Practical Futures

Practical Futures

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Build a future-ready mindset for the age of AI

Join change-makers from market-leading companies developing strategic imagination and futures thinking through product sci-fi workouts. Transform how you think about tomorrow in 10 minutes a week.
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AI Mindset Workouts

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Can you parse me her makeup?
The summit buzzes with murmured conversations. Holodemos briefly solidify products into vivid demonstrations. The conference crowd tours the booths…
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Pawel Halicki
Your patience is refactoring now
The kitchen is at full bustle of evening cooking. Plates are already warming up on the smart countertops. She presses buttons frantically, adjusting the…
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Pawel Halicki
Imagination transfer complete
Removing the headset, reality floods back, and the office walls adjust softly to daylight frequency, grounding him firmly back in the present. …
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Have you tried grit grinding?
The career counsellor swipes through the glowing lattice of her experience topology, spinning nodes and connections with the casual precision of someone…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Our deadline requested an enthusiasm extension
Entering their team space, he immediately senses the mood shift. Yesterday's energetic ceiling projections now pulse calmly, nudging everyone into…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Let’s merge our taste algorithms
The layout is similar, but the kitchen looks different from what she remembered when she last visited before moving away for the contract. She glances…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
I learned it on pay-per-thought
Around the lounge, structural holographs flicker, placed strategically between lush greenery and the gleam of prestigious mahogany award plaques. She's…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
2
Who approved this weather?
Their director storms into the monitoring room, glancing at the screens. - Who approved this weather? This model hasn’t been cleared yet! Her analyst…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
May I borrow your timeline?
Ignoring his attention filter, she slips unannounced into his work pod. The translucent red barrier flickers as she passes through, smearing the…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
The fire won’t start without you
Noticing strangers hurriedly unpacking heavy gear and checking their watches by the reception area, a rush of adrenaline tells him a surprise fire drill…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Could your dataset be kind enough to clean itself?
Hoping to stay sharp through the onboarding, she takes another sip of the dark, roasted neuro brew. The presenter makes a grand, sweeping gesture with…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
These flowers pay for my parking
- Thanks for stopping by. I'm still not sure why I had those soil sensors shipped to your house. - Force of habit? He smirks. - You wish. - You can…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Practical Futures
Practical Futures
Practical sci-fi for strategic thinkers building a future-ready mindset for the age of AI. Transform how you think about tomorrow in 10 minutes a week.
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Season 1

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Can you help me reset my room?
- Hi, are you busy? - I wouldn’t answer if I couldn’t talk. How are you doing?- I’m finishing a presentation for my conference talk tomorrow. The flight…
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Pawel Halicki
This money changes value based on where you spend it
- Thank you for finding the time to come to my party. - Our pleasure. We’re so happy it’s getting harder every year to wish you something you don’t…
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Pawel Halicki
I’m going to prescribe you some participatory fiction
He taps the plaster on his right hand, gathering the courage to confess. - I must admit I expected the cast to be 3D-printed or something. The doctor…
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Pawel Halicki
Working on the history of the future pays surprisingly well
- How did you two meet? She takes a sip of green tea from a chilled glass. - He was a top contributor to my open-source project. My demand generation…
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Pawel Halicki
Have you checked if the car is already streamtracked?
Dad slides into the driver’s seat, which adjusts to his profile. Mum makes herself comfortable in the passenger seat, juggling snacks. Their…
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Pawel Halicki
They were still getting used to her working in her sleep
Trying to overcome the temptation to check the time, he focuses on the soothing sound of their new air filter. The room’s softly pulsing walls shift…
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Pawel Halicki
He loves me but won’t live in a drone-free area any longer
- So, if everything is fine, what’s the thing I’m sensing? - We decided to move to grandma's old unit to travel more and be able to save some money. He…
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Pawel Halicki
Thousands of people mirror our cats’ trading strategy
Her partner bursts into the room, wearing a look of disbelief. - You did what?She takes a deep breath while ignoring incoming requests. - It was just an…
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Pawel Halicki
The kids our son is playing with are not real
She glows in the summer sun, her outline softened by his headset's comfort filters. As breeze plays with her hair, his gaze drifts across the city park…
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Pawel Halicki
She was too tired to live the lifestyle she had ordered anyway
Sandwiched in a metro train stuffed with the morning crowd, she is fine-tuning data viz animations for a client. Human density at maximum capacity, yet…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 2

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The shower is low on relaxation
- Do you need anything from the store? - What do you need that can’t wait for the weekend delivery? - The shower is low on relaxation. I have a…
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Pawel Halicki
These smart fridge magnets saved our marriage
- How many times do I need to repeat? No headsets at breakfast. She puts her hands on her hips, awaiting a reaction, her eyes squinting. He angrily…
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Pawel Halicki
Can you optimize my haircut for lead generation?
- What were you thinking of doing today? - It’s conference season again. Can you optimize my haircut for lead generation? - Would you consider a little…
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Pawel Halicki
Are you kidcycling your children?
- Is it easier for him the second time around? - Don’t ask. He’s trying his best, but serious fatherhood is like a DLC he's still struggling to…
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Pawel Halicki
Raid fitness is the cheapest way to lower your misery tax
- How was your trip? - Overall, it was fine, but the long flight was challenging. - How so? She looks around the conference room and continues. - I…
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Pawel Halicki
Two flat whites for here, to go or secret?
- Next please. - Hi, can I have two medium flat whites, specialty roast, regular milk? - Shall I throw in a sandwich or a muffin? Our toasties can make…
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Pawel Halicki
Their home is a charmer, and you should talk to it soon
- How was your weekend in the mountains? - It was a bit of a surprise at first. Our friends got stuck in traffic, so we arrived three hours early. But…
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Pawel Halicki
Please remain seated. We are experiencing a calendar attack.
- Good morning, my dear nephew. What can I invest in today? - There is no need for sarcasm. I’m in trouble. These hacked delivery drones are slowing…
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Pawel Halicki
Who are your favourite content proxies?
- Thanks for your submissions. While models proposed by all teams are rendering now, let me transfer you to breakout rooms for a short icebreaker before…
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Pawel Halicki
She took out the butter and realised I had been hyper-trading again
- I developed this ritual to celebrate great days. On my way home, I would switch the investment assistant into a high-risk strategy for a tiny…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 3

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Can you ID those pictures for me?
- What can I say… life’s good. I never thought I would finally have time to play games all night once I’m old and retired. What can I do for you? - Good…
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Pawel Halicki
Cover your tray with the pasta spray
- …so in today’s episode, I will show you how to create the latest viral sensation. Lasagna Supreme is taking the internet by storm. Thanks to novelty…
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Pawel Halicki
These are my travel eyes
- I didn’t know you had asthma. - I don’t. This is my jet lag inhaler, and these here… She reaches into a side pocket of her trolley bag, unzips it and…
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Pawel Halicki
2
Hi, I’m your emergency recharge
- Hi, how are you? - Change of plans. It’s nothing serious, but Niels had a small accident, and I have to pick him up from the hospital. - What…
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Pawel Halicki
Do you have anything tokenised on the menu?
- How was your holiday? - I can’t complain. We had a full week of SPF 50 weather. - Sounds nice. The waiter puts a carafe of ice-cold water on their…
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Pawel Halicki
If this soda tastes like mango, call an ambulance
Gravel rolls as the bike stops abruptly. - I’m not at my 100% today. He taps on the helmet’s visor twice as his friend’s deep breaths get closer to…
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Pawel Halicki
That tree made two million last year
- Sorry to keep you waiting folks. - No problem. How is your day? - Phenomenal. I only regret that hand washing is not a popular competitive sport. I…
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Pawel Halicki
I respawned your favourite shirt
- How was your trip? He releases her from a comforting hug. - It was okay, I guess. Some minor delays and a little bit of traffic. Nothing unusual. …
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Pawel Halicki
She only eats lasered fruit
- Anything else? - Yes, five blue bananas. Could you etch them? She only eats lasered fruit. - Picky eater, huh? Any story themes in mind? We have…
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Pawel Halicki
You’ve packed your desk into a carry-on?
- Are you still working? She takes off her headphones. - Sorry, what was that?- I envy people who can listen to music while working. I need peace and…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 4

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You’ve poisoned our recyclobot again
Standing before the softly glowing workspace, she allows a confident smile to spread across her face. As her voice resonates through the virtual…
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Pawel Halicki
My pizza preferences are trending again
Looking at the flickering city lights from their high-rise apartment, she wonders what the time is. She sends a ping, tapping her foot impatiently. …
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Pawel Halicki
Multiversing plans for a healthier you?
- You look tired? Is everything okay? He asks, noticing another regular standing motionless before the mirror. The big guy seems frozen, transfixed by…
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Pawel Halicki
Your dog's digital twin has got me worried
- Hi, we don't have an appointment, but her barkpad requested a doctor's visit and tests. The receptionist's interface scans the data transmitted from…
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Pawel Halicki
2
Give my compliments to your AI
She leans forward with a hint of a smile on her face. In the glow of the holographic interface between them, her eyes reflect streams of data scrolling…
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Pawel Halicki
2
Press here to shift your coat's gravity
- Thanks for joining me. Juggling gifts for a double birthday is always a struggle. - No worries. I owe you one. - I hope we can still grab a bite…
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Pawel Halicki
Sorry I avatared you
- Hi! We’re still at the Society Museum resting after the Exhibit. Sorry I avatared you. - I think I can forgive you one more time. - I have so much…
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Pawel Halicki
Can you turn this tattoo off?
- The dessert was a blast today, but let's get back to business. Do you have any other ideas? How much time do we have left? - I thought you would never…
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Pawel Halicki
2
You sold our home when I went to the kitchen?
- I see you already have everything in place, and your legal assistant is up and running. I think we can start. Are you plugged into the property right…
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Pawel Halicki
2
Two million stars on neuro brew
- Are you ready? She nods with a smile, and he turns on the switches. The large basement lights up, showing a pool with a VR tank computer rig next to…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 5

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The doorbell says we should go out more often
She glances at her partner, hunched as his fingers trace patterns across the house's ambient control panel. - Can you walk the dog? It’s your turn. …
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Pawel Halicki
Your drones can't smell the plants?
Late-night deliveries trace neon lines across the sky. She sits beside her brother on the rooftop sofa, their silence punctuated by the whir of pruning…
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Pawel Halicki
Happy New Simulation Cycle!
He turns down the train seat’s workspace and stretches with a yawn. - Come again? - Are you done yet? We’re almost there. - No. I’ll need ten more…
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Pawel Halicki
How was your annual preview?
The preview lounge doors glows blue as she enters the office café filled with winter break emptiness. As the door closes, its ambient lighting shifts to…
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Pawel Halicki
Avatar set not to open your presents?
He knocks on the door. Silence. He steps into his son’s room quietly. The boy, headset on, doesn’t notice until the father waves an audio override. …
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Pawel Halicki
Where did you download this Santa from?
Her palms glow with the mug's hot chocolate temperature indicator. She enjoys its satisfying warmth, cosied on a sofa with her friend. They watch as…
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Pawel Halicki
Did you remember to print the plates?
Lights twinkle over the lively, decorated market, filled with chatter of shoppers bundled in their winter coats. The air is intoxicating with aromas of…
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Pawel Halicki
Are you streamhosting this year?
In the warm glow of the downtown bar's floating festive lights, they raise their nearly empty glasses. The loud ding of their toast mingles with the…
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Pawel Halicki
Your performance review was a banger!
He gazes at tomorrow's highlights projected onto the elevator's sleek glass wall, the holographic text illuminating his features. The doors close…
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Pawel Halicki
I had a great time living your life
She answers his call with a tap on the steering wheel. Neon highway lights reflect off her windshield. - How are you? A strangely familiar voice asks…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 6

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We switched your curiosity provider
With their apartment finally in calm mode, he could stay on the couch forever, but there are still things to discuss tonight. The wine’s complex aroma…
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Pawel Halicki
Can you print us more time?
The screen flickers irritably as the testing AI struggles again to inject the data. His eyes narrow. Hundreds of thousands of micro-tension sensors…
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Pawel Halicki
Where will we keep our robot?
After the third poke, she finally pulls off her headset and glares at him across the couch. - Hmm? - Have you seen those new humanoid household robots I…
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Pawel Halicki
All teams uploaded and ready to roll!
- Thanks for your update. Great stuff. OK, who’s left? The meeting is doing this on purpose. It’s obviously aware that he’s the last one left to speak…
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Pawel Halicki
Your teeth are rendering now
- Despite decades of progress, dental chairs are one of the least comfortable things in the universe. Or maybe I’m just stressed out? The dentist…
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Pawel Halicki
We can reschedule rush hours
- And with that, dear friends… The presenter pauses dramatically, glancing around the auditorium for added effect. - We can reschedule rush hours. Do I…
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Pawel Halicki
Girl, you got rigged?
The buzz of a busy lunch service surrounds their table in the middle of the most popular vertical farm in the centre. Restaurant service bustles…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Thanks for virtualising this for us
The teacher's room is so organised and tidy that she would definitely mistake it for autodécor if they were on a call. Behind the glass privatised for…
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Pawel Halicki
We just finished printing your meds
Pill printers hum in the back room, covered in the glow of ads promising “Custom health at custom speed”. Meanwhile, the next customer, masking their…
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Pawel Halicki
Sorry, the store is reloading now
The entrance sensors recognise the day’s first customer, transitioning the store’s ambient lighting to a cheery morning mode. - Good morning…
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Pawel Halicki

Season 7

View all
Imagination transfer complete
Removing the headset, reality floods back, and the office walls adjust softly to daylight frequency, grounding him firmly back in the present. …
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Have you tried grit grinding?
The career counsellor swipes through the glowing lattice of her experience topology, spinning nodes and connections with the casual precision of someone…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Our deadline requested an enthusiasm extension
Entering their team space, he immediately senses the mood shift. Yesterday's energetic ceiling projections now pulse calmly, nudging everyone into…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Let’s merge our taste algorithms
The layout is similar, but the kitchen looks different from what she remembered when she last visited before moving away for the contract. She glances…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
I learned it on pay-per-thought
Around the lounge, structural holographs flicker, placed strategically between lush greenery and the gleam of prestigious mahogany award plaques. She's…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
2
Who approved this weather?
Their director storms into the monitoring room, glancing at the screens. - Who approved this weather? This model hasn’t been cleared yet! Her analyst…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
May I borrow your timeline?
Ignoring his attention filter, she slips unannounced into his work pod. The translucent red barrier flickers as she passes through, smearing the…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
The fire won’t start without you
Noticing strangers hurriedly unpacking heavy gear and checking their watches by the reception area, a rush of adrenaline tells him a surprise fire drill…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
Could your dataset be kind enough to clean itself?
Hoping to stay sharp through the onboarding, she takes another sip of the dark, roasted neuro brew. The presenter makes a grand, sweeping gesture with…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
These flowers pay for my parking
- Thanks for stopping by. I'm still not sure why I had those soil sensors shipped to your house. - Force of habit? He smirks. - You wish. - You can…
 • 
Pawel Halicki
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