Programs
Become fluent in the
language of change.
Each fluency drives growth and development of a key leadership strength.
LLAF is a high-touch, high-trust training program in the six fluencies central to 21st century leadership. understand and detect change as it flows through each of us and the systems we operate in.
The progression of the Six Fluencies trains you to track the right signals, build responsiveness into your strategy and culture, and develop the courage to align the organization with where the future is headed.
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Workshops are designed for cohorts of 12-24 people, and are typically delivered across a team of senior leaders.
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The full curriculum is a 1-year journey for teams. However, each fluency can be delivered as a stand-alone offering, or in a custom combination.
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Our group work is supported by expert coaching for groups or individuals, and by practices to share with larger teams.
Though you recognize that you are not in control,
you’re not afraid. You are ready.
Learn how to create sustainable change in yourself, the organization, and for others.
“
The skills and principles futurists use are built for complexity and, when applied to inner development, nurture the deepest parts of our humanity.
Cecily Sommers
THE SIX LEADERSHIP FLUENCIES
And let us lead
with wisdom.
The organizational capacity to thrive in a turbulent environment lies in its leaders. It’s a call to develop the greatest untapped potential each of us: the wisdom to know what’s right to do even when there are no right answers.
Lead Like a Futurist (LLAF) trains leaders and teams to leverage disruption for good.
Our curriculum of six leadership fluencies uses the context of business to cultivate dimensions of wisdom. In the process they foster a culture that is as adaptable as it is cohesive.
The combination of custom programs and personalized coaching creates a highly impactful process for each participant.
LLAF is designed for executive teams, high-potential leaders and other high-impact positions. Through the course of the six fluencies, leaders learn to align inner and outer transformation in themselves, their teams, and the world.
“
Applying the principles and practices of foresight, you’re able to answer not only what’s needed now, but what the future needs from us.
That binocular vision is the foundation of what it means to lead like a futurist, and to find the center of wise, ethical action when we find ourselves at the center of the storm.
Cecily Sommers
Leading
Self
Gain mastery in the principles and practices of personal transformation and purpose so you can then lead to process for the organization.
Fluency 1: Reinvention
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Listen to the signals of change from within
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Quickly dissolve drama with 4 Habits of Mind
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Use the 5 “Ahs” to grow self-awareness
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Follow the thread of your life
Fluency 2: Purpose
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Move into the truth of who you are
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Identify what feeds your energy and expression
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Use Purpose as a guide in transitions
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Learn to lead and live a purposeful life
Use the power of foresight to anticipate opportunities, shape your vision, innovate for future relevance, and soften resistance to change.
Leading Organizations
Fluency 3: Foresight
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Understand the very nature of change
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Follow the 4 Forces that shape society
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Track what's relevant to your industry
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Embed foresight in how you do business
Fluency 4: Innovation
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Find Best Questions that unpack your problem
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Score for customer needs and future conditions
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Map territories of proprietary advantage
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Develop a now-to-future innovation portfolio
Aligned to a future vision, you now bring others along with humility, courage to do the right thing, and demonstrating you matter.
Leading
Others
Fluency 5: Belonging
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Instill listening skills for trust and collaboration
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Increase speed of cooperation at scale
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Align individual passions with collective purpose
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Make the Gates of Belonging a cultural practice
Fluency 6: Wisdom
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Seek understanding over answers
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Balance short and long term interests
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Be centered amid chaos, complexity, and change
-
Pursue wisdom as your highest goal
LEADING
SELF
Gain mastery in the principles and practices of personal transformation and purpose so you can then lead to process for the organization.
Fluency 1
Reinvention
1
This Leadership Fluency presents guided learning experiences and exercises that develop reinvention as a skillful practice. Together we learn how to bring more of ourselves to life, and more of life into the endless evolution of who we are becoming. Reinvention is the essence of leading like a futurist, and is the scaffold on which all subsequent fluencies are built.
-
Listen to the signals of change from within
-
Dissolve drama with 4 Habits of Mind
-
Use the 5 “Ahs” to grow self-awareness
-
Follow the thread of your life
Decades of studies report the positive effect of transformational leadership for the org. In particular, leaders who possess “a high internal change capability themselves significantly influence organizational performance, particularly in a complex environment.” This is why the fluency of Reinvention is foundational for LLAF.
- Le TT, Le BP. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021
Fluency 2
Purpose
2
The most important thing any of us can do is to commit to living, leading, and contributing from the unique gifts we carry. This is purpose. Knowing, feeling, and following it is the core of strategy in both life and business. We will dig into ways to recognize and articulate who we are, and then translate it back into your own personal brand strategy as a leader/organization.
-
Move into the truth of who you are
-
Identify what feeds your energy and expression
-
Use Purpose as a guide in transitions
-
Learn to lead and live a purposeful life
Leaders who are guided by a clear purpose are more adept at leading through change and uncertainty. They provide a stable anchor for their teams, helping them navigate challenges effectively. Purpose-led leadership is also correlated with retaining and developing top talent, greater creativity and innovation, and enhanced trust and reputation in and outside the organization.
-HBR, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Applied Psychology, Edelman Trust Barometer
LEADING
ORGANIZATIONS
Fluency 3
Foresight
3
The beauty of strategic foresight is that it helps you know where to aim your purpose amidst a shifting landscape. You learn about the four forces of change—what’s predictable and what’s not—and how to track signals that are important to the future of your business, so you know where to place your bets.
-
Understand the very nature of change
-
Follow the 4 Forces that shape society
-
Track what's relevant to your industry
-
Embed foresight in how you do business
The ROI for organizations with management teams that think about the future is impressive: up to 33% higher profitability and 200% higher market capitalisation growth within their industries.
“Corporate foresight and its impact on firm performance: A longitudinal analysis” Rohrbeck and Kum
This Leadership Fluency presents guided learning experiences and exercises that develop reinvention as a skillful practice. Together we learn how to bring more of ourselves to life, and more of life into the endless evolution of who we are becoming. Reinvention is the essence of leading like a futurist, and is the scaffold on which all subsequent fluencies are built.
-
Listen to the signals of change from within
-
Quickly dissolve drama with 4 Habits of Mind
-
Use the 5 “Ahs” to grow self-awareness
-
Follow the thread of your life
Decades of studies report the positive effect of transformational leadership for the org. In particular, leaders who possess “a high internal change capability themselves significantly influence organizational performance, particularly in a complex environment.” This is why the fluency of Reinvention is foundational for LLAF.
- Le TT, Le BP. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021
LEADING
ORGANIZATIONS
Fluency 4
Innovation
4
Folding foresight into the innovation process we Solve for X, and turn your hunch into an idea worth creating. We use this formula to make a map of where the future’s potentials intersect with the unique potential of your business. A solid structure in this approach makes it flexible, scalable, yet always thorough. It’s the rigor people need to let their creativity fly.
-
Find Best Questions that unpack your problem
-
Score for customer needs and future conditions
-
Map territories of proprietary advantage
-
Develop a now-to-future innovation portfolio
More than 65% of companies report that aligning business strategy and innovation vision is their top strategic challenge.
(PWC, Benchmark Innovation report)
LLAF’s fluency sequence of Reinvention > Purpose > Foresight > Innovation ensures that corporate strategy, innovation projects, and day-to-day practice are naturally aligned.
LEADING
OTHERS
Fluency 5
Belonging
5
Belonging is the engine of individual development and the glue of complex systems. In a sense it’s what gives order to chaos. It is also the deepest, most soulful gift we can give. In this fluency we learn the subtle cues and balance of connection, trust, acceptance, and respect. It’s the home we bring with us and offer others, and an attention we take into the world.
-
Instill listening skills for trust and collaboration
-
Increase speed of cooperation at scale
-
Align individual passions with collective purpose
-
Make the Gates of Belonging a cultural practice
Leadership behavior plays a crucial role in creating a culture of belonging, and it pays off: 56% increase in job performance, a 50% drop in turnover risk, and a 75% reduction in sick days. For a 10,000-person company, this would result in annual savings of more than $52M.
Deloitte Human Capital Trends Report
LEADING
OTHERS
Fluency 6
Wisdom
6
The meta-perspective of foresight trains us to see what really matters. It also draws from the best parts of our character for the best outcomes for all: ethical reasoning, clear-sightedness, comfort with ambiguity, humility and, most of all, brave action. Wisdom is our ballast in the storm, our greatest potential, and our highest priority.
-
Seek understanding over answers
-
Balance short and long term interests
-
Be centered amid chaos, complexity, and change
-
Pursue wisdom as your highest goal
For more than 70% of customers and employees, the biggest driver in loyalty is shared beliefs and values with a company, with expectations for business to be the linchpin of social change
Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023
Introductory copy here.
Fluency 1: Reinvention
Content here.
LEADING
SELF
Fluency 1
Reinvention
1
Content here.
LEADING
SELF
Fluency 2
Purpose
2
Content here.
LEADING
ORGANIZATIONS
Fluency 3
Foresight
3
Content here.
LEADING
ORGANIZATIONS
Fluency 4
Innovation
4
Content here.
LEADING
OTHERS
Fluency 5
Belonging
5
Content here.
LEADING
OTHERS
Fluency 6
Wisdom
6
Content here.
Lead Like a Futurist Delivery Formats
One-Day Immersion
+ Three Weeks of Integration
The level of design and hospitality in this offering bonds the group and ensures delight
and trust in every moment. This offering is a good fit for client/team engagements.
DELIVERY
IMMERSION: In-person workshop.
INTEGRATION: Two 1:1 coaching calls held before our final call
REUNION: A virtual (1-hour) group meeting celebrates ways in which the fluency is taking root in each person’s life.
INCLUDED
Initial assessment, personalized workbook, two coaching calls + 1-hour closing call three weeks later.
Virtual Workshop Series
Virtual workshops are suited to large and/or remote audiences.
DELIVERY
There are four weekly 2-hour workshops per Fluency.
INCLUDED
Initial assessment, downloadable workbook, and a coaching video that follow each 2-hour workshop. These videos guide participants in their personal work and/or in peer-coaching.
LEADING SELF
Gain mastery in the principles and practices of personal transformation and purpose so you can then lead the process in your organization.
1
Reinvention
Fluency 1
This Leadership Fluency presents guided learning experiences and exercises that develop reinvention as a skillful practice. Together we learn how to bring more of ourselves to life, and more of life into the endless evolution of who we are becoming. Reinvention is the essence of leading like a futurist, and is the scaffold on which all subsequent fluencies are built.
-
Listen to the signals of change from within
-
Dissolve drama with 4 Habits of Mind
-
Use the 4 “Ahs” to grow self-awareness
-
Follow the thread of your life
Decades of studies report the positive effect of transformational leadership for the org. In particular, leaders who possess “a high internal change capability themselves significantly influence organizational performance, particularly in a complex environment.” This is why the fluency of Reinvention is foundational for LLAF.
- Le TT, Le BP. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021
2
Purpose
Fluency 2
The most important thing any of us can do is to commit to living, leading, and contributing from the unique gifts we carry. This is purpose. And knowing, feeling, and following it is the core of strategy in both life and business. We develop ways to recognize and articulate who you are, and then translate it back into your own personal brand, an approach that applies to your org as well.
-
Move into the truth of who you are
-
Identify what feeds your energy and expression
-
Use Purpose as a guide in transitions
-
Learn to lead and live a purposeful life
Leaders who are guided by a clear purpose are more adept at leading through change and uncertainty. They provide a stable anchor for their teams, helping them navigate challenges effectively. Purpose-led leadership is also correlated with retaining and developing top talent, greater creativity and innovation, and enhanced trust and reputation in and outside the organization.
- A summary of studies in HBR, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Applied Psychology, Edelman Trust Barometer
To lead like a futurist is to lead transformational change from the inside out. Attending to areas of emergent growth helps us find our way when all other stationary guideposts are failing us. The pay-off is significant: we can manage the crazy urgencies heaped on our plate, while staying true to a clear sense of what’s wise to do — even when the outcomes are murky.
LEADING ORGANIZATIONS
Use the power of foresight to anticipate opportunities, shape your vision, innovate for future relevance, and soften resistance to change.
3
Foresight
Fluency 3
The beauty of strategic foresight is that it helps you know where to aim your purpose amidst a shifting landscape. You learn about the four forces of change—what’s predictable and what’s not—and how to track signals that are important to the future of your business, so you know where to place your bets.
-
Understand the very nature of change
-
Follow the 4 Forces that shape society
-
Track what's relevant to your industry
-
Embed foresight in how you do business
The ROI for organizations with management teams that think about the future is impressive: up to 33% higher profitability and 200% higher market capitalization growth within their industries.
- From “Corporate foresight and its impact on firm performance:
A longitudinal analysis” - Rohrbeck and Kum
4
Innovation
Fluency 4
Folding foresight into the innovation process we Solve for X, and turn your hunch into an idea worth creating. We use this formula to make a map of where the future’s potentials intersect with the unique potential of your business. A solid structure in this approach makes it flexible, scalable, yet always thorough. It’s the rigor people need to let their creativity fly.
-
Find Best Questions that unpack your problem
-
Score for customer needs and future conditions
-
Map territories of proprietary advantage
-
Develop a now-to-future innovation portfolio
More than 65% of companies report that aligning business strategy and innovation vision is their top strategic challenge.
- Benchmark Innovation Report, PWC
LLAF’s fluency sequence of Reinvention > Purpose > Foresight > Innovation ensures that corporate strategy, innovation projects, and day-to-day practice are naturally aligned. It's gives the clarity that's needed to follow with Belonging and Wisdom.
Every 70-100 years global powers reorder themselves. The hallmark of these cycles is conflict and crises on several fronts, and a period of transition that lasts several decades. To make sense of it we need to grow an Anticipatory Intelligence that keeps us relevant and resilient throughout, with an adaptive muscle for continuous reinvention.
LEADING OTHERS
Aligned to a future vision, you now bring others along with humility, courage to do the right thing, and demonstrating you matter.
5
Belonging
Fluency 5
Belonging is the engine of individual development and the glue of complex systems. In a sense it’s what gives order to chaos. It is also the deepest, most soulful gift we can give. In this fluency we learn the subtle cues and balance of connection, trust, acceptance, and respect. It’s the home we bring with us and offer others, and an attention we take into the world.
-
Instill listening skills for trust and collaboration
-
Increase speed of cooperation at scale
-
Align individual passions with collective purpose
-
Make the Gates of Belonging a cultural practice
Leadership behavior plays a crucial role in creating a culture of belonging, and it pays off: 56% increase in job performance, a 50% drop in turnover risk, and a 75% reduction in sick days. For a 10,000-person company, this would result in annual savings of more than $52M.
- Deloitte Human Capital Trends Report
6
Wisdom
Fluency 6
The meta-perspective of foresight trains us to see what really matters. It also draws from the best parts of our character for the best outcomes for all: ethical reasoning, clear-sightedness, comfort with ambiguity, humility and, most of all, brave action. Wisdom is our ballast in the storm, our greatest potential, and our highest priority.
-
Seek understanding over answers
-
Balance short and long term interests
-
Be centered amid chaos, complexity, and change
-
Pursue wisdom as your highest goal
For more than 70% of customers and employees, the biggest driver in loyalty is shared beliefs and values with a company, with expectations for business to be the linchpin of social change.
- Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023
Humans are designed for a complex world. We have everything we need within and between us. If we do our work, we can do better.
Evolution is asking us to balance the quantum nature of change within the fixed binary state of business. The wise way helps us do this without becoming chaotic ourselves. We create stability by holding to perspective (map), purpose (compass), and experimentation (discovery).
This is the training of LLAF.