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We explore the power of systems thinking and strategic foresight with futurist Donna Dupont, as we challenge assumptions about leadership, innovation, and our collective future. Zoë shares an exciting update on her new book Power Games launching on Kickstarter, and we dive into the emerging vision of a moon-based data centre and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure.
In this episode, Donna brings clarity to the often-misunderstood world of foresight work. She breaks down how mapping complexity, anticipatory thinking, and systems framing can shift the way leaders respond to crises, craft policy, and design for change. From Arctic policy to leadership development, this conversation unpacks how to lead with deeper awareness in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Planet Human
Summary
Zoë shares personal updates:
From Resistance to Rhythm – Reflections on what it takes to return to creative work after burnout, and how consistency, not intensity builds resilience and momentum.
The Quiet Power of Presence – Insights from a recent leadership retreat on how slowing down sharpens awareness and deepens team connection.
Power Games on Kickstarter – What’s resonating with early supporters of Power Games, and why naming toxic dynamics is only the first step to changing them.
The Trap of Over-Functioning – A leadership blind spot: when doing more hides deeper patterns of control, fear, or unworthiness.Thought-Provoking Questions for Leaders, focusing on:
Donna Dupont reflects on:
Organisation as Living System – Donna reframes organisations as ecosystems, not machines—interconnected systems of relationships, policies, and patterns that shape how teams behave, adapt, and lead.
Foresight as Leadership Practice – Strategic foresight isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about building the capacity to think long-term, challenge assumptions, and make better decisions today. Donna outlines how to embed foresight into everyday leadership.
Mapping Complexity with Clarity – Leaders often feel stuck in chaos. Donna walks through how systems mapping can reveal hidden dynamics, blind spots, and leverage points for change—especially in turbulent environments.
Redesigning Boundaries and Power – When roles are unclear or decision-making is centralised, systems stagnate. Donna shares how reframing boundaries and power flows can unlock innovation and autonomy.
Leading Through Uncertainty – From horizon scanning to scenario building, Donna offers tools to help leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence, curiosity, and compassion—turning foresight into an everyday leadership superpower.
Key Quotes
"Strategic foresight isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about preparing to act in it with intelligence and compassion." – Donna Dupont
"When we slow down to map the system, we see possibilities we couldn’t before." – Zoë Routh
"Every assumption is a doorframe some keep us safe, some keep us stuck." – Donna Dupont
Questions Explored
What is strategic foresight, and why is it critical for future-ready leadership?
How can leaders build the capacity to map complex systems in times of uncertainty?
What role does anticipatory thinking play in solving today’s wicked problems?
How do we challenge deeply held assumptions that limit innovation and inclusive decision-making?
Take Action
Identify one system you’re part of (team, community, organisation) and begin mapping its inputs, outputs, and actors.
Use Donna’s approach: define the system’s boundaries, identify the stakeholders, and uncover any blind spots.
Bring this framework into your next strategic conversation and notice what shifts.
Tip of the Week
Host a “Future Now” workshop: Gather your team and spend 60 minutes exploring trends, weak signals, and strategic responses using foresight tools. Even one hour can unlock radically different insights.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question
00:22 Moon Data Center: A New Frontier
00:56 Book Launch: Power Games
03:02 Exploring Assumptions About the Future
05:15 Podcast Reboot and Future Plans
05:55 Interview with Futurist Donna DuPont
06:56 Understanding Systems Change and Foresight
11:00 Mapping Complexity and Strategic Foresight
27:11 Framing the System for Strategic Conversations
27:50 Defining Boundaries in Systems Thinking
29:07 Applying Systems Thinking to Arctic Policy
32:30 Anticipatory Thinking and Horizon Scanning
35:35 Addressing Bias in Foresight Activities
38:39 Challenging Assumptions in Problem Solving
43:35 The Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads
48:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
50:23 Read to Lead: Recommended Book
51:03 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
About Donna Dupont
About Donna Dupont
Donna Dupont, Founder and Chief Strategist of Purple Compass, is an award-winning designer and futurist with over 25 years of experience collaborating with leaders. She helps organizations build future literacy, navigate uncertainty, and drive impactful change.
Combining systems thinking with strategic foresight, she empowers leaders to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and seize opportunities for innovation, transformation and resilience. Recognized with seven government awards, Donna’s work spans critical areas like climate change, health security, and emergency management, with her futures research earning accolades from the Canadian Defence and Security Network and the Association of Professional Futurists.
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About Zoë Routh
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the The Future of Leadership Podcast dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.