Cecily Sommers

Business Futurist at Wherefore Co., Innovation Strategist, Author of ‘Think Like a Futurist’, University of Houston Adjunct Professor

Cecily Sommers’s Biography:

Cecily Sommers is a renowned business futurist, keynote speaker and innovation strategist who helps organisations understand the forces shaping the future and turn disruption into opportunity. Recognised by Forbes as one of the ‘World’s Top 50 Female Futurists’, Cecily is also the author of the acclaimed book ‘Think Like a Futurist’ and a trusted advisor to global companies navigating complex change. With more than two decades of experience in strategic foresight, she has built a reputation as a powerful keynote speaker who equips leaders with the mindset and practical frameworks needed to anticipate emerging trends and lead with confidence in uncertain environments.

Cecily’s professional journey began when she started working as a Business Futurist at Wherefore Co., advising organisations on emerging trends, market opportunities and innovation strategies. Her ability to translate complex global shifts into clear strategic direction quickly set her apart. In 2000, she founded The Push Institute, where she served as Founder and President, leading research and collaborative initiatives exploring the future of energy, economics, geopolitics, technology and culture. Under her leadership, the organisation developed a national reputation for its influential conference PUSH, bringing together forward-thinking leaders determined to shape the next era of business, policy and innovation.

Building on this success, Cecily expanded her influence across multiple strategic and academic roles. She became Futurist-in-Residence at THINKTOPIA®, working with major brands on innovation programmes and strategic foresight projects. She later served as Director of Future Studies at Bluedog Design, LLC, where she advised Fortune 500 companies on long-term growth strategies and emerging market opportunities. Alongside her consulting work, Cecily has contributed to the academic development of foresight thinking as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston’s Foresight Programme. Her book ‘Think Like a Futurist’ has been translated into multiple languages and recognised as one of the most influential guides for applying foresight to strategy and innovation.

Why Hire Cecily Sommers?

Today, Cecily is a highly sought-after keynote speaker who works with organisations such as Google, Salesforce, JPMorgan Chase and Nestlé Purina to help leaders navigate uncertainty and unlock future opportunities. Through her keynotes and leadership programmes, Cecily introduces audiences to practical frameworks such as Change Literacy and anticipatory intelligence, empowering teams to recognise patterns of change before they become disruption. Cecily’s presentations combine strategic insight, engaging storytelling and actionable tools, leaving audiences inspired to rethink how they lead, innovate and adapt. For organisations seeking to move beyond reacting to change and instead shape what comes next, Cecily offers the insight and perspective needed to lead confidently into the future.

Cecily Sommers’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Cecily Sommers’s distinguished career:

• 2025 – Delivered keynote presentation at the Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) in Chicago
• 2025 – Hosted the in-person ‘Lead Like a Futurist’ leadership intensive in Minneapolis
• 2018 – Appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston
• 2013 – Named Advisory Board Member, Minnesota World’s Fair
• 2013 – Named Advisory Board Member, Northrop Concerts and Lectures, University of Minnesota
• 2012 – Published Think Like a Futurist, later translated into multiple languages
• 2010 – Appointed Director of Future Studies at Bluedog Design, LLC
• 2008 – Became Futurist-in-Residence at THINKTOPIA®
• 2000 – Founded The Push Institute, a strategic futures think tank
• 1998 – Began career as Business Futurist at Wherefore Co.