Dr. Sarah Skidmore discusses organizational wellness while Estefanía Simón-Sasyk explores post-Covid food scenarios.