By Rey Marquez
In the ever-changing landscape of business, where unforeseen challenges and opportunities lurk around every corner, how can organizations confidently chart their course? The answer lies in foresight – the ability to see beyond the horizon and anticipate the forces that will shape tomorrow.
Foresight is like having a telescope that allows us to peer into the future. It empowers us to identify emerging trends, potential disruptions, and untapped possibilities. Just as a sailor uses a telescope to navigate rough seas, businesses can use Foresight to navigate the uncertainties of the market.
Last June 10 and 11, the first AEV Foresight Learning Workshop was held at Seda Hotel, BGC, Taguig City. Organized by the AEV Transformation Team, led by Rey Marquez, Transformation Manager and facilitated by renowned external consultant James Clampett, the two-day workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools and methodologies needed to incorporate foresight into strategic planning, risk management, and innovation efforts.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary goal of the workshop was to demonstrate how foresight processes and tools can enhance strategic thinking within the organization. Participants learned how to integrate foresight into environmental scanning and scenario planning, providing them with a robust methodology to anticipate and navigate future market shifts and uncertainties.
Key Participants
The workshop saw active participation from three core teams within AEV: Transformation, Corporate Strategy, and Risk. This diverse group fostered rich, cross-functional discussions that were pivotal in achieving the workshop’s objectives.
Major Highlights and Key Learnings
- Understanding Foresight: Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of foresight and its importance in expanding strategic thinking.
- Foresight Tools: The workshop introduced various foresight tools that aid in environmental scanning and scenario planning.
- Foresight Team Establishment: A significant outcome was the formation of the Foresight Team, tasked with creating a radar for signals relevant to AEV’s future strategies.
Foresight is not entirely new but a more systematic approach will help us create and validate narratives faster. More than the signals, what’s crucial is the team’s ability to integrate and synthesize all this information to make it useful for the business.
– Kiara Rioferio, Transformation Manager, AEV
Methodology and Tools
The workshop emphasized the integration of foresight methodologies into existing strategic frameworks. Participants were introduced to tools that facilitate a broader view of potential futures, thereby enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
Next Phase of the Program
The next step involves the Foresight Team conducting environmental scanning through the Futures Platform. This platform will help identify key signals that answer the critical research question: “What market shifts should AEV anticipate to strategically allocate resources and construct a strong investment portfolio?” The findings from this phase will be shared across various groups within the organization to finalize the signals that will inform the subsequent Scenario Planning Workshop, scheduled before the end of Q3.
The Foresight Learning Workshop was a pivotal event in AEV’s journey towards becoming a foresight-driven organization. By equipping key teams with advanced foresight tools and methodologies, AEV is well-positioned to navigate future uncertainties and strategically allocate resources. The AEV Transformation Team remains committed to supporting the organization in its foresight and strategic planning initiatives, ensuring that AEV stays ahead of market shifts and continues to thrive in a dynamic business environment.
Interested in learning more about the Foresight Learning Workshop or collaborating with the AEV Transformation Team? Reach out to aev.transformation@aboitiz.com for more details.
