What does it take to truly see the future — and help others act on it?

In this lively episode, hosts Mike Maddock and John Tobin sit down with Mike Bechtel, Chief Futurist at Deloitte. Mike shares his fascinating journey from ska bands to anthropology, consulting, venture capital, and teaching at Notre Dame.

They discuss the power of curiosity, why expertise can sometimes be a liability, how to stay relevant, and what it means to be a "dot connector" in a world dominated by AI.

Mike also gives us a bold (and fun!) prediction about where brain-computer interfaces could take us next.

Packed with laughs, sharp insights, and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what’s coming — and how to lead in times of rapid change.

About the hosts:
Mike Maddock is the founder of Flourish Advisory Boards, a public speaker, and a serial entrepreneur known for helping leaders transform big ideas into reality.
John Tobin is the co-founder and president of Slalom Consulting, a global consulting firm helping organizations tackle their most ambitious projects and build a culture of innovation and trust.

Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro and welcome to Mike Bechtel

02:00 — Growing up between a landfill and a steel mill

05:30 — From ska bands to anthropology to consulting

12:00 — Dot connectors vs. dot perfectors

18:00 — Is expertise a liability?

24:30 — Advice to the next generation

32:00 — The importance of curiosity and humility

39:00 — Staying young and relevant

47:00 — Bridging the gap between future ideas and practical action

54:00 — Teaching at Notre Dame and empowering liberal arts students

1:02:00 — Humbling career lessons and learning to care

1:12:00 — Mike’s bold prediction for the future

1:17:00 — What is Mike’s seat at the table?

1:23:00 — Final reflections and thanks

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