How to Thrive in Uncertain Times

Overview

Polycrisis… Anthropocene… Wicked Problems.

No matter what name you give it, there’s no denying that our world is inundated with catastrophic thinking, and for good reason: we are experiencing the compounding convergence of climate emergencies, escalating inequality, technological dehumanization, rising authoritarianism, social unrest, and widespread issues related to mental health. As the famous placard says, “The end of the world is nigh.”

Spoiler Alert: This isn’t the first time that the world has ended.

We’re not trying to make light of these imminent and interconnected crises – they are certainly real and extremely devastating. But what if our biggest crisis was not one of systems, but rather a crisis of hearts and souls?

Enter Wicked Opportunities®.

In terms of crisis-thinking, “wicked problems” are problems that are so difficult and convoluted that attempting to solve them only creates more problems. However, the real problem isn’t our complex world, but rather our outdated mindsets. The way that we see the future directly impacts the actions that we take today, so a better world requires better visions. For this reason, TFSX developed the concept of Wicked Opportunities® – the unseen possibilities that are fostered by the unique and creatively complex situations presented through wicked problems. 

When we move beyond crisis, we will see the transformational realities cultivated through Wicked Opportunities.

Details

Welcome to How to Thrive in Uncertain Times: 7 Lessons to Empower Hope, a unique course designed to equip you with the tools and mindsets to navigate a world rife with complexity and uncertainty. 

In this transmedia course, you’ll be guided through 7 lessons curated by the creators of Wicked Opportunities, futurists Frank Spencer and Yvette Montero Salvatico. Through pre-recorded podcasts and interactive livestreams, Frank and Yvette will invite you to break free from the dead-end of crisis-thinking and into the creative possibilities that can empower hope for our world.

Each lesson, we will delve into a new theme, following the rhythm of the Natural Foresight Framework. This dynamic framework, developed by TFSX, empowers you to discover, explore, map, and create a more hopeful future.

How to get the most from this course:

• WO Podcast Episodes. Each of the 4 topics in each lesson will be anchored by a pre-recorded Wicked Opportunities Podcast episode, hosted by Frank and Yvette. While the podcasts featured in this course were originally recorded between 2020 and 2021, we believe the topics have never been more relevant. Listen at your own pace as you learn a step-by-step approach to tackle these real-world issues. 
  • Activities/Reflections. You’ll activate your learnings in each topic with an activity or reflection tied to the podcast recording.
  • Immersive Graphic Illustrations. Each course lesson includes a visual map that details the shift from our present day Wicked Problems to the transformational Wicked Opportunity. The maps are filled with illustrations, icons, diagrams, metaphors, and concepts that demonstrate the richness of the transitional process as well as the mindsets and actions that can lead us into these hopeful realities. 
• Monthly WO Livestream. Each month, join Frank and Yvette for a YouTube Live discussion of the lesson contributing to the present-day dialogue on these critical issues. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with your hosts. Can’t join live? No problem, the course will be updated with the recording once the livestream concludes.

Through interactive exercises, stimulating discussions, and curated resources, you will learn to:

• Discover the root causes of complex challenges.
• Explore emerging trends shaping our world.
• Map the implications of these trends for human systems.
• Create innovative solutions and strategies for a better tomorrow.

Watch the February WO livestream, “The Year of Defying Gravity” for additional context on the “why” behind this multi-month, immersive experience.

2025 Schedule

Learners can join this course any time! Once enrolled, catch up on any previously held livestreams and continue at your own pace. 

**Missed a Livestream? No worries – recordings will be added to the course for viewing within 24 hours**

The suggested schedule below includes recommended pre-work for those that wish to engage monthly with the instructors during the live, online component of the program.