Future of XYZ
Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS, Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we want to go. Through quick and candid conversations with innovative leaders and courageous changemakers, we share unique perspectives that provoke new thinking about what’s coming down the pipeline on topics ranging from business and technology, to art, science, and humanity broadly. Listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on ripbs.org/XYZ, and follow @futureofxyz on Instagram. More information available at future-of.XYZ.

EPISODE 31, SEASON 2: The Mentor/Mentee relationship is too traditionally on an imbalance of age, experience and hierarchical stature. No longer. The ‘Future of Mentoring’ is being created to be more inclusive and engaging. It’s ultimately about sharing and caring. Or, as this week’s guests, the Co-Founders of AugMentors US, say: “Mentoring is about how people go further, faster together”.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 30, SEASON 2: Our guest this week is Esther Pan Sloane- a former journalist, American diplomat, and economic development expert. She is also an author of the UN SDGs- the 17 Sustainable Development Goals negotiated in 2015 and agreed to by 193 UN member countries as part of the 2030 agenda for social, environmental and economic advancement. Whether already knowledgeable or a total newbie to the topic- tune in and learn more about these collective global goals!
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 29, SEASON 2: Technology sometimes gets a bad rap. Yet in this conversation about the ‘Future of Additive Manufacturing’, our guest Jason Szolomayer shares how his nonprofit uses 3D printing to deliver on-demand hearing aids to impoverished people in the Middle East. Our second guest is Rush LaSelle who is a senior leader at Jabil, a multibillion dollar global manufacturing company who believes in harnessing manufacturing technology to help serve the underserved.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 28, SEASON 2: In a world running so fast, where mindfulness is among the decade’s biggest buzzwords—it’s remarkably insightful to hear about the ‘Future of Presence’ from Qi Gong Master, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Author, and Teacher- Thomas Droge. If you’ve ever been curious how to cultivate mindfulness or wondered about the value of being present—this is a deeply philosophical and practical exploration of connecting mind, body and spirit.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 27, SEASON 2: As New York City reopens and roars back to life with its characteristic penchant for round-the-clock action, the ‘Future of NYC Real Estate’ with two of the city’s top real estate agents is timely and fascinating. Join us as Sydney Blumstein of Corcoran and David Shapiro of Grand & Co. share insights about current residential & commercial trends and discuss opportunities for NYC in a post-COVID world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 26, SEASON 2: Fourth of July is the celebration of the founding of America. Discussing the ‘Future of Patriotism’ is Peter Kreitler- Episcopal Priest, Author and Activist. Based on 80+ years as an American and more than 50 serving our nation, Peter shares deep insight, great quotes, and explores what he coins the “6 brilliant facets of patriotism”. Worth a listen this holiday and always.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 25, SEASON 2: In celebration of June being Pride month- we speak this week with producer, activist, journalist, and mindfulness coach, Kim Thai about the ‘Future of Queerness’. From allyship and legislation, to the origin of the pride flag and use of pronouns—this is a profoundly informative and heartfelt conversation not to be missed.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 24, SEASON 2: In honor of World Refugee Day on Sunday, June 20th, we explore the ‘Future of Refugees’ with leaders of two local community nonprofits dedicated to supporting newly resettled immigrant families. It is a powerful and heart-wrenching discussion about the power of human connection and the positive impact of neighbor to neighbor networks.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz
EPISODE 23, SEASON 2: This week we speak with Carlo Mondavi of RAEN Winery and Monarch Tractor. His family’s legacy in California wines is 102 years old, yet Carlo is bringing winemaking and farming generally into the future with regenerative agriculture and ‘beyond organic’ principles. Learn more about his history, philosophy, award-winning wines, and vision for the next 100 years in an episode worth toasting!
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... IG: @futureofxyz Twitter: @lgralnek | LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy
EPISODE 22, SEASON 2: Molly Day, Executive Director of PL+US, joins us this week to explore the ‘Future of Paid Leave’. The United States is just 1 in 4 countries worldwide who offer no form of paid family or medical leave. The impact of this on all workers- especially women and low-wage, largely minority workers- holds back social progress, community wellbeing, and economic growth. Listen to this essential episode just as the fight for paid leave heats up in Congress!
ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we’re going.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz