Lives of Tomorrow
Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN, the world's leading trend forecaster, speaks with global thought leaders about how shifts in society, ethics and the economy are shaping our Lives of Tomorrow. The podcast explores the forces driving change and offers insights to help listeners navigate what's next with confidence and clarity.
Episodes
Gen X and the $23 Trillion Opportunity
WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with VP of Creative Intelligence Andrea Bell about their White Paper on why Gen X is one of the most commercially important yet overlooked consumer groups today.They explore how brands can better understand Gen X’s spending power, priorities and pressures across work, intergenerational families and the time crunch. Find out how to make this diverse group feel underst
Are We Entering a Golden Age of Retail?
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with WGSN Head of Retail Forecasting Laura Saunter, about why service is becoming retail’s biggest differentiator where the human is becoming more valuable than ever.They explore how AI is changing the role of store associates, why beauty is leading the way, and which customers and markets may shape the future of retail service. Listen in to find out how your customers
Are We Really Drinking Less?
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with IWSR President and Managing Director Marten Lodewijks about how consumer behaviour is moving from excess to intention across beer, wine, spirits, ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic categories. Marten explains how wellness, inflation and generational change are reshaping beverage habits. They also explore why premiumisation still matters, where simplification is winn
WGSN Creative Intelligence - The Sentient Consumer
In this episode, host Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN, is joined by Andrea Bell, Vice President of Creative Intelligence at WGSN, to explore the Sentient Consumer white paper. They discuss how GenAI will personalise shopping by 2028, the shift toward emotional and sensorial intelligence and the neurological impact of digital task-switching. Find out why the future of brand trust depends on integrating A
The Joy of Getting Lost – Rediscovering Serendipity in Travel
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by WGSN Senior Commissioning Strategist of City by City Joanna McGinn to unpack how travel is transforming from passive escapes into meaningful journeys. They explore the forces reshaping the 2026 to 2029 travel landscape, including wellness, creative migration, noctourism and the growing demand for local connection.If you are a brand, hotel and or retailer, find ou
Generation Grazia – What Millennial Women Want
How are Millennial women’s priorities changing alongside their attitudes to wellness and beauty? WGSN and Grazia collaborated on The Generation Grazia report revealing what Millennial women want and strategies to address their needs meaningfully in the long-term. Grazia Editor-In-Chief Hattie Brett and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discuss why so many women feel frustrated by companies marketing to a youn
Shoptalk Luxe: Inside Mandarin Oriental: Why Experiences Are the New Luxury
Luxury travel is emerging as a powerful growth engine as consumer spending shifts from traditional goods to meaningful, wellness-driven experiences. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Mandarin Oriental's Alex Schellenberger explore the transformation of the affluent consumer, the rise of "meaning-led" hospitality, and how heritage brands are leveraging AI and human expertise to redefine el
Shoptalk Luxe: JOSEPH & the New Rules for Luxury Loyalty
This episode is the second in a three-part series recorded live at Shoptalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi featuring our host, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and CEO of JOSEPH Barbara Campos. As part of our exploration into the Future Consumer 2028, Barbara shares her strategic vision for JOSEPH, discussing how the brand is navigating the shifting luxury landscape. They delve into the evolution of accessible luxury, th
Shoptalk Luxe: IRL Retail – Why it Still Matters (Even for Gen Z)
This episode is the first in a series of conversations with leaders in luxury retail. Join WGSN CEO, Carla Buzasi and chairman of the board and co-founder of footwear brand Axel Arigato, Albin Johansson, at the ShopTalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi 2026.They discuss the future of retail, diving deep into how modern brands are cultivating loyalty with Gen Z. Listen to uncover strategies for balancing as
“Cashier number Al, please!”
The retail world is shifting, trading reactive discounting for proactive value design and radical transparency in a cost-of-living crisis. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Laura Saunter Head of Retail and APAC Forecasting to explore the forces shaping retail in 2027 and beyond.Laura discusses AI’s role in the rise of goal-based commerce and how climate-adaptive planning is essential. Discover why int
Dressed in Data: The New Language of Labels
Explore how Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are increasing transparency, restoring storytelling and strengthening accountability. Nature of Fashion author Carry Somers joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the relationship between textiles and identity, and how tech can reweave that connection.They reveal how reintroducing meaningful friction can lead to more intentional, high-value purchasing,
Do We Still Care About Sustainability?
Discover how to bridge the say-do gap between what consumers say about sustainability and their actual purchasing behaviour. Join Carla Buzasi in an insightful conversation with Imperial College London’s Professor of Marketing Eduardo Andrade, as they explore the psychological, market and policy barriers influencing sustainable consumption and how brands can better align strategies with real consu
How Fourth Spaces Are Redefining Community
Imagine a world where your online interests seamlessly transform into real-life communities. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Director of Creative Intelligence Quentin Humphrey to shed light on this emerging movement shaping culture, brands and social landscapes.As digital fatigue sets in, the urgency to find meaningful, hybrid experiences grows stronger. Dive into this episode to uncover how fourth
Future Consumer 2028: Meet The Challenge of The Challengers
In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO and host Carla Buzasi welcomes WGSN Consumer Researcher Natacia Lim to discuss the final Future Consumer persona of our Future Consumer 2028 series, The Challengers.Discover how the Challengers cohort is shaping consumer trends by 2028, driven by values like truth, transformation and fearless authenticity. Tune in to learn their unique psychographic trai
Future Consumer 2028 – The Awakened Ascendants
Our special Lives of Tomorrow series continues with the third of four episodes about the four cohorts of our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and VP of Insight Clare Varga present The Ascendants persona, the joyful, progress-driven consumers shaping future markets.Discover how emotional connection, playful innovation and resilience are key to engaging this dive
Future Consumer 2028 – The Kinship of the Keepers
Our special Lives of Tomorrow series continues with the second of four episodes about the four cohorts within our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Senior Consumer Strategist Allyson Rees present The Keeper persona. Allyson reveals how they value verified trustworthiness, pay more for durability/sustainability, and demand proof, privacy and ethics. Discover
Future Consumer 2028 – The Rise of the Restorer
Our special Lives of Tomorrow series kicks off with the first of four episodes about the four cohorts within our Future Consumer 2028 forecast. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Interiors Content Director Gemma Riberti introduce the Restorer persona. This rapidly expanding consumer group is defined by their commitment to intentional living, prioritising nourishment and overall wellbeing.G
Life Through the Lens – What's Coming in 2026
In this special one-off episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Consumer Insight Cassandra Napoli give a sneak peek into how WGSN forecasts consumer and product trends.The hosts of the two WGSN podcasts, Lives of Tomorrow and Create Tomorrow, also explain how the two podcasts work together to help you better understand tomorrow’s world whether you work in consumer lifestyle products or you're j
CEO in the Hot Seat: WGSN’s Year in Review
In this special episode of Lives of Tomorrow, host Akeem Nicol discovers 2025’s highlights from WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi. They reflect on WGSN’s major achievements; acquiring BevAlc industry leader IWSR and launching WGSN TikTok Dashboards. Carla reveals insights on adapting to consumer behaviour changes, the impact of tariffs and the importance of human intelligence and interaction in the AI age. Li
Anyone for Salmon Sperm? WGSN’s Top Trends for 2026
In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by Head of Marketing, Events and Culture Forecasting Cassandra Napoli and VP of Content and Director of Beauty Clare Varga to discuss 2026’s top trends. They delve into Beauty’s secret ingredient tipping the scales, salmon sperm, plus digital privilege, the slow punk movement and the rise of unserious everything – exploring how these trends are sh
The Story Behind WGSN’s Colour of 2026 – Transformative Teal
In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Colour, Material, Finish (CMF) Reiko Morrison delve into the fascinating world of CMF design, focusing on WGSN’s Colour of the Year for 2026, Transformative Teal.Reiko shares her journey as a CMF designer and the rigorous process of selecting the WGSN Colour of the Year, revealing how it reflects societal shifts, embodying bala
Future Consumer 2028 - Navigating Tomorrow’s Trends
In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores the Future Consumer 2028 Forecast with Ella Hudson, Head of Consumer and Macro Forecasting, Insight at WGSN. We explain the four key consumer personas: the Ascendants, Keepers, Restorers and Challengers, and discuss how these groups will shape the future of consumer behaviour. Find out about the importance of trust, transparency and adaptability in a
From Crisis to Community – How Climate Change Unites Us
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow hosted by WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi, we explore the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on our daily lives. Our guests, Allyson Rees, senior lifestyle strategist and Matt Zara, consumer tech strategist share insights on how communities are adapting and the role of brands in fostering resilience. We discuss innovative strategies for future-proofing our w
Redefining Masculinity Through Fashion
In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores the evolving landscape of menswear with WGSN Menswear Strategist Isaiah Isaac. Discover how new representations of masculinity are reshaping fashion trends, from colours and fabrics to societal influences. Isaiah explores the intersection of personal expression and style, offering insights into how men are embracing new ways to pres
Trends & Traditions: India's Festive Season Unwrapped
In this episode, WGSN’s CEO Carla Busazi and India Senior Strategist Nandini Swaminathan explore the diverse, year-long celebrations in India where Diwali is the highlight. They discuss the evolving cultural traditions where going online drives discovery, shoppability and purchase, enabling easy and convenient festive shopping through quick commerce.Nandini reveals how communities and staying conn
Shunning the Sunscreen Stigma for Skincare among Men
As our world heats, skin cancer risks rise. Yet many men overlook the danger. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes Russ Oliver, co-founder of DIC (Don’t Ignore Cancer), a sunscreen brand, to share his journey to overcome the stigma around and drive awareness of sunscreen use among men through humour and innovation.From understanding the importance of daily sun protection to exploring the cultural shifts
How Gen Z is Mixing Up Drinking Habits
In this Lives of Tomorrow episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi explores how Gen Z’s evolving drinking habits are reshaping the alcohol landscape by focusing on flexibility, moderation and community amid the rising sober curious movement. Join WGSN Food & Drink Content Director Jen Creevy and IWSR COO Consulting & Consumer Insights Richard Halstead distilling purposeful drinking and low/no innova
Solo Living in Asia and the Companionship Economy
Lives of Tomorrow host and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes WGSN Asia Futures and Cultural Strategist Alison Ho to explore the transformative trend of solo living in Asia and its global implications. Alison explains how this shift is reshaping societal norms, influencing economies and creating opportunities in pet parenting and AI companionship. Learn about cultural and economic drivers, the compani
The Fear Factor: Understanding Today’s Consumer Psyche
Join WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN, Martina Rocca, as they discuss the emerging mindset of heightened fear affecting consumers today. From eco-anxiety to the fear of AI and changing relationship dynamics, discover how these fears are shaping consumer behaviour, and how businesses can adapt by fostering emotional intelligence and authentic connections with
Full Stream Ahead – the Media Consumption Movement
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi and Senior Marketing Strategist Rebecca Rom-Frank discuss how streaming has overtaken cable in the US, the influence of smart TVs and the future of live sports streaming. Gain insights into the cultural implications of this media evolution for both brands and consumers, including the growth of shoppable media and the return of physical
Gen Alpha Fashion and Avatar Twinning
In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Head of Kidswear, Erin Rechner to reveal kidswear trend directions and the powerful influence of Gen Alpha on fashion. From joyful dressing and gamified fashion to the rise of digital avatars, learn how this tech-savvy generation is outfitting the industry.We dive into the Gen Alpha behaviours driving movements like affordability and sustainability, a
Data Storytelling – from Numbers to Narratives
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Canva Head of Europe Duncan Clark to discuss the evolution of design and data storytelling. He highlights the role of AI in democratising design, the importance of visual communication and how to transform data into compelling narratives. Duncan also explores the emotional aspects of storytelling through data, the future of data visualisation and the challenges of con
The Energisers – The Beauty of Play
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites WGSN VP of Content and Director of Beauty Clare Varga to discuss the key trends and consumer personas that will shape the beauty market by 2027. Enter The Energisers – a playful and optimistic consumer group revolutionising the beauty industry. Clare explores how innovative products, community engagement and the significance of emotional connections will drive change
Raising Boys Today, Shaping Men Tomorrow
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to author and filmmaker Ruth Whippman about how masculinity is transcending traditional gender stereotypes and the challenges boys face in contemporary society. They explore the importance of open discussions about masculinity, emotional expression and connection, and the need for empathy among boys.Ruth uncovers cultural changes and the impact of screen time on social
The Hunger for Nostalgia
In this episode, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Lifestyle Strategist, Hannah Allan, discuss the evolving food trends among Millennials, focusing on their preferences for nostalgia, comfort food and health-conscious fresh convenience.Hannah shares insights into how Millennials are navigating their busy lives with low-fuss meals while prioritising social dining experiences. The conversation highlight
Understanding the Future Consumer: Key Personas for 2027
In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Allyson Rees, Senior Consumer Lifestyle Strategist at WGSN, about the future of consumer behaviour, focusing on the trends and personas that will shape shopping experiences by 2027.Allyson shares the four key consumer personas: Privacy Keepers, Conventionalists, New Independence and Energisers, each with distinct values and shopping habits. Hear the
The Luxury of Going Offline
The speed of tech is driving our desire for more real-life experiences. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with Ella Hudson, head of research at WGSN, about why and what this will mean for us in the future.From technology’s limitations and the importance of emotional connections to the need for intentional technology use, they explore how ‘digital minimalism’ is becoming mainstream. Tun
The Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Behaviour and Business Strategies
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Head of Events and Marketing, Cassandra Napoli, discuss the implications of global trade uncertainty on supply chains, consumer behaviour, and business strategies. They explore how tariffs are affecting pricing, the potential for more sustainable practices in the fashion industry, and the rise of resale markets. From the impa
From Cave Walls to Chatbots – Gen AI and Culture
Gen AI is nothing new; it’s just a natural continuation of the historical practices of cultural mixing and preservation. This is the argument from Martin Puchner, Harvard professor and award-winning author. In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO, and Martin discuss the evolution of culture in the context of Gen AI and digital advancements.Listen to learn about the emotional responses to Gen AI,
Conducting Leaders
What can business leaders learn from stepping onto the conductor’s podium? In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO, and Peter Hanke, classical conductor, Oxford University lecturer and coach for executives explore the surprising links between music and the evolving future of leadership.Peter reveals how wielding the conductor’s baton teaches leaders to inspire talent, navigate power dynamics, an
Bridging the Say-Do Gap with Circular Solutions
Want to shop sustainably but your budget is holding you back? In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO and Petko Tashev, co-founder of The Home of Sustainable Things delve into the ‘Say-Do Gap’ where consumers express concern for the environment but act differently due to the cost-of-living crisis.Reframing consumption, they discuss innovative solutions to waste management, the role of creatives
How Gen Z is Redefining Consumer Trends in APAC
What makes Gen Zs in APAC unique and what drives them? In this episode, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Asia Futures and Cultural Strategist, Alison Ho, reveal how this market values local and regional cultures, evolves spending habits, and redefines living and working. Amid a rapidly changing economic environment, they discuss how this group cautiously navigates consumption while shifting towards e
Optimising How We Feel in Body and Mind
What does wellness mean to you? Does how you look matter more than how you feel? In this episode, we’ll uncover ways to care for body and mind in today’s fast-paced world.Joining WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi in this episode is Co-founder of Pillar Wellbeing, Harry Jameson. Discover his journey from elite coaching to co-founding a game-changing brand that dives into the future of wellbeing with personal
What’s Next for TikTok & Social Media?
Social media is changing at a rapid pace, and brands need to keep up. In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we explore how platforms adapt to new policies and regulations, and what these changes mean for creators, users, and the industry as a whole. We discuss the future of TikTok and Meta’s shifting moderation policies on Facebook and Instagram, along with its implications on the social medi
Who Writes the Article – AI or Journalist?
You’ve probably already heard how realistic an AI-created podcast can sound, so what else is in store for us when AI makes an even bigger impact in journalism? Our own AI-personalised 9 o’clock news show?Get the inside scoop from Carla Busazi, CEO of WGSN, and David Caswell, founder of StoryFlow, an innovation consultancy focused on AI workflows in news production. Having worked with AI for the BB
Forever Young Adult, Day-jamas and Therapeutic Laziness – WGSN’s Top Trends of 2025
It’s 2025, and chrono-normativity, hustle culture, and unhealthy habits are out. Which movements are shaking things up across industries?Ditching societal norms of traditional adult milestones, the Forever Young Adult is trailblazing their own timeline. Consumers are grappling with global challenges by seeking ease and dressing in comfortable Day-jamas, tending to their needs with Therapeutic Lazi
“It’s Been a Good Energy Year,” WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi Reflects on 2024
2024 ended up being the year when WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi returned to the office, started wearing heels, stopped using her air fryer, and paid for her coffee with the palm of her hand. She’s done with the boring life and got out of people’s way to watch them do brilliant things.In this special episode, our Lives of Tomorrow podcast producer Akeem Nicol gets Carla to answer instead of asking questi
The Future is All Fun and Games – Even for Adults
How do you teach adults to play?Play isn’t just for kids. It’s proven to ease stress, boost happiness, and inspire creative problem-solving. So, why aren’t we doing it more? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we explore what play means to us, and how we can use play to boost work performance, increase wellbeing, and set fire to our imaginations.WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi learns from Emma Worrollo, F
Data Privacy and Digital Empowerment
Every day, we rely on data to simplify our lives, from our biometrics to our digital wallets. But how safe are we? What does the future hold for data privacy and ethics?In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses digital empowerment with StJohn (Singe) Deakins, founder and CEO of DataSapien, a company revolutionising personal data control with Zero-Shared Data technology. He shares his deep e
Southeast Asia on the Silver Screen, Superhero Fatigue & Multi-streaming
Are we seeking more realistic and complex narratives from the too simplistic storylines of superhero blockbusters? Even as Hollywood’s pull remains, the entertainment landscape is evolving with an increased global appetite for non-English content from different regions. Join Natacia Lim, WGSN’s Consumer Researcher, and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi in this episode of Lives of Tomorrow on Southeast As
Feels like we only go backwards – Forwarding Gen Z & Alpha
Are we going backwards? The Regression Generation is a new label given to Gen Z and Alphas who are coming of age while regressing in society in terms of social and educational skills. Unlike previous generations, they are battling crises of confidence, education, and finances as a result of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an increasingly online world.Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN discusses wit
Designing our past, present and future with Liam Maher
Design has the power to transform our lives and help us figure out where we come from, where we belong and where we hope to go. That is the message from Creative Director, Liam Maher. Leading the design team at the Danish shoe brand ECCO, Liam has just released his new book ‘Menswhere: A Lost History of the Militant Guild of Rural Tailors’ which is a series of interviews with men’s designers. In t
Age-Anxiety and Quirky Perfumes – Southeast Asia’s Beauty Behaviours
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we learn about Southeast Asia’s top beauty trends from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi sits with APAC Beauty Strategist Christine Chua to understand behavioural changes towards ageing and skincare in Southeast Asia. Christine delves into the rise in anti-ageing discourse on TikTok and an upsurge among young people
The Introvert Economy
In this episode, we learn about macro trends impacting how young people live their lives. We hear why Gen Z are spending more time at home, having less sex and focusing on more digital-first connections.WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Senior Strategist for WGSN Insight Allyson Rees about her research into this macro trend, what led to this behavioural shift, and what the future holds. Four y
The Modestwear Revolution
Who is modest fashion for? Where is it mainstreaming and how is it changing the fashion industry? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we debunk the myths associated with modest fashion, tracing its history right through to the latest trends. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with Linda Anggrea, CEO of ButtonScarves, a premium Indonesian fashion and lifestyle brand specialising in headscarves and
How India’s Middle Class Will Shape the Future
India’s middle class is the class of the moment. In this episode, we find out more about how the rising salaries of the middle class in India will impact businesses in the region. Senior Insight Strategist for APAC Rohini Wahi shares her expertise in retail, marketing, and lifestyle based on consumer behaviour in Asia. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi finds out from Rohini why the income pyramid has inverted
The Intergenerational Internet and Why Tech is Making us Age Faster
With children growing up online and much faster than previous generations, what does this mean and how will it impact our lives of tomorrow? How important are generational markers like ‘Millennials’ or ‘Boomers’ and do they mean much to you? Accelerated tech and trend cycles are confusing our view of traditional generational groups at an unprecedented rate. In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WG
Why Our Senses are the Future of Marketing
The right music makes the food taste better in a restaurant. And the color of the glass influences how good you think the wine tastes. Our senses, smell, and touch, for example, are key in the evolution of marketing products. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi hears about the future of marketing with Scott King, director of multisensory branding and marketing specialist at Full Fathom.Sco
Opening the Doors to WGSN Sports & Outdoor
In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi teams up with Jon Takao, Content Director of our freshly launched Sports & Outdoor. This new platform expands our apparel and footwear under our Active category and drives into more granular forecasts on equipment and gear for bikes, outdoor, snow, water, and fitness. Listen to learn about WGSN’s latest Sports & Outdoor and hear Jon’s journey to headi
The Future of Inclusive Fashion With Sinéad Burke
Sinéad Burke, CEO and founder of Tilting The Lens, an accessibility consultancy firm joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the future of inclusivity in fashion. Sinéad describes herself as a little person, she is 3”5 and has achondroplasia. Since her teens, she’s been on a mission to work towards change and inclusivity for disabled people. Sinead is an author and disability activist who ente
Doing Business with Avatars
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly podcast about macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Direct-to-Avatar (D2A) economy. At WGSN we define D2A as a new retail model, similar to direct-to-consumer, that allows brands to sidestep supply chains and sell clothes that don't exist IRLWGSN
How To Prepare Your Brand For The Future
What are the most important things for brands to consider when looking into the future?In this episode, we share WGSN insights into all the things you should roll out to ensure your business is future-proof.Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN Martina Rocca tells WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi some of the key ways companies can prepare for unexpected risks and identify growth opportunities before
How Brands Can Make us Happy, with Bestselling Author and Happiness Expert Gretchen Rubin
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly podcast about macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.What makes you happy? This episode focuses on the huge importance of this emotion for us all, now and in the future. WGSN forecasts a very real need and desire for people to feel joy, particularly when mental health is a rising co
How to be an Influencer in the Creator Economy, with Mae Karwowski
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of the creator economy with Mae Karwowski, CEO and founder of Obviously, a technology-led social influencer marketing agency based in New York, with operation
The Future of Fashion Retail with Jane Shepherdson
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of fashion with Jane Shepherdson, the founder of clothing resale and rental company MyWardrobeHQ. Jane is well known for being the former brand dire
New Kidults on the Block – Why Grown-ups Are Falling in Love with LEGO
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.In this episode, we discuss the rise of the kidult. At WGSN, ‘kidults’ are simply put, adults that shop like children. Adults around the world are escaping the polycrisis and finding comfort in buying toys and rekindli
Forecasting Glimmers with Psychotherapist Deb Dana
Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow.We are forecasting Glimmers for 2026. If you don’t know what they are, consider them the inspiring, positive antidote to triggers. Glimmers describe micro-moments of joy, and psychotherapist Deb Dana joins WGSN’s CEO C
The Future of Ageing with Lyn Slater
In this episode we discuss ageing. We are all living longer and this is creating consumer shifts, opportunities and imperatives for age-positive products and services. WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes fashion influencer Lyn Slater, aka the accidental icon to talk about life after influencing, the narrative around ageing, the lack of women over 50 represented in advertising and the challenges
Nocturnal Living: Why the Future is Bright for the Night
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow – WGSN’s podcast about how we will live our lives in the future – we discuss nocturnal living.Director of Strategic Forecasting at WGSN, Lisa White, joins Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN, to talk about why daytime activities in many regions of the world are shifting to happen at night. Scorching temperatures are pushing people in the world’s hottest regions to l
Sex, Porn, and Everything in Between, with Cindy Gallop
WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi talks about the future of sex, sex tech investment, and how porn is impacting young people with guest Cindy Gallop.Former advertising executive Cindy is the founder of Make Love Not Porn, a user-generated video-sharing platform. A sex-tech pioneer, she aims to build a community to promote positive sexual values through user-generated content, in response to the ubiquity of ha
Dancing into the Future of Luxury with Diana Verde Nieto
How can luxury brands build a more sustainable future? What does luxury mean in a climate crisis?In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of luxury exploring ways brands can uphold their social and environmental responsibilities.Joining Carla to explore the evolution of the luxury market is Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder of Positive Luxury, a sustainability o
Trends On the Run - Setting the Pace With Apple Fitness+ & Nike Running Guru
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Apple Fitness+ Trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm about running.We’ve been tracking the boom in outdoor lifestyles since 2015, and in this episode we throw the spotlight on arguably the most accessible form of exercise. We discuss the future of running, the importance of different running communities, plus how Cory motivates people gl
Top Trends for 2024 - From the Multi-Species Home to Meals as Drinks
Will the robots take over? How will brands tackle sustainability? And what will become our favourite tipple in 2024? Tune in to get the answers as we discover just some of the trends WGSN is forecasting for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN and the host of this end-of-the-year episode with her fellow WGSN guests Andrea Bell, VP of Consumer Insights, and Lisa White, Director of Strate
"I Hate CEOs That Moan": Forecasting Success with WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi
Normally Carla Buzasi the CEO of WGSN asks the questions in the Lives of Tomorrow podcasts. But in this special end of the year episode we turn things around and put Carla in the hot seat and ask her the questions she normally asks her guests. So listen in and find out what makes her tick, what drives her in her role as CEO of WGSN and what she thinks the future of trend forecasting
This is Not Just Trend Forecasting... It's 25 Years of WGSN x Marks & Spencer
Let’s be honest, trend forecasting is a really unique industry. We've been global leaders in this space for 25 years, and because it’s our birthday, we’re making some noise about it.We compile and analyse information for brands to use to help them make informed decisions about the future of their business and the products they should create, whatever the industry. Today we talk fashion. WGSN CEO C
Ending Loneliness for the Elderly with AI
In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, Dor Skuler, CEO and co-founder of Intuition Robotics, joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the future of aged care, and how AI can play a part.How much do we think about care for the elderly, and what questions are we asking about how we will care for the elderly in the future? To address this social issue, Dor’s company launched award-winning proactive soci
What Makes a Manager – And Do We Still Need Them?
Do we respond best to managers or leaders, and what is the difference?CEO of WGSN, Carla Buzasi, talks about the future of management with Sarah Moore, UK head of workforce at PwC – one of the Big Four accounting firms. Sarah explains what it means to be a manager, the fine line between leading and managing, plus what the future holds for management.In this episode, Carla and Sarah broach a number
How Electric Eels Can Teach Us to Power the Future
In this episode we explore how systems found in nature can futureproof our lives. WGSN Consumer Tech Editor Matt Zara argues that many solutions to modern problems already exist in plants, animals and other living organisms. Matt recently published a forecast, Intelligence: Biomimicry, which looked at the evolution of designs and production methods that are modelled on biological entities and
All You Need is Love – How the Polycrisis is Shifting Our Relationship with Brands
Martina Rocca, Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN, talks polycrisis, shifting consumer brand relationships and what tomorrow looks like.In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Martina unpack what a polycrisis is, how it’s impacting our lives and what the future holds for consumer brand relationships. Martina’s forecasts on this topic highlight a shift in what consumers demand from b
Welcome to the Future: Does Social Media Rule the Music Industry?
In 1979, The Buggles sang Video Killed the Radio Star. If they were to rewrite that hit today, the new title might well be TikTok Killed the Radio Star. On the one hand TikTok and other social media platforms surface music in very short snippets, so a song that lasts around three minutes stands little chance of a full airing. But on the other hand, TikTok is a fantastic global creator of vira
