Ecosystemic Futures

Biology as Technology: Advanced Biosystems for Space Exploration In this data-driven episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Dr. Tiffany Vora, a molecular biologist, Singularity Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMars. Drawing from her background in pharmaceutical research, teaching at Stanford University, and extensive work in space innovation, Dr. Vora examines how synthetic biology advances the development of specialized biosystems for space exploration. The discussion explores her recent publication "Space Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm for Sustainability on Earth and Beyond," detailing how technological convergence enables us to read, write, and engineer the source code of life with unprecedented precision. Dr. Vora presents research on how advanced biosystems can solve critical space exploration challenges through on-demand manufacturing of medicines, materials, and food. The episode offers actionable insights for leveraging genetic chassis organisms, flight-tested hardware for biological manufacturing, and shelf-stable reagents that deliver value for space missions and remote Earth locations. Dr. Vora outlines how these advanced biosystems can form the foundation of circular economies in space habitats where waste becomes valuable feedstock for new biological production cycles. 🎧 https://lnkd.in/eMJtE_er Highlights 📌 DNA as Programming Language: Life on Earth stores information as A, C, T, and G—a biological code we can now read, write, and edit with precision for space applications. 📌 Advanced Genetic Chassis: Researchers are developing customizable biological platforms that can be optimized for Mars's unique conditions, including radiation, salinity, and reduced light. 📌 Space Bioeconomy: "Making it" versus "taking it"—creating on-demand medicines, materials, and food in space solves critical up-mass constraints for long-duration missions. 📌 Extremophile Inspiration: Organisms that thrive in nuclear waste, salt flats, and other extreme Earth environments provide genetic blueprints for space-hardy biological systems. 📌 Flight-Tested Biomanufacturing: Developing hardware that enables small-batch, reproducible biological manufacturing in space environments has applications for both Mars missions and remote Earth locations. 📌 Circular Biosystems: Engineering biological processes where waste becomes feedstock for new materials and creates sustainable closed-loop systems essential for long-duration space habitation. Join us for this exceptional discussion.   Guest: Dr. Tiffany Vora, Singularity University Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMars Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #AdvancedBiosystems

The Wisdom Bridge: Ancient Practices for Digital Ecosystems In this fascinating episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Himanshu Bharadwaj, MDes, MFA, a design strategist who applies cognitive science principles from Eastern traditions to modern digital ecosystems. Trained at the National Institute of Design and Syracuse University, Bharadwaj presents empirical observations on how his Joyful Design methodology measurably improves innovation outcomes and team performance. The discussion examines the quantifiable limitations of current AI systems in replicating human consciousness, contrasting computational pattern recognition with the neurological cross-connections that drive human creativity. Bharadwaj references research on widespread workplace burnout (25% of Americans now take antidepressants) and presents case studies of ancient mind-training techniques that have transformed organizational systems. The episode offers actionable frameworks for ecosystem architects to integrate these evidence-based approaches into their design processes. It specifically emphasizes how changing brain physiology through targeted interventions can enhance divergent thinking, problem-solving capacity, and ecosystem resilience. 🎧 https://lnkd.in/ezKgQDa6 Highlights 📌 Science-Philosophy Convergence: Quantum physics discoveries are bridging the historical gap between scientific and philosophical understanding of reality. 📌 Neurological Enhancement: Targeted meditation and reflection techniques demonstrably alter brain physiology to improve creativity and leadership. 📌 Evolutionary Limitations: Workplace innovation suffers from primitive threat-detection circuits; specific interventions help activate higher cortical functions. 📌 Information vs. Intelligence: Bharadwaj distinguishes between information (data collection), knowledge (processing), and intelligence (creative application with intuition). 📌 AI's Creative Gap: Current AI lacks neural cross-connections between disparate ideas and subjective awareness ("the AI in AI"). 📌 The Incompleteness Principle: External systems remain perpetually incomplete, while inner development provides the completeness that enhances external effectiveness. Join us for this exceptional discussion.   Guest: Himanshu Bharadwaj, MDes, MFA, experienced design and strategy leader with a unique blend of Design Thinking, business strategy, and cognitive science. Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #DigitalEcosystems #ConsciousDesign #EasternWisdom #InnovationMindset #AILimitations #HumanCentricDesign #EcosystemicThinking #AncientPractices #ModernTechnology

The Health Dividend: How Organization Wellness Pays 3X Returns What's the measurable return on organizational health? Through rigorous assessment frameworks and 25 years of transformation data, former IBM Change Leader Donna-Marie Arias, Ph.D. quantifies the dividends of workplace wellness. She unpacks a landmark case study: a troubled global financial institution's 3.5-year journey to becoming an industry health leader, demonstrating how organizational wellness compounds into market performance. Beyond McKinsey & Company's research showing 3x performance gains, Dr. Arias reveals the metrics that matter - from diagnostic frameworks to retention patterns tied to manager relationships. Discover the science behind Guatemala's world-leading collaborative culture, how AI adoption impacts organizational vitals, and what drives sustainable returns across finance, technology, and education sectors. 🎧 https://lnkd.in/eNn6XBRw Highlights ✏️ ROI Case Study: Quantified results from a 3.5-year financial organization transformation ✏️ Measurement Science: Analysis of 100+ diagnostic indicators across accountability, direction, coordination, control, and motivation ✏️ Performance Metrics: How assessments predict and track market outcomes ✏️ Cross-Industry Data: Comparative analysis across financial, educational, and technological sectors ✏️ Cultural Intelligence: Measured impact of collaborative versus "I-centric" workplace approaches ✏️ Assessment Framework: Scientific basis for 12-24 month measurement cycles with pulse monitoring ✏️ Retention Analytics: Data-driven correlation between manager relationships and employee retention ✏️ Health Indicators: Three measurable relationship factors driving organizational performance Guest: Donna-Marie Arias, Ph.D.   Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai Partners   Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #OrganizationalROI #PerformanceMetrics #DataDrivenLeadership #OrganizationalScience #Innovation #BusinessTransformation #CorporateHealth

Advanced Air Mobility: Transforming Aviation Infrastructure & Urban Ecosystems Join our conversation with Gloria Bouillon, A.A.E., ACE Bouillon, distinguished aviation strategist and founder of Aviatrice Advisors LLC, for a critical assessment of one of the nation's most strategic infrastructure opportunities. As industry safety performance bears increasing scrutiny and global competition in advanced air mobility intensifies, the U.S. faces a pivotal moment in transforming its aviation infrastructure and urban transportation systems. From electric vertical takeoff vehicles to autonomous systems, we explore how emerging technologies can reshape our national airspace while creating new economic opportunities across regions. Learn how airports are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs to become strategic assets driving regional development and competitiveness. This timely discussion explores the intricate balance between rapid technological innovation, infrastructure development, and community engagement - offering crucial insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders shaping America's aviation future.   🎧 https://lnkd.in/eK6xuGu7   Highlights 📌 The urgent need for advanced air mobility technologies and infrastructure innovation 📌 Multi-stakeholder collaboration in aviation development 📌 Balancing innovation speed with regulatory requirements 📌 Airport management and economic development 📌 Infrastructure funding and revenue generation 📌 Energy challenges and sustainability considerations 📌 Public-private partnerships in aviation 📌 Future trends in urban air mobility   Guest: Gloria Bouillon, A.A.E., ACE - Aviation strategist, airport development expert, and founder of Aviatrice Advisors LLC, with extensive experience in both public and private sectors   Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai Partners   Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #Aviation #Infrastructure #Innovation #FutureOfTransportation #NationalAviation #StrategicInfrastructure #AirMobility #RegionalDevelopment #EconomicCompetitiveness #InfrastructureModernization #UrbanInnovation #AerospaceLeadership #SmartInfrastructure #PublicPrivatePartnerships #FutureOfTransportation #NationalAirspace #CriticalInfrastructure #EconomicGrowth #UrbanPlanning #AviationInnovation

The future isn't a forecast – it's a design challenge. Lucy W. Ziegler, founder of TBD Futures and former McKinsey & Company design strategist, reveals how leaders can transform business uncertainty into opportunity. Through scenario planning and design thinking, she demonstrates why the future isn't something to predict—it's something to design. 📢 https://lnkd.in/eJvixRP8 Highlights: 📌 Why traditional forecasting falls short in today's complex business landscape 📌 How design thinking unlocks strategic foresight for better decision-making 📌 Breaking free from quarterly pressures to build long-term vision 📌 Turning your worst-case scenarios into competitive advantages 📌 Case study: How an EV company in Latin America transformed market uncertainty into strategy Guest Lucy W. Ziegler, Founder, TBD Futures Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata Desai Partners   Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #FutureByDesign #StrategicForesight #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #DesignThinking #Futures #Leadership #ScenarioPlanning #DesignStrategy #FuturesThinking

*Expanded Content Release Due to Popular Demand* Join this expanded version of the popular and groundbreaking discussion with global leaders in aerospace, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing as they explore the "More Shots on Goal" initiative - a collaborative effort to dramatically scale up manufacturing capabilities in low Earth orbit. From revolutionary drug development to next-generation semiconductors, discover how increased space manufacturing throughput could transform industries on Earth and accelerate innovation across healthcare, technology, and energy sectors. 📢 https://lnkd.in/eZwjeiRm This special episode features expanded content and insights from NASA, DoE, the International Space Station National Lab, and pioneering companies, including Axiom Space, Varda Space Industries, Stoke Space, and more. Learn how new platforms, high-throughput systems, and novel funding approaches are turning space into a trillion-dollar manufacturing hub that could reshape terrestrial industries and unlock new solutions to global challenges. Highlights 📌 Accelerating drug development through microgravity research 📌 Next-generation semiconductor and advanced materials manufacturing 📌 Novel launch and return capabilities for space manufacturing 📌 Infrastructure and energy solutions for orbital factories 📌 Public-private partnerships and innovative funding models 📌 Bio-manufacturing and crystal growth applications 📌 Quantum technology development in space Featured Guests ROSE M. HERNANDEZ, Ph.D., ISS National Lab Curtis Hill, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lynn Harper, NASA Kevin Engelbert, NASA ISS InSpa Devon Papandrew, Stoke Space Lucie Low, Axiom Space Olivia G., Rhodium Scientific Armin Rad, M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Encapsulate Partha Dutta, United Semiconductor Ken Savin, Redwire Space Jordan Swisher, Mattiq Josh Martin, Varda Space Industries Greg Grozdits, United States Space Force SDA Lawrence Forsley, Global Energy Corporation Rima Kasia Oueid, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Kevin L. Jackson, CISSP®,CCSP®, National DigiFoundry Heath Mills, Rhodium Scientific Yao-Feng Chang, Intel Corporation Yuxuan Cosmi Lin, Texas A&M University Shane Hegarty, Axonis Therapeutics Prashant Nagpal, SachiBio Armand Dichosa, Los AlamosNational Lab Mari Anne Snow, Eascra Biotech Ying-Chen (Daphne) Chen, Arizona State University Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working Groups Donna Roberts, Deputy Chief Scientist, ISS National Lab Lawrence Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

From Fringe to Frontier: Material Futures from UAP Stanford professor Dr. Garry Nolan reveals how UAP observations can refactor our approach to materials science. In this compelling episode, Dr. Nolan demonstrates how studying anomalous phenomena provides unprecedented insights, reshaping materials research and development. Drawing from his pioneering work in biotechnology and advanced analysis, he illustrates why incorporating UAP insights could accelerate technological breakthroughs in many domains and transform our understanding of what's possible. 📢 https://lnkd.in/e62g6vfc Highlights: 📌 How UAP research informs next-generation materials development 📌 Advanced analysis techniques revealing new scientific possibilities 📌 The convergence of materials science and anomalous phenomena 📌 Strategic implications for technological leadership 📌 Breakthrough private sector opportunities in UAP-inspired research   Guest: Garry Nolan, Founder, Apprise Biotech and Nodality; and Rachford and Carlota A. Harris Endowed Professor at Stanford University   Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working Groups Lawrence Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and USSF SpaceWERX Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #MaterialFutures #UAPresearch #FutureTech #Innovation #BreakthroughScience #AdvancedMaterials #DisruptiveTech #STEM #ecosystems #futures

From Taboo to Testimony: Technology, Citizen Science, and the Evolution of UAP Research with Leslie Kean, Ryan Graves, and Christine Kim The landscape of UAP research has transformed dramatically over the past two decades from a taboo topic to congressional testimony. In this pivotal episode, pioneering investigative journalist Leslie Kean bridges past discoveries with current developments, including the latest wave of mass sightings across multiple states. Featuring crucial insights from former Navy pilot Ryan Graves and Enigma Labs' Christine Kim, this conversation reveals how new technologies, civilian science, military observation, and professional investigation converge to understand these mysterious phenomena. Highlights: ✏️ Leslie Kean shares how she broke the UFO story in the Boston Globe (2000) and the historical challenges of reporting on UAP ✏️ Discussion of current mass sightings across multiple states, with analysis of patterns and characteristics ✏️ Ryan Graves provides perspective on commercial pilot reports and military observations ✏️ Enigma Labs reveals data from 28,000+ civilian sightings, discussing patterns in recent mass sighting events ✏️ Exploration of how UAP research has evolved from individual sightings to systematic investigation ✏️ Analysis of current challenges in tracking and identifying unexplained aerial phenomena ✏️ Discussion of the intersection between civilian reporting, military investigation, scientific research, and technological advancement This episode offers essential context for understanding one of today's most significant scientific mysteries, combining historical perspective with breaking developments in UAP research and observation. Join us for this exceptional discussion: https://lnkd.in/e62g6vfc   Featured Guests Leslie Kean - Pioneering Investigative Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author Ryan Graves - Former Navy Fighter Pilot, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace Christine Kim - Head of Marketing, Enigma Labs Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working Groups Lawrence Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #UAP #AerospaceInnovation #CitizenScience #NationalSecurity #AviationSafety #EnigmaLabs

Shoshin Works and the Ecosystemic Futures program are honored to collaborate with interagency and private sector colleagues across all areas of energy and space technology to present:   Convergence: US Disruptive Deeptech, Energy, Space Technologies Accelerating Tomorrow's Technologies Today Virtual conference January 17, 2025 9:00am ET This conference will include diverse technologies, companies, and experts funded and supported across the interagency (awards publicly visible), including NASA, NSF, DOD (Space Force, SpaceWERX, Air Force/AFWERX, DARPA), ISS, DHHS, NIH, DOE, SBA, Commerce, Treasury, and others… Co-hosted with interagency and private sector colleagues across all areas in deep tech, energy, and space technologies. Registration: https://lnkd.in/e7nFjRUS Highlighting the US Energy and Space Economy: Dynamic 5-minute presentations of breakthrough developments in some of the most disruptive segments of deeptech, energy and space: 📌 Enhanced energy generation, energy resilience & efficiency 📌 Advanced propulsion and launch systems 📌 In-space platforms and infrastructure 📌 Diverse in-space manufacturing technologies across biotechnology, semiconductors, advanced materials, and more 📌 Resource identification and extraction technologies, earth observational data 📌 Quantum applications for energy and space operations 📌 Human-AI and advanced capabilities integration for energy and space exploration 📌 Leading edge fusion, nuclear, extended electrodynamics, hydrogen, quantum energy, anomalous phenomena in energy and communications, off-planet mining 📌 Revolutionary materials science and engineering 📌 Cutting-edge space-based energy solutions Co-chaired by the interagency leaders listed below and hosted by Shoshin Works in collaboration with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Convergent Aeronautics Solutions and SpaceWERX. Meeting Chairs: Anna Brady-Estevez; Co-Chair US Space Economy Interagency WG; Sr. Investment Advisor and Partner (Venture) U.S. Small Business Administration; Space & Energy Technologies at National Science Foundation (NSF) Curtis Hill; Co-Chair US In-Space Semiconductors WG; NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Microelectronics lead ODME & In-Space Advanced Manufacturing (NASA) Rima Kasia Oueid Oeuid; Sr. Commercialization Executive, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); Interagency and DOE Leader in Quantum & Space Technologies David Beck; Branch Chief, Space Access Mobility and Logistics Space Systems Integration Office, Space Systems Command United States Space Force (USSF); formerly Branch Chief for Space Industrial Base & Supply Chain (USSF) Tracy MacGill; Co-Chair US In-Space Advanced Manufacturing & Space Economy Interagency WG Sean Mahoney; United States Air Force (USAF) Industry Co-Host: Dyan Finkhousen; CEO, Shoshin Works, in collaboration with NASA Convergence Aeronautics Solutions Project and SpaceWERX

Engineering the Impossible: UAP Insights Transforming Space, Medicine, and Global Innovation In this groundbreaking discussion, intelligence veteran and former Pentagon UAP program director Lue Elizondo reveals how classified research drives innovation across multiple industries. This episode explores how UAP-related discoveries could revolutionize human longevity, space exploration, and global technological leadership, from quantum computing breakthroughs to biotechnology advances. Learn why major investors, government agencies, technology leaders, and brilliant entrepreneurs are positioning for what Elizondo describes as a transformative moment in human evolution and how emerging public-private partnerships could accelerate previously impossible technological achievements. Highlights 📌 Emerging technologies that defy conventional understanding of power generation and propulsion 📌 How UAP research is transforming our approach to space exploration and asteroid mining 📌 Opportunities for democratizing previously classified technologies 📌 Cross-sector implications for medicine, quantum computing, and materials science 📌 Breaking down barriers between classified research and public innovation 📌 Investment strategies for emerging UAP-adjacent technologies 📌 Transformative potential of exotic materials and reverse engineering 📌 Integration of UAP research with existing technological roadmaps 📌 Collaborative frameworks for accelerating breakthrough innovations   Lue shares great ideas for activating UAP-inspired innovation ecosystems ✏️ Adjust the threshold of what remains classified ✏️ Democratize the topic ✏️ Crowdsource innovation, research, solutions, ideas ✏️ Establish government grants and incentivize research ✏️ Create a national lab construct to accelerate research, development, commercialization, and operationalization ✏️ Introduce Space Bonds – enabling good folks to invest in America and our cutting-edge research When classified research meets public innovation, boundaries dissolve.  Lue leaves us with a great challenge and what innovators everywhere embrace as terra-firma - "Impossible is just something we haven't seen yet."   Join us for this exceptional discussion with Lue. 📢 https://lnkd.in/e_sAy8SJ   Guest Luis Elizondo, Former Director of AATIP, Disclosure and Transparency Advocate, Author, Husband and Father, Proud Veteran Co-Hosts: Anna Brady-Estevez, Co-Chair US Interagency Space Economy & Advanced Manufacturing Working Groups Lawrence Forsley, Chief Technology Officer of @Global Energy Corporation Dyan Finkhousen, CEO of Shoshin Works; Ecosystemic Model Advisor for NASA and Space Force Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works #UAP #Innovation #SpaceEconomy #QuantumComputing #Biotechnology #InvestmentOpportunities #FutureOfSpace #EmergingTechnology #DefenseTechnology #Ecosystems