Graeme Codrington's Future of Work
The future is arriving faster than ever. Graeme Codrington highlights key issues we need to consider to prepare for tomorrow's workplace today, including audio feed of his weekly ThrowForward Thursday series.
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Throwforward Thursday 148: Download data to our brains
05/02/2024
Throwforward Thursday 148: Download data to our brains
Imagine a world where the boring parts of learning - the dumping data into our brains - is all done easily using neural transfers, augmentation and technology assistants. What's left is for the human brain to do what it does best: creative thinking, problem solving, idea generation, and more. This week's leap into the future takes a view that Generative AI is not actually that intelligent - it just has access to all the data. When human beings have access to the same data, we will come up with much better new ideas, insights and wisdom than GenAI seems capable of now. The future is bionic: humans and machines working together, each doing what they do best to move our world forward.
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ThrowForward Thursday 147: Digital Democracy 2052
04/25/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 147: Digital Democracy 2052
Imagine the Indian elections in 2052 taking just 5 minutes to process, rather than the 6 weeks it takes this year. The vision is of digital first, ubiquitous, secure, personal technology connections in every sector and industry, reducing friction, demolishing time scales, flattening barriers.
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Throwforward Thursday 146: Rocking the afternoon
04/18/2024
Throwforward Thursday 146: Rocking the afternoon
Ageing musicians still touring, and ageing fans still wanting to go to their concerts, might prefer an afternoon start time rather than waiting until 9pm or later for the main event. It's not just Festivals that should schedule afternoon concerts - maybe every band should do so. The theme of this week's "jump into the future" is that we should be open to questioning what is considered "normal" in our industries, especially when doing so could open us up to new opportunities, markets and customers. What's "normal" in your industry? And what experiments could you try to see how you could change that?
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ThrowForward Thursday 145: Phytomining (extracting minerals and metals from plants)
04/11/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 145: Phytomining (extracting minerals and metals from plants)
All plants extract minerals and nutrients from the soil they're growing in, but some appear to be able to extract metals as well, or at least metal ions that we can in turn extract from the plants. If we can do this at scale, we can use phytomining to get the metals we need to build the batteries we use to power our lives. <P>Here are some links to experiments underway on phytomining, and the promise of what this might bring in the future:
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ThrowForward Thursday 144: Future Experiments in Government
04/04/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 144: Future Experiments in Government
As we watch elections in 2024 spanning nearly 70 countries and 4.2 billion people, one thing is clear: the current systems are not working. Voters are not happy, and have little enthusiasm for the politicians they can choose between (if they have any real choices at all). <P>So, come with me to the future, and consider four 'ridiculous ideas' for new approaches to Parliaments and Governments. We need to stretch our strategic imaginations in an effort to come up with new political systems. <P>Watch episode 9 about AI Politicians: <P>Download the Strategic Imagination Toolkit sample:
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ThrowForward Thursday 143: LAMs: Large ACTION Models and the future of smartphones
03/28/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 143: LAMs: Large ACTION Models and the future of smartphones
ChatGPT, CoPilot, Llama, Bard, Grok and all the other Generative AI Large Language Models have demonstrated that we can engage with our technology using natural language. Now we need to get our devices to understand the heuristics of requests and actions we ask them to do. <P>Rabbit R1 was launched to much fanfare in December 2023, as a first model of a device that can do this. I doubt it can deliver yet, but it's definitely heading in the right direction. And I love their coining of the LAM: Large ACTION models. <P>I think that Apple's AI play later this year will integrate Siri with early algorithm capabilities that take another step down this path of getting our devices to understand how the world actually works and be able to do a lot of repetitive and mundane tasks for us. <P>Your company should already be working on which tasks could be given to LAMs, building the algorithm systems to make these work seamlessly, and deciding how humans and machines will continue to become more bionic as we work together in the future. If you're just thinking about automation you're not thinking correctly about this.
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Throwforward Thursday 142: Water Wars
03/21/2024
Throwforward Thursday 142: Water Wars
As the world gets more and more water stressed, those who control water supplies in rivers, lakes and dams, will exercise more power and restrict access to water to those downstream. This could lead to conflict - legal and physical - that is both internal and crosses national boundaries. Some countries may even use the need for water as a reason to invade a neighbour. Whether as an individual or a business, or a region or country, we need to have a plan for water security that is equitable, agreed on by everyone, and future proof. We cannot live without water.
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ThrowForward Thursday 141: No More Plastic
03/14/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 141: No More Plastic
We have to do this! In our lifetimes we have to find a way to end the use of plastic as we use it now, so that we stop adding more toxins and pollution to our planet.
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ThrowForward Thursday 140: No More Ships at Sea
03/08/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 140: No More Ships at Sea
Imagine a world in which Rogue Waves made the oceans too dangerous for ships to sail, and we had to stop cruise liners and container ships from sailing. It would change our world as we know it. <P>It is an extreme and alarmist scenario, with one of the worse cases for the impact of climate change and global warming. It's designed to keep us thinking about what needs to be done to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on our world.
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ThrowForward Thursday 139: Robot Window Washers
02/29/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 139: Robot Window Washers
It's not a horror movie, with spider-like robots clambering around the outside of buildings. This is the future of the $40 billion window cleaning industry, using robots. They can do more than clean, though - they do real-time, ongoing analysis of the external skin of the buildings, keeping a record of issues and greatly enhancing preventative maintenance. <P>This is just one example of the potential of predictive data analytics when applied to real world objects that are instrumented and analysed. How might you be able to these data analytic ideas to your business?
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ThrowForward Thursday 138: Chatbot sued by owner
02/22/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 138: Chatbot sued by owner
A company is suing its own AI chatbot for providing misleading information to a client. I wish I could make up a headline from the future that was better than this - its actually a real story from February 2024 involving Air Canada. <P>The practical lesson is that we need to be careful of automating our workforces, rather than augmenting them. People who use AI are better than people who don't. AI, though, is better when it is used by people than when it is left on its own. <P>Learn from Air Canada's mistake.
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ThrowForward Thursday 137: AI Selected Life-Partner (A Valentine's Day suggestion)
02/15/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 137: AI Selected Life-Partner (A Valentine's Day suggestion)
Would you trust an AI-driven algorithm to help choose your life partner? If people were honest about the data they entered into these systems, and genuine in their desire to find a true life-partner match, this would definitely be an improvement on the basically random, luck-based most of us rely on. <P>Happy Valentine's Day... from the Love Algorithm. ❤️
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ThrowForward Thursday 136: Workplace Monitoring
02/08/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 136: Workplace Monitoring
In the future, we will use smart devices and even implants to monitor our every move, maybe even our thoughts too. How will we use this data? <P>It could be for Big Brother style management of our lives, or it could be for our benefit and wellbeing. That will be up to us. <P>This is actually not a prediction about the future, but rather a scenario to help us think about what we should be doing in our world and our workplaces now.
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ThrowForward Thursday 135: Hyper-personalised Peak-performance workplaces
02/01/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 135: Hyper-personalised Peak-performance workplaces
Imagine arriving at the office, and the lighting and aircon are just perfect, there's exactly the right ambient noise, the desk is set up perfectly, the food and drinks easily available are precisely what you need... everything is set up just right to ensure you can deliver your best work. <P>This is the workplace of the future that adjusts in real time based both on who you are and what you're trying to achieve in the next few hours. <P>Elite sportspeople already use data analytics to craft the perfect work environment for themselves. We need to use the same approach in our workplaces - not to extract MORE from our people, but to help them give their BEST.
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ThrowForward Thursday 134: Democracy in the workplace
01/25/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 134: Democracy in the workplace
Imagine we voted for the managers of our teams at work. Imagine our workplaces worked like democracies should. <BR><BR>Today's episode has a bit of an activist and culture war tone about it, as I suggest that one possible future for corporations is being more democratic. You see, here's the problem: while the corporation is the cornerstone of Western democratic capitalism, there is almost no democracy in our workplaces at all. We don't vote for who our managers should be. We don't vote for how much we should be paid. We are hardly even consulted about strategy or what products and services we should sell to clients. <P>Why not? <BR><BR>In a democratic world that glorifies individual freedom and the rights to self-determination, why is the corporation so authoritarian, class-based and anti-democratic. <P>I really do believe that this is one of the keys to building the organisation of the future. I hope this video gets you thinking about ways you can change and improve your workplace today.
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ThrowForward Thursday 133: Measure and Reward Sleep
01/18/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 133: Measure and Reward Sleep
Come with me to January 2026, when a major company announces a new reward system for the senior Executives: part of your bonus depends on how well you sleep each night. That's right: we are going to measure your sleep, and reward you if you do it well. <P>The science is pretty clear: sleep is one of the most important factors in clear thinking, regulated emotions, good decision making, ethical judgements, strategic thinking, and actually almost everything that makes a good leader good. So, why wouldn't we insist that good leaders get good sleep? I think we should. I think we will. Soon. <P>This is just one idea in a series of "future of work" suggestions you'll be hearing from me this year. I am passionate about helping organisations getting the BEST out of the people rather than just the MOST. Speak to me for more ideas if you don't want to wait for future videos.
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ThrowForward Thursday 132: The Workplace in 2024
01/15/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 132: The Workplace in 2024
We decided to publish this edition on Monday, 15 January 2024 - welcome to the first "full on" week of the year and welcome to another year of significant shifts in the world of work. <P>In this video, we look at the ten trends we believe will have the most impact on the workplace and the workforce in the year ahead. For more information on these trends, and if you'd like us to help you think through how they will impact you and create opportunities for yourself and your teams, please be in touch for a no-obligations chat. <P>Have a great year! <P>CONNECT WITH GRAEME AND THE TOMORROWTODAY TEAM Let's start a conversation to find out where I can make the biggest impact in your journey to being future-fit. Email me
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ThrowForward Thursday 131: What to expect in 2024
01/04/2024
ThrowForward Thursday 131: What to expect in 2024
In the first episode of ThrowFordward Thursday in the new year, we apply our "Grey Elephants" framework to give you some scenarios for what might happen in the year ahead. The biggest question is not "what might happen", but rather "are you set up to take advantage of the opportunities that uncertainty will bring in 2024"? <P>Speak to our team to find out how we can help you both anticipate tomorrow's disruption and prepare to take advantage of it today. Send an email to to set up a time to chat. <P>LINKS: <UL><LI>Episode 115: Introducing the "Great Grey Elephants" - <LI>Episode 116: Facing a Perfect Storm (Part 1): <LI>Episode 117: Facing a Perfect Storm (Part 2): </ul><P>
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ThrowForward Thursday 130: Review of 2023
12/14/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 130: Review of 2023
This is our final ThrowForward Thursday for 2023, and I look back at the work I have done with 154 different client engagements. There are five big themes that have emerged during the year, and I am sure will continue into 2024: <UL><LI>1. Generative AI <li>2. Future Trends - TIDES - Grey Elephants - opportunity mindset <li>3. Antifragility - Future of work and people <li>4. Peak Performance - 4 day work week <li>5. Think Like a Futurist - especially rethink and unlearn systems </ul> <P>See you in 2024. Have a good break if you're able to take one.
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ThrowForward Thursday 129: Oil-eating Microbes create Gold Hydrogen
12/07/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 129: Oil-eating Microbes create Gold Hydrogen
A Texas based company, Cemvita, has proposed using microbes that eat oil and excrete Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide as a solution for both cleaning out oil wells and generating clean energy. <P>This is the final episode of our future energy mini series.
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ThrowForward Thursday 127: Ocean and Space Energy
11/24/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 127: Ocean and Space Energy
We need new ways to generate energy - methods that don't damage and deplete the resources of our planet. In this episode we look at two very interesting ideas: ocean thermal and space farm energy sources.
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ThrowForward Thursday Ep 126: EV Batteries
11/16/2023
ThrowForward Thursday Ep 126: EV Batteries
Come to the future with me, where the current frustrations about the size, range, weight and cost of batteries have all been resolved. And check out a very clever solution for fast recharging that already exists. The future is electric. And it is very smart. This is the start of a few week mini-series on the future of energy.
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ThrowForward Thursday: Ep 125: Build Bionic Businesses [Teaser Edition]
11/09/2023
ThrowForward Thursday: Ep 125: Build Bionic Businesses [Teaser Edition]
In the past few episodes of ThrowForward Thursday, we've looked at a variety of technology tools that allow you to create digital versions of humans. Today, we look at three ways you can use these technologies in your businesses today (or at least, start experimenting with them in 2024). <BR><BR>The full episode is only for members of my Futures Club, which you sign up for at . I hope you give my Futures Club a trial - if you try it and don't like it, you can unsubscribe and get your money back. No risk, no mess, no fuss. <BR><BR>Listen to this episode to understand what it means to build a bionic business.
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ThrowForward Thursday Ep 124: Who Wants to Live Forever?
11/03/2023
ThrowForward Thursday Ep 124: Who Wants to Live Forever?
Neuroscience is grappling with the issue of consciousness: what is it, where is it located, how does it work? When they discover these answers, it may be possible to transfer your consciousness from your body to something else. Or maybe just a machine that has consciousness. What would happen if we could that? This thought experiment invites us to imagine a future where humans and machines are much more integrated - augmented each other and building a better world together (dystopian options are available, of course). In next week's episode we'll come back to current reality and think about what a bionic business might look like. You'll need to be a member of my Futures Club to access that episode. Why not check the futures club out now and see the valuable resources there (no risk - money back guarantee if it's not for you) - link is in the first comment.
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ThrowForward Thursday 123: Digital (Dead) Musicians
10/26/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 123: Digital (Dead) Musicians
Are you keen to see a famous musician from the past live in concert, or to hear new music from them generated by their digital persona? This is now possible - but do we want it?
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ThrowForward Thursday 122: Digital Copies of You
10/19/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 122: Digital Copies of You
We already have almost all of the technology we need to create a digital replica of you: voice, visuals, and even your thinking, worldview and way of expressing yourself can all be mimicked. Would you want to create a digital replica of someone else? Would you let a digital replica of you be available online?
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ThrowForward Thursday Ep 121: Three essential ways to Play Around at work [SAMPLE]
10/13/2023
ThrowForward Thursday Ep 121: Three essential ways to Play Around at work [SAMPLE]
It's Friday, I know... but this is ThrowForward Thursday's second episode of Season 4 about three ways to experiment at work - or more precisely: three essential categories of experimentation you need to specifically focus on to ensure you maximise innovation, creativity and future focus in yourself and your team. <P>If you're a member of Graeme Codrington's Future Club, you'll have access to the full video and the details of each of the three categories and how to set them up - just log into the Club Portal to access it. If you're not a member, why not sign up now and get immediate access not just to this fantastic resource, but all the other amazing resources, past webinars, book reviews and future skill toolkits available for you: try it out at - it's risk free. If you don't find value, you can leave anytime and we'll give your money back.
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ThrowForward Thursday: Ep 120: Magic Materials, Goretex and playing around
10/05/2023
ThrowForward Thursday: Ep 120: Magic Materials, Goretex and playing around
This is the first full episode of Season 4 of ThrowForward Thursday. This season, we will keep the videos shorter, so they can be used in your "Five Minutes from the Future" sessions. And they will be followed (next week) by a discussion guide to help you and your team implement the Futurist Skillset we touch on in today's episode. <P>This episode is about future materials - for everything from construction to clothing - and how we're going to find new materials with remarkable properties. I take you back in time to how we turned Teflon into waterproof clothing, just by playing around in a lab; and look forward to how you and your team should be playing around with the raw materials of your industry. <P>To get early access to next week's discussion guide and resource about experimentation, make sure you join my Futures Club at
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ThrowForward Thursday 119: Introduction to Season 4
09/28/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 119: Introduction to Season 4
WE ARE BACK! <P>Season 4 of ThrowForward Thursday is here, and it's going to be brilliant. We are going to focus on providing videos that you can use in your "Five Minutes from the Future" meetings, with discussion guides being made available to help you and your team apply the ideas to your businesses. <P>You can always listen to these podcasts, but might also like to watch the videos at YouTube - here's a link to the playlist:
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ThrowForward Thursday 118 - Looking for Opportunities in Disruptive Change
09/08/2023
ThrowForward Thursday 118 - Looking for Opportunities in Disruptive Change
This is the final video in our four part mini series on the disruptive forces shaping our world right now. We call them the "Great Grey Elephants" because they're here - in the room - waiting to be noticed. Instead of reacting with fear and concern, we need to respond with opportunity mindsets and excitement for change. <P>Let our team help you do this. Check out for resources to guide you to a new way of engaging with the future and with change.
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