Ep. 09 Futures, AI, and the Illusion of Certainty: Rethinking Strategy with Matt Mullan
What if AI isn’t the answer—but a way to ask better questions?
In this episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Mike Jones is joined by Matt Mullan—strategist, technologist, and co-creator of the H-Scan11 newsletter—to explore how leaders can engage with the future in a more intelligent, imaginative, and grounded way.
This isn’t another hype piece about AI. It’s a challenge to the illusion of certainty that dominates leadership today. From human-machine teaming to building AI literacy, Matt lays out a compelling case for why the future isn’t something to predict—it’s something we actively shape.
Drawing on his work at the intersection of AI and strategic foresight, Matt shares why decision-making is stuck in the past, how to spot the weak signals of disruption, and why emotional engagement—not data alone—is critical for leadership.
🔍 In this episode:
Futures thinking vs. strategic foresight—what’s the difference?
Why AI is a force multiplier, not a crystal ball
Building futures literacy across teams—not just execs
The danger of chasing perceived certainty
How constraints fuel innovation
Why strategy needs imagination—not just information
🎧 Keywords: AI, foresight, futures thinking, imagination, uncertainty, leadership, decision-making, scenario planning, strategic foresight, organisational capacity
📬 Explore Matt’s and David Sloly thinking in H-Scan11: https://hscan11.substack.com/
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🔗 Full episodes, show notes, and resources: https://www.lbiconsulting.com/strategymeetsreality-podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@StrategyMeetsReality
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout
💬 Connect with host Mike Jones → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-h-jones/
