Human Nature does not only speak to the mind of brain researchers, android-fanatics and behavioral economists. Instead, it is also at the very heart of most people working in trend research. They use their highly developed sense for pattern-recognition to see where we, humans, are heading. So does Shari Swan, founder of Streative.
I took the liberty to ask Shari some fundamental, almost philosophical questions about her work and Human Nature, which she answered with a wit and authenticity an interviewer often only dreams of. When Shari speaks, her mission is to let her audience ‘Look Sideways’, and think differently. So sit down, and switch off your short-term thinking to immerse yourself in these thoughts about the future of Human Nature.
What’s the role of humans in shaping today’s world, now that it’s growing increasingly complex?
“Humans, no matter their race, age or demographic location are rising up and voicing their concerns. There are in fact a few very clear messages these protestors are shaping. For one, humans don’t want to be marginalized in an unfair system anymore. Two, humans want the ‘system’ to be held accountable for their mismanagement of the world, finance, politics and business, and three, humans have a voice and want those in power to take an explicit responsibility to help make the world a better place. What’s compelling about the age we live in now is that never before have we had the tools, autonomy and global voice, to amplify and compound our inspired ideas on change. These tools bring great power to the ‘collective voice’ of human nature.”
Your job is to look beyond one’s imagination of what the future will behold, doesn’t that require some sort of unnatural skill?
“Your question makes me smile as it seems as though ‘future thinkers’ have some kind of special spiritual powers. In all honesty, the vision for the future is right in front of our very eyes. It’s just that very few of us have the time to sit down and figure out how it relates to our life path or a corporation’s strategic plan. And then, quite often, those of us who do recognize what the future holds are fearful to risk the change that’s required to capitalize on it and be one of those who ‘is’ creating the future.”
Do you support the renewed research-based interest in the purely chemical or neurological dynamics of the human brain?
“I absolutely adore any and all studies that help us to understand how our brain affects our behavior. That said, I don’t however believe science has all the answers. There is something quite magical in the belief that not everything in life can be answered scientifically. The very word and concept of ‘Human’ has something quite mysterious and intriguing about it. We are miraculous creatures that have advanced and continue to advance beyond all scientific predictions. That’s just life.”
Because nothing is more human than making mistakes, what mistakes have you made?
“You’re not living life if you’re not making mistakes every single day. I’ve made plenty of big mistakes in my lifetime. Mistakes also shape who we are. My mistakes have given me a voice, an opinion and a character. I don’t want to always do what I’m ‘supposed’ to do or what’s ‘expected’ of me and sometimes that can be seen as making a mistake in the eyes of others, even though I myself see it as being true to my beliefs and standing for something. I have great respect for anyone who holds his hand up and admits a wrongdoing. It’s only very rare we get to experience this. On the contrary, much time is spent trying to convince the world why a mistake hasn’t been made.”
What do you think of this year’s theme, and what would you suggest as a follow-up theme?
“I think you’re spot on with this year’s theme. Humans are changing the world and faster and with more gusto than ever before. I’d like to get to know some of those heroes on a deeper level. Who are these people? I’m interested to learn from the do-ers. With our new broadcast platforms, it’s tough to weed out the truth from the trash. It’d be great if you could try to curate that!”
If you like to know more about Shari Swan, email her at info@streativebranding.com, check her website or follow Shari on Twitter.
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