Lives of Tomorrow

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to author and filmmaker Ruth Whippman about how masculinity is transcending traditional gender stereotypes and the challenges boys face in contemporary society. They explore the importance of open discussions about masculinity, emotional expression and connection, and the need for empathy among boys. Ruth uncovers cultural changes and the impact of screen time on social interactions, encouraging understanding in conversations about gender. Join them to discover modern boyhood, influenced by play from childhood development, including the marketing of toys that form perceptions of gender roles for future generations.

In this episode, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Lifestyle Strategist, Hannah Allan, discuss the evolving food trends among Millennials, focusing on their preferences for nostalgia, comfort food and health-conscious fresh convenience. Hannah shares insights into how Millennials are navigating their busy lives with low-fuss meals while prioritising social dining experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of the generational impact on food choices and the growing focus on longevity and wellness in the food and beverage industry.

In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Allyson Rees, Senior Consumer Lifestyle Strategist at WGSN, about the future of consumer behaviour, focusing on the trends and personas that will shape shopping experiences by 2027. Allyson shares the four key consumer personas: Privacy Keepers, Conventionalists, New Independence and Energisers, each with distinct values and shopping habits. Hear them uncover the importance of digital decluttering, the impact of AI, and the differences between generations in their approach to shopping.

The speed of tech is driving our desire for more real-life experiences. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with Ella Hudson, head of research at WGSN, about why and what this will mean for us in the future. From technology’s limitations and the importance of emotional connections to the need for intentional technology use, they explore how ‘digital minimalism’ is becoming mainstream. Tune in to discover the impact of technology on youth, the importance of community spaces, and the future of design in fostering human connection.

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Head of Events and Marketing, Cassandra Napoli, discuss the implications of global trade uncertainty on supply chains, consumer behaviour, and business strategies.  They explore how tariffs are affecting pricing, the potential for more sustainable practices in the fashion industr,y and the rise of resale markets. From the impact of marketing during economic volatility to balancing globalisation and localism, learn how to understand consumer emotions and adapt business models to navigate complex changes.

Gen AI is nothing new; it’s just a natural continuation of the historical practices of cultural mixing and preservation. This is the argument from Martin Puchner, Harvard professor and award-winning author. In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO, and Martin discuss the evolution of culture in the context of Gen AI and digital advancements. Listen to learn about the emotional responses to Gen AI, the implications for copyright and artistic integrity, and how tech influences access to culture

What can business leaders learn from stepping onto the conductor’s podium? In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO, and Peter Hanke, classical conductor, Oxford University lecturer and coach for executives explore the surprising links between music and the evolving future of leadership. Peter reveals how wielding the conductor’s baton teaches leaders to inspire talent, navigate power dynamics, and foster deep connections among younger generations seeking purpose over hierarchy. Tune into this episode to learn how to build a culture that values influence, the art of motivation, and the power of presence in a world that craves meaningful direction.

Want to shop sustainably but your budget is holding you back? In this episode, Carla Buzasi, WGSN’s CEO and Petko Tashev, co-founder of The Home of Sustainable Things delve into the ‘Say-Do Gap’ where consumers express concern for the environment but act differently due to the cost-of-living crisis. Reframing consumption, they discuss innovative solutions to waste management, the role of creatives in driving sustainable practices and the future of homeware in a circular economy. Hear Petko’s insights from working with young designers about providing future generations with pathways to live sustainably.

What makes Gen Zs in APAC unique and what drives them? In this episode, WGSN’s CEO, Carla Buzasi, and Asia Futures and Cultural Strategist, Alison Ho, reveal how this market values local and regional cultures, evolves spending habits, and redefines living and working. Amid a rapidly changing economic environment, they discuss how this group cautiously navigates consumption while shifting towards experiential luxury with new modes of spirituality. Join them to discover Western influences on this group such as happiness as a key performance indicator and emerging APAC consumer trends impacting global markets.

What does wellness mean to you? Does how you look matter more than how you feel? In this episode, we’ll uncover ways to care for body and mind in today’s fast-paced world. Joining WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi in this episode is Co-founder of Pillar Wellbeing, Harry Jameson. Discover his journey from elite coaching to co-founding a game-changing brand that dives into the future of wellbeing with personalised, holistic health and wellness strategies. If you want to live better, listen in on how to achieve peak performance with balance.

Is TikTok’s time in the US running out? What does the TikTok ban mean for the future of social media? This episode of Lives of Tomorrow explores TikTok’s uncertain future after a brief US shutdown tied to a Congressional bill requiring its parent company, Bytedance, to sell or face a nationwide ban. We discuss Meta’s shifting moderation policies on Facebook and Instagram and what these changes mean for the social media landscape. Join WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Director of WGSN Insight and social media trend forecaster, Joe McDonnell, as they share expert insights on the future of TikTok, Meta, and social media as we know it.

You’ve probably already heard how realistic an AI-created podcast can sound, so what else is in store for us when AI makes an even bigger impact in journalism? Our own AI-personalised 9 o’clock news show? Get the inside scoop from Carla Busazi, CEO of WGSN, and David Caswell, founder of StoryFlow, an innovation consultancy focused on AI workflows in news production. Having worked with AI for the BBC and co-authored ‘AI in Journalism Futures’ from Open Society Foundations with Shuwei Fang, David shares how AI will shape journalism in the future.

It’s 2025, and chrono-normativity, hustle culture, and unhealthy habits are out. Which movements are shaking things up across industries? Ditching societal norms of traditional adult milestones, the Forever Young Adult is trailblazing their own timeline. Consumers are grappling with global challenges by seeking ease and dressing in comfortable Day-jamas, tending to their needs with Therapeutic Laziness.  Discover more trends WGSN forecasts for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN with her colleagues, Lisa White, Director of Strategic Forecasting and Creative Direction, and Cassandra Napoli, Head of Marketing and Events at WGSN Insight.

2024 ended up being the year when WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi returned to the office, started wearing heels, stopped using her air fryer, and paid for her coffee with the palm of her hand. She’s done with the boring life and got out of people’s way to watch them do brilliant things. In this special episode, our Lives of Tomorrow podcast producer Akeem Nicol gets Carla to answer instead of asking questions, including those about WGSN’s biggest successes and challenges and why she has asked people to return to the office. Tune in to hear how 2024 has been the year of glimmers – small moments of joy and excellent reviews from WGSN’s customers.

How do you teach adults to play? Play isn’t just for kids. It’s proven to ease stress, boost happiness, and inspire creative problem-solving. So, why aren’t we doing it more? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we explore what play means to us, and how we can use play to boost work performance, increase wellbeing, and set fire to our imaginations. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi learns from Emma Worrollo, Founder of the Playful Den, a collective that supports people unleashing the power of play, recently featured in IKEA’s Power of Play report 2024. Find out how companies enhance staff productivity by harnessing play. Please go and vote for WGSN to speak at SXSW London 2025 - Vote here

Every day, we rely on data to simplify our lives, from our biometrics to our digital wallets. But how safe are we? What does the future hold for data privacy and ethics? In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses digital empowerment with StJohn (Singe) Deakins, founder and CEO of DataSapien, a company revolutionising personal data control with Zero-Shared Data technology. He shares his deep expertise in marketing and loyalty, having led digital transformation in CitizenMe and British Airways. Tune in to learn how companies can build trust and deliver on promises to empower consumers in their choices when sharing their data.

Are we seeking more realistic and complex narratives from the too simplistic storylines of superhero blockbusters? Even as Hollywood’s pull remains, the entertainment landscape is evolving with an increased global appetite for non-English content from different regions.  Join Natacia Lim, WGSN’s Consumer Researcher, and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi in this episode of Lives of Tomorrow on Southeast Asian film and TV, as well as superhero fatigue and the rise in multistreaming platforms. We look at how current trends are shaping the entertainment industry and why there is a surge in younger people going to the cinema. We reflect on franchise films, box office numbers, and what the future of the franchise is.

Are we going backwards? The Regression Generation is a new label given to Gen Z and Alphas who are coming of age while regressing in society in terms of social and educational skills. Unlike previous generations, they are battling crises of confidence, education, and finances as a result of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an increasingly online world. Carla Buzasi,CEO of WGSN discusses with Elizabeth Tan, WGSN’s Senior Culture Strategist about the challenges they face, including loneliness, anxiety and social skills in real life, as well as the potential for positive change through community-building. Join us as we explore online and offline strategies to support these generations through emotional and social connections to mature and thrive in our dynamic world. 

Design has the power to transform our lives and help us figure out where we come from, where we belong and where we hope to go. That is the message from ECCO’s Creative Director, Liam Maher.Leading the design team at this Danish shoe brand, Liam has just released his new book ‘Menswhere: A Lost History of the Militant Guild of Rural Tailors’ which is a series of interviews with men’s designers. In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, Liam shares with Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN his wealth of experience and passion for how design is evolving with masculine identities individually and collectively and where innovation meets tradition.

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, we learn about Southeast Asia’s top beauty trends from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi sits with APAC Beauty Strategist Christine Chua to understand behavioural changes towards ageing and skincare in Southeast Asia.  Christine delves into the rise in anti-ageing discourse on TikTok and an upsurge among young people valuing skincare over makeup. Carla discovers what’s driving the demand for niche perfumes such as milk and rancid flesh. Listen in on the beauty priorities driving Southeast Asian markets.