As NY Fashion Week kicks off, we speak with one of the industry's top casting directors. She’s worked with Prada, Vuitton, and all the biggest brands and influencers and talks with us about the importance of building brand identity and what it takes to be successful as a model today. She also shares why fashion is ripe for disruption and why she thinks the “supermodel” is dead.

Social Impact is a term bandied about across nonprofit, corporate, government, and philanthropic communities– but what is it really and how is it evolving in a fast-moving world? In this episode, we speak with a seasoned impact veteran about the importance of taking time to listen and reflect, to co-create programs with the communities they’re intended to serve, to influence policy, and advance the voices of a new generation of changemakers.

In 2022, nearly $70 billion of art was sold across markets, categories, sales channels, talent levels (and price points). But our guest this week- a life-long “art marketer” and trailblazer in online galleries- helps demystify the hype addressing the role the art gallery plays today, traditionally, and into the future despite AI and other disruptive technologies. 

A first-time co-production with The Boston Globe's Rhode Island Report, this is an in-person conversation with the CEO of North America’s largest offshore wind company, the Danish firm Ørsted. From production to pricing, floating turbines to fisherman’s rights- this is a fascinating conversation from the country’s smallest state which also happens to be home to its first, second and largest offshore wind projects to-date. 

What is empathy? How is it different than compassion? And what role does it play in bridging the divides that seem to be growing across society? Our guest is an accomplished Professor in Political Science who served as the first female and first African-American Provost at Menlo Park College. Her book “Radical Empathy” explores how we can create a better future for us all. 

What is metabolic health? In this great conversation with a long-term naturopathic physician specialized in metabolic health and performance, we explore the interplay between anabolic vs. catabolic functions, build vs. recovery, personalized vs. generic care, and the innovations leading us towards the future. If you want to reverse disease, change health outcomes, or use blood tests and calipers as tools to help implement optimal health habits.

Found in the country’s top restaurants and revered by food critics and amateur eaters alike, Island Creek Oysters are among the very best. How better to kick off Summer than with a conversation about these tasty bivalves- what it takes to grow them, the value of aquaculture as an industry, and how to keep up with growing demand.

Who better to drive a conversation about the perils & pitfalls of globalization today and introduce the myriad plans & promises of a future model than the current Managing Director of the German Marshall Fund in the US and Former US Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development? From telecom to trade, protectionism to neocolonialism – this is an important and timely conversation about the state of the world’s economic order.

This week, long-time tech journalist, David Kirkpatrick joins us to talk about all that’s happened since Intel introduced the world’s first microprocessor in November 1971, the changes now so quickly coming our way related to generative AI and more, and where the internet is leading humanity for good or bad

Responsible for transporting nearly 80% of all goods worldwide, there are more than 60,000 merchant ships in operation today. Both essential contributors to our global economy, as well as major emissions polluters – this conversation with a maritime shipping industry thought-leader whose family has been in the business for seven generations is both fascinating and far-reaching. 

This week’s conversation is among the most important topics that will influence our collective futures. In this eye-opening conversation with a multi award-winning social and edtech entrepreneur, we hear about the state of K12 education in the US, the impact of screens, the role of AI, and what he and his companies are doing to achieve a ‘literacy moonshot’. 

In a world riddled with conflict, natural disaster, and uneven access to medical care– Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF as it’s known on the ground) is the leading independent international aid organization focused on providing medical humanitarian action where it’s needed most. Founded in 1971, and awarded the Nobel Prize in 1999– MSF supports the core purpose of saving lives and alleviating suffering related to health outcomes. Tune in for a remarkably candid conversation with the Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders (US) in E7, S4. 

On this episode of Future of XYZ, host Lisa Gralnek interviews author Randi Braun on the important subject of Women at Work. Braun “the gender pay gap is increasing, and so are women’s levels of burnout. Our system is broken and our old playbook is outdated”. Her best-selling book is the foundation for helping us understand.

Sunday night, the world watched the 95th Oscar Awards in Hollywood, CA. This week, FUTURE OF XYZ is speaking with an award-winning Director & Producer, herself- a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tune in for Episode 5, Season 4 to learn all about the ‘Future of Documentary Film’- what it is, how the genre has changed in recent years, and where it’s going. 

On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Mark Sullivan, a former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator as well as the Founder of Snowboard Magazine and Tailgate Alaska. In Episode 4, Season 4- we explore the growth of the snow sports industry, the impact of climate change, and the opportunities for technology. We also get into all things power of presence and self-reliance in the backcountry. 

With 35 years experience in renewables, plus law and economics degrees, our guest this week now leads the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. From what renewables are in the first place, to the impact of federal subsidies- we explore the path forward for renewable energy in economic, political, social, geographic, and of course, environmental terms.

On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Dr. Andrew Schmookler, author and former congressional candidate, about the future of democracy. The Greeks defined democracy as “power of the people” since "demos" means people and "kratos" means power. But is it still “the people” who have power in modern democracies? What’s changed? What’s at risk? 

On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Vanessa Arnedo, Chief of Staff of the Michael J. Fox Foundation about the future of Parkinson's Disease. The second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world after Alzheimers, Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately one million Americans and over six million people worldwide. With those numbers expected to double by 2040, the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation is to accelerate the development of better treatments that help those living with Parkinson’s today AND to find a cure.