My imagination as a child would take me to the moon. In my neighborhood of Rochester, NY, the asphalt streets became atmosphere, my tricycle transformed into a space shuttle, and scattered rocks turned into prized lunar samples. Back in my bedroom, I’d captivate an audience of stuffed animals with plays and songs, a passion that found its way to the school theater stage. Imagination and creativity were my guiding stars, shaping the way I saw the world.

I went on to study psychology (and political science) at the University of Rochester. There, I delved into understanding human behavior, including the blind spots we develop and the patterns we fall into. (It also led me to a frat party, where I met my partner in all things life and work, Jared Weiner, who was belting out Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Little did I know that this perfectly “on-brand” moment would one day lead me to futurism.)

My curiosity then steered me towards politics, where I worked doing public policy in Washington, DC. Not long after, a mentor in my life – Edie Weiner (who would later become my mother-in-law) – introduced me to an unexpected opportunity to channel my passions and skills: becoming a futurist.

“A what now? A futurist?” I remember thinking, intrigued and slightly bewildered.

Over the next several years, I honed my ability to spot patterns and uncover connections. Early on, Edie told me, “Read science fiction. Think about how different futures will unfold.”