What if the next idea you notice could change the way you lead, innovate, or even think about the future? From AI and boardroom strategy to education and real-world change, here are five insights to spark your thinking.
1️⃣ AI’s Power Hunger, Sovereign AI & Sand Scarcity – Lessons from South Africa.
In our latest episode of the Elephants in the Boardroom podcast, Graeme Codrington and Dean van Leeuwen explore three Grey Elephants reshaping the business landscape: AI’s massive energy appetite, the rise of Sovereign AI, and even sand scarcity – yes, sand, the foundation of cement, silicon, and glass.
With insights from South African writer Tom Eaton, this episode also highlights that resilience emerges where systems break and trust erodes. Leaders who spot these Grey Elephants early turn risk into advantage. Listen here.
2️⃣ Bossing: The 7 Things You Need to know about being the boss” By Keith Coats
Keith Coats cuts through the noise with 7 simple truths any boss needs: from owning the mood you bring into the room, to shifting from command‑and‑control to invitation and impact. He reminds us that being “the boss” isn’t about the title or the power – it’s about creating clarity, connection, and culture.
If you’re stepping into leadership (or already there) and want to lead real change, these are the basics you can’t skip.
3️⃣ Why Change Initiatives Fail (It’s Not What You Think).
Change initiatives fail up to 88% of the time, costing businesses trillions. But it’s not because people can’t adapt – humans are the most adaptive species on Earth. Dean van Leeuwen explains that the real secret is in the leadership: four sparks that ignite meaningful change.
A clear endgame, radical ambition, meaningful impact, and sensing & synchronising. Leaders who get these sparks right turn ordinary initiatives into extraordinary results. Are you igniting change in your organisation, or just going through the motions? Watch here.
4️⃣ Parents: Here’s a fresh perspective on exam season.
As learners hit exam season in many parts of the world, Jude Foulston reminds us parents that although exams may be the system we’re still working with, they’re really not the best measure of learning. And while we can’t change that overnight, there are meaningful things we can do as parents to ease the pressure, rethink success, and support our kids in a healthier way.
In this article, Jude shares three practical shifts parents can make – ones that build confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning (and may even challenge a few assumptions we’ve held for years). Read more here.
Also – our Cheese on Wheels Club for schools launches on Monday. Be sure to sign up on our wait list to be one of the first to get the updates, and become one of our founding members, (with founding member rates).
If you’re a parent, school leader or that innovative teacher who loves moving forward, be sure to get on that list – I promise you, we’ve got a bonus resource, that we’re throwing in for free that is going to change your world… Join the waitlist and follow FutureSmart.ED on Insta or Facebook to get the updates.
5️⃣ Small shift. Big cool: How ultra-white paint could beat air-conditioning.
Scientists have developed a paint that reflects more than 98% of sunlight – meaning it can cool surfaces more effectively than some air-conditioning units. The discovery, led by researchers at Purdue University, could have a powerful impact on energy use and urban heat. Imagine painting buildings white and instantly reducing the need for artificial cooling – no machinery, no extra energy, just better science.
It’s one of those elegant solutions that reminds us: sometimes the smartest fixes are also the simplest, and that there are always opportunities when facing disruption, or what our team refers to as Grey Elephants. Read the full article here.
We’re here to talk, guide, and help you take the next step, whether that’s your next keynote or workshop, or any other way our global team of futurists could help. Contact us and start preparing for what’s coming next.