Robert Johansen

Bob Johansen, Ph.D., has over 35 years of experience as a ten-year forecaster. He now primarily engages with senior leaders across various industries, utilizing his expertise to provoke insight and suggest actionable steps through his work at the Institute For The Future (IFTF).

Dr. Johansen served as IFTF's president and CEO from 1996 to 2004. He continues to be an active member of IFTF's Board and dedicates much of his time to IFTF sponsors through writing and speaking.

Since joining the IFTF staff in the 1970s, Dr. Johansen has been at the forefront of understanding the social and organizational impacts of emerging technologies, starting when the Internet was still known as the ARPANET. Before becoming president, he established and led the program on emerging information technologies, now referred to as the Technology Horizons Program. He is also an accomplished author, with his recent book titled "Leaders Make the Future: Ten New Leadership Skills for an Uncertain Age" and his earlier work, "Get There Early: Sensing the Future to Compete in the Present," which was named one of the top 30 business books of 2007.

A social scientist with an interdisciplinary background, Bob Johansen completed a BS degree at the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree, focusing on world religions. Dr. Johansen is known for his frequent keynote speeches, particularly his workshops with creative teams, where he brings a deep understanding of leadership skills needed for future uncertainties.