ILARIA FORTE.
ILARIA FORTE.

#foresight #insights #systemsthinking #semiotics #SENSEMAKING #radicalinnovation #culturalcritism #culturalintelligence

ILARIA FORTE.

 

For over two decades, Ilaria Forte, an Italian-born transdisciplinary scientist with expertise in foresight, systems thinking, design science, and cultural intelligence, merges her talents as a writer, researcher, consultant, innovator and speaker to serve as a catalyst for a more equitable, regenerative, and just future. Well-known as the 'wild child' in the realms of innovation and cultural intelligence, Ilaria brings a multifaceted perspective and a rather unconventional approach to research and innovation. She thrives on challenging conventional wisdom and exploring new frontiers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in these fields. Her work draws upon a rich, transdisciplinary academic background and experience that encompasses both Eastern and Western philosophies, cognitive science, systems ecology, systems thinking, social sciences, and future studies, setting her apart as a visionary in radical innovation.In her pursuit of transformative change, Ilaria champions a disruptive yet mindful approach to innovation, advocating for responsible approaches that supports all forms of life and adheres to ethical standards, rather than compromising human values or the integrity of the more-than-human world for technological advancement or economic growth. Her critical analysis of contemporary culture and society, combined with her exploration of the dynamics between human activities and ecosystems, underscores her comprehensive understanding of systemic change and future developments. Central to Ilaria's philosophy is an unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo. This stance resonates with forward-thinking organizations and innovators who are keen to realign their strategies with ethical, ecological, and social imperatives, moving beyond reductionist approaches to embrace systemic frameworks. She provides strategic and creative guidance to renowned companies and organizations, leveraging her insights into cultures and future dynamics to navigate the complexities of postmodern challenges and envision preferred futures. Her engaging speaking engagements and capacity to articulate alternative and preferable futures have established her as a sought-after inspirational figure. She fosters dialogue and transformative experiences across a range of themes, including regenerative futures, eco-social innovation, and radical pluralism, utilizing her versatility as an agent provocateur to weave stories that inspire systemic change. Ilaria's research-driven insights offer a roadmap through the complexities of emerging multidimensional challenges, serving as a beacon for those navigating the current polycrises. Ilaria's commitment to tangible action is evident in her participation in global social innovation initiatives focused on critical issues like human-machine coevolution, tech ethics, and planetary health. With fluency in four languages and a global footprint that includes work and residency in continents ranging from North America to Asia, Ilaria brings a multicultural and transdisciplinary perspective to her endeavors. A scholar and practitioner of Zen and an advocate for relieving the suffering of underserved communities, her life and work embody the principles of the Zen Peacemakers Order, emphasizing service, compassion, the oneness of life, and interconnectedness of all beings. Ilaria holds a Master's degree in Public Relations, Communication, and Consumer Studies from the University IULM, Milan, and a Postgraduate Degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of South Wales. After spending two years in a remote Alpine village, she now resides in the woods with her family, where she dedicates herself to writing and weaving her insights into the fabric of a future where every form of life can thrive. Through her multifaceted career, Ilaria Forte emerges as a visionary architect of change, advocating for a world that values cooperation, inclusivity, and reverence for life.

 

VISION.

Her vision is to inspire and mobilize the transformation towards a life-affirming, radically inclusive, and whole world, nurturing the conditions for life to thrive now and into the future.

MISSION.

Through a lens of interbeingness & interconnectedness, Ilaria’s mission is to catalyze whole systems transformation, unleash our human imagination, and resourcefulness to overcome critical issues – from personal to planetary challenges. 

PURPOSE.

A scientist by training, a humanist at heart, and with an artist's mind, Ilaria is committed to using scientific research insights, deep philosophical inquiry, contemplative practices, and creativity to revitalize culture & society, restore lands, and allow the human and more-than-human world to flourish and coevolve harmoniously.

HOT TOPICS.

Regenerative futures, the pluriverse, eco-social innovation, kinship, transitioning beyond capitalism, envisioning a post-carbon world, radical pluralism, decolonizing futures, crafting life-affirming narratives, coevolution, the ethical use of AI, and the exploration of leaderless organizations.

dare to challenge the status quo.

 
“No/thing exists in isolation. We are coevolving social meaning-making animals, interconnected heart-minds of this whole living and breathing super organism. Nurturing connections is sustaining life. All living systems are loving systems. Thus in communities through meaningful interactions, we thrive. We are here to awaken together as one, living and breathing body.

”
— Ilaria Forte, "What Love Has to Do with Innovation" Essay, 2020/01
 

WORK.

 

RESEARCH / WRITING

With a focus on catalysing conscious innovation, enriching meanigful research, design, and communication, Ilaria's work elevates companies' research, design, communication, marketing, product development, branding, and innovation. Her analyses and writings are an actionable ‘guide’ for companies seeking authentic engagement and impactful transformation.

Ilaria illuminates the unseen, articulates the unspoken, and navigates the intricate interplay between culture, communication, nature and future explorations. Her research work offers transformative insights that resonates and challenges, opening doors to new perspectives and possibilities. Leveraging the power of semiotics, cultural analysis and foresight, Ilaria decodes and maps the complex language of signs and symbols that shape our human experience, providing you with deep cultural insights and perspectives on the future. Whether you're seeking to explore the nuances of cultural phenomena, forecast emerging trends, or simply captivate your audience with compelling narratives, her expertly crafted content is designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thought.

KEYNOTES / TALKS / EXPERIENCES

Every speech becomes an experience, and every listener is moved to envision and create a better future. With a unique blend of insight, passion, and vision, Ilaria engages audiences across the globe, sparking imagination, and igniting a collective desire for change.

Ilaria brings her extensive expertise in semiotics, future studies, cultural criticism, and eco-social activism to your event, meeting, podcast, or show, offering a series of speeches that are not only enlightening but deeply transformative. Her presentations are tailored to inspire, challenge, and motivate, drawing on her rich background in exploring the relationships between living beings, communities, cultures, and landscapes. She aims to inspire whole systems change & transformation, unlocking human creativity and resourcefulness to address critical personal, organizational, and societal challenges. Ilaria delivers scientific breakthroughs poetically and illuminatingly. Her mission extends beyond merely delivering motivational and inspirational speeches; she aims to ignite a collective spark, leading us toward a future that is brighter, more beautiful, and inherently regenerative.

TRAINING / COACHING /

Together, transform challenges into opportunities for awakening and evolution, fostering an environment where collaboration, creativity, and innovation lead the way to a brighter, more regenerative future.

Ilaria offers transformative training, coaching, and facilitation services tailored for individuals, teams, and organizations aiming to elevate their potential. With her broad expertise across disciplines and cultures, she delivers sessions that foster expansion, reconnection, radical presence and innovation, systems thinking and creative imagination. Whether it's through 1:1 coaching, group workshops, or facilitating discussions, her methods are designed to enhance deep and systemic understanding, conscious development, radical collaboration, and meaningful engagement. Ilaria's sessions are interactive and aimed at achieving specific goals such as leadership enhancement, improved team dynamics, and cocreation of disruptive solutions for a regenerative future. Her approach ensures a comprehensive and impactful learning journey, equipped with the necessary tools and insights needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

 

From WORDS to Action. push the boundaries and explorE new possibilities.

#foresight: Examines dynamics and patterns of change over time in various domains such as technology, demographics, economics, politics, and culture. It involves exploring, predicting, or anticipating emerging trends, future scenarios, potential developments, and drivers of change. This is achieved through environmental scanning, predictive analysis, trend analysis, scenario planning, visioning, backcasting, horizon scanning, wild cards analysis, and worldbuilding.

#insights: Gains valuable insights into people's needs, perspectives, attitudes, behaviors, and preferences. This is achieved through interviews, observational research, group discussions, ethnographic research, customer journey mapping, as well as collaborative and co-creative workshops.

#systemsthinking: Involves understanding complex systems by analyzing their interconnections and relationships rather than individual parts. This approach emphasizes the holistic view of systems, recognizing that changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects across the entire system. System thinking tools include causal loop diagrams, stock-and-flow diagrams, and system dynamics modeling.

#semiotics: Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation, often used to analyze meaning in language, culture, and communication. It explores how signs and symbols convey meaning and how they are interpreted within specific contexts. Semiotics involves analyzing various sign systems, including linguistic signs (words, sentences), visual signs (images, icons), and gestural signs (body language, gestures).

#sensemaking: Sensemaking is the process of creating meaning or understanding from complex or ambiguous situations. It involves gathering information, interpreting it, and constructing a coherent narrative or framework to make sense of the situation. Sensemaking is particularly important in situations where there is uncertainty, ambiguity, overflow or conflicting information.

#culturalcritism: Cultural criticism involves the examination and evaluation of cultural phenomena, practices, or artifacts from a critical perspective. It seeks to uncover underlying assumptions, power dynamics, and social implications embedded within cultural expressions. Cultural critics may analyze literature, art, media, or popular culture to understand how they reflect and shape societal values, norms, and ideologies.

#culturalintelligence: Cultural intelligence refers to the ability to understand and navigate different cultures effectively, often in intercultural or global contexts. It involves being aware of cultural differences, adapting to diverse cultural norms and practices, and effectively communicating and collaborating across cultural boundaries. Cultural intelligence is essential for individuals and organizations operating in multicultural environments or engaging with diverse stakeholders.

#radicalinnovation: Radical innovation involves significant and fundamental changes to existing systems, products, or processes. It goes beyond incremental improvements and challenges existing paradigms or assumptions. Radical innovation often requires disruptive thinking, experimentation, and risk-taking to create breakthrough solutions that transform industries or create entirely new markets.

HIRE HER.

By choosing to collaborate with Ilaria for your upcoming project, you're not only securing the expertise of a seasoned and visionary professional with a diverse skill set and extensive experience, but you're also contributing to a larger cause. Ilaria is deeply committed to driving positive change through her not-for-profit collective initiatives, which are dedicated to eco-social regeneration and community-driven projects aimed at promoting planetary health.

A significant aspect of Ilaria's commitment is her pledge to allocate 50% of her after-tax net income from each project towards a dedicated fund specifically designed to support regenerative efforts and cultivate thriving communities. Through this contribution, we actively engage in addressing pressing issues and amplifying the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups in underserved areas. This includes individuals grappling with mental health disorders, refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and the homeless.

In aligning our efforts with these initiatives, we recognize the interconnected nature of the challenges facing our planet. Together, we embark on a journey of compassionate action, working towards the realization of a life-affirming world that embraces and supports the well-being of all its inhabitants. In radical cooperation, we trust. 

CLIENT PORTFOLIO.

Her journey has intersected with some of the world's most forward-thinking organizations, including The Walt Disney Company, ViacomCBS, Condé Nast, BMW, and Unilever, among others. Together, we have embarked on explorations of new horizons, crafting strategic insights, and breaktrough ideas that drive radical innovation, conscious product development, and meaningful narratives in marketing, communication, and branding. With over 500 sessions and workshops under her belt and extensive research work spanning thousands of pages, Ilaria has had the privilege of guiding and inspiring executives, pioneers, and innovators from Fortune 500 companies and startups across more than 20 countries, from healthcare to media. Her work provides a practical blueprint for organizations striving for deep engagement and radical transformation towards equitable and sustainable practices. Through her in-depth analyses, visionary narratives, training and facilitation work, and thought-provoking speeches, she illuminates both the challenges and possibilities that the future holds. She charts pathways towards preferable futures, acting as an agent provocateur to foster meaningful dialogues across a diverse range of topics. These include regenerative futures, the pluriverse, eco-social innovation, kinship, transitioning beyond capitalism, envisioning a post-carbon world, radical pluralism, decolonizing futures, crafting life-affirming narratives, coevolution, the ethical use of AI, and the exploration of leaderless organizations.Ilaria is deeply grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated for over two decades with some of the world's leading companies. Her work has been pivotal in shifting business cultures from competitive mindsets to ones of radical cooperation, co-creating capacities that champion a regenerative, just, and inclusive world. With a balance of heart and mind, she continues to inspire and collaborate with changemakers globally, driving forward a vision of a world where cooperation and imagination flourish.

Some of the companies that ride the waves of change alongside Ilaria include:

ACCENTURE, FIFTY5 FIVE, THE FORGE, THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY, DISNEY PUBLISHING, DEUTSCHE BANK, COMMERZBANK, TD BANK, CONDE NAST DIGITAL, VOGUE, GLAMOUR, BMW, VODAFONE, NOKIA, SK TELEKOM, HENKEL, UNILEVER, FERRERO GROUP, GRUPPE PERNOD RICARD, MONDADORI DIGITAL, MTV NETWORK, VIACOM, TKMAXX, TJK EUROPE, RADEBERG, BUTTERFLY LONDON, IPSOS GROUP, SQUADRATI, BRAUN, B/S/H, iXDS, PROSIEBEN, KABEL1, IBM, AXEL SPRINGER VERLAG, TELECOM ITALIA MEDIA, ALVIERO MARTINI, SISSI ROSSI, SLOW MEDIZIN, GREENKERN, AUDACES FOUNDATION, PHILIP MORRIS, ECOVERDE, THE SOCIAL INNOVATION FOUNDATION, PRO NATURA INTERNATIONAL, THE RABBIT HOLE, HEALTHCARE SHAPERS, BE COURAGEOUS INNOVATION, BUCKMINSTER FULLER INSTITUTE / DESIGN SCIENCE STUDIO, CHECKDOMAIN, IDEAROCKERS, BREATHE MEDITATION APP, YOOLABS, PARAGRAPH 1, BUTTERFLY LONDON, TREEYO PERMACULTURE, PUBLIC LINK.

ACCENTURE, FIFTY5 FIVE, THE FORGE, THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY, DISNEY PUBLISHING, DEUTSCHE BANK, COMMERZBANK, TD BANK, CONDE NAST DIGITAL, VOGUE, GLAMOUR, BMW, VODAFONE, NOKIA, SK TELEKOM, HENKEL, UNILEVER, FERRERO GROUP, GRUPPE PERNOD RICARD, MONDADORI DIGITAL, MTV NETWORK, VIACOM, TKMAXX, TJK EUROPE, RADEBERG, BUTTERFLY LONDON, IPSOS GROUP, SQUADRATI, BRAUN, B/S/H, iXDS, PROSIEBEN, KABEL1, IBM, AXEL SPRINGER VERLAG, TELECOM ITALIA MEDIA, ALVIERO MARTINI, SISSI ROSSI, SLOW MEDIZIN, GREENKERN, AUDACES FOUNDATION, PHILIP MORRIS, ECOVERDE, THE SOCIAL INNOVATION FOUNDATION, PRO NATURA INTERNATIONAL, THE RABBIT HOLE, HEALTHCARE SHAPERS, BE COURAGEOUS INNOVATION, BUCKMINSTER FULLER INSTITUTE / DESIGN SCIENCE STUDIO, CHECKDOMAIN, IDEAROCKERS, BREATHE MEDITATION APP, YOOLABS, PARAGRAPH 1, BUTTERFLY LONDON, TREEYO PERMACULTURE, PUBLIC LINK.

 

APPROACH.

Navigating change necessitates a holistic, systemic, and transdisciplinary perspective. For this reason, Ilaria does not adhere to a singular preferred technique or introduce complex methodologies. Her focus is on the essentials of human evolution and the dynamics of change within living systems. She aims to weave together all dimensions of change, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, paying close attention to the interactions among various elements and dimensions of the system. Ilaria's interest is deeply rooted in a systemic understanding of the interconnected nature of our biological, sociocultural, cognitive, and ecological realms. She places a strong emphasis on examining how nature, culture, narrative, and technology interplay. At the heart of her work is the decolonization of language, bodies, and systems, aiming to dismantle traditional narratives and foster the development of preferred futures marked by inclusivity, equity, and diversity. Her approach goes beyond advocating for radical pluralism; it directly confronts the entrenched inequalities within our societal, cultural, and economic structures, steering us toward a future that is both just and beautiful.

Central to Ilaria's thought is the belief that while change can be sparked, it cannot be forced or controlled. Innovation, in her view, should transcend the aims of economic expansion or technological progression, instead focusing on nurturing the well-being and flourishing of all forms of life. She stands firmly against the exploitation of the more-than-human world and the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities, advocating instead for technology and systems that are life-affirming and ethically grounded.

Ilaria champions a radical, yet mindful, approach to innovation. This involves critical questioning of prevailing paradigms and the courage to imagine alternatives. She believes in leveraging technology to nurture life, advocating for practices that respect ecological boundaries and promote (bio)diversity. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to ethical principles and conscious evolution. This means not only designing technology that is beneficial and non-harmful but also fostering a culture of innovation that is reflective, inclusive, and oriented towards the common good. Ilaria envisions a future where human endeavors are seamlessly integrated with the rhythms and needs of the natural world, supporting a regenerative cycle that ensures sustainability for future generations.

Central to this vision is the concept of radical cooperation. Ilaria envisages a shift from competitive business models to collaborative ones that recognize the value of coevolution and mutual expansion. She sees potential in collective experiments and community-driven initiatives as pathways to eco-social regeneration and business enlightment.

In practice, Ilaria's beliefs translate into a hands-on approach to systems change. Whether advising organizations, participating in global initiatives, or speaking at conferences, she consistently advocates for strategies that honor ethical, ecological, and social imperatives.

“Culture, that grand tapestry, is woven from the whispers of the earth and the aspirations of its inhabitants. We trace the veins of meaning that pulse beneath the surface, above the crust and the dust of the earth where signs and symbols are the language of collective consciousness speaking to the cosmos. Our quest? To peel back the layers of convention, revealing the raw, untamed dialogue between humanity and this wondrous and more-than-human world. In this dance of symbols and signs, nature and culture, let us not be mere spectators but untamed explorers and bold poets, unveiling new territories and crafting new narratives. Let our cultural renaissance be a defiant ode to the oneness and interconnectedness of all life, where each thread vibrates with the possibility of a world reborn in kindness and ecological harmony.”
— Ilaria Forte. Essay "Cut Through The Noise" / 2023.10

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS.

From the Western philosophical tradition, Ilaria embraces the logical rigor and analytical depth of systems philosophy, providing her with a structured framework to navigate the intricacies of our interconnected world. Her philosophical foundations are further enriched by the existential inquiries of prominent Western thinkers. The works of Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir, exploring themes of human agency, freedom, and responsibility, inform her understanding of ethical action amidst systemic challenges. Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology, emphasizing embodied experience and pre-reflective perception, shapes her approach to cognitive science and human-machine interaction.

Critical theories from thinkers such as Jean Baudrillard, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault, and Umberto Eco contribute to Ilaria's nuanced critique of contemporary culture. Baudrillard's reflections on consumer society and simulacra, Deleuze's concepts of multiplicity and becoming, Foucault's analyses of power dynamics, and Eco's semiotic explorations offer insights into societal structures and cultural phenomena. Additionally, the deconstructionist philosophy of Jacques Derrida challenges fixed meanings and hierarchical binaries, aligning with Ilaria's approach to discourse analysis and meaning-making. By incorporating deconstructionist insights, she unveils underlying power dynamics and envisions alternative futures rooted in multiplicity and difference.

Ilaria's philosophical framework is not limited to Western thought; she also draws inspiration from Eastern philosophical traditions, notably Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Nagarjuna and Dogen. Zen Buddhism's emphasis on direct experience, not-knowing, and interconnectedness resonates deeply with Ilaria's holistic view of life systems. Nagarjuna's philosophy of the Middle Way, which embraces the emptiness of inherent existence, and Dogen's insights into time, being, and impermanence, offer metaphysical perspectives that complement her scientific and philosophical inquiries.

Through a synthesis of Western and Eastern philosophical traditions, Ilaria leverages philosophical reflection to inform practical action, driving innovation rooted in consciousness and awareness. Her work embodies a commitment to the flourishing of all life in a co-evolving world, reflecting the potential of philosophical inquiry to catalyze meaningful change.

 

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